Dr. Achim Simons
22. Dez. 2023
Opportunities and Challenges
Digital transformation in healthcare is a far-reaching process and will revolutionize the healthcare sector, impacting all areas of life, including healthcare. It offers the opportunity to improve patient care, increase efficiency, and reduce costs.
Current Developments
Digitalization in healthcare has gained significant momentum in recent years. In Germany, numerous initiatives and measures have been taken to promote digitalization, including:
The development of the Telematics Infrastructure (TI), enabling secure networking between healthcare providers and patients.
The introduction of the electronic health card (eGK), facilitating access to important health data.
The launch of the electronic patient record (ePA), aimed at improving medical documentation and communication among healthcare providers.
The implementation of the electronic prescription (e-prescription)Â by January 1, 2024, simplifying the exchange of prescriptions between doctors and pharmacies.
These initiatives have helped lay the foundation for digital transformation in healthcare. In the coming years, the focus will be on fully leveraging the potential of digitalization, although there are already many critical voices regarding its timely implementation.
Potential of Digitalization
Digitalization offers various potentials for healthcare, including:
Improved patient care:Â Digital technologies aim to enhance patient care by improving the quality of treatment, increasing patient safety, and empowering patient autonomy.
Increased efficiency:Â Digital technologies can boost healthcare efficiency by automating administrative tasks and enhancing collaboration among healthcare providers.
Cost reduction:Â Digital technologies can help reduce healthcare costs by making treatment more efficient and promoting disease prevention.
Challenges of Digitalization
The digital transformation of healthcare is associated with several challenges, including:
Technical challenges:Â Implementing and using digital technologies requires investments in IT infrastructure and employee training.
Use of AI and Machine Learning:Â Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are fundamentally changing the way healthcare operates. According to a KPMG study, 62% of healthcare respondents have already seen improved performance through AI and automation. These technologies not only boost productivity but also enhance consumer engagement and employee satisfaction.
Organizational challenges:Â Digitalization requires an adaptation of processes and structures within the healthcare sector.
Social challenges:Â Digitalization may lead to changes in the labor market and in doctor-patient relationships.
Data protection and cybersecurity:Â Given the sensitive nature of healthcare data, cybersecurity is of utmost importance. According to the KPMG study, 59% of healthcare executives consider enhanced data protection and cybersecurity measures as key factors influencing digital transformation projects.
Bridging the digital skills gap:Â A Salesforce study shows that staff shortages are a barrier to digital transformation for 39% of organizations in healthcare and life sciences. Essential digital skills that will become increasingly important in healthcare over the next five years include collaboration technology, digital management, encryption, and cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Digital transformation is already a key driver of healthcare reform. It offers the opportunity to improve patient care, increase efficiency, and reduce costs. To fully realize the potential of digitalization, it is essential to address the challenges and quickly establish the necessary framework.
Sources
Köcher, C., & Schulz, C. (2023). Digital Transformation in Healthcare. Berlin: Springer Gabler.
KPMG Global Tech Report 2023: Healthcare Insights.
Digital Transformation for Healthcare in 2023, Salesforce.
Digital Transformation in Healthcare, Deloitte Insights.
The Future of Digital Health, BCG.
Summary
Digital transformation in healthcare offers significant opportunities to improve patient care, enhance efficiency, and reduce costs. However, it also presents challenges, such as technical, organizational, and social hurdles. To fully exploit the potential of digitalization, healthcare policies must create the necessary framework.