Four Benefits of Digitally Driven Healthcare

For many healthcare organizations, the current state of technology includes isolated networks and systems which inadvertently create operations and security inefficiencies, while also increasing capital budget, operational cost and risk. To meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, healthcare facilities will need to be digitally integrated, enabling data exchange and shared infrastructure to optimize for staff shortages, unlock operational savings, improve physical and cyber security and reduce carbon footprints. Further, these Future Ready® healthcare spaces will need to offer risk resilience and be able to adopt new ways of working and methods of care as society evolves.

Getting from the present to the future state is complex, but entirely possible through a digital strategy — and the reasons to embrace emerging technology are numerous. Below are four benefits of digitally infused healthcare.

Better patient outcomes

Patient experience is a central theme within digital transformation, with a focus on enhancing comfort and convenience by digitally empowering patients to actively participate in their healthcare journey. Personalized, timely and effective care, supported by technologies such as controllable patient rooms, wearables, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Medical Things, would improve outcomes for patients.

Improved staff experiences

For healthcare workers, the integration of technology promises to improve efficiency and workflows — both front of house and back of house. For example, organizations are already seeing how check-in and information kiosks streamline the patient intake process. Additionally, robotics can automate cleaning functions, equipment dispatch and transport systems, thereby managing logistics and freeing staff up for more in-person, patient-centric duties.

In a future state, real-time monitoring, augmented and virtual reality for training or remote second opinions can also help healthcare staff manage their workload more effectively, while smart patient rooms would enhance the indoor environment for both patients and staff. Further, digital technology systems can prioritize virtual care, enabling staff to perform certain roles remotely and allowing implementation of a digital front-door for virtual-first patient care models.

More sustainable, resilient facilities

With infrastructure that facilitates the concept of digital hospitals, facilities increase resilience of operations. Moreover, smart and connected buildings support the provisioning of technology to collect data with the goal of improving sustainability and security. For instance, facility management teams would benefit from digital twins, which provide real-time virtual representation of the physical facility, enabling immersive, contextual monitoring and decision-making. This tool would allow simulations of adverse weather, utility outages or high patient load events to determine how the building would respond, while also developing a proactive Concept of Operations.

Lower operational risk

The possibility of loss from inadequate internal processes or systems is an outcome any organization wants to avoid. Data can help. With digitally integrated systems, real-time data can be gathered on patient flow, room occupancy and resource allocation to help identify bottlenecks and underutilized spaces. A closer look at operations with greater contextual knowledge would further promote efficiency and resilience while reducing risk, allowing executives to leverage additional datasets for informed decision making. The integrated digital ecosystem also aids in mitigating cyberthreats by managing dataflow and improving network intrusion detection. The outcome is optimized processes, resources and activities that maximize the operational experience at all levels.

A digital transformation strategy can help healthcare organizations achieve lofty goals in a swiftly changing world. By adopting a holistic approach, by applying principles of innovation and through integrated design teams, healthcare facilities can become sustainable, efficient environments that enhance the experiences of patients, their loved ones and staff — all while remaining profitable for owners.

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