Unleashing Healthcare's Digital Potential
In the healthcare industry, there is a growing emphasis on providing patient-centered, data-driven care across all aspects of our work. Each healthcare IT organization is striving to become the "guardian" of their own areas of expertise, seeking to improve healthcare outcomes through innovative enhancements. While healthcare technology giants such as EPIC, CERNER, and Veradigm (Allscripts) etc. have provided powerful tools for the industry, it took a "Thanos" (global pandemic) to drive home the realization that working together towards a common goal is essential to saving lives.
The article below discusses various ways this goal could be achieved.
Remote Patient Monitoring
The digital health ecosystem revolves around the individual, offering avenues to promote health and well-being. While younger generation is more open to digital health solutions, older individuals, who often have serious or chronic health conditions requiring medical attention, are more reluctant. Remote patient monitoring, however, can provide personalized care and reduce the risk of hospitalization for this vulnerable population, making it an essential step towards promoting the health of our senior generation. 61% of population inclined towards wearable technology is in the age group of 26 years to 45 years. Only 12.3% of population aged above 55 years is using technology in the form of health aids whereas the older population has 16.6% higher chances of hospitalization than the younger age groups.
Value based care
Value-based care emphasizes on the importance of utilizing data to make informed decisions. Digital tools such as AI-based predictive analytics and machine learning can help healthcare providers identify patients at risk of developing certain conditions, allowing for early intervention and prevention of severe health issues. Data and AI-driven healthcare has also been shown to help doctors make more informed clinical decisions by analyzing a wide range of studies to support their patients. By identifying patterns and trends in patient data, healthcare providers can develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs.
Breaking Down Barriers to Better Healthcare
Interoperability is a key aspect of digital care. Care coordination across the entire care continuum, including primary care, specialty care, and behavioral health, is essential. Digital tools such as electronic health records (EHRs), telehealth, and mobile apps are crucial for facilitating seamless communication and collaboration among healthcare providers, reducing errors, improving patient outcomes, and lowering healthcare costs. Digital care coordination has much potential, from referrals to case discussions, for both physicians and administrative teams. Care coordination models around standardization of information, feedback mechanism, patient support, monitoring and location of care. By taking an active role in managing health, patient can help prevent complications from his chronic conditions.
Collaborative Solutions for Patient-Centered Care
Below journey map illustrates the different touch points, sentiments, emotions, and possible solutions for both John and Dr. Smith throughout their interactions within the value-based care network. It highlights the importance of user-friendly interfaces, efficient communication channels, and streamlined processes to enhance the overall care experience for both the patient and the healthcare provider.
Patients View
Providers View
Conclusion
Although Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) have numerous benefits and are a necessity in today's healthcare industry, the completeness of information is crucial to improving healthcare outcomes. Healthcare providers often find that health IT requires lengthy data entry and can disrupt rather than assist their practice. Therefore, the focus should not solely be on new technology but also on improving existing ones. Digital transformation should take an inter-organizational perspective into account, as it creates value for multiple stakeholders.
Ramandeep Kaur
A versatile professional with over 12 years of experience in bridging the gap between Healthcare and Technology.
