In recent years, there has been a remarkable trend in digital transformation in healthcare. From data management to process automation, a digital transformation is heavily reliant on artificial intelligence. The power of artificial intelligence digital transformation has revolutionized many aspects of healthcare, from patient care to administrative tasks. One such example is a 92% outcome of increased engagement and consumer satisfaction in a Deloitte survey. Without a streamlined digital transformation platform, employees struggle with collaboration among teams, hindering effective communication and coordination.
The failure to implement digital transformations can lead to numerous pains and challenges. According to Mckinsey, 70% of digital transformation programs fail, mainly caused of the inefficient involvement of employees. Other reasons include inadequate backing from management, ineffective or absent collaboration across different departments, and a deficiency in fostering accountability.
Healthcare organizations’ inability to digitally transform can lead to numerous pains and challenges. In comparison to industries like retail and transportation, they are falling behind in the adoption of technology. Also, the absence of integrated systems hampers collaboration among healthcare teams, hindering effective communication and coordination. Inefficient processes and outdated technologies also contribute to increased operational costs, making it difficult for healthcare organizations to allocate resources effectively.
What is a digital transformation?
First, however, we need to clearly define what exactly a digital transformation is. McKinsey defines digital transformation as long-term efforts to rewire how an organization continuously improves and changes. It is one of the most common responses to changes in technology and industry and even refers to people working with each other in different locations with the power of technology. It is not as much about how they use digital and more about how they become digital. In a whole digital transformation, since AI is becoming an integral part of technology, there should also be artificial intelligence in digital transformation.
When it comes to healthcare specifically – According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health – the digital transformation in healthcare includes changes related to the internet, digital technologies, and their relation to best practices for better health management procedures. Digital transformation platforms, in relation, refer to a system that helps businesses in achieving digitalization and improves how organizations deliver value to their organization.
Importance of Digital Transformation in Healthcare
Some of the benefits they cite are quality control of massive data collected can help improve patients’ well-being and reduce the cost of services. Another benefit of digital transformation includes business value. Research says that digital transformation results in a 23% increase in market competitiveness.
Other areas of digital transformation that healthcare organizations are focusing on are virtual health services (like telehealth sessions and healthcare provider apps), insights and analytics, and cloud technology, says the same Deloitte study. Healthcare administrators say that it is more than just transferring paper processes to digital processes; it’s a new way to deliver care, improve processes, and meet the well-being needs of consumers.
As a part of the digital transformation in healthcare, internal communication should be another focus within the whole strategy. With the advent of digital transformation and the emergence of robust digital transformation platforms, healthcare institutions are reaping the benefits of internal communication platforms. The digital transformation of internal communications has revolutionized healthcare.
Gone are the days when healthcare professionals relied solely on in-person meetings, phone calls, or paper-based memos for internal communication. This shift has introduced advanced communication tools such as instant messaging apps, video conferencing platforms, and collaborative project management software. These tools enable healthcare teams to connect with each other effortlessly, regardless of their physical location or busy schedules.
At the heart of the digital transformation in healthcare internal communications lies the internal communication platform. These communication platforms act as a centralized hub, connecting different communication channels, applications, and systems within a healthcare organization. They facilitate the seamless integration of various tools, ensuring smooth data flow and efficient collaboration.
Evolving with a digital transformation platform
A digital transformation platform specifically designed for internal communication provides many benefits to a healthcare organization. One benefit being digital transformation has brought healthcare professionals closer than ever before, facilitating collaboration and knowledge-sharing among different departments and specialties. With the help of an internal communication platform, multidisciplinary teams can work together on complex cases, share critical insights, and develop comprehensive treatment plans.
For example, doctors can consult specialists remotely through secure messaging systems, enabling faster diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Nurses can coordinate with other nurses assigned to a patient ensuring better patient care and prompt test results. Such collaboration not only improves patient outcomes but also strengthens the overall healthcare ecosystem.
The integration of a digital transformation platform – like an internal communication tool -into healthcare internal communications has also significantly enhanced operational efficiency. Manual processes, such as copy and pasting communications to each channel, are being automated, freeing up valuable time for healthcare professionals to focus on how to improve their internal communications. It enables streamlined workflows, enabling swift information exchange, and simplified task management. This increased efficiency not only optimizes resource utilization but also has positive financial changes. In a recent Gartner survey, 56% of CEOs said that digital improvements have already resulted in revenue increases.
Artificial intelligence in digital transformation has also played a large part in these shifts in healthcare. AI, with its ability to process vast amounts of data, learn from patterns, and make intelligent decisions, has opened up exciting possibilities for transforming healthcare work. It plays a significant role in internal communications in healthcare with the introduction of personalized dashboards and systems. Just like Netflix can process your preferences and interests with AI, so can internal communication platforms. Picking up on trends like what kind of content you like and where you read your messages, it can make getting information much easier.
Digital transformation in healthcare has also led to better data collection. Deloitte says that health systems should consider accelerating their digital transformation efforts by creating a digital culture and measuring the success of their initiatives which is done by easy-to-access metrics. With the power of an internal communications platform, healthcare organizations can collect and analyze the data on their internal communications. If they have this information, they are better equipped to measure the success of their initiatives and make them even more successful in the future.
Barriers to Digital Transformation in Healthcare
Despite all of the benefits that a digital transformation boasts, many organizations are still hesitant to commit to it, according to LinkedIn. Whether it’s about being reluctant to change or worrying about the costs of the technology, there are still people who push back on the idea.
One area of pushback is the cost of the technology. As the article says, implementing new technology can be costly. Without the guarantee of its success, it can seem like too big of a risk. However, in a McKinsey survey of executives, more than half say they are investing in technology for competitive advantage or refocusing their entire business around digital technologies. Not only that, but those reporting the lowest revenue in recent years say that they were behind in their use of digital technologies.
Another hesitation that is highlighted by LinkedIn is the training and education that comes with implementing something new: “Healthcare providers and patients may require training and education to use new technology effectively. Healthcare organizations may not have the resources to provide adequate training and education.” That is why they need a digital solution that is simple, easy to learn, and use. The internal communication platform is designed to make it user-friendly and so there is no IT involvement.
Implementing Digital Transformation in Healthcare
The digital transformation journey in healthcare internal communications is far from over. As technology continues to advance, healthcare organizations can anticipate further transformative changes. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics hold immense potential in improving communication and decision-making processes. Predictive analytics can aid in identifying patterns, streamlining operations, and even predicting patient outcomes. As we move forward, healthcare organizations must stay adaptable and embrace emerging technologies to unlock the full potential of digital transformation.
The digital transformation in healthcare internal communications has ushered in a new era of connectivity, collaboration, and efficiency. Through streamlined communication channels, enhanced collaboration, and improved efficiency, healthcare professionals can deliver high-quality patient care with greater effectiveness. Digital transformation platform plays a pivotal role in this paradigm shift, acting as the backbone of modern healthcare internal communications. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, embracing the transformative power of technology will be crucial for healthcare organizations to provide exceptional care and navigate the challenges of tomorrow.
What’s Next?
We’ve compiled over 4.5 million data points from Cerkl’s healthcare clients to provide you with the most successful content, statistics, and audits you achieve digital transformation in your healthcare organization. Get useful insights on how to utilize your internal communication software as a digital transformation platform, and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving industry.
FAQ
The benefits of digital transformation in healthcare include improved patient care through telemedicine and remote monitoring, enhanced efficiency in healthcare operations, streamlined communication among healthcare providers, and better access to and management of patient data for informed decision-making.
Four types of digital transformation are process transformation, business model transformation, domain transformation, and cultural/organizational transformation. These categories encompass various aspects of leveraging digital technologies to bring about fundamental changes in how organizations operate and deliver value.
Challenges and concerns about data security and privacy are key factors holding back digital transformation in healthcare. Additionally, resistance to change, high implementation costs, and the need for regulatory compliance contribute to the slower adoption of digital technologies in the healthcare industry.
Digital technology in healthcare is advancing data collection through wearable devices and health apps. These enable the continuous monitoring of patients’ vital signs, activity levels, and other health metrics, providing valuable insights for personalized and proactive healthcare interventions.
