It’s no secret that the healthcare industry has been somewhat behind in digital transformation. But the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the value of digital to those within the industry, with accelerated adoption to cope with some of the demands of the crisis.

But this recent development is just the beginning of digital transformation in healthcare. As the world begins to recover, the need for organizations and businesses to adopt further digital technology is paramount. Digital transformation has not only made improvements to processes and systems but also provides patients with a service that meets their evolving needs. In the post-COVID world, going digital in healthcare will be more important than ever.

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Improved, more accessible data

Implementing healthcare data platforms is a key step for those within the industry to modernize practices and provide more proactive care for patients. Records currently can be disparate and incomplete, something which causes delays and frustration for both patients and staff. With digital records, data becomes more accessible and reliable, enabling better care.

Having digital records of patient data also provides opportunities for patients to see their own healthcare records. This can make it easier for them to seek appropriate care and make decisions about their health, something that many people currently don’t feel empowered to do.

Accuracy to help limit mistakes

Endless paperwork, exhausted employees, and dated systems mean healthcare mistakes are just waiting to happen. By pushing forward with digital transformation, those in the industry can free up time and resources, while also ensuring more accurate records and data. 

Digital transformation not only covers the records that are kept, but also the way that technology integrates with these systems. Vital equipment like a chemistry scale could soon be used to record and automatically transfer data to limit mistakes and ensure important details are recorded correctly. When a simple error can have a serious consequence, accuracy is vital for limiting mistakes.

Care that meets patients’ needs

In a world where people use technology every day to make their lives easier, it’s only natural that there’s a demand for healthcare services to become digital too. Some organizations are already providing services such as video consultations and online prescription ordering as a way to free up employee time while providing flexible services to patients.

Patients want to access healthcare at a time and place that is convenient for them. Digital transformation provides opportunities to modernize care to meet patients changing needs, and could help provide a more efficient service that saves organizations time and money.

Like many other industries, healthcare has had to adapt quickly over the past year, with technology providing much-needed solutions to respond to the challenges presented by COVID. With health spending in the US expected to reach $5.7 trillion by 2026, implementing digital technology in healthcare can help provide improved services for all, transforming the industry as we know it.