Inefficient processes, staffing shortages, accessibility issues, and high costs—many health systems around the world, including the US health system, can be described this way. However, innovative digital solutions have proven to be an effective response to these challenges and represent the future of healthcare.
Traditionally, medicine, and consequently healthcare systems, are very conservative and skeptical of innovation. These characteristics are necessary to ensure that innovative solutions are held to high standards. They must deliver on their promises, benefit people, and minimize risks. We’ve seen many digital solutions successfully integrated into the existing health systems. Let’s explore what benefits these integrations might have.
Higher engagement of patients in their care has been shown to improve outcomes. Shared decision-making leads to better treatment adherence, which results in better outcomes. Participating in the creation of their care plans while feeling understood and supported also leads to higher satisfaction. Digital health technologies can play an important role here. Telemedicine and various mobile health applications easily connect patients to doctors and improve access to care. 1 2
The integration of digital health solutions can streamline operations in various ways:
Digital solutions help do more with the same resources while reducing operational costs and increasing productivity.
The collection, management, maintenance, analysis, and sharing of data is greatly enhanced by digital technologies, transforming how healthcare systems operate. High-quality, well-organized data not only facilitates research and process improvement but also leads to more efficient patient care. On an individual level, this data empowers both patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions, enabling the creation of personalized, data-driven care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Digital solutions are crucial for providing equally accessible care to diverse communities. People should be able to get care regardless of their race, gender, age, economic and educational background. Care should also be made more accessible to people with chronic illnesses or disabilities, as well as those living in rural, underserved communities. The nature of digital technology allows for these improvements. Patients not needing to be physically present for all their appointments increase access to providers, making it easier to get care when necessary.
Studies indicate a strong correlation between a hospital’s digital maturity and its profitability.3 While digital solutions require a monetary investment, they lead to enhanced operational efficiency and better patient outcomes which results in improved financial performance.
With all the benefits of innovative digital solutions, come several adoption and implementation challenges:
One of the primary goals for many healthcare systems is to make care more patient-centered. This involves enhancing communication, improving access to care, developing personalized care plans, making data-driven decisions, and increasing patient satisfaction. Additionally, it focuses on improving the overall patient experience through effective education and support. Implementing patient-centered care requires significant resources, and in the 21st century, it is nearly impossible to achieve without adopting innovative digital solutions.
The shift to patient- and family-centered care is also happening in critical care settings. In the ICU, the primary focus remains on preserving patients’ lives. However, recent studies have shown the impact of ICU stays on psychological and cognitive health. As a result, efforts have been made to support patients in their recovery and help them regain their quality of life after their ICU stay.
One effective tool in this process is the ICU journal. Through journaling, families and providers create a shared narrative that helps both patients and their families cope with the trauma of the ICU experience. This narrative helps patients in piecing together their time in the ICU and regain a sense of control over their lives.
This tool is now available in digital form as Journafy’s Post-ICU Digital Journal. It can bring all these benefits to your ICU.
All these features benefit hospitals and indirectly influence the bottom line as well. Contact our team to learn more.
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