Digitisation in healthcare: A balancing act we must get right

The healthcare industry is experiencing an unprecedented wave of digital transformation. Aided by technologies such as Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and more, healthcare providers are revolutionising the way they deliver services. This transformation is not merely about replacing paper with digital records; it’s about harnessing the power of data to improve patient care, increase efficiency and reduce costs. Despite its benefits, the digital transformation of healthcare presents several challenges that need to be addressed. These range from ensuring data security and privacy, complying with regulatory requirements, to overcoming technological literacy and infrastructure limitations. Let’s explore the opportunities and challenges presented by this revolution and learn how organisations can navigate them for a secure and efficient digital healthcare future. Embracing opportunity: Setting new frontiers Digital transformation in healthcare is a global market currently valued at $65.2 billion. It is projected to reach $253.6 billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 14.5 per cent. Even though we have just begun to scrape the surface of possibilities, here are some of the tangible benefits we are already witnessing. Improved efficiency and productivity EMRs, for instance, allow for the easy storage and retrieval of patient information, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual record-keeping. Furthermore, AI-powered tools streamline administrative tasks, freeing up healthcare professionals to focus on patient care. Enhanced patient care experience Wearables and telemedicine services enable remote monitoring of patients, reducing the need for hospital visits. This is especially beneficial for patients living in remote areas or those with mobility issues. Moreover, personalised medicine, enabled by AI and big data analytics, allows for more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique genetic make-up and health history. Not to mention the role of digital technology in mental health support, drug discovery and development, and the use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) solutions for training and treatment purposes. Predictive analytics for prevention Powered by AI, healthcare providers can identify patterns in patient data to predict and prevent health issues before they occur. To cite an easy example, certain patterns in a patient’s heart rate data, captured by a wearable device, could indicate an impending heart attack, allowing for timely intervention. On the flip side Despite its benefits, the digitisation of healthcare does come with its set of challenges. Here are some fundamentals that need to be addressed. Data security and privacy With the increasing digitisation of patient data, ensuring data security and privacy has become paramount. Healthcare providers must implement robust security measures to protect sensitive patient data from cyber threats. Compliance with regulations Healthcare providers also need to comply with various regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which sets standards for the protection of patient data. Interoperability and integration issues Another significant challenge is ensuring interoperability and integration of different digital systems used in healthcare. This is essential to enable seamless sharing and use of patient data across different healthcare providers and platforms. Technological literacy and infrastructure limitations Finally, the successful implementation of digital technologies in healthcare requires a certain level of technological literacy among healthcare professionals. Furthermore, infrastructure limitations, especially in rural areas, can hinder the adoption of digital technology. The author is co-founder and CEO, Augnito. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.