Roadmap to Digital Healthcare Ecosystem

The healthcare industry is currently undergoing a transformation due to changing trends such as health consumerism, patient-centered care, pay-for outcomes, prevention over treatment, and prescription medication via mobile apps. This shift will take time and cannot be rushed. Many digital healthcare startups with promising teams and much-needed solutions will not survive this interim period because they were unprepared for the extended timeline of change management.

For entrepreneurs, it’s important to set realistic expectations for market penetration and revenue milestones. Entrepreneurs should also have enough funding to sustain the company while they wait and watch for those milestones to be achieved. This article illustrates the concept of the digital healthcare ecosystem and how it’s paving the way for digital health.

Digital Healthcare Ecosystem Concept

Healthcare service delivery has traditionally been organization-centric, with providers taking the lead and patients adjusting to the situations. However, recent trends in healthcare delivery suggest a transition toward patient-centric care. This means that multidisciplinary teams and multiple care delivery settings will work together to provide care for patients.

A digital healthcare ecosystem is an emerging system of interrelated technologies and services that support the shift from organization-centric to patient-centric delivery of healthcare.

The Three Ps of Healthcare

Although advances in life expectancy, a booming population, and easier access to healthcare services have brought numerous benefits to the healthcare industry, they have also created problems such as rising costs and overcrowding of hospitals.

• An increase in the number of people means increased demand for services
• Healthcare providers (first P) struggle to meet the needs of their patients due to a lack of caregivers and insufficient infrastructure.
• A large percentage of the patient treatment time is taken up by the collection of clinical data, obtaining the patient history, and making a preliminary evaluation of the patient.

Patients are equally eager to manage their own healthcare data. Patients are conscious, technology savvy, and ready to take advantage of emerging technology in order to make their healthcare decisions. Patients want a transparent system that will satisfy their need for quality care.

New Technologies as Enablers of Digital Healthcare

Technology in healthcare is still in its primary stage, with a lot of opportunities waiting to be uncovered. Here are a few evolving trends.

The Healthcare Radiology department is using deep learning applications to enhance its computer vision capabilities. Currently, the department is using these applications to assist radiologists and doctors in quick decision-making and wider coverage with limited resources. One application of computer vision is identifying tuberculosis (TB) and pneumonia through chest X-rays. Another application identifies breast cancer with proven commercial models already available for use by radiologists.

Google Health can identify signs of diabetic retinopathy from an eye scan with more than 90% accuracy. The program is more accurate than human specialists. Additionally, it helps monitor and provide care for chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.

• Predictive and preventive healthcare

Big Data Analytics is a significant lever for Healthcare organizations to make progress in Digitally Transforming their businesses. The dramatic increase in the volume of patient-level data in the last decade, coupled with the availability of more computing power, has led to an increase in healthcare Big Data Analytics. As much as 30% of the entire world’s data volume is generated in the healthcare industry, and imaging and electronic health record files can contain up to 80 megabytes per patient.

EMR/EHR systems enable providers to predict and prevent disease, as well as identify patterns and correlations with geographic locations, ages, genders, and treatment regimens.

Roadmap for Healthcare Digital Ecosystem

In recent years, technological advancements have allowed the healthcare industry to rethink its business models. However, a recent Mckinsey study found that the biggest hurdle in the industry’s digital transformation is a culture of change. The other barriers highlighted by industry leaders were organizational structure and governance.

But now the landscape is changing as healthcare leaders and professionals embrace technology, rethinking business models to keep efficiency, patient care, and experience as the ultimate objective.

Advantages of the Digital Healthcare Ecosystem

The advantages of the digital healthcare ecosystem are evident. The system is patient-centric as the consumers are in charge. Let’s take a look at the benefits of implementing a digital healthcare ecosystem.

• Remodeling of the patient-doctor relationship

Digital health systems allow patients to be involved in their medical care and treatment. Patients can see the status of their condition, resulting in a sense of transparency, trust, and partnership between the patient and the doctor. Doctors can monitor health factors that may impact the patient’s recovery process, such as environmental stimulants and adherence to medications.

• Reducing administrative burden

Digital health allows medical facilities to reduce paperwork and streamline administrative tasks without negatively impacting patient care. By implementing technology, healthcare organizations can make the most of their staff members’ time and keep costs down.

• Increased healthcare reach

The digital healthcare ecosystem provides a foundation for sustainable healthcare. Remote areas can access superior quality healthcare services, while doctors can offer their services to a broader base of customers without traveling from one city to another. In all, digital health expands the reach of healthcare.

Conclusion

The integration of digital and healthcare services could lead to a long-awaited personalized healthcare approach. The change will empower participating individuals to make informed decisions. This will lead to quality care, improved consumer satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness.

With the healthcare industry undergoing a transformation from traditional to digital, concerns about privacy, technology barriers, and regulatory questions remain. The onus is on stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem to collaborate and build a sustainable services model. For more detailed information, visit Gyan Consulting today!