Digital Transformation in Healthcare Trends and Technologies

Today, more than ever, it’s critical for healthcare organizations to take full advantage of advancements in technology to provide comprehensive care and improved CX (customer experience) for their patients.

Before the global pandemic, many medical providers were starting to leverage the power of IoT (Internet of Things) —a system comprised of devices that communicate through cloud connectivity—and digital transformation to make much-needed improvements in the way data was utilized and patient care was provided. And other areas like telehealth—where the patient can access beneficial medical information, make an appointment, or complete consultations with physicians virtually—have seen a huge spike as hospitals strive to free up in-person resources for more critical patients.

Whether providing care face-to-face, or remote via telehealth, there are a variety of solutions and cutting-edge technologies the healthcare industry can leverage, even during this ever-changing situation. Let’s explore a few. 

Trends and technologies in healthcare that go beyond hospital walls:

• Streamline in-office check-in processes and experiences
  • Online/SaaS-based health questionnaires and forms
  • Temperature checks
  • Self-serve entryway kiosks
  • Mobile and/or drive-through specimen-collection sites
  • Digital signage and wayfinding technology 
    
    
• Provide home-healthcare kits for non-critical care
  • USB cameras
  • Thermometers
  • Collaboration platforms to communicate with caregivers
    
    
• Boost video collaboration to improve care
  • Consultants between doctors at different hospitals
  • Cross-team engagement during medical procedures to leverage the collective expertise and experience of healthcare professionals from different disciplines
    
    

• Power up and secure your network
  • Network and bandwidth upgrades that accommodate IoT, 4K/HD video, and telehealth
  • Security as a Service (SECaaS) that prevents phishing and cyberattacks
    
    
• Equip back-office healthcare personnel with remote tools
  • Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS), collaboration software, laptops with access to SaaS applications, remote help-desk support, and break/fix hardware dispatch
    
    
• Migrate to the cloud
  • Aging on-site, hardware-based servers and PBX systems are migrated to the cloud, to ensure always-on access

The trends and digital healthcare technologies discussed above demonstrate a clear shift in healthcare practices beyond the walls of hospitals. Digital transformation in healthcare aims to streamline processes, enhance patient experiences, and improve the overall quality of care.