Emerging technologies are currently transforming just about every industry and are changing the way organizations operate in both government and private sectors. While the pace of digital transformation seems to grow exponentially, healthcare is distinctly lagging behind other industries in implementing technologies like AI, IoT, and data analytics. Despite the obvious benefits, clinics, hospitals, and standalone practitioners find it challenging to embrace innovations.
In this article, we will talk about reasons for the slow pace of digital transformation, and the steps that healthcare companies can take to overcome them. Before we proceed, though, let’s take a brief look at what it takes to implement new software.
Stages in Healthcare Software Implementation
If you choose to go for a readymade SaaS solution, you will have to go through at least 3 stages:
1. Transferring your existing data into a new system
Most healthcare organizations keep records or electronic databases that contain critical patients’ data. It is important to transfer this data to a new system – a project that may take months in some cases.
2. Learning how to use new software
Even though most modern software has convenient intuitive user interfaces, both clinical and administrative personnel will have to learn how to operate it. We all learn through trial and error, so disruptions are unavoidable. Besides, the personnel will have to incorporate learning sessions into their schedules.
3. Evaluating and testing new software
Apart from testing the interoperability of new software with other company systems, the personnel has to evaluate its effect on the organization’s processes, and how it delivers on a promise of maximizing efficiency. Needless to say, the evaluation will take time – as well as effort.
The list of steps increases, if you will be building your software from scratch. The clinical and administrative staff will be the software end-users, and their input will be needed during the initial product discovery phase, as well as throughout testing and development. Custom-made software is tailored exactly to the needs of your organization, but its creation takes time and considerable input from company personnel.
As you can see, besides the finances, time is the most essential investment when it comes to implementing new technologies. Unfortunately, according to the 2018 Physician Foundation survey, 80% of physicians in the United States are over-exhausted or working at full capacity.
The State of Healthcare in the US
As healthcare software providers, at VARTEQ we are well aware of the challenges that the US healthcare companies are facing as they approach digital transformation. Apart from insufficient financing and the need to replace legacy systems, there are staffing and operational challenges: the clinics are understaffed, and doctors are working on overpacked schedules.
As the survey indicates, physicians are seeing fewer patients (employed physicians see fewer patients than practice owners), and spend 23% of their time on non-clinical paperwork. To make things worse, 78% of physicians say they are experiencing burnout.
Ironically, medical software offers a solution for streamlining routine tasks and reducing paperwork, but the physicians don’t have time to learn, test, and evaluate it, let alone partake in product discovery. The situation is slightly better for private-practitioners, who stand a slightly better chance for a sound work-life balance.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the shortcomings of the US healthcare system. Pushing for the changes in the medical insurance and payment structure on a government scale, so that the doctors won’t feel pressured to pack their schedules with patients may prove efficient in the long run.
How to Reduce Burnout
Obviously, leaving things as they are is a faulty practice. The amount of work will continue to pile up and create obstacles to effective treatment and doctors’ job satisfaction.
Before we discuss a solution, there is one misconception we would like to talk about: most healthcare providers believe their patients want digital healthcare offerings to be spectacular and impressive, while in reality, they will be happy with much less. Solutions that will help patients to navigate the complex healthcare system will be great, to begin with.
If you feel like settling for the current state of things is not an option, we would suggest that you take the following steps in digitally enhancing your healthcare practice:
1. Start with identifying the bottlenecks in your workflow
When your schedule is overpacked, it’s a good idea to start with minor improvements. Simplifying the reception check-in, data entry, payments, insurance claims, and billing will go a long way in enhancing the patients’ experience – and reducing the physicians’ workload.
2. Find a software vendor or a development partner
Chances are, there is no ready-made software for your problem. In this case, you should go for custom software development. Look for a reliable company operating under the US or the EU legislation, and with a proven track record of building healthcare solutions.
Starting small has one sure advantage – by cooperating on a small-scale project, you can test-drive your cooperation and see if you want to continue your tech partnership.
3. Develop a project timeline and implementation plan
Be realistic while assessing your project timeline and schedule and carefully identify all parties that should be taking part in software testing and development. This should help you allocate resources necessary for completing your project.
Overcoming challenges in digitizing healthcare not only takes time and investment but also requires support on all organization levels. Make sure your staff understands the importance of changes and is ready to make some minor sacrifices to see future improvements.
Read also: How To Build A Data-Driven Healthcare Organization
Not sure how to approach the digitization of your healthcare practice? At VARTEQ we have extensive expertise in building and implementing software solutions. Schedule a free consultation with us now for assistance with your digitization strategy.