The digitization of processes in the health sector arrived in force in 2020. Driven by haste due to the covid-19 pandemic, clinics and offices had to adapt to the new reality of telemedicine and face-to-face assistance, which is increasingly optimized. It is no longer a simple option for the doctor. If before professionals could ignore the digital transformation and keep the workplace as they wish, now the situation has changed. The adoption of management technologies is the norm for those who want to continue serving.
The point is that many doctors did not know where to start this digitalization and, in need of adapting to the changes imposed by the new coronavirus, they ended up hiring solutions that they deliver little (or nothing) in their daily lives. More than knowing the main technological trends, the essential thing is to know which processes need to be improved – and, from there, seek solutions that streamline this service. To make it easier, check out the checklist that assists in digitizing the offices:
Patient first
If you still don’t know the phrase patient-centricity, it’s best to start researching. In short, it means placing the patient at the center of decisions to be made by health professionals. In the case of digitalization of offices, it implies recognizing that any solution to be implemented needs to resolve real issues of people, such as humanized consultation, agility in service, reduction of waiting time at the reception, ease of payment, among other things. Yes, process automation begins with identifying the most humane desires of the patients you treat.
Cloud brings mobility
The second point to be analyzed by the doctor is the format of the technology to be contracted. Some 10, 15 years ago, it was common for a supplier to install the solution directly on the office equipment, which only allowed access to the functionalities in that location. This measure blocked the routine of the doctor, who was unable to access his information outside the office, as in a trip to congresses or at his home.
Today, however, cloud computing is already a reality and provides platforms that can be connected from any device with Internet access and offer superior security to applications that depend on a local installation. It brings more mobility, safety, and efficiency to the professional, who can streamline diagnostics and prescribe prescriptions remotely.
The electronic medical record as a clinical hub
Regardless of what solutions the doctor thinks of adopting in his day to day, one of them is essential for digitizing the office. The electronic medical record followed the evolution of technology in the health area and incorporated new roles in business management. Before it was practically a repository of virtual documents, today it is a hub with new features and integrations. The best platforms, for example, allow online scheduling, make financial control (including health insurance plans), gather all the files and documents of patients, and even replace the paper documents.
Data-first strategy
Many doctors think that the great advantage of technological solutions in medicine is to automate bureaucratic tasks. As much as it helps professionals, it represents half the truth because the main benefit is precisely the ability to generate and cross different data from all the office processes. This information provides a more complete view of management, allowing the professional to take measures to correct points of improvement and even drive new procedures. Thus, it is possible to adopt initiatives that continuously improve care and increase patient safety.
Conclusion
The digital transformation in health brings a series of benefits to hospital institutions, promoting better services and stimulating process agility. With new technologies, it is possible to increase health procedures with resources that offer greater precision, agility, and operational efficiency. It is no longer a thing of the future; it needs to be done now.