What is digital transformation in the health and social care sector
Digital transformation is a term that’s often used in the IT sector, but to believe it is an IT based transformation is far from the truth. In fact, it’s less about the technology and more about business transformation, so that organisations can more effectively deal with the issues and opportunities that present themselves both now and in the future. Digital Transformation involves new processes, staff cultures, technologies and potentially services. At its core, it describes the introduction of integrated technology and process across all parts of the organisation to help it run more efficiently and more aligned to the needs of its clients or service users.
Here are some of the benefits that technology transformation can have in the health and social care sector:
Out-of-date systems:
For the sector, it means eradicating old, outdated processes that slow the organisation down, including out-of-date or end-of-life (EOL) software. It looks to save time and money (in the right places i.e. not to the detriment of the end user) and provides management teams with the accurate data they need to make decisions in as near real-time as possible with solid intelligence.
Access to data:
Given the realities of the health and social care sector, and the complexities it has to deal with, it can’t effectively carry out its remit without the supporting foundation of technology. But for any digital transformation to be effective, it requires an integrated back office and operational software systems across the organisation - not just one part in isolation. This helps information to flow unimpeded, where required, for authorised individuals to easily access whenever and wherever they need it.
Security issues:
It’s no longer enough to use infrastructure or software systems that are not regularly updated, particularly with the increase in security issues and data compliance. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - or rather the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) - will call any organisation to task if they are found to be in breach. Given the level of personal sensitive data that a care provider holds, that could have major implications for reputation not to mention the financial impact of fines if data is mismanaged or falls into the wrong hands.
Refining processes:
Digital transformation can ensure processes that are no longer relevant are eliminated either through automation or refined so they better serve the organisation. It serves to reduce the amount of ways in which your organisation processes or manages the same information. This is a common problem in HSC where services are UK wide and work forces are dispersed. It could be as simple as digitally submitting expenses or introducing electronic time and attendance, which are verified and then interfaced into the payroll or finance systems without the need to re-input this information. Or it could be a more transformative process such as standardising care based documentation across the organisation and introducing electronic care plans. All of the above saves time for service mangers, payroll teams and accounts departments (no rekeying or misplacing forms) which provides a ROI. More importantly there is a positive impact for the people that are delivering care and those who receive it, by reducing manual admin time and improving the actual time spent caring and the quality of what is delivered.
Of course, there are many more ways in which a digital transformation can positively impact the organisation, saving time and money in addition to providing a better service. If you’d like to find out more about what a digital transformation could mean for you, download our free eBook 'Digital Transformation: A guide to your health and social care survival'.
