Insights on Healthcare Operations from a Commercial Standpoint

In the realm of healthcare, digital transformation is no longer a distant concept, but a pressing necessity. Organisations across the sector are partnering with vendors, entrepreneurs, and internal teams to improve operations and patient care, adopting a more integrated, continuous operational value approach rather than piecemeal solutions.

This shift is spearheaded by visionary leaders like Donna Roach, CIO of University of Utah Health, who has led a new digital transformation roadmap for a more expansive approach to care. Roach, in her endeavour, had to do internal selling of the concepts before implementation due to initial resistance.

One of the key strategies in this digital transformation journey is partnering with service providers. For instance, Community Medical Centers moved from freeware to the Tableau platform to respond quickly to data analytics requests, especially during the pandemic. This move not only improved their data analytics capabilities but also filled IT staffing shortages efficiently.

Aaron Martin, executive vice president and chief digital officer of Providence, stresses the importance of planning short-term goals alongside big-picture thinking. He advises considering the "small story and big story" when choosing a partner. Mike Grisamore, Vice President of Healthcare at CDW, echoes this sentiment, emphasising the need to balance immediate return on investment (ROI) with long-term value.

The digital transformation in healthcare also encompasses categories such as Data Analytics, Data Management, Networking, Patient-Centered Care, Patient Experience, and Telehealth. UNC Health, for instance, integrated new telehealth services and digital tools into its data warehouse during the pandemic, allowing leaders to view hospitalization forecasts.

DevOps, a blend of IT operations and software development, promotes collaboration, faster innovation, and continuous development in healthcare. By fostering a culture of collaboration, healthcare organisations can deliver better patient care and improve operational efficiency.

In conclusion, the digital transformation in healthcare is not just about adopting the latest technology; it's about partnering strategically, planning thoughtfully, and executing with a focus on both immediate and long-term value. As we navigate this digital journey, the goal remains the same - to deliver better, more integrated, and continuous care to our patients.