How can digital platforms reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes?

In my experience at my Samsung days as their digital health lead, I worked first-hand with many digital platforms. I believe that digital platforms enable remote monitoring of patients, allowing healthcare workers to track vital signs and health metrics in real-time. By proactively managing their illnesses through such technology, we can prevent complications and hospitalizations, ultimately reducing overall healthcare costs.

There are many starting from backbone systems, patient registries, HIS (hospital information systems), DRG (Diagnosis Related Grouper) & PLICS (Patient Level Information System), PACS system (Picture archiving and communication system) & LIS system(Laboratory information management system), CTMS Clinical Trials Management systems, Telemedicine, Patient Flow Management, ITM Claim Management (Information Transaction Management), Biobanking, ePROS (electronic patient-reported outcomes), many other

At DEO.Care, we offer a tangible example of how digital platforms can reduce healthcare costs through our innovative digital twin platform. Our mission is to support hospitals in implementing Operating Room (OR) Efficiency and Operational Excellence best practices. Our AI-backed data platform is pivotal in this effort. It integrates data capturing and advanced analytics with a predictive data model, allowing hospitals to minimize surgical team fatigue, amplify surgery volume, and significantly lower the total cost of surgery. In essence, DEO.Care embodies the cost-reduction benefits of digital platforms by eliminating inefficiencies and waste

Operational benefits of digital platforms implementation in hospitals: 1. Different data views and analysis in near real time to inform planning 2. See current demand in cancer departments and trend over time 3. Understand drug usage and adoption in your organization (high cost drugs) 4. Use real world evidence to support trust publications and marketing programs 5. Understand how treatments are being used and the associated stock and cost implications 6. Monitor access and increase adoption of new treatments 7. Near real time data to support Learning from Deaths and other programs 8. Inform service and pathway re-designs with appropriate data

Digital platforms with AI algorithms can: - assist in the early diagnosis of oncological illnesses (e.g., AI algorithms for detecting skin lesions) - aid in patient triage - enhance personalized treatment plans by analyzing vast amounts of medical data

I remember during Covid, the telehealth industry in Australia exploded with growth. This was mainly because Australia is a huge country and patients often do not have good access to health services near where they stay. Furthermore, with the lockdown of Covid, many need to resort to going online to see their doctors. As digital platforms like telehealth break down geographical barriers, it reduces the need for extensive travel (and expenses). This also expedites the diagnosis and treatment process that helps save time and money for patients.

Please find a list prepared by Medical Director of oncology network project Clinical benefits of digital platforms implementation in hospitals: 1. Understand specific patient population in the context of cancer characteristics in near real time 2. Identify trends in drug use and see how new treatments are being adopted 3. Identify collaboration and learning opportunities and look for variations 4. Near real time data to inform appraisal and re-validation 5. Use real world evidence to help inform patient discussions 6. Compare survival and other outcomes to help understand treatment options 7. Time saving tools and analysis for clinical activities across multiple patients 8. Increased awareness of missing data driving data improvement

Digital platforms provide easy access to health information, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their health. Accessible information can prevent unnecessary doctor visits and emergency room trips due to misunderstandings. Mobile apps and digital reminders help patients adhere to medication schedules, reducing missed doses and improving overall adherence. Better adherence leads to better management of chronic conditions and improved outcomes. We at Alchi Design Studio, help you craft a Patient-Centric Experience that empowers the users with improved Patient Outcomes. We have built Digital platforms offering mental health apps, online therapy sessions, and self-help resources to your mental health support.

Most digital platforms I know can facilitate seamless sharing and integration of health information across various healthcare providers. This interoperability improves care coordination, reduces duplication of tests and procedures, and minimizes errors in diagnosis and treatment. By having a comprehensive view of a patient's medical history, healthcare providers can make more informed decisions, leading to better outcomes and preventing unnecessary healthcare expenditures.

Outcome often is highly correlated with the patient's own engagement and motivation. This is where digital platforms hold the key for optimum adherence and to activate mental processes that have healing power. It needs sophisticated story telling with data, going beyond data dumps. The patient needs to be aware of why specific behaviour matters and they must learn to see progress. Inclusiveness is key. Digital is the tool to activate responsibility, ownership and to empower the patient. Rewards need to entertain the process, enduring the habit - especially in chronic diseases. GenAI is key, creating valuable recommendations with true life impact, teaching patients and putting the outcome in focus, not the disease and symptoms.

Digital platforms enable remote consultations and telemedicine, improving access to healthcare, especially for individuals in remote areas or with limited mobility. Patients can actively participate in their care by accessing health information, tracking their progress, and communicating with healthcare providers through digital platforms. Protecting sensitive patient data from cyber threats and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations (such as HIPAA) is a significant challenge for digital platforms. Integrating different systems and ensuring seamless data exchange between various platforms remains a challenge, hindering effective care coordination.

Main challenge are 1. data digitization, standardization and relevance 2. lack of competencies and know how transfer in the digital health Opportunities: 1. screening programs improvement 2. Early disease detection 3. Rare disease / complex case studies cross country consultancy 4. treatment and cost local and cross country bench-marking 5. implementation of Value Based Health Care with pay per performance models based on clinical outcomes

Leveraging digital platforms in healthcare involves strategically using technology to improve various aspects of healthcare delivery, patient engagement, and operational efficiency. Implement telemedicine platforms for remote consultations, enabling patients to access healthcare professionals from anywhere. Adopt robust EHR systems for digitizing patient records, facilitating seamless data sharing among healthcare providers, reducing errors, and enhancing care coordination. Develop mobile apps for patient engagement, medication reminders, symptom tracking, and chronic disease management. These apps empower patients to take an active role in managing their health. Explore blockchain technology to enhance data security.

1. Cross country collaboration and data exchange 2. Change management during digital health solutions implementation 3. Academic projects and collaboration