6 ways connected digital experiences can transform care
The U.S. healthcare system is confronting some of the most pressing challenges in its history as it continues to face evolving obstacles through post-COVID recovery.
Rising healthcare costs, workforce shortages, an aging population with complex health needs, and growing patient demands are pushing health systems to adopt technology and digital-first care to stay competitive. Provider organizations are also facing nontraditional competition, like online retailers, that are reshaping care delivery with more accessible, customer-focused options.
These combined challenges are pushing healthcare leaders to leverage digital tools and innovative strategies, so their organizations can evolve healthcare delivery, streamline operations, and meet both patient and workforce needs.
Continue reading to explore six ways digital transformation is empowering health systems to address these challenges and elevate the care experience.
1) Sustain organizational reach
From managing a large healthcare network to a small, rural practice, digital solutions enable teams to work together more effectively, regardless of location.
By implementing technology that allows for secure data flow and communication across sites, healthcare organizations can drive improvements in care coordination and operational efficiency. This includes tighter collaboration across care sites, the extension of specialty care, and enhanced clinical workflows between virtual and bedside care teams.
Why is it important to implement these? Improved efficiencies can be felt across the organization — helping to scale, reach patients in every community, and manage an expanding footprint without compromising care quality.
See how Amwell inpatient solutions can improve care coordination and clinical quality
2) Provide connected patient experiences
Digital tools have the power to connect patient care and experiences through every point of a care journey. With chat-based engagement, condition-specific education, and options to escalate to in-person care when needed, digital programs let providers extend care outside the walls of a traditional clinic or medical office.
With virtual visits and digital apps, patients can be directed to the right place for care and easily maintain ongoing engagement with their health. Virtual check-ins with their provider help patients manage their health beyond the hospital, reducing the risk of readmission or going out-of-network for care.
3) Enable interoperability
Centralizing essential data and health IT systems through healthcare interoperability unlocks the power of EHRs, providing care teams with access to a longitudinal view of a patient’s health journey. Integrated health data reduces duplication, simplifies care team operations, minimizes the risk of medical error, reduces administrative workloads on overburdened staff, and more.
With access to accurate and timely data, faster and more informed decisions can be made, creating a more efficient healthcare experience for patients and providers alike. Ultimately — by eliminating silos and improving communication — the result is better patient health and clinical outcomes.
4) Support ongoing condition management
Technology-powered care saves time and resources and reduces emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and long-term complications. This drives better health outcomes, higher patient satisfaction, and more efficient use of resources.
By offering ongoing digital management for conditions such as COPD, diabetes, or heart disease, health systems can reduce the risk of a worsening condition, minimizing the need for unnecessary ED visits. Digital innovations in healthcare also allow for more timely interventions and support patients in staying on track with treatment plans. This contributes to a more efficient and patient-centered care model that aligns with population health goals.
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5) Extended access
By widening the reach of services, digital solutions can make healthcare more inclusive, expanding opportunities for patients in rural or underserved areas to receive timely and appropriate care.
Digital transformation supports more equitable access to care and reduces barriers, such as lack of transportation, lack of specialty care access or extensive travel times for in-person visits. It also allows providers to virtually consult and connect patients to specialists or partners for other social determinants of health concerns such as employment, food insecurity, and safe and affordable housing.
6) Drive financial outcomes
Finally, digital transformation in healthcare allows organizations to integrate technology-that has the power to reduce inefficiencies, streamline billing and reimbursement, and eliminate unnecessary administrative tasks, ultimately lowering costs and driving affordability.
A focus on systemwide integrations lowers overhead costs and frees up resources to refocus on patient care and quality of service improvements. With greater operational efficiency and better resource management, healthcare organizations can achieve long-term financial sustainability while continuing to provide high-quality care to their patients.
By tackling healthcare challenges head-on, digital transformation can provide health systems a path to innovative and resilient care delivery. Investing in the right mix of digital technologies supports their ability to meet current demands while building a more sustainable, patient-centered future.
Learn more about how Amwell can play a role in your digital transformation in our eBook:
Beyond telehealth: 9 best practices for successful digital transformation person care