Digital Transformation: Supporting the Healthcare Workforce

The healthcare industry is undergoing a significant transformation, largely driven by digital health innovation. As telemedicine, remote monitoring, and app-based healthcare tools become more prominent, healthcare is extending beyond traditional hospital settings. This shift is making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and timely for consumers.

However, this digital health transformation comes with a set of unique challenges, particularly from a provider's perspective. To ensure long-term success in delivering high-quality care, it's crucial for digital health companies to consider the needs and concerns of healthcare clinicians.

Facing Staff Shortages
One significant challenge is the shortage of healthcare clinicians, which is expected to worsen with an aging population. By 2034, there could be a shortage of up to 124,000 physicians. Convincing healthcare professionals to transition from traditional practices to digital platforms can be difficult.

Some digital health companies are simplifying the transition for clinicians by managing compliance, billing, and scheduling. For example, Diya Health, a patient and family engagement platform, seamlessly integrates with any major EMR and clinical workflows to improve clinicians’ capacity as they adapt to the digital landscape.

Augmenting Workload
The digital health transformation has led to an increase in work-related burnout among healthcare professionals. Remote work during the pandemic blurred the boundaries between work and personal life, with many healthcare workers working longer hours and struggling to disconnect. Virtual care has increased patient engagement but not the support staff needed to handle the higher workload, leading to video fatigue, extended workdays, and the risk of burnout.

Digital health companies are developing solutions to help clinicians prioritize work to perform at the top of their scope. For example, Diya’s AI-powered analytics tools alert clinicians to prioritize high-risk patients. It enables clinicians to work more effectively and maintain a work-life balance.

Reducing Administrative Burdens
Administrative tasks, especially documentation and repetitive communication, have become a major concern for healthcare clinicians. Physicians spend a significant amount of time on documentation, which can contribute to burnout. EMRs have become time-consuming, with physicians spending over 16 minutes per patient.

Digital health technologies provide intelligent automation and asynchronous chat solutions to streamline administrative tasks and make healthcare delivery more efficient. For instance, Diya offers configurable, integrated solutions to proactively automate administrative and repetitive work.

Enhancing Job Satisfaction
Maintaining a sense of community among healthcare clinicians and with their patients is crucial for retaining employees. Healthcare professionals find satisfaction in connecting with patients personally, and provider organizations should invest in these relationships. Platforms that promote stronger relationships help clinicians feel valued at work, significantly impacting performance and well-being.

In conclusion, the success of digital health companies depends on addressing these challenges, while also investing in strategies to reduce friction for healthcare clinicians. Improving workforce capacity, alleviating administrative and repetitive work, and enhancing relationships can yield long-term benefits and reduce employee turnover. As healthcare transitions into the digital age, it's crucial to consider the well-being and needs of caregivers and clinicians as they adapt to this new era of healing.

Reference:

• https://medcitynews.com/2023/10/helping-doctors-help-patients-digital-healths-role-in-reinventing-how-the-work-that-is-healthcare-is-delivered/