Background into Digital Health Maturity
Digital health maturity clarifies the extent and level to which digital systems are structured and how they respond to digital technology [1]. Furthermore, digital health maturity focuses on how an organization promotes digital transformation throughout the organization [1]. Factors to consider when discussing digital health maturity include digital literacy, technological infrastructure, data management, and interoperability. This means that healthcare providers need to evaluate the technology they implement, how the technology communicates with each other, and how the technology is implemented into the workflow. The tools that are used by patients and providers must work to support clinical decisions and improve health outcomes. As new technologies become available, it’s important to focus on integrating new tools that promote digital transformation. This in turn will lead to better care and satisfaction for patients.
Stages of Digital Health Maturity
It’s important to discuss the different stages of digital health maturity when evaluating effective digital transformation. The first stage is when digital health outcomes are not controlled properly or predictably [2]. Oftentimes this is due to limited infrastructure and a lack of automation in the workflow. The next stage is the basic stage when digital health outcomes are more concrete and there are more initiatives that achieve current objectives [2]. This is often due to basic electronic record keeping and initially implementing solutions that support health IT objectives. The next stage is the developing stage when there is strategic decision-making that achieves expected digital health outcomes [2]. This often comes with improved data exchange as well as improved interoperability. Furthermore, decision support systems may be more advanced at this stage, especially with electronic health records.
The fourth stage is the established stage when digital health outcomes use a more coordinated approach that leads to measured benefits [2]. These benefits are often due to continuous improvements that come from integrating more cutting-edge technologies. Furthermore, this stage also uses data for personalized medicine and promotes the use of population health management. The fifth stage is known as the transformative stage when digital health outcomes are expected through coordinated and continuously improving approaches [2]. This is often reached when a full optimization of health IT tools is accomplished. Furthermore, this requires a seamless integration of technology. The overall goal of this stage is to provide care that is patient-centered and depends on new technologies. Although different organizations may have different levels of digital health maturity, it’s important to note that the overall goal is to provide better outcomes for patients through digital transformation.
Impact of Digital Health Maturity on Patients
The goal of digital health maturity is to improve outcomes for patients through new and innovative technologies. Unfortunately, some models may lack a focus on technology that leads to meaningful outcomes for patients [3]. Having a high digital health maturity is correlated with having more positive impacts [3]. This often means that patient experience was more likely to be tracked and a patient’s health record was better maintained [3]. Furthermore, those who implemented telehealth were able to improve flexibility and access to care across all the categories [3]. Additionally, those with limited interoperability saw a negative impact on health services [3]. Therefore, it’s clear that improving digital health maturity leads to better patient outcomes. This is often due to more opportunities for personalized care, more options for treatment, and a more supportive and collaborative approach to healthcare.
HITS
HITS’ agency culture and mission facilitate customer/human-centered design. We tailor software and project management support products to meet our customer’s needs. Furthermore, HITS puts the “soft” in “software” development. We analyze functional requirements to ensure all needs are properly adjudicated to be included in the software. This allows clients and customers to have peace of mind that their needs are heard and acted upon. HITS also makes sure that all medical and appropriate representatives (either medical, technical, supportive, and/or administrative) are present during the High-Performance Team creation as a wide range of expertise is needed to develop the Capability Development Documents. Finally, HITS expects all staff to incorporate customer experience-related best practices and offers incentives for excellent customer experience performance and team collaboration.
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