In 2019, PricewaterhouseCoopers surveyed U.S. healthcare system CEOs. Surprisingly, more than one-third, 38%, reported having no digital component in their overall strategic plan.
For years, U.S. healthcare providers had been gradually moving toward telehealth services. Then came the spring of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the industry to accelerate its digital transformation, pushing telemedicine adoption forward by nearly a decade, according to many healthcare leaders.
Telehealth opened the door, but the digital transformation didn’t stop there. Health systems are now rapidly expanding their remote service options, embracing omni-channel communication methods such as text, email, and mobile apps.
These tools allow providers to securely connect with patients on the platforms and devices they already use and trust, meeting them where they are most comfortable.
Beyond COVID-related care, these technologies now support everyday clinical and administrative services, from routine checkups to scheduling and follow-ups, streamlining the entire patient experience.
The healthcare industry is now relying on digital technologies to transform how care is delivered and scaled.
While many industries experienced major change during the pandemic, few faced such an urgent demand for innovation.
Thanks to this shift, physicians nationwide are now providing high-quality care that was once thought possible only in person. Both patients and providers are discovering that digital care is not only secure, but also faster and more convenient than traditional methods.
Doctors are reporting better outcomes through remote monitoring and virtual visits, while patients are experiencing greater access and reduced friction when seeking care.
With this new reality, a strong digital strategy must be at the heart of every healthcare organization’s plan.
From data storage and connectivity to security and backup, information technology is the backbone of healthcare’s ongoing digital revolution.