Digitization in healthcare is proceeding more slowly than it should because it is looking at the wrong financial benefits. The arguments to digitize are too focused on the short term and stand in the way of further innovation. These conclusions can be drawn from a tour of dozens of Dutch healthcare institutions participating in the seminar “automation in healthcare,” organized by low-code specialist Bizzomate, RPA expert Tacstone Technology and Mendix. Almost two-thirds (60%) of the participating healthcare institutions supported the statement that the current financial incentives are counterproductive.

Too much short-term focus

The current financial incentives in healthcare to digitize are too often focused on short-term gains and cost savings, making long-term investments less likely to occur or even fail. Moreover, the benefits often relate to traditional treatment methods and models, leaving little incentive to embrace further digitization. Another major cause cited by healthcare facilities is the fact that there are still many outdated systems in place that make further digitization difficult. Almost a third (30%) of participating healthcare institutions see this as a limiting factor for digital innovation.

Healthcare organizations see plenty of opportunities for further digitization

That said, healthcare does see plenty of opportunities for digitization. Eighty percent of the participating healthcare institutions agree or completely agree with the statement that they see several processes within their institution that can be digitized, optimized or automated. Moreover, with smart automation, over eighty percent (85%) of the survey participants believe that the administrative pressure for employees can be greatly or very greatly reduced.

Philippe Neven, spokesperson at Bizzomate: “At a time when digitization can make a significant contribution to the transformation of healthcare, we unfortunately have to conclude that the potential of low-code and RPA technology, among others, is still insufficiently exploited. By focusing on the short term, innovation stagnates and opportunities are lost. This is a shame, especially in a sector that has such an urgent need to relieve its workload. Together with Tacstone Technology & Mendix, we are happy to use our expertise to guide healthcare institutions toward a future in which the benefits of digitization actually take shape so that healthcare providers and their clients can benefit.”

Want to know more?

Want to learn more about digitization in healthcare? Then contact Louise Kallen.