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organisations will be able to take advantage of the regular benefits Cloud technologies provide, namely Scalability, Security, and Continuity. “Cloud setups can make adjustments to computing resources and storage space on the fly,” said Ryan. “This allows practices to accommodate unexpected spikes in patient numbers that might stem from natural disasters, human emergencies, or a pandemic. New features or functions can also simply be downloaded rather than necessitating new hardware, saving on time, money, and space. “On the security side, the siloed systems used by many practices aren’t particularly strong against intruders. As they’re not
connected to other systems effectively, they often use physical records to literally paper over the cracks of the tech stack. Cloud systems can offer security protocols like intrusion detection, security incident responses, vulnerability management, and adhering to regulations like GDPR. “Storing data in a data centre or server farm based far from the practice itself protects data, and not just from individual intruders, but also from potential data loss in the wake of accidents or disaster, like fire or floods. It also significantly reduces downtime, effectively outsourcing responsibility for an infrastructure that many practices wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford or maintain.”
Healthcare Technology Leaders Determined to Navigate Digital Transformation Challenges
In the face of global economic uncertainty and substantial industry hurdles, healthcare technology leaders remain resolute in steering their organisations through the tumultuous waters of digital transformation. Recent research conducted by KPMG illuminates the determination of these leaders to uphold their innovation priorities despite the odds. The KPMG 2021 Healthcare CEO Future Pulse survey, which incorporated insights from 200 healthcare leaders worldwide, unveils a landscape in which digital integration is both a buzzword and a strategic imperative. Astonishingly, 38 per cent of healthcare CEOs reported utilising artificial intelligence (AI) to engage with or treat patients, with notable proportions adopting remote monitoring (47 per cent), wearables (40 per cent), and embedded biometric monitoring (35 per cent). Such figures are poised to skyrocket in the coming years, mirroring the accelerating pace of technology adoption across the sector. Evan Rawstron, Global Co-Lead for KPMG Connected Enterprise for Health, emphasises the profound impact of technology on healthcare expenditure globally. “Healthcare organisations have long focused their investments on technology to improve consumer outcomes and experiences,”
Rawstron states. “However, the emphasis on employee and enterprise productivity is rapidly gaining importance.” Indeed, the KPMG global tech report 2023, reflecting insights from 2,100 executives across 16 countries and nine industries, underscores the alignment of healthcare priorities with workforce support and consumer trust- building initiatives. Within this realm, AI and machine learning (ML) emerge as linchpins for overcoming productivity hurdles while fortifying cyber resilience to bolster stakeholder trust and information security. Technology emerges as a beacon of hope in the battle against burnout and workforce shortages plaguing the healthcare domain. By streamlining processes and alleviating the burden on healthcare professionals, technology reallocates time towards higher- value tasks, enhancing employee productivity and value generation. However, the path to digital transformation has its challenges. Rawstron notes a pervasive trend of employee resistance influencing technology investment decisions within the healthcare sector. This resistance, exacerbated by demanding workloads and limited resources, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive training processes to effectively empower healthcare professionals to adapt to evolving technological landscapes.
Evan Rawstron Global Co-Lead KMPG Connected Enterprise for Health
kmpg.com
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