Digi Society

My experiences with Digitalization in Healthcare

I have built my career in healthcare and currently work at an outpatient clinic in a large hospital. When I started my career as a nurse, there were some digital patient information systems, but hospitals still used paper patient files where measurements and treatment plans were written. I also remember how challenging it was at times to decipher doctor’s notes and prescriptions. It’s alarming when considering patient safety and information flow. I have seen the evolution of healthcare digitalization and how patient information systems have become a staple. Recent advancements of patient information systems have further enabled a seamless and secure exchange of information among healthcare professionals, facilitating efficient health data reporting and safe medical treatments. Digital platforms, such as patient portals and chat services, have transformed the interaction between patients and healthcare providers at our clinic, making communication more easy, fast and accessible. Nowadays at our clinic a significant number of patients receive care via remote consultations and digital services. It conserves patient’s time, reduce travel expenses and patient fees. We also have a digital care pathway. It aids in managing care and information access, and in some cases, it can supplement or even replace traditional patient services.

Digital patient services are cost-effective for patients and for healthcare service providers. Digitalization enable timely, high-quality care irrespective of healthcare system challenges, geographic location, or distance. Digital patient services also contribute to healthcare resource conservation. The healthcare digitization has also changed the healthcare professionals’ roles and work, allowing for remote work opportunities and the gradual replacement of certain tasks. Tools like digital treatment pathways, patient portals, remote monitoring and medication dispensers have changed patient care. Digitalization not only make healthcare more safety but also empower patients to take a more active role in their care. Moreover, digitization facilitates the gathering of invaluable healthcare data for administrative purposes or research.

Digitalization and future ideas

I believe that the digitalization of healthcare will continue to evolve exponentially and will play an increasingly significant role in patient care. The significance of health technology tools and remote monitoring, and also digital care pathways, is on the rise. Patients will take more responsibility for taking care of their illnesses and monitoring at home. More and more, patients will receive treatment remotely via digital services. The data collected from digital services will be used more extensively in medicine. Smart medicines are set to revolutionize pharmacotherapy. AI will enhance expedite diagnoses, patient safety and improve the quality of analysis and treatment. Robots will be used more extensively in hospitals and surgeries. Drones will be used to reach people in remote areas with blood samples and medication.

However, in this rapid digitalization we must not overlook those patients who are digitally excluded. They need digital guidance and support. We should also focus on training and supporting healthcare professionals to develop new skills they need in the digital transformation. It has already transformed healthcare professional’s work and will undoubtedly continue to do so. After all, digitalization is the only way to ensure the carrying capacity of healthcare in the future. As a result, traditional services can be made sufficient for patients who are unable to use digital tools.

Risks of an open digital society

Digitalization is changing our world, offering potential to transform society, streamline work processes, and simplify our daily life. However, it also introduces new risks. Cybercrime has escalated, posing significant threats to individuals and organizations alike. Cybercriminals, driven by financial incentives or intent on causing reputational harm, have made healthcare facilities their prime targets. Hospitals are no longer immune to cyber threats and have become the most frequent victims of cyberattacks globally. Cyber attacks can lead to serious consequences, including financial loss, reputational damage, and severe health risks.

GDPR in my life

The purpose of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is to protect individuals when their data is processed and to help them manage their personal information. I am pleased that my personal data is more easily accessible in an understandable format. Thanks to GDPR I would have the right to transfer my data from one service provider’s system to another and I should be informed in case of a data breach. GDPR would also allow me, if necessary, to have my data deleted, if I would wish to do so, unless there is a legal reason preventing it. As a consumer, it is important for me to know how my data is used. Occasionally, it has been mildly irritating when cookie queries appear frequently on the screen of a smart device. However, this is a minor inconvenience compared to the extensive benefits that GDPR provides on a large scale.

In my professional life, I am very careful about how I handle personal data, as I work in healthcare. Therefore, the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are an essential part of my work life. We also have precise guidelines for handling personal data at our workplace, which I follow carefully, as we deal with sensitive information. Patients are informed about how their personal data is used in the hospital. I ensure careful documentation during the processing of patient data, and documents containing personal data are kept securely protected. The data is not shared and is handled only within the context of treatment and in the patient information system. Papers containing personal data are disposed of to the data protection waste at the end of the day. Patient data and personal identification numbers are not transmitted via email. Additionally, I am aware that our unit has a data protection officer.

ChatGPT and AI

Here are some of the questions I asked from ChatGPT, and answers I received:

1. How can digitalization be utilized in nursing at an outpatient clinic?

Answer: Digitalization can be utilized in many ways in outpatient clinic care. Here are some key methods:

• Electronic Patient Records
• Remote Consultations and Telemedicine
• Digital Monitoring Tools
• Automation and Artificial Intelligence
• Patient Self-care and Information Sharing
• Education and Resources
• Logistics and Resource Management
• Data Analytics

2. How could digitalization support patient’s engagement in their care?

Answer: Digitalization can significantly support patient adherence to treatment in various ways. For example patient portals increases their awareness of their health status, engages them more actively in their care and makes communication easier with healthcare professionals. Health apps can remind patients to take their medications, provide interactive educational materials and gamified apps can motivate patients. Remote consultations and virtual appointments make accessing care easier and patients can receive support and guidance from home. Digital channels allow for personalized communication.

3. What should be considered when offering digital health services to a patient?

Answer: When offering digital health services to patients, it is important to consider several factors to ensure the services are effective, safe, and patient-centered: Data security and privacy, user-friendliness, accessibility, reliability and accuracy, integration with existing systems, patient education and support, individualization and personalization.

My opinion

I think the answers are excellent, diverse, and comprehensive. Artificial intelligence can provide correct answers, and in my case, it was evident. I was perhaps even a bit surprised at how well they held up.

Possible risks of ChatGPT could be misinformation. This is visibly warned about when using the service, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise to the users. An AI service can inadvertently learn to provide incorrect information. They can also be subject to cyberattacks. Therefore, a certain caution and filtering of responses should be kept in mind when utilizing AI.

I personally approach AI systems with positive enthusiasm and use them  occasionally in my daily life. I believe the benefits are already greater than the problems they contain. Professionally, I look forward to the development of AI with great anticipation. It has already brought help to healthcare, for example, pre-check and screen blood test results, and guide and assist in medication treatments. When one is aware of the risks of AI and maintains a certain level of criticality, I believe AI has great potential.

Self evaluation

I think that the orientation material to the task was well compiled, comprehensive, and an interesting package. Much of the information was already familiar, but there were also new sources and videos that I enjoyed watching and deepening my knowledge with. This is my first course in English, so I feel that it has already taught me a lot. Initially, it felt challenging to start working in English, but the vocabulary has become increasingly familiar over time, and now I think it has been quite refreshing to write in English after a long time. Cyber security issues interest me greatly, so I could listen to and read about that topic as much as possible, if only the schedule would allow.

Blogs I commented on:

Anniina Tolppanen-Olsen DIGI SOCIETY – Anniina’s site (savonia.fi) and Laura Heiskanen Moikka! – laura`s site (savonia.fi) and Outi Ihalainen Outi´s Digitized working environment (savonia.fi).