My experiences with digitalization are mainly focused on the social and healthcare sector, as well as well-being and health promotion work. In this post, I will tell you something about digitalization from these perspectives. Digital solutions have become a permanent part of the social and health care sector. Examples of these kind of digital services are transactional services, interactive digital services such as chats and remote consultations, and informational services. Digitalization has progressed rapidly. In the evolving social and healthcare sector, digitalization plays a significant role, and it is expected to improve cost-effectiveness, the quality of care, and patient engagement.
In the social and healthcare sector, digitalization is guided by legislation. Legal practices and legislation provide a framework for operations. However, the development of digitalization outpaces legislation, so it is important to consider ethical principles. Ethical guidelines and principles guide professionals in the increasingly digitalized world. The development of new technologies and the utilization of information in the social and healthcare sector require the evolution of resources and information systems, as well as close collaboration. Furthermore, changes in organizational culture and effective leadership are needed. In the future, the importance of intelligent information utilization and usability will become even more emphasized. Intelligent use of information is indeed one of the essential goals from the perspective of digitalization in the future.
How Data protection Regulation has effect on my work?
The enforcement of the Data Protection Regulation was immediately evident in my work. The handling of customer data became more meticulous. Even writing notes about customer situations became prohibited. This brought changes to the record-keeping practices of customer information. Changes were also required in the customer data systems in use. The positive aspect is that customer data is handled more carefully. It is also reassuring to know that one’s own customer information is not as easily susceptible to misuse. Of course, regulations requiring data processing demand a significant amount of time, at least initially.
How about ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is a helpful tool when multiple perspectives are needed. ChatGPT excels in outlining work processes or providing necessary information required to formulate the end result. I feel that artificial intelligence can serve as a valuable aid in organizing thoughts. However, I wouldn’t entirely rely on the information it generates. The information produced by ChatGPT often remains at a fairly general level, which may not meet the detailed analysis required in many expert professions. Nevertheless, it can still serve as a useful support in the planning process.
What have I learned?
I have learned that there is always something new to learn. New digital solutions require familiarization and learning. Intelligent utilization of information requires assessing its usability and examining ethical principles. Nowadays, it can be used so effectively as a support in one’s own work and more broadly as part of the service system that I do not see it sensible to revert to the old ways. Information, digitalization, and technological advancement bring immense possibilities but also responsibility.
28/01/2024 at 13:52
Digitalization has come to all sectors, including healthcare. As a customer, this is not even thought about that strongly. And the client or patient does not see everything that happens in the health care organization or in the background. As a customer, I can only see the smoothness of the services and the customer experience. In my opinion, a smooth and high-quality customer experience and, of course, good and high-quality care require digitalization.
It was interesting to read your article, especially regarding legislation and ethics. Likewise, your reflection on how organizations and legislation should keep up with the development of digitization.
You also reflect well on the challenges of using data, there will be more and more data in the future, how do we use data intelligently and effectively?
04/02/2024 at 18:33
Digital society can provide smooth processes for customers in healthcare, if and when all health information would be in the same place.
Robotics is already used in surgeries helping the human. Artificial intelligence (AI) can help diagnostics f.e. on defining cancer cells from health cells or finding diseases from data sets.
Ethics is a huge importance in health care sector. The AI can help making decisions, but humans define what is acceptable and what is not.
A lot is currently happening, such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink company implants brain chip in human for first time (check f.e. https://youtu.be/M-slagG1OKE?si=wxL0KyMMFwPRSDfF).
These implants are/can be part of healthcare in near future. A good question is who would like to have a brain chip in their brains, and in which circumstances? Personally, I don’t have a yes/no/maybe answer to this question.
17/02/2024 at 15:46
Hi!
It was interesting reading your thoughts around this topic. Even though I don´t work in the healthcare industry, I have have noticed the digitalization in that sector. A lot has happened and I bet there is still more to come in the next few years.
Although a lot of good has come out of digitalization, there are also some doubts in my mind when regarding healthcare and personal information for example. Thinking for example the case with Vastaamo. Your gdpr practices and data security has to be top notch if you don´t want your customers information all around the internet. In some cases the old school style of having customer data stored on paper and kept behind locked doors could still be safer. I wonder if we at some point go back to that 🙂
18/02/2024 at 12:38
Hi ReettaMarin,
I work in the health sector and I have the same thoughts about the Data Protection Regulation. It brings security and care to the processing of patient data, but also a lot more record keeping for medical staff, more work. It also requires the patient to be proactive in giving consent for the processing of patient data in Omakanta, which is difficult, especially for elderly people who do not use the internet. A solution should be found.
Br Minna
https://blogi.savonia.fi/minttupastilli/home/