In an exclusive interview, Mona Mohammad Al Ali, Head of Health Information Management Section at Rashid Hospital, shares key insights into the hospital’s digital transformation journey. Covering strategies to overcome challenges, the impact on patient experience, and crucial performance indicators, this article explores the comprehensive approach Rashid Hospital has taken towards digitization.
1. Overcoming Resistance: Mona acknowledges the expected resistance and fear of change during the initial stages of digitization. To address these challenges, the hospital implemented strategic approaches:
Stakeholder Engagement: Workshops and regular meetings were conducted to actively involve employees, management teams, and external partners. This created a sense of involvement, reducing resistance.
Executive Support: Top management’s involvement played a crucial role in easing communication and motivating employees at all levels to embrace change.
Effective Communication: Stakeholder involvement throughout the phases ensured staff awareness of the strategic direction, fostering informed decision-making aligned with transformation goals.
2. Impact on Patient Experience: Mona emphasizes the direct impact of digitization efforts on improving the patient experience within the hospital. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have streamlined processes, allowing quick access to medical history and reducing wait times. Online appointment scheduling and telemedicine options contribute to patient convenience, empowering them with greater control over their healthcare. These advancements signify a shift towards a patient-centric approach, fostering better communication, accessibility, and overall satisfaction.
3. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Evaluation: Considering the multifaceted goals of digitization, Rashid Hospital uses various KPIs to gauge the effectiveness of digital technologies:
Patient Engagement: Assessing the level of patient involvement through digital platforms, indicating the success of communication and shared decision-making.
Clinical Decision Support (CDS): Evaluating how digital tools aid healthcare professionals in making accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.
Health Information Exchange (HIE): Gauging the ability to securely share patient information across healthcare networks for comprehensive care.
Readmission Rates: Monitoring the frequency of patient readmissions, as effective digitization contributes to improved post-discharge care and reduced readmission.
Telehealth Utilization: Tracking the adoption and usage of telehealth services to measure accessibility and convenience for patients.
Patient Satisfaction Scores: Gathering feedback from patients regarding their experience with digital tools, focusing on user-friendliness and overall satisfaction.
Clinical Outcomes: Evaluating patient health outcomes, assessing whether digitization positively impacts treatment effectiveness and overall wellness.
Through the analysis of these KPIs, Rashid Hospital comprehensively assesses the impact of digital technologies on coordination, diagnoses, treatments, and patient outcomes. Mona emphasizes the success of these programs, measured by their ability to sustain and scale solutions beyond the initial funding period. Positive indicators, such as the creation of a digital startup by Johns Hopkins University, show promising prospects for continued success in advancing healthcare through digital innovation.
