In my present role as the Divisional General Manager for Digital Health Transformation & Innovation at Mediclinic, it is my responsibility to capitalize on the potential of digital technology to enhance patient care and optimize our healthcare services. Over the past decade, there has been a significant shift in the way healthcare is accessed and delivered, largely driven by technological advancements, and this transformation shows no signs of slowing down.
Telemedicine, for example, has undergone a substantial evolution. Back in 2015, when I first ventured into telehealth, the concept faced considerable resistance. Patients were hesitant to trust virtual consultations, and insurance companies were reluctant to cover them. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 rapidly altered the perception of telemedicine. With limited access to traditional healthcare facilities, many patients turned to virtual consultations as the only viable option, and healthcare providers also embraced it as a means of treating their patients.
At Mediclinic, we initially conducted 2,000 teleconsultations per month at the onset of the pandemic, a figure that has now grown to 20,000 monthly consultations after almost four years. Even as the pandemic-related necessity has diminished, we have observed a sustained organic growth in the use of telemedicine, indicating that patients have recognized its value. They have become more educated about their health and are better able to determine whether their condition can be effectively managed through virtual means. Insurers have also acknowledged the cost-saving potential of telemedicine and have incorporated it into their coverage packages.
The healthcare landscape has already witnessed a substantial transformation in the delivery of care, and it is expected to continue evolving. Telemedicine is projected to integrate into a more comprehensive healthcare model aimed at managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, leveraging data from wearable devices. Wearable technology is not a new phenomenon, as patients have previously been provided with devices to wear for a certain period. However, technological advancements now enable continuous monitoring, where data from wearables can be transmitted in real-time to healthcare providers. This continuous engagement allows for immediate intervention in the event of any concerning readings. While the increased use of such devices places greater demands on healthcare professionals, AI systems are poised to play a role in predicting potential deteriorations, enabling early intervention when necessary.
This approach benefits patients and healthcare systems by preventing acute conditions that require hospitalization, ultimately reducing costs for insurers. This dynamic is instrumental in supporting future funding models like Value-Based Care (VBC), effectively addressing the needs of patients and payers within population health programmes. However, effective patient engagement remains a challenge, necessitating clear communication, onboarding, and training to transition patients into this system successfully.
AI and machine learning are rapidly gaining traction in the healthcare sector. At Mediclinic, AI is already being utilised in administrative functions such as coding for improved accuracy, as well as clinically in the interpretation of radiology images. AI serves as a valuable tool, aiding caregivers in delivering more efficient and reliable outcomes and easing their workload. It is not intended to replace doctors, but rather to collaborate with them, empowering them to effectively manage a larger volume of patients. This collaborative approach is set to become increasingly prevalent in the coming years.
From the perspective of patients, digital technology offers empowerment and accessibility, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Mediclinic has made significant strides in the digital space, from the swift introduction of telemedicine to the launch of an appointment management app, a secure patient portal, and various communication channels for streamlined access to healthcare services. In the future, we aim to position digital health as a companion to patients throughout their treatment journey.
As Mediclinic continues to harness the potential of technology to improve healthcare processes and services, there are numerous innovations on the horizon. Stay tuned for what’s to come!
Ahmad Awada
Divisional General Manager for Digital Health Transformation & Innovation at Mediclinic
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