The power of healthcare insights: CHI Software uses survey results from 500 US healthcare executives to create affordable solutions

What exactly defines high-quality healthcare as we move into the second quarter of the 21st century?

The answer to this question will play a decisive role in shaping how healthcare providers make business decisions. Should they invest in cloud infrastructure? Or perhaps develop a smartwatch app? With a vast array of technological options available, choosing the right path is rarely straightforward.

At AIN, we're curious about what the future holds for the healthcare industry. To get an inside look, we spoke with CHI Software – a company that surveyed 500 decision-makers and developed a tech-driven roadmap for healthcare businesses of all sizes.

What Technologies Have the Biggest Impact on Modern Healthcare

Making healthcare more efficient and accessible is a number-one task not only for businesses; instead, it's a global strategy across countries and populations. But let's look at specific figures to understand the current landscape.

• Artificial intelligence is one of the key technologies paving the way to enhanced diagnostics and predictive analytics. According to the research, 56% of respondents use AI in some form, with 67% being very small companies (up to 200 employees).

• Cloud solutions can provide scalability to existing infrastructures, and  25% of respondents, with 41% of large healthcare providers (1,000+ employees) have already been using this opportunity.

• IoT solutions can literally become lifesavers by continuously connecting patients with the necessary medical aid. Overall, 7% of companies have started using IoT for their daily goals, indicating a promising niche for those who plan to join the market.

• Personalized medicine is the most complex and data-sensitive technology of all those mentioned here, with only 1% of businesses joining the niche. Processing genetic profiles makes medical care a truly unique experience, potentially leading to significantly improved patient outcomes.

Ebook. Episode 1, Chapter 1

How to Approach Technologies? Recommendations for Healthcare Companies of All Sizes and Tech Sophistication

Now, what does a healthcare business have to do with the provided numbers? How can they transform statistics into actions? CHI Software offers its vision and first steps.

For Smaller Companies

• Focus on niche markets. It's a good idea to find narrow and specific markets where a company can target its audience with a polished product or service.

• Leverage partnerships. Organizations that focus on strategic collaborations will power up their tech infrastructure or expand their market presence.

• Adopt scalable technologies. Cloud infrastructure and modular AI platforms allow the highest level of flexibility for a reasonable budget.

• Stay agile and innovative. As a rule, smaller companies can be more adaptive to change and quickly embrace innovative solutions.

For Larger Companies 

• Invest in R&D. Larger businesses should focus on the next technological leap – but one thing at a time, starting with more advanced AI, IoT, or cloud tools – with a strategic plan for technological development.

• Enrich cloud and AI toolset. Comprehensive cloud infrastructures and AI-powered analytics are go-to considerations for companies with more resources.

• Focus on interoperability and integration. Larger companies often have to juggle several complex platforms, and creating integrated solutions can save a lot of time on helping patients instead of managing routine operational tasks.

• Prioritize industry compliance. Any innovation will need to deal with patient data, meaning patients could be a target for fraud. Complying with industry regulations not only protects patients, but will also boost the company's reputation.

For Tech-Advanced Companies

• Lead in AI and IoT innovation. Tech-savvy companies can focus on complex AI models that are able to cope with intricate medical cases. Also, such companies can be among the pioneers of real-time patient monitoring.

• Adopt a data-driven approach. Healthcare companies can actively apply data analytics based on large datasets to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency.

• Explore and apply personalized medicine. Technically-equipped companies that have enough resources can invest in genomics and biotechnology research. 

For Less Tech-Advanced Companies

• Implement foundational technologies. The first options to explore are cloud-based EHR systems and popular AI tools that can optimize daily tasks.

• Train and upskill the workforce. To benefit the most from new technologies, all employees should be well aware of how to use them. CHI Software recommends creating special educational programs for each innovation that is introduced in the organization.

• Adopt technologies incrementally. Small steps can lay the foundation of future success, so it's wise to focus on something simple like cloud-based data storage.

Ebook. Episode 1, Chapters 2-3

The second episode of CHI Software’s research reveals how healthcare companies of different sizes are working to improve digital patient experience, user satisfaction, and data management.

How Healthcare Technologies Work in Practice

CHI Software also shares its experience in healthcare software development. The following case studies prove that businesses with any budget can implement innovations – there's no sense in waiting while competitors grab a piece of the market pie!

Cloud-Based Solution for Healthcare Data Management

One of CHI Software's clients is a large hospital network struggling to properly manage a growing amount of patient data. A solution was to implement a cloud platform where hospital staff can access all the information they need in one place – making both patients’ visits and doctors’ workflows smoother and more productive.

IoT Solution for Remote Patient Monitoring

A network of US childcare facilities was looking for a way to allow parents to monitor their kids while away, and to provide prompt support when needed. while reducing the time needed for in-person doctor visits. CHI Software developed software for IoT devices to continuously monitor vital signs and transmit this data to caretakers in real time.

Ebook. Episode 1, Chapter 5

Being Prepared: How to Overcome Possible Challenges

You're probably thinking now that healthcare technologies aren't all sunshine and roses – and you're right – they can be hard work! The third episode of CHI Software's survey explores the challenges for companies of varying size and expertise in tech. Here are the three most common hurdles businesses encounter.

• Ensuring data privacy and security. CHI Software’s engineers recommend applying robust encryption methods, conducting regular security audits, and training employees on security best practices.

• Integrating with legacy systems. Businesses should opt for middleware solutions, phased implementation, and rigorous testing.

• Cost management. To stay within budget constraints, business decision-makers should prioritize a single tech innovation that delivers the biggest impact, such as cloud optimization. Another approach is to seek out grants and funding opportunities.

Conclusion

What does the future hold for the healthcare industry? The answer is simple: innovation. It doesn't mean that each healthcare business has to rush for a sophisticated AI model. Starting simple and moving gradually is also a great solution for businesses of smaller size and with little tech expertise.

The sooner a company realizes all the benefits of technological implementation, the better it is for strategic long-term success and market gains. Decision-makers should focus on the most important operational aspects that can be improved with modern tools. 

While the world around us is rapidly changing, those who are ready to innovate traditional operations will form the new era of patient care.

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