Digital Ecosystem: Architect of Resilience in Healthcare Sector

At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, almost every daily activity was paused. Even when the health sector became paramount throughout the pandemic, it was still profoundly impacted because many patients were forced to cancel or postpone their appointments.

According to the British Journal of Surgery, during the 12 peak weeks of contagion, over 28 million surgeries worldwide were postponed or canceled. A study by Ipsos Argentina on healthcare in Latin America also indicated that 72 percent of Mexicans canceled or modified health services between March and October 2020. 

Globally, the problem became increasingly severe. Proof of this was that up to 90 percent of countries interrupted their essential health services during the pandemic, with the aim of focusing, at least momentarily, on trying to stop the advance of COVID-19.

The delay in medical services uncovers many issues, including that healthcare is far from digitalization, unlike other industries. If, on the contrary, the sector had made progress in this area, it could have helped to solve the difficulties that arose, making it less susceptible to having to stop its activities.

The most important takeaway from this health crisis for those in the health sector is the need to build resilience. The way to achieve this is through three specific actions that all companies and organizations within the industry should consider:

1. Accelerate the digital adoption of health professionals. Sixty percent of health organizations in Latin America, consulted by the MIT Technology Review, affirm that more than half of their clients already use digital devices. The informatics habitat created by these devices must now provide the tools that enable healthcare professionals to get closer to their patients and give them the certainty to resume their medical treatments.

It is essential to accelerate technology adoption among physicians so that they can understand all the benefits that the many innovations available today would bring them. Accelerating the development and use of appropriate technologies will also improve productivity among healthcare personnel and administrative and clinical services.

2. Leverage connectivity and data. The value of the data collected from different sources, such as surveys or seminars, is immense. Data on critical issues, such as the aftermath of COVID-19, the hospital network in Latin America, leadership, mental well-being, or the use of new technologies during the pandemic, can provide greater visibility of the future and prepare us to face it.

3. Provide support and digital guidance to patients. It is crucial to offer support and advice to patients that allow them to understand the new care processes. In this sense, telemedicine and information about protocols to mitigate the risks associated with COVID-19 or other conditions are two key elements that will encourage the population to return to medical care. 

Promoting digital technologies in the health sector will build a sense of security and confidence among patients, allowing them to maintain close communication with their healthcare providers through gadgets or apps. It will also make it easier for professionals to follow up on each case. 

As part of the health sector, companies are obliged to build resilience by developing digital capabilities and an information ecosystem that guides and empowers patients and doctors, an ecosystem that also supports the growing demand within the industry. 

In the face of a changing landscape, interrupting medical care constitutes a high risk that would negatively impact the physical integrity of patients. Providing technological solutions to hospitals and medical personnel will lead us toward a digital future that will contribute to people's well-being and quality of life.