It is no secret that our world is constantly changing towards becoming more digitized, and so is healthcare. Earlier, we discussed the top pain points in the delivery of mental healthcare and how digital technology can help. Now, we want to look at the clinicians of the future – how tech-savvy will they need to be, and what are the main benefits and challenges they expect to face in relation to digital solutions?
Where are we today?
The digital era has arrived in today’s healthcare settings. A large study by Elsevier Health (2022), involving over 2800 clinicians and nurses from 111 markets, found that 88% of clinicians acknowledge the significantly growing importance of being technologically literate compared to 10 years ago [1].
Today’s electronic medical records (EMRs) can store large amounts of patient information. However, they also cause frustrations among clinicians. Many healthcare professionals report that contemporary EMR systems are too time-consuming due to the need for frequent manual data inputting, significantly adding to their already heavy caseloads [1]. Additionally, it has been found that as many as 69% of clinicians record feeling overwhelmed with handling the “growing volume of patient data” [1].
What are the drivers of change?
Covid-19 has particularly shown the relevance and benefits of real-world data (RWD) collected in real-time. During the pandemic, “data took center stage”, and many patients became more comfortable with their data being utilized “in informing decisions” [1]. In addition, patients are becoming more empowered globally, and many are utilizing digital health applications to better manage their own health [1].
What can we expect in the future?
The Elsevier Health study (2022) shows that 77% of clinicians expect tech companies to become “key stakeholders in managing healthcare systems in 10 years”, and that the majority of clinicians (70%) believe an increased use of digital technologies will transform healthcare positively [1].
Most clinicians (79%) therefore also expect future EMRs to integrate a variety of data sources, such as “patient consumer health app data” [1]. The integration of digital solutions in future EMRs is expected to be beneficial for its potential to help clinicians communicate with their patients more effectively and make more informed clinical decisions. Importantly, healthcare professionals believe digital technologies and remote monitoring tools could help them to handle the growing patient data volumes they are currently feeling overwhelmed with [1].
How do we get there?
67% of clinicians agree “they will need to become experts in the use of [digital technologies] in the future” [1]. However, many clinicians (83%) do not feel sufficiently tech-savvy currently. Thus, they will need the right access, support, and education. One of the key focus points, therefore, needs to be giving clinicians training and confidence in their ability to use digital technologies [1], as these will only be effective in healthcare if clinicians are adept at using them.
How Monsenso enables clinicians on the path to digitalization
Monsenso is a digital health company that enables better outcomes for patients and clinicians through data-driven decisions. We are focused on mental health and user-centred in designing our solutions for patients and clinicians. Easing clinicians’ workloads by providing them with a better overview of their patients’ data and conditions is one of our priorities when working with healthcare professionals. When clinicians use our solution, they are not being left alone. In-depth workshops during the planning and implementation phase ensure clinicians will feel 100% comfortable and confident in using the Monsenso solution, and our friendly support team provides help whenever needed. Our cloud-based platform is a CE-marked medical device (Class 1, pending Class 2a and MDR certification) that is HIPAA compliant, with certifications in ISO 13485, ISO 27001, and Cyber Essentials. Our solution has been clinically and scientifically validated by over 70+ peer-reviewed studies and can be configured for applications across mental health conditions. We work with healthcare systems, life sciences and research organisations globally. Book a demo to learn more.
References:
[1] Elsevier Health (2022). Clinician of the Future Report 2022.
https://www.elsevier.com/connect/clinician-of-the-future