[Urgent need of action for the future of digital hospitals]

Abstract

Background: Digitalization is significantly changing the entire healthcare sector. Hospitals must act now in order to remain competitive.

Objective: To assess which approaches exist for digitalization along the treatment chain and how digitalization can be strategically implemented.

Materials and methods: An analysis of relevant examples from consulting work and success stories from the specialist press is presented, as is a discussion of expert recommendations.

Results: More than 90% of German hospitals are currently investing in digitalization. However, they often fail to understand that first and foremost, digitalization offers them the chance to successfully innovate their entire business model. Digital solutions can enhance quality of care, boost efficiency, and greatly improve attractiveness for the employees entrusted with these processes.

Conclusion: German hospitals should be doing much more to exploit the many digital opportunities that exist. They can do so by deciding where to act first in the treatment chain, prioritizing the underlying actions, and making the necessary funds available. Other key success factors include forming strategic partnerships with startups and "medtech" companies, and introducing an agile corporate culture.

Keywords: Computer security; Data collection; Database management systems; Organizational culture; Signal processing, computer-assisted.