South Korea's smart hospital of tomorrow leads the region
One of the world's leading examples of smart hospitals is Samsung Medical Center (SMC) in South Korea.
The company has received the highest Stage 7 validation for analytical maturity of its HIMSS deployment model, and is the first provider in the Asia Pacific region to achieve this achievement. We are also the only hospital in the world to reach HIMSS Quadruple Stage 7 through validation of our infrastructure implementation model, electronic health record implementation model, and digital imaging implementation model. SMC focuses on data integration through a database operations and communications center (DOCC) that integrates operating rooms and medical equipment to provide patients with the right resources at the right time.
Hospitals in the Asia Pacific region (APAC) are also following this lead. They are open to technologies and innovations not normally associated with the medical industry. Even in areas considered to be 'developing', they demonstrate high levels of quality of care and innovation. Key features of these smart hospitals include:
Stable Core Infrastructure Information Digitization Mobile Integration Solutions System Automation Unified Communications Systems System Interoperability
1. Clinician experience is central to improving outcomes
While EHR adoption and increased digitization have improved quality of care and operational efficiency, the risks associated with non-user-centered implementation can be significant. Poor EHR usability, high volume of system alerts, and excessive time spent on documentation can exacerbate cognitive overload and are associated with burnout.
In the APAC region, many hospitals are overcoming these challenges and some are implementing EMRs for the first time. Although younger physicians and clinicians are generally accustomed to and smooth over EMR-based documentation, they can still suffer from overload and burnout. Poor usability increases mortality and readmission rates for surgical patients.
Rong-min Baek, a reconstructive surgeon and director of South Korea's fully digital Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, one of the world's first completely paperless hospitals, says that digital systems, if properly implemented, will reduce data entry and management. He says this should lead to improved efficiency, leading to more efficient data entry and management. Human error.
When smart hospital leaders prioritize harmonized data, their organizations can make progress in reducing burnout and supporting improved clinician experiences.
2. Smart hospitals have a culture that supports evidence-based clinical decision-making
Effective clinical decision support tools are essential for smart hospitals and can also help bridge gaps where culture can hinder optimal implementation. An effective CDS tool has three important characteristics.
Trusted: Information is created by experts in the field. References and citations are transparent and readily available. Practical at the point of care: Clinicians have quick and easy access to evidence-based, practical recommendations. Adapts to clinician workflows: Clinicians use the system with minimal impact on patient care workflows. .
The APAC region deals with several cultural issues that are common among senior physicians. Experienced physicians trained in paper-based cultures or more rigid and hierarchical healthcare environments may be slower to adopt digital clinical decision support. You may be hesitant to access CDS tool support in front of your colleagues or patients. In some cases, patients may even be less receptive to a doctor they don't feel confident in because they have to refer to an outside source of information.
However, when using CDS optimally, you can still be swayed by the benefits of using electronic systems, such as improved results, time savings, and a better experience. In today's environment, where patients are more informed and more receptive to collaborative decision-making, these attitudes may naturally change for both patients and physicians.
