[Digital transformation of German healthcare organizations : Current status and existing challenges from the perspective of quality management].

INTRODUCTION

Digital transformation includes, among other things, the project planning and implementation of digital applications, technologies, and measures and currently represents the day-to-day business of all organizations and institutions in the healthcare sector. In this article, the current activities of digital transformation in healthcare facilities from the perspective of quality management are presented.

METHODS

A Germany-wide survey among 141 members of the Society for Quality Management in Healthcare (physicians in private practice, hospitals, health insurers, and other healthcare institutions) was conducted on all fields of digital technologies, existing projects, and digital technologies that are currently being implemented. Based on six thematic modules, the participants evaluated the chronological sequence and the relevance of the content for their organization.

RESULTS

Of the survey participants, 82% stated that digital transformation influences or changes their everyday workplace. The most frequent projects include topics from process and interface management (53%) and improving patient safety (52%). The most frequent concrete projects are electronic patient files and topics that were commissioned as part of the Krankenhauszukunftsgesetz.

DISCUSSION

According to the respondents, digital transformation is changing the structures and processes of healthcare facilities and requires additional competencies so that digital technologies can be implemented in a targeted and sustainable manner. A structured coordination of the competencies of all professions in a healthcare facility is required to anchor digital technologies in the everyday life of healthcare facilities.