In the face of escalating healthcare costs and limited budgets, the healthcare industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards digitalization and value-based health care. This transition was the focal point of the event titled “Digitalisation in Health Care: Opportunities of Value-Based Health Care Paradigm,” organized by the Alumni of the School of Economics and Business, University of Ljubljana (SEB LU).
Representatives from the SEB LU highlighted their contributions to healthcare through research and education on macroeconomic conditions, aging populations, and innovative business processes. Although not a medical school, their involvement plays a crucial role in shaping a more efficient and effective healthcare system.
Dr. Tomaž Turk, the dean of SEB LU, emphasized the urgency of reshaping healthcare through innovative ideas and insights. He pointed out that factors such as aging populations, economic conditions, and the rapid pace of digitalization require a comprehensive perspective that includes both medical and economic viewpoints. This holistic approach is essential for creating sustainable and value-driven healthcare systems. Following was the speech from dr. Valentina Prevolnik Rupel the Ministry of Health, who welcomed everyone and stressed the importance as well as the integration of value-based health care in Slovenia.
The keynote speaker Dr. Patrik Georgii-Hemming, the head of medical information at Karolinska University Hospital in Sweden, shared valuable insights from their healthcare system. He highlighted that the primary goal of healthcare professionals is to maximize patient value. Achieving this requires well informed decision making based on accurate data. Drawing parallels between the healthcare systems in Sweden and Slovenia, he noted common challenges, particularly in funding and organizational efficiency.
Dr. Patrik Georgii-Hemming stressed that the quality of healthcare decisions is directly linked to the quality of data. Inaccurate data leads to poor decisions, while reliable data enables effective and efficient healthcare delivery. He illustrated the typical healthcare workflow, highlighting inefficiencies such as outdated communication methods, which result in information loss and wasted resources. To enhance healthcare quality, the speaker advocated for standardized, evidence-based approaches. This involves defining clinical pathways (step-by-step guidelines for treating specific conditions) and using these pathways to measure performance through key performance indicators (KPIs). These indicators help ensure consistency and quality across different healthcare providers.
Emphasizing patient-centered care, the speaker stressed the importance of patients feeling respected and understood throughout their healthcare journey. Transparency is crucial, where all stakeholders, including patients and their families, are informed about the care process and outcomes. This approach fosters trust and improves patient satisfaction.He called for a more integrated approach where information flows seamlessly across all stages of patient care, from primary care to specialized treatments. This integration is key to providing holistic and efficient healthcare.
A significant highlight of the event was the round table discussion, which brought together experts from various sectors, including healthcare professionals, policymakers, and business leaders. The panel included Dr. Patrik Georgii-Hemming, Karolinska Hospital, Sweden; Dr. Petra Došenovič Bonča, SEBLU; M.Sc. Anže Droljc, Better; Nina Remškar, Cabinet of the Minister of Health. The moderator of the round table was Dr. Miro Gradišar, SEBLU. They delved into the challenges and opportunities of implementing digitization and value-based health care. In addition, they emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to tackle systemic issues such as funding, data interoperability, and workforce training. The discussion also explored innovative solutions like telemedicine, predictive analytics, and patient engagement tools. Participants agreed that fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability is crucial for the successful integration of these technologies into everyday practice, ensuring that healthcare systems can evolve to meet future demands.
In conclusion, the event highlighted the critical role of digitalization in transforming healthcare. By leveraging data and adopting standardized, patient-centered approaches, healthcare systems can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and provide better outcomes for patients. The integration of economics and business principles into healthcare is vital for addressing the complex challenges of modern healthcare delivery.
The discussions at the SEB LU provide a roadmap for the future of healthcare – one that is more efficient, patient-centered, and driven by continuous learning and improvement. By embracing digitalization and value-based health care, we can create a healthcare system that not only meets current needs but is also sustainable for future generations.
You can watch the recording of the round table HERE>>> or in the video below.
