The Digital Transformation of Healthcare

A brave new digital (health) world

Healthcare costs are predicted to increase in many countries due to an ageing population, increase of chronic diseases, medical advances and rising expectations from the population.

Digital solutions in telemedicine, HealthTech and welfare-related e-health technologies all present new opportunities for a more effective, cost-efficient and high-quality healthcare. They open new pathways to healthcare, strengthening of patients, and improved access to care. New technology enables citizens to better monitor their health, take preventive measures, and control of their health situation. Data and AI can be utilised to develop precision medicine.

To implement such solutions, adjustments in healthcare must be made, such as new ways of working, meeting patients, interacting with other staff groups and integrating research.

New demands and technology pave the way for transformation

Sweden is a country of early adopters and a pioneer in the digital transformation of healthcare. Prescriptions and medical record systems are electronic. Appointments and consultation are increasingly online. The Swedish Vision 2025 for eHealth states that Sweden will be best in the world at using the opportunities offered by digitisation and eHealth to make it easier for people to achieve good and equal health and welfare, and to develop and strengthen their own resources for increased independence and participation in the life of society. Digital solutions to help streamline healthcare and empower patients and healthcare staff are being rolled out continuously. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly propelled this development that was already well underway.

Sweden is a force in health tech

Swedish companies offer electronic medical records combined with AI decision support. Digital health providers and platform developers for both primary and specialist care are making great advances in export markets. Other examples include apps for prevention, risk assessment, diagnostics to rehab and chronic disease management and systems for individual care planning. For healthcare staff, systems for decision support, administration, care planning contribute to more efficiency and higher quality. This also includes mobile/remote versions for nurses in home care or for easier access in the hospital wards. Solutions for integrated care can both involve the patient and collect data for hospital management or levels above that, for planning care in the system and for research.