Digital transformation is one of the most discussed topics in healthcare. Yet, ask ten professionals what they understand “digital transformation” to mean, and you’ll likely get ten different answers.
While the term is used liberally, its meaning is variable and ambiguous. Because of this, we believe “evolution” is a far more accurate label for the way that healthcare providers should approach modern digital infrastructure. Unlike transformation, evolution implies the continual, incremental improvement and enhancement of digital capabilities over time.
This mindset is embodied in the XITE Framework, which provides a highly structured, outcome-driven process for delivering consistent, measurable benefits to healthcare institutions and patients.
Let’s explore digital evolution and how you can ensure you have access to the latest technological tools.
Understanding digital transformation in healthcare
Digital transformation, or rather, evolution in healthcare integrates modern digital technologies into existing services.
New digital capabilities, spanning a gamut of innovations from automated data analysis to AI-informed diagnoses, have the potential to transform healthcare models. This improves patient care, operational efficiency, data security and regulatory compliance, and financial performance.
It’s also crucial to remember that proof of value (POV) is as essential as proof of concept (POC) in digital healthcare solutions. Technologies must not only function but also deliver measurable benefits in terms of cost reduction, improved patient outcomes (qualitative and quantitative), and operational efficiency.
User-centric design, based on agile design thinking, is also key. It ensures the needs of both patients and healthcare staff are fully met. The result is invariably a boost in the adoption and effectiveness of new digital solutions.
Finally, rapid prototyping and testing, facilitated by online tools, are crucial for developing practical, usable healthcare solutions. Speedy iterations based on user feedback mean that solutions are not just technologically sound but also valuable in real-world scenarios.
The XITE Framework™: A game-changer for healthcare
The XITE Framework™ takes a sprint-based approach to digital evolution in healthcare. It differs from other models you might have encountered by favouring a long-term approach to updating legacy systems. All while adhering to the latest regulation and maintaining a consistent return on investment (ROI).
Here is an overview of the XITE framework:
- Strategic priorities: This part of the process seeks to understand your vision, your practical objectives and the role of modern digital capabilities in that vision.
- Strategic roadmap: The roadmap is about plotting benchmarks at a high level. It sets out your expectations, benchmarks and an overview of functionality.
The core of the framework is a cycle-based ideation and implementation process:
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Xplore (Needs Analysis): Initially, we work together to identify needs and opportunities for digital growth. This might be a quick win requiring weeks for execution or an ongoing process over several years.
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Ideate (Digital Future): Drawing on deep expertise and industry experience, this is the part of the process where specific ideas are developed.
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Transform (Digital Delivery): In the execution phase, we establish the technical infrastructure needed to deliver on the blueprint built in the ideate phase.
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Evolve (Digital Enablement): This phase represents a shift in direction, from initial implementation of your project to maximising return on investment and long-term evolution.
The natural culmination of the preceding stages is a measurable set of positive outcomes and benefits for your healthcare organisation:
- Outcomes: In the outcomes phase, we measure results according to specific performance metrics.
- Benefits: It is also crucial to evaluate the success of your digital sprint by looking at the benefits and healthcare outcomes for your staff and clients.
XITE has been built and tested by experts familiar with healthcare challenges. The model focuses on cost efficiency, minimising waste, and ensuring investment certainty. Unlike many alternatives, this structured method effectively allocates resources, maximising digital evolution benefits while ensuring measurable returns.
Flexibility and agility are also central to XITE, accommodating the tight schedules of healthcare professionals. It aligns with NHS standards and the framework's design is healthcare-centric, avoiding complex technical language.
What’s more, XITE's online delivery model relies on easy-to-use digital tools and stands out for its convenience. This approach eliminates travel and physical meeting costs, making new solutions and capabilities accessible and practical for healthcare professionals everywhere.
Conclusion
Digital evolution is non-negotiable when it comes to advancing patient care and operational efficiency. And a comprehensive strategy must cover a range of advanced technologies, like AI, big data analytics, cloud computing, and more.
But “transformation” by itself isn’t enough. True evolution requires the continuous, sustainable development of digital infrastructure, based on full alignment with emerging technologies and evolving healthcare requirements.
Waymark, as the sole UK consultancy implementing the XITE model, offers a distinctive avenue to digital evolution in healthcare. Our expertise guarantees a thorough, efficient, and investment-focused evolution, incorporating user-centric design, proof of value, and agile methodologies.
