Digital innovation is changing lives. Across a range of areas, it’s leading to greater equality, inclusivity, health and general wellbeing.
Yet despite the incredible array of benefits on offer, many organisations aren’t implementing digital programmes in a meaningful way.
This is particularly the case in healthcare, community and inclusion settings. The NHS is perhaps the best-known example, but there are others.
If you’re a healthcare or community leader, it’s important to understand why this is the case. And how you can avoid the many pitfalls on the journey towards successful digital evolution.
This article looks at the whole picture. It explores challenges, common mistakes, case studies of innovation done well, tips for execution and more.
Digital innovation in healthcare, community and inclusion is the use of the appropriate affordable and sustainable technologies to improve health services and foster inclusive, healthy communities.
Also called “digital innovation” and “digital evolution”, examples of applications include virtual consultations for accessible medical advice, wearable devices for real-time health monitoring, AI-driven diagnostics for precise treatments and smart cities with integrated IoT devices.
Digital evolution promotes equality by offering equal access to healthcare resources regardless of location or socioeconomic status. At the same time, it empowers communities to become more engaged, informed and resilient.
Let's look at the main digital transformation challenges, opportunities and current practices in healthcare.
The most common digital transformation mistakes that healthcare organisations are making centre around understanding, budgetary issues and outdated tech:
We see a host of opportunities for healthcare providers based on our extensive client work.
The most exciting possibilities fall into four categories:
Digital transformation case study: Animmersion
At Waymark, we’ve collected many client case studies that showcase the application of innovations in real-world environments:
Let’s explore the top digital transformation challenges, opportunities and current practices in community building and leadership.
Free activities: While free initiatives have a place, it is important to remember that they require the use of already limited funds and are not sustainable long-term.
Under-investment in education: Even where there is scope to implement solutions, a lack of skill and technophobia mean they need accompanying education programmes. These are often absent from digital transformation plans.
Digital transformation case study: AgeTech
Waymark Digital engaged with clinical commissioning groups to analyse elderly care pathways, focusing on preventive measures for incidents needing urgent treatment.
By identifying the root causes of such incidents, we found opportunities for integrating smart technologies and preventive practices to enhance care quality and reduce the strain on primary and secondary care services.
These systems use self-service and automation to limit the impact of incidents, while also addressing the challenge of social isolation through innovative, internet-enabled technologies.
Challenges in implementing digital innovations
Challenges in implementing digital innovations in healthcare, community and inclusion centre around ethics, timeframes and a mix of sustainability, affordability and inclusivity concerns.
Let’s take a look at all three.
How can advanced technological solutions solve problems that require understanding, empathy and connection?
This query underscores the delicate balance between using technology for efficiency and maintaining the human touch essential for empathy-driven services.
The challenge lies in ensuring these technologies enhance, rather than replace, the nuanced human interactions central to healthcare, community support and inclusion initiatives.
Digital transformation often hits delays and compatibility issues, especially when integrating new technologies with existing legacy systems.
These challenges can prolong execution timelines. Careful contingency planning for common pitfalls, resource allocation and regular reviews are musts for a seamless transition that minimises disruption to services.
Ensuring digital innovations are sustainable, affordable and inclusive remains a significant hurdle.
Solutions must be designed to be environmentally sustainable, economically viable and accessible to all segments of the population, including those with limited access to technology.
All of these are necessary for the widespread adoption and the long-term success of digital innovations in healthcare, community and inclusion.
How to execute a digital transformation strategy
Successful digital evolution demands a mix of appropriate prioritisation and road-mapping along with ongoing ideation and delivery
For a full overview of this process, learn about Waymark’s XITE Framework™ for accelerating digital innovation.
Here is a concise overview of practical steps for creating and implementing a digital transformation strategy:
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your current infrastructure to understand its strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Not all needs are equal and priorities will begin to emerge at this stage. Similarly, not all infrastructure will require immediate updates or restructuring.
An Empathic Shift™ occurs when you embrace empathy as a guiding principle at all stages of the process.
In this way, organisations and individuals create systems that are more responsive, supportive and respectful of human needs.
Set specific, measurable objectives for the new digital system focusing on enhancing public service, operational efficiency and user satisfaction.
Prioritise user engagement and regulatory compliance, involving public service professionals and end-users in the development process and ensuring the system adheres to UK public sector regulations.
Implement a phased rollout of the new system, emphasising regular testing, comprehensive training, ongoing monitoring and iterative improvements based on user feedback and evolving needs.
Keep track of your ROI and ROX (Return on Experience) during and after the rollout and adopt a tailored Agile approach that fits the needs of your organisation.
Once you have laid a solid foundation and planned a step-by-step approach, you can begin to refine your strategy.
Successful execution involves five key tasks:
Conclusion
The future of digital transformation in healthcare, community and inclusion holds many challenges. But there are also strong reasons for positivity.
Innovations are already changing lives. They are creating better health outcomes, greater inclusivity and widespread equality.
And if leaders in the government and private secretary continue to drive this shift, looking towards long-term investment rather than short-term gains, there is no reason why this trend can’t continue.
From VR training for first responders to smart waste management in cities, the range of potential changes and their ability to impact ordinary lives, is truly staggering.
Execute a successful digital transformation strategy with Waymark
Are you ready to create and implement a digital strategy designed to drive lasting evolution in your healthcare or community organisation?
Book a free Xploration to learn how Waymark can help you take advantage of the many opportunities open to you.