Last month an exclusive round table evening with HealthXL was hosted in the Huma office. Experts discussed the challenges in adopting and implementing digital health technologies including fragmentation across providers, difficulties in developing successful business models and the importance of learning from past mistakes and sharing knowledge to work more effectively and efficiently in the future. In attendance was iPLATO’s Innovations and Solutions Expert and qualified social worker, Janet Jadavji. Here are her key takeaways:
My journey from a qualified social worker to my current role at iPLATO Healthcare has offered me a unique perspective on the evolution of digital health, particularly in navigating the complexities of healthcare delivery in the UK.
Challenges and opportunities in digital health
Throughout the discussion, it became clear that the digital health sector is continually adapting to both persistent and emerging challenges. From my perspective, the fragmentation across providers and the intricacies of reimbursement systems poses significant barriers to unified healthcare delivery. This is compounded by a slow economic climate and the challenges of developing sustainable business models. My experience in social work, focusing on holistic and integrated care, echoes the critical need for cross-sector collaboration to address these issues.
Reflecting on lessons learned
The reflections in 2023 brought to light several key lessons that resonate with my social care background. The importance of listening to healthcare providers and engaging in a continuous feedback loop is something I’ve always advocated for. This approach is fundamental to creating digital health solutions that are not only effective but also responsive to the real-world needs of both providers and patients. Moreover, the emphasis on demonstrating impact, navigating reimbursement challenges, and the potential of workflow automation speak to the broader goals of enhancing efficiency and patient outcomes in healthcare.
Identifying new buyers and revitalising the sector
The discussion on new buyers in digital health and strategies for revitalisation was particularly enlightening. As someone passionate about patient-centred care, the shift towards direct-to-consumer models and the concept of hospital-at-home aligns with my beliefs in accessible and personalised healthcare, something we strive to achieve in iPLATO. Moreover, the focus on aligning digital health solutions with national government priorities and the growing interest from insurance companies underline the importance of scalable, sustainable, and differentiated health services.
The insights gained from the experts at the roundtable reinforce my belief in the potential of digital health to transform healthcare delivery. However, it also highlights the necessity of a collaborative and informed approach to navigate the complexities of this evolving landscape. As we move forward, the lessons from 2023 will be invaluable in shaping strategies that not only address the challenges but also harness the opportunities to revitalise the digital health sector for the benefit of all stakeholders involved.
