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In this monograph, María Covadonga Casas provides a comprehensive overview of how digital technologies are transforming healthcare in SMEs. Throughout the monograph, innovative digital health models, the most relevant tools, and the challenges SMEs face in implementing these solutions will be explored.
Telemedicine and digital health represent a shift in the delivery of medical services, especially for SMEs in the healthcare sector. Telemedicine, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is the provision of health services remotely through information and communication technologies, allowing healthcare professionals to attend to patients in remote geographical areas or with limited access to in-person medical services. On the other hand, digital health encompasses a wide range of tools and technologies, such as mobile applications, wearable devices, health management platforms, Big Data, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), which are transforming the way healthcare is managed and delivered
The growth of telemedicine has been driven by several key factors, including the need for healthcare access in rural areas, the demand for more convenient services, and cost reduction in healthcare delivery. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, forcing patients and healthcare providers to rely on remote methods for consultations and follow-ups. For SMEs in the healthcare sector, telemedicine and digital health represent a unique opportunity to enhance their services, expand their reach, and compete more effectively with larger organizations.
Among the most notable benefits of telemedicine for SMEs are:
- Improved accesibility to healthcare: Telemedicine allows SMEs to reach patients in broader geographical areas, including rural areas where access to in-person medical services may be limited.
- Cost reduction: Delivering services through digital platforms eliminates the need for costly physical infrastructure, enabling SMEs to operate more efficiently.
- Reduce wait times: Patients can receive diagnoses and treatments more quickly through remote consultations, improving service efficiency.
- Continuos patient monitoring: Remote monitoring enables constant tracking of patients' conditions, facilitating a rapid and personalized response to any changes in their health status.
- Improved patient satisfaction: The convenience of accessing healthcare services from home, combined with flexible schedules, increases patient satisfaction and enhances their overall experience.
Telemedicine is not a substitute for traditional medical care but rather a complement that expands access options and improves the quality of care. The implementation of telemedicine models and digital tools allows SMEs in the healthcare sector to significantly enhance their services, optimize processes, and offer more personalized and patient-centered care.
However, the adoption of these technologies presents challenges and barriers that SMEs must overcome. These challenges include insufficient technological infrastructure, lack of staff training, resistance to change, system interoperability, and equity in patients' access to technology. Despite these obstacles, SMEs that successfully implement telemedicine will be better positioned to compete in an ever-evolving market and provide high-quality healthcare.
In conclusion, telemedicine and digital health offer SMEs in the healthcare sector a great opportunity to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and increase patient satisfaction. With proper planning, investment in technology, and ongoing training, SMEs can fully leverage these technological innovations and transform the way they deliver medical services
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