Digitization of medical companies: what are the challenges?

Digitization of medical companies: supporting these companies in the digitization of some of their services, in addition to their traditional services

As you've probably noticed, more and more medical clinics are offering teleconsultations. This represents a major step toward digitalization for this crucial medical sector.

While this tumultuous year has accelerated the digital transition of Quebec clinics, this transition did not begin this year: in fact, online appointment booking has been widespread in Quebec since 2012.

What is the digital transition for medical companies?

Let's first clarify one point: the digital transition is not intended to replace in-person service. Rather, it is a complementary service that supports traditional services and even eases the workload of healthcare workers.

The digital transition therefore consists of supporting these companies in the digitalization of some of their services such as appointment booking, communication and also consultation.

Why are these companies going digital?

The advantages of going digital for companies in the medical field are numerous:

– Simplified appointment booking : accessible anywhere at any time.
– Teleconsultation possible : allows you to avoid travel for small problems or, conversely, helps avoid contagion in the case of a highly contagious disease such as COVID.
– Easier communication : no need to send analysis results by mail, saving time and money, no need to make a call for small requests
– Larger database : digitalization allows for better processing and understanding of patient data, which in turn allows for better knowledge of diseases and therefore more effective treatment.  

In addition to these advantages, it's important to be aware of the sensitive aspect of this digitalization: the security aspect.   For a field like the medical field, security is a key issue. The data is personal and must not be susceptible to attacks, leaks, or other threats. This is where the IT aspect comes into play.

The security issue

Although all companies that use IT systems need good cybersecurity, in the medical sector this issue is even more important because the data involved is confidential and must remain between the medical staff and the patient.

Hence the importance for these companies, particularly clinics, of having a good IT system that will be able to deal with potential threats that may arise.

Let's take the example of a clinic:
If its internet network stops working, all the computers become non-functional. No appointments can be made, no teleconsultations, communication is impaired... The clinic goes on hiatus, a hiatus that can be very costly in a business where it is necessary to be very responsive.

If a simple network problem already causes several problems, then what if it were a cyber attack, a leak?

As you can see, having a well-functioning IT department is essential for these clinics. Using outsourcing can be the ideal solution because it won't require additional skills or labor. It will ensure system security and also provide access to experts who will be on hand to address any unforeseen issues in the event of a problem.

In addition, this will allow you to get ahead of the standards that will most certainly be imposed in the near future, as is the case in the United States with HIPAA.

In summary

With the digitalization trend seen in so many sectors, it's no surprise that the medical sector has also followed suit. However, the pandemic has pushed many clinics to rapidly digitalize, and the issue of cybersecurity often remains somewhat overlooked. Nevertheless, it's very important to consider this aspect, whether through managed services or other solutions.

Do not hesitate to contact us for more information on our outsourcing services… To get ahead with PAL-TI!

About Nexxo IT Solutions

Nexxo Solutions informatique is a company specializing in providing IT and technology services to Quebec businesses. Its mission is to offer Quebec companies IT services tailored to their needs. Acting as an external IT department, it handles all of a company's IT tasks, allowing it to focus on its business activities. It achieves this by collaborating closely with its clients and putting their interests at the center of its concerns.