The healthcare industry is continuously evolving, with the advent of technological advancements and changing patient preferences.
One such transformation is the adoption of digital health systems. Digital health solutions can improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance the overall quality of care. However, implementing a digital health system is not an easy task, and organizations must first evaluate their current capabilities and future goals. This is where the digital health system maturity model comes into play.
The digital health system maturity model is a tool that enables healthcare organizations to evaluate their current capabilities in terms of digital health implementation and assess where they stand on the digital maturity curve. It also helps organizations identify gaps in their digital health strategy and provides a roadmap for improvement.
There are several models available, but the most commonly used model is the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM). The EMRAM model has eight stages, and each stage represents a different level of digital health system maturity.
Stage 0: Paper-based records
In this stage, healthcare organizations still rely on paper-based records and have not yet adopted any digital health solutions.
Stage 1: Basic EMR adoption
In stage 1, organizations have implemented a basic electronic medical record (EMR) system, which includes patient demographics, clinical notes, and basic laboratory results.
Stage 2: Intermediate EMR adoption
In stage 2, organizations have enhanced their EMR system and can exchange patient information with other healthcare organizations. They have also implemented clinical decision support tools and can generate reports for quality improvement.
Stage 3: Advanced EMR adoption
In stage 3, organizations have achieved a high level of EMR adoption and can use their data for clinical and operational decision-making. They have also implemented computerized physician order entry (CPOE) and can generate clinical documentation electronically.
Stage 4: CPOE with clinical decision support
In stage 4, organizations have fully implemented CPOE and clinical decision support tools. They can also generate clinical pathways and alerts based on patient data.
Stage 5: Closed-loop medication administration
In stage 5, organizations have implemented closed-loop medication administration, which means that medications are prescribed, dispensed, and administered electronically.
Stage 6: Clinical data repository
In stage 6, organizations have established a clinical data repository, which enables them to aggregate and analyze patient data from various sources. They can also use this data to support research and population health management.
Stage 7: Complete EMR
In stage 7, organizations have achieved a fully integrated EMR system, which includes all clinical and financial data. They can use their data for predictive analytics and personalized medicine.
The digital health system maturity model enables healthcare organizations to identify their current digital capabilities and determine their goals for the future. It also provides a roadmap for improvement and helps organizations prioritize their investments in digital health solutions.
However, it is important to note that the digital health system maturity model is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each organization has unique requirements, and their digital health strategy should be tailored to their specific needs. Additionally, implementing a digital health system requires significant investment in terms of time, resources, and finances. Therefore, organizations should carefully evaluate their capabilities and goals before embarking on this journey.