Digital transformation is reshaping healthcare services across the globe, and Vietnam is no exception. A prime example of this transformation is evident at Đức Giang General Hospital, which has successfully implemented innovative technological solutions to streamline its operations and improve patient care.
Following the adoption of Resolution 57 pertaining to digital transformation, Đức Giang General Hospital has emerged as a leader, implementing effective strategies to work closely with businesses and government entities. A recent case highlighted by Nguyễn Văn Hiến, whose son underwent surgery for a leg injury, showcases the hospital’s commitment to patient-centered care facilitated by technology.
Hiến recalled the frantic moments after his son, Nguyễn Văn Hiếu, was admitted to the hospital following a traffic accident. Although he faced over an hour's travel time from work to the hospital, he was relieved to discover he could immediatly pay online through the hospital's QR code system, freeing him from the stress of potential delays. “I was able to complete payment for all the necessary tests and procedures from my work desk before I even arrived at the hospital,” he said.
This is just one of the many conveniences offered by Đức Giang General Hospital, demonstrating how technology can significantly minimize bureaucratic hurdles. According to the hospital's Director, TS Nguyễn Văn Thường, investing in information technology has transformed not only their operations but also the patient experience. “Investing in technology is not about if we will lose money; it’s about commitment and strategic implementation,” he asserted. The results, he explained, speak for themselves.
Previously, patients often faced long waits for financial transactions and discharge procedures, with lines at the payment counter sometimes exceeding 400 people. Today, approximately 97% of patients settle their bills online from their bedside. This shift has drastically reduced the number of staff needed for financial transactions and streamlined the overall process.
Besides obtaining faster service, patients like Nguyễn Văn Ái, who suffers from hypertension, benefit from the decreased time spent on administrative tasks. He can now book appointments online and skip the queues entirely. The hospital has integrated appointment scheduling with its existing health information system, allowing patients to select their department and time slot with ease, akin to booking airline tickets. This innovative approach has not only improved patient flow but also reduced wait times significantly.
The integration of digital processes has not only enhanced patient satisfaction but also improved management oversight of medical practices. X-ray imaging, which traditionally required patients to wait for results, is now streamlined through digital access. The hospital has introduced the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), which allows doctors to access X-ray results almost immediately without the need for printed images, saving both time and resources.
The innovations have led to substantial financial savings, including about 2.5 billion VND annually from the elimination of unnecessary printing costs. With digital records, staff can easily track patient history and treatment progress, making it easier to maintain the quality of care.
ובבidity The introduction of electronic health records is also pivotal, ensuring thorough monitoring of medical decisions and patient management. TS Nguyễn Văn Thường emphasized the importance of digital transformation, addressing initial challenges ranging from infrastructure to equipment and personnel. “At the end of the day, it’s all about the teamwork and dedication of our staff to provide the best care for our patients,” he stated.
By utilizing modern technology, Đức Giang General Hospital has significantly reduced the steps involved in patient transactions from 24 to just 11, streamlining operations and improving overall efficiency. The introduction of smart medication dispensing systems, which processes prescriptions swiftly, has also improved productivity. Since implementation, the hospital has processed up to 780 prescriptions per day, cutting down dispensing times from 6.4 minutes to just over one minute.
Director Nguyễn Văn Thường indicated the hospital is well on its way to digitizing 85% of its operational processes. The hospital embraces every aspect of patient care, from admission through to discharge, underscoring its commitment to excellence through technology.
“Digital transformation must be our top priority not just to meet current demands but to anticipate future needs,” Thường reiterated. The collective efforts of the hospital management, staff, and physicians underline Đức Giang's reputation as one of the leading healthcare facilities, providing reliable services to the community. The trust and satisfaction expressed by patients, according to Thường, is the most rewarding outcome of their initiatives.