Digital Transformation in Healthcare Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Apostolakis I. , Konstantinidis Kl. 
Published: May 2024

The following are presented, by the global community, as the main fields of Digital Transformation (DT) in Healthcare: Telemedicine Telemedicine is the remote delivery of healthcare services through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). It could be particularly beneficial in a range of services such as medical consultation, diagnosis remote monitoring of patients’ status and educational purposes. Patients could con- nect with healthcare providers at a distance using video calls, messaging platforms, or other communication tools. Telemedicine enhances accessibility to healthcare by overcoming geographical barriers while at the same time provides a transformative approach to healthcare services. Big Data Big data represents vast and diverse health information sets collected from several sources like Electronic Health Records (EHRs), wearable devices and social media. Big data can extract valuable insights and patterns, assisting clinical decision-making, public health management, personalised medicine and disease forecasting. Internet of Things (IoT) The Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare refers to the interconnected network of medical devices, sensors and sys- tems that collect and exchange health data through the Inter- net. These devices offer real-time exchange of various data monitoring like patient's vital signs, and remote patient’s care, which could eventually result in the improvement of operational efficiency within healthcare systems, and patients' monitoring and care delivery. Virtual Reality (VR) in Health Virtual Reality (VR) employs immersive computer-generated environments into realistic experiences to transform medical training and education, rehabilitation, surgical planning and pain management. Employing VR tools such as headsets, users engage with three-dimensional simulation scenarios for training and skill practice in a safe environment without risking personal and patient safety. In addition, VR offers opportunities to improve outcomes, provide safer experiences to patients, while promoting the evolution of healthcare systems and care delivery. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Health AI in healthcare is an umbrella term for the applications of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms used in medical contexts. AI algorithms analyse medical data, aiding in diagnostics, drug discovery, personalised medicine, and patient management. Virtual (personal) Assistants in Health Virtual Health Assistants (VHAs) are tools designed to engage patients, provide personalised health information and assist in various aspects of health services administration. Using Natural language Processing (NLP) and ML algorithms, VHAs offer support to remote communication between patients and healthcare providers, understand patients’ inquiries and healthcare-related issues. Also, VHAs could facil- itate appointment scheduling, symptom assessment, medication management, and health coaching, resulting at the enhancement of accessibility in healthcare and the empower- ment of the patient. Blockchain in Health Blockchain is an emerging technology, which utilises decentralised systems to record and manage healthcare information and patient data. By linking data blocks, blockchain can enhance security, interoperability and traceability, and address significant challenges such as data breaches, interoperability issues, and inefficiencies in data sharing, thus providing a stan- dardised and secure platform for data exchange across health- care systems and stakeholders. Medical Wearables Wearables emerge positive outcomes on continuing monitoring, tracking and early detecting of health issues. Wearables are devices wore on the body or putted on clothing allowing constant monitoring of health data and behaviour. They enable individuals to engage a proactive approach to their health and well-being, by empowering them to take control of their health. In addition, wearables have the potential to enhance telemedicine and population health management, while reducing healthcare costs.