DIGITALIZATION OF THE MEDICAL SECTOR AS A TOOL FOR ENSURING THE QUALITY OF MEDICAL SERVICES
Authors: Safonov Yuriy ,   Scientific Institute of Education Content Modernization of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Korotun Olha ,   The National University of Water and Environmental Engineering
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in healthcare, trans- forming them from supplementary tools into essential components. This digitization process encompasses vari- ous aspects, including online consultations, m-health, telemedicine, unified data repositories, health management platforms, and electronic health records (EHR). The pandemic’s push has highlighted the potential of these tech- nologies to enhance healthcare delivery, improve access to services, and foster personalized treatment through Big Data and clinical research. The global health informatics aims to conduct regular population screenings to detect pathologies at early stages, potentially extending life expectancy by 8-15 years. However, the integration and effectiveness of digital health technologies vary between developed and developing countries, largely due to differences in funding. In high-income countries, these technologies are widely used for diagnosis and treatment, while in low-income countries, they focus on data collection and communication between providers and patients. In Ukraine, the "Concept of eHealth Development" outlines the goals and main directions for the country’s digital health system, addressing current issues and resource needs. This concept envisions a harmonized ecosystem of information relationships among all healthcare stakeholders, based on economically efficient and safe use of ICT to support healthcare services, preventive health surveillance, medical literature, education, knowledge, and research. Despite the benefits, the pandemic has also revealed the healthcare system’s vulnerabilities, prompting reforms in public health control and surveillance. WHO warns of the potential loss of progress made in health outcomes over the past two decades due to the pandemic. Therefore, strengthening healthcare systems, ensuring equitable access to services, and addressing health disparities are crucial. Digitization in healthcare is seen as a key strategy for improving quality and safety. Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) play a significant role in reducing medical errors by aiding in diagnosis, treatment, and patient management decisions. These systems can be classified into information-database systems and intelligent systems, including those based on statistical and machine learning models. The implementation of CDSS requires rigorous validation, clinical economic analysis, and integration into clinical guidelines to ensure their effectiveness and safety. Overall, the digital transformation of healthcare involves not only technological advancements but also organizational changes, policy development, and investment in infrastructure and human resources. It aims to create a competitive, resilient healthcare system capable of providing high-quality, personalized care to all citizens. By leveraging digital technologies, the Ukrainian healthcare system can enhance its flexibility, adaptability, and responsiveness to ongoing global health challenges, ultimately improving population health outcomes and fostering sustainable development in the sector.