Of all the items on your to-do list, is standardisation one of them? Why does standardisation matter so much for healthcare IT? This marks the fifth blog in our series discussing various topic related to digital health modernisation. In this blog, let's take a holistic view of standardisation and examine why it's important to evaluate the impact of change on people, processes and technology.
If you're new to this series or missed any of our earlier discussions, you can check out our previous blogs here:
How to Lead Change for Digital Health Modernisation: 6 Proven Strategies
Technology Assessment: What It Is and Why You Need It
How to Conduct an Effective Infrastructure Assessment for Digital Health Modernisation
Enhancing IT Support Processes and Data Analysis for Digital Health Modernisation
Why Standardisation is Crucial for Economies of Scale and Operational Efficiency
Consistency is critical in a high-stakes healthcare environment. Standardisation across people, processes, and technology enables healthcare organisations to achieve economies of scale and operational efficiency, improving staff and patient satisfaction.
Economies of Scale: Standardising technology applications, IT processes, and operational workflows reduces variability, which drives down costs. For instance, standardising electronic patient records (EPR) systems across multiple departments reduces licensing fees and simplifies staff training and IT support.
Operational Efficiency: Streamlined, consistent processes ensure that resources are used effectively. By reducing the complexity of IT operations through standardisation, healthcare organisations can minimise downtime, reduce errors, and ensure that clinical staff can focus on what matters most -patient care.
Understanding Your IT Operations Model: Present and Future
Before embarking on a standardisation journey, it’s crucial to understand your current IT operations model and how it aligns with your organisation's future goals.
What IT Operations Model Do You Have Today?
Most healthcare organisations operate in a decentralised IT model, where different departments or locations use various technologies, processes, and vendors. While this approach might offer some flexibility, it often leads to inefficiencies, duplicated efforts, and higher costs. This lack of standardisation can also create barriers to innovation as disparate systems struggle to integrate effectively.
What IT Operations Model Will You Need for Future Innovation?
As healthcare organisations evolve, the need for a more centralised, standardised IT operations model becomes evident. A future-ready model prioritises integration, interoperability, and the ability to scale. This shift supports technological innovation and paves the way for more efficient operations, enabling your organisation to deliver higher-quality care at a lower cost.
The Journey to Shared Services: What to Expect
Transitioning to a shared services model is a significant step in the standardisation process. It involves centralising IT functions across departments or locations, which can lead to substantial benefits.
What Would the Journey to Shared Services Look Like?
The journey begins with a thorough assessment of current IT operations, identifying areas where consolidation and standardisation can provide the most value.
Next, you would prioritise efforts and proceed with a phased implementation. IT functions would be gradually centralised, processes streamlined, and staff trained on the new, standardised systems and workflows.
Throughout this journey, it's crucial to maintain clear communication with all stakeholders to ensure buy-in and smooth transitions.
The Benefits of Shared Services: Cost Savings, Efficiency, and Satisfaction
Implementing a shared services model as part of your standardisation strategy offers numerous benefits:
- Cost Savings: By consolidating IT services, healthcare organisations can reduce redundancy, negotiate better terms with vendors, and lower overall operational costs.
- Operational Efficiency Gains: Standardisation and shared services reduce variability and complexity, enabling faster response times, streamlined workflows, and better resource utilisation.
- Improved Satisfaction: Consistent, reliable IT services increase staff and patients' satisfaction. Clinicians benefit from seamless technology integration, while patients experience improved care coordination and outcomes.
- Higher Quality Support: Centralising IT functions ensures that support is consistent and of high quality across the organisation. This leads to faster issue resolution and less disruption to patient care.
Tackling Your Top IT Priorities Through Standardisation
Standardisation isn't just about efficiency - it's a strategic approach to tackling your most pressing IT priorities. Whether improving data interoperability, enhancing cybersecurity, or adopting new technologies, standardisation provides a solid foundation for achieving your goals.
For example, by standardising your cybersecurity technology across care locations, you can ensure that your organisation is uniformly protected against threats, reducing the risk of data breaches. Similarly, standardising data formats and integration protocols enables smoother interoperability between different systems, facilitating better patient care and decision-making.
How CereCore International Can Help You
CereCore International is a leader in healthcare IT with a proven track record of helping organisations navigate the complexities of digital transformation. We understand healthcare providers' unique challenges and are equipped with the expertise needed to deliver tailored solutions that drive success.
Our approach to standardisation involves gaining a deep understanding of your organisation’s needs and implementing best practices that align with your strategic goals. Whether you’re looking to transition to a shared services model, improve operational efficiency, or enhance patient satisfaction, CereCore International is your trusted partner.
Standardisation is a strategic necessity for any healthcare organisation looking to thrive in today’s digital age. By standardising your people, processes, and technology, you can unlock significant benefits, from cost savings and operational efficiency to improved staff and patient satisfaction.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your digital transformation journey, contact CereCore International today. We're here to help you navigate it and tackle any challenges along the way.
