How to Conduct an Effective Infrastructure Assessment for Digital Health Modernisation

Continuing our series, this third blog explores the crucial role of healthcare technology assessment in shaping the future of your digital health initiatives.

Check out our previous blogs:

How to Lead Change for Digital Health Modernisation: 6 Proven Strategies (cerecoreinternational.net)

Technology Assessment: What It Is and Why You Need It (cerecoreinternational.net)

Laying the Foundation

In today's fast-paced digital landscape, healthcare organisations face the challenge of modernising their IT infrastructure to meet current and future demands. An effective infrastructure assessment is crucial for aligning technological capabilities with strategic goals. This blog, part of our series on leading change for digital health modernisation, focuses on the pivotal aspects of infrastructure assessment, data and cloud considerations, maintenance and upgrade protocols, and the budgeting surprises that can often arise.

How Do Data and Cloud Enhance Healthcare IT?

Data standardisation is a cornerstone of effective digital transformation. By harmonising data formats, terminologies, and protocols across systems, NHS Trusts can improve data accessibility and integrity, facilitating better decision-making and easier integration of new technologies. Moreover, a standardised data environment simplifies the path towards adopting advanced analytics and artificial intelligence solutions, which are increasingly vital for predictive diagnostics and personalised medicine strategies.

Data can make a difference in patient care and outcomes

Data standardisation lays the foundation for predictive analytics. Predictive analytics can enable healthcare providers and care teams to:

• Identify early possible hospital acquired infection in patient(s) and enact preventive care protocols in hospital
• Prevent high risk patients from developing certain conditions or adverse outcomes
• Prioritise clinician workflow for high-risk patient follow-up care, which can help mitigate the risk of readmission
• Read this HIMSS article for more insights about how using data can help improve patient readmission rates.

Cloud technology, on the other hand, offers scalable solutions that can adapt to the varying needs of healthcare providers. When assessing your infrastructure, it's essential to consider cloud services that not only enhance data storage and accessibility but also ensure compliance with stringent data protection laws.

The future of anytime, anywhere access  to clinical patient data

Whether a physician is in hospital, at the clinic, or cheering on his child’s sports team, cloud technology can help make radiology images, lab results or other timely patient updates readily available and even take advantage of mobile devices.

Cloud technologies  will help make virtual wards possible so that patients can receive the care they need without the need to travel, especially when feeling unwell.

To explore how cloud solutions can be tailored to fit your organisation's needs, visit CereCore International Cloud Services.

What to Expect in IT Maintenance and Upgrades?

Regular maintenance and timely upgrades are non-negotiable to keep systems running efficiently and securely. During the assessment phase, it is vital to identify components that require immediate attention or could soon become obsolete. This foresight helps plan and allocate resources effectively, preventing disruptive last-minute expenditures.

Budgeting for IT infrastructure upgrades can often present surprises. Unexpected costs can arise from legacy system complications, compliance requirements, or the need for specialised training. It is crucial to adopt a flexible budgeting approach that accommodates these potential variances and focuses on long-term value and return on investment (ROI).

Learn more about IT infrastructure and budget planning effectiveness

 The Value and ROI of Infrastructure Assessment

Conducting a thorough infrastructure assessment delivers tangible benefits. Not only does it highlight areas for cost-saving through system consolidation and process optimisation, but it also sets the stage for implementing new technologies that drive efficiency and improve patient care outcomes. The ROI becomes apparent through enhanced operational efficiencies, reduced downtime, and the ability to leverage cutting-edge technologies that align with overall business objectives.

Weighing the pros and cons of technology and infrastructure investments 

• What’s the worst-case scenario for your care providers and patient community if your hospital or care locations were to have an unexpected or prolonged IT disruptions?
• What would the tangible costs be in staff productivity? What would the consequences be to community health?
• Quantifying the return on investment (ROI) of system downtime and its effects on medical staff may be crucial in understanding the implications of technology investments. This analysis can highlight both the consequences of underinvestment and the rationale for acquiring new tools and improving infrastructure.
• Share these findings among other leaders and stakeholders to ensure all parties comprehend how investment decisions can influence clinical workflows and potentially impact patient care.
• Implementing a five-year cycle for technology renewal in your capital planning can serve as a periodic prompt to assess and evaluate your infrastructure's condition. Subsequently, you can use performance metrics to guide your actions and determine whether technological upgrades are necessary or if the current systems remain adequate.

Why Choose CereCore International?

CereCore International is recognised as a subject matter expert in healthcare IT, with experience guiding NHS Trusts through the complexities of digital transformation. Our tailored approach ensures that each Trust's unique challenges and goals are addressed, providing a clear path to modernisation with strategic infrastructure assessments.

In conclusion, an infrastructure assessment is more than just a checklist item; it's a strategic undertaking that sets the foundation for sustainable digital growth. By considering the right factors and partnering with experienced professionals, NHS Trusts can ensure that their IT infrastructure not only meets today's needs but is also ready to embrace tomorrow's innovations.

Stay tuned for more in this series, where we will delve deeper into each of the six strategies for leading change in digital health modernisation.