20 Jan 2025

In the recent years, digitalisation has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, reshaping the way services are delivered and experienced by patients.

In a recent interview, Dr Kagiso Ndlovu, the health informatics manager at Sir Ketumile Masire Teaching Hospital highlighted how digitalisation was revolutionising patient care by offering improved access, efficiency and cost reduction.

Dr Ndlovu explained that as technology advanced, innovative approaches such as telemedicine, wearable devices, electronic health records and the integration of digital health tools, could enhance efficiency, accessibility and patient outcomes, including the overall quality of healthcare delivery.

He emphasised that telemedicine, in particular, was crucial in addressing healthcare disparities such as shortage of specialised personnel.

“Since specialised practitioners were often concentrated in urban centres, telemedicine helps bridge the gap by allowing patients in remote areas to access medical expertise,” he said, adding that in most cases, doctors collaborated through phone calls, WhatsApp groups, and other digital platforms to discuss complex cases, which practice promoted knowledge sharing and skills transfer.

Dr Ndlovu also pointed out that the collection and analysis of health data through digital tools enabled healthcare providers to make evidence-based decisions, adding that data-driven approaches led to improved diagnostics and personalised treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.

Riding on the benefits of telemedicine, Dr Ndlovu shared how it enhanced access to care, particularly for patients in underserved or rural areas who could not easily connect with healthcare providers.

He also highlighted the convenience of telemedicine, as patients could receive care from the comfort of their homes, reducing travel costs and the off-work time typically required for in-person visits.

Furthermore, Dr Ndlovu emphasised how telemedicine improved communication between healthcare providers, facilitating better health management and providing mental health support, adding that over and above reducing stigma, it also encouraged more people to seek help.

He described telemedicine as one of the most significant advancements in digital healthcare, noting that it allowed patients to consult healthcare providers remotely through video and phone calls or messaging.

“Telemedicine gained immense popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for the continuation of care while minimising the risk of infection,” Dr Ndlovu said, adding that the pandemic acted as a catalyst for its adoption and as healthcare continued to evolve, the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic would shape the future of patient care, ensuring that telemedicine remained a key component of healthcare delivery going forward.

However, Dr Ndlovu acknowledged the challenges associated with digitalisation, including concerns around data security, access disparities and overall regulatory compliance issues. He emphasised the importance of ensuring that the benefits of digital healthcare were accessible to all patients.

“By embracing digital health innovations responsibly, the healthcare industry can pave a way for a more connected, efficient and patient-centered future,” Dr Ndlovu said. ENDS