Evaluating the Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Adoption, Challenges, and Opportunities
Author(s)
Silan Berfin Izol Balakar, MD1, Mesut Çimen, Prof. Dr.2, Salim Yilmaz, Doç.Dr.2, OZNUR SEYHUN, BSc, MFE, MSc3, Guvenc Kockaya, MSc, PhD, MD4.
1Department of Healthcare Management, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, İstanbul, Turkey, 2Department of Healthcare Management, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, İstanbul, Turkey, 3Department of Healthcare Management, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey, 4Econix Research, Samsun, Turkey.
1Department of Healthcare Management, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, İstanbul, Turkey, 2Department of Healthcare Management, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, İstanbul, Turkey, 3Department of Healthcare Management, Institute of Health Sciences, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey, 4Econix Research, Samsun, Turkey.
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to assess the adoption, difficulties, and results of digital health technologies across different healthcare systems. It aims to highlight the differences between high- and low-income countries while identifying important implementation-influencing factors, such as workforce capacity, policy frameworks, and infrastructure. The goal is to provide context-specific insights and practical suggestions to support equitable, scalable, and sustainable digital transformation in healthcare by synthesizing existing research.
METHODS: This review employed a structured literature search using databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024. Keywords such as “digital transformation healthcare,” “telemedicine,” “adoption EHR,” and “artificial intelligence healthcare” were used to capture a broad range of research on the implementation and impact of digital health technologies. Selected studies were analyzed to extract data on adoption rates, challenges, outcomes, and contextual factors influencing digital health integration across different healthcare settings.
RESULTS: The study revealed that high-income and low- to middle-income countries adopted digital health technologies at different rates. High-income regions demonstrated greater integration of tools like EHRs and telemedicine, leading to improved clinical efficiency and patient outcomes. On the other hand, persistent obstacles like inadequate infrastructure, a lack of staff, and concerns about data security were present in areas with limited resources. Despite these obstacles, successful implementation of digital solutions was consistently associated with positive outcomes, including decreased medical errors, improved workflow efficiency, and increased access to care.
CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates that although digital health technologies have the potential to transform healthcare delivery, there are still challenges that prevent their widespread adoption, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Addressing infrastructure gaps, workforce training, and data security concerns is essential to ensure equitable and sustainable digital transformation across global health systems.
METHODS: This review employed a structured literature search using databases including PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024. Keywords such as “digital transformation healthcare,” “telemedicine,” “adoption EHR,” and “artificial intelligence healthcare” were used to capture a broad range of research on the implementation and impact of digital health technologies. Selected studies were analyzed to extract data on adoption rates, challenges, outcomes, and contextual factors influencing digital health integration across different healthcare settings.
RESULTS: The study revealed that high-income and low- to middle-income countries adopted digital health technologies at different rates. High-income regions demonstrated greater integration of tools like EHRs and telemedicine, leading to improved clinical efficiency and patient outcomes. On the other hand, persistent obstacles like inadequate infrastructure, a lack of staff, and concerns about data security were present in areas with limited resources. Despite these obstacles, successful implementation of digital solutions was consistently associated with positive outcomes, including decreased medical errors, improved workflow efficiency, and increased access to care.
CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates that although digital health technologies have the potential to transform healthcare delivery, there are still challenges that prevent their widespread adoption, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Addressing infrastructure gaps, workforce training, and data security concerns is essential to ensure equitable and sustainable digital transformation across global health systems.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
HSD46
Topic
Health Policy & Regulatory, Health Service Delivery & Process of Care, Medical Technologies
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas