HIMSS has recently published a report that looks into the digital transformation journeys of Asia-Pacific health organisations during the ongoing pandemic.

Their notable efforts are covered in the first volume of the quarterly Digital Excellence in Healthcare: APAC Case Studies series.

This inaugural series has two areas of focus. In one area, it places a spotlight on organisations that have leveraged HIMSS' evidence-based models and frameworks in their transformation journeys. 

Case studies include Queensland Health in Australia and Korea University Anam Hospital in South Korea, which were previously reported to have used the HIMSS Digital Health Indicator to comprehensively assess their digital systems. 

Karuna Trust's Tavarekere Urban Primary Health Center in India recently underwent the HIMSS Outpatient Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model assessment to check whether its ongoing digitisation efforts are in tune with advancements in modern healthcare. Its case study is also included in the compilation.

The report also covers case studies of organisations that have undertaken digital technology projects to address their pandemic-related challenges. 

It highlights efforts by Baby Memorial Hospital in India, which has redesigned its system to manage COVID-19, and the National University Health System in Singapore, which has saved over 5,000 bed days by setting up a COVID-19 virtual ward.

"Healthcare organisations have seen the value of digital technologies during a highly contagious pandemic and how they can also help to create resilient health ecosystems," said Simon Lin, VP and executive director of HIMSS APAC.

Despite new and persisting challenges in digital transformation, "many healthcare organisations in APAC have pressed on and harnessed digital technologies to improve clinical outcomes, financial viability or operational efficiencies," he added.

Access the full report here.