Healthcare players advocate connectivity to elevate patient wellness, slash expenditures

Healthcare and insurance sector leaders have advocated for increased collaborations to deliver change in healthcare through innovation, championing the utilisation of technology to simplify data, proactively tackle healthcare challenges and create better, personalized and affordable solutions.

Data connectivity has the potential to offer a comprehensive understanding of patient journeys, treatment paths, and health outcomes.

Consolidating healthcare data equips healthcare professionals with vital information to improve patient outcomes, streamline administration and reduce costs.

The call to action was made at the 'The Digital Pulse' CEO’s Roundtable event hosted by health insurance platform M-TIBA, with industry leaders emphasizing the vital importance of data connectivity and collaboration in nurturing a cohesive healthcare ecosystem

“With the technology, innovation, and capabilities we already have, I firmly believe we can significantly increase insurance uptake from just 3%through collaboration," said Pieter Prickaerts, Managing Director of M-TIBA.

"Connected data should be at the heart of everything we do. The direct connection with the individual empowers easy and transparent insights into their health coverage. For insurance companies, the connection with the individual means there is real time customer feedback and real time data insights, enabling them to better serve their customers. Ultimately, translating to easier access of care for individuals.”

Utilizing data's potential results in a broader, positive influence on a wider range of individuals in need of care, with ongoing opportunities for growth.

Improved data connectivity and data-driven processes, for instance, can accelerate the preparation of injectable medication, highlighting the crucial significance of a thorough grasp of the patient's medical background.

"Collaboration unlocks a greater potential. By working together we will simplify the healthcare journey, deliver solutions more efficiently, and leverage a more connected network of data and technology. This will allow all stakeholders to unlock opportunities to benefit the patient, without having to reinvent the wheel independently." emphasized Dr. Kanyenje Gakombe, CEO of Metropolitan Hospital.

In the healthcare sector, technological progressions like Artificial Intelligence (AI) are deemed indispensable for surmounting operational hurdles and fostering expansion.

Embracing innovation empowers healthcare establishments and insurers to implement more intelligent processes, improve efficiency, and elevate the overall customer journey.

"The convergence of data and connectivity in transforming healthcare delivery is crucial. We must explore opportunities for leveraging data, including big data, and connectivity to transform healthcare, aiding precision and predictive medicine," stated Ikechukwu Anoke, CEO of Zuri Health.

Connected data enables healthcare providers to access comprehensive information about patients, including health records, medications, reported symptoms, medical visits, and hospitalizations, providing insights into patients' health journeys and risk factors.

Data analytics and AI play a vital role in (pre-)identifying at-risk individuals requiring chronic disease management services, leading to improved health outcomes and reduced costs.

"Leveraging industry-wide data is paramount. Collaboration extends beyond partnerships to include competitors. By listening to competitors and analyzing industry trends and challenges, we can identify growth opportunities. For instance, technology integration and data sharing have aided in combating fraud and enhancing product development," highlighted Ms. Catherine Bosire, Managing Director of Wingspan Consultancy.