Healthcare: "The digital transformation has only just begun"

The coronavirus pandemic has forced us to rethink the healthcare system: It gave way to contactless services over the phone or the internet. Why would we not continue to take advantage of this once the crisis will be over? After all, it provides the framework for a digital healthcare system that makes things easier for everyone and is something most want to access. The MEDICA ECON FORUM by TK at MEDICA 2021 will address this subject.

In this MEDICA-tradefair.com interview, Christian Klose describes how the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating digital transformation and explains why the digitization of healthcare is a joint effort.

Mr. Klose, you will give a keynote titled "Corona als Beschleuniger der digitalen Versorgung" (English: COVID-19 as an accelerator of digital health adoption) in the MEDICA ECON FORUM by TK. Where is this acceleration most apparent at the moment?

Christian Klose: At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we still had many pure analog processes. Now we see a vast improvement in the connectivity of public health authorities, resulting in process acceleration and data-driven transparency. The pandemic has also caused a massive acceleration in everyday health care processes. In 2019, only 3,000 video consultations were billed across Germany. In the first half of 2020, that number jumped to around 1.4 million.

From my perspective, two of the most successful digitization projects are the Corona-Warn-App (the official and open-source COVID-19 contact tracing app used for digital contact tracing in Germany) with approximately 35 million downloads and the "CovPass" app, which enables residents of Germany to store the digital COVID certificates of the EU directly on their smartphone. This app has seen 22 million downloads. Germans have embraced and welcomed these applications. In this legislative period, we also succeeded in linking over 90 percent of German medical practices to the telematics infrastructure. Nearly all pharmacies are connected, and hospitals are likewise on the right track. We don’t talk as much about these successful projects – simply because they are effective and work.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has also highlighted significant shortcomings and challenges, especially when it comes to hospitals. We have addressed these aspects with the Hospital Future Act (Krankenhauszukunftsgesetz, KHZG), aimed at supporting the digitization of German hospitals with up to 4.3 billion euros.

Is digitization particularly prominent in certain health sectors?

Klose: We have only just begun when it comes to digital transformation, but we have taken a big step forward during this legislative session and have widened the regulatory framework in that we not only enabling but are also pressing many stakeholders to adopt digitization. This includes general practitioners, hospitals, and pharmacies. It's a non-negotiable because digitization – like the patient – does not recognize sector boundaries. This is where we must realize that together, we can do so much more.

Do we have to make further regulatory changes of the health care system to boost digital transformation?

Klose: The new Digital Healthcare Act (Digitale-Versorgungs-Gesetz, DVG) has opened the GKV (German healthcare system) to identify and foster innovation opportunities. Broadened consulting services, selective contracts for innovative options, collaborative efforts between industry and self-administration and data mining to advance healthcare provision turn statutory health insurance funds into drivers of innovation. The DVG also established that all individuals covered by statutory health insurance are entitled to reimbursement for certain digital health applications. This makes us pioneers on a European and global scale. For over a year, the Act has allowed patients to receive "health apps by prescription" via a secure, reliable, and structured fast-track process. This is designed to give a boost to digital health innovations.

We already know that we must continuously review and adapt the regulatory framework in keeping with agile legislation. This is the only way that will enable us to keep pace with digital transformation and take an active role in its design – like we have in terms of digital health apps.

What will digital healthcare provision look like in the future?

Klose: We have set a clear goal of no longer separating analog and digital medicine but integrating both in healthcare processes. This requires applications that make a difference for people – patients, physicians, and major stakeholders in the healthcare system – and add value.

We must move away from thinking in sectors and focus on patient care pathways. We have created the corresponding framework and deliberately made space for innovation and new ideas. This allows all stakeholders in the healthcare system to actively shape the digital transformation. However, digital solutions as a strategy must not be an end in itself but must build the foundation for optimized healthcare provision.

What will you discuss in your keynote speech at MEDICA?

Klose: I will look back and review what we have achieved in this legislative session. What are the options and opportunities for both health providers and patients? There will also be an outlook for the future that outlines what we can expect to see in the next few years.