The digitization of hospitals requires necessary investments

The coronavirus pandemic has shown us we can make swift changes and handle problems if we set our minds to it, especially thanks to tools of digitization. Hospitals in Germany can expect to see a boost in digital transformation because the Federal Government adopted the "Program to Future-Proof Hospitals" (Zukunftsprogramm Krankenhäuser) in June to definitively address the investment backlog in German clinical facilities.

In this MEDICA-tradefair.com interview, Georg Baum talks about investments in hospital digitization and illustrates the role the coronavirus pandemic plays in this setting.

Mr. Baum, what is the goal of the "Program to Future-Proof Hospitals"?

Georg Baum: It aims to promote IT and digitization measures in hospitals. It became evident that the federal state budget of three billion euros annually only covers about half of investments German hospitals need. The coronavirus pandemic and other factors have prompted new and increased requirements pertaining to IT, IT security, digitization, and the introduction of digital processes. There were not enough investments allocated to hospitals, and it was high time to make a change.

The budget has now been increased by a one-time payment of 3 billion euros from the German federal government and 1.3 billion euros from its federal states. This means that several long-awaited modernization goals can now likely be achieved. This includes measures to improve infection prevention and control, and pandemic-related healthcare. One example is the conversion of multi-occupancy rooms into single or double occupancy rooms.

Did the coronavirus pandemic reveal weak points that need improvement?

Baum: We saw the importance of close collaboration for hospitals and this necessitates a shared IT structure and cloud systems. Funds are allocated to build these types of networks. However, IT also improves communication between other healthcare sectors, especially public health departments and practicing physicians. This has proven to be challenging amid the pandemic.

For the past few months, we have been using the DIVI (German Interdisciplinary Association for Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine) intensive care registry to ensure quick communication and visibility of available intensive care beds in hospitals across Germany. A short-term ordinance at the beginning of the pandemic made this possible. I think it makes good sense to set clear structures to facilitate a daily updated emergency care capacities overview.

Apart from preparing for a pandemic response, measures to increase IT security and improve cybersecurity strategies to prevent unauthorized access are equally crucial. Digital medication management is another vital component to guarantee safe medication administration to patients. None of these measures can be accomplished with the regular allotted investments.

Are unprecedented situations like this pandemic drivers of investment and innovation in hospitals?

Baum: Definitely. The pandemic has shown policymakers that we have a nationwide investment backlog that must promptly be addressed. This affects measures that accelerate digitalization and improve infection prevention practices.

Are there suitable implementable solutions once the funding reaches hospitals?

Baum: Hospitals in Germany are desperate for investments and funding. Every year they apply for funding that amounts to double the amount of the regular federal state budget – meaning they apply for 6 billion euros in financial aid. That’s why they have multiple prospective programs and options in the pipeline that can be filed at short notice and are hopefully approved quickly.

Is there an international role model that Germany can look up to when it comes to the comprehensive digitization of hospitals and health systems?

Baum: Germany could adopt several projects that are successful in other countries. This includes electronic prescriptions, electronic patient records, and patient-physician communication options. However, these strategies always require adaptations to fit the unique characteristics of the German health care system. One of these pertains to strict data protection standards. Another aspect relates to a nationwide implementation at every level of the health system. This means you must have interfaces between hospitals, general practitioners, pharmacies, and health insurance companies. All this makes our German system far more complex, but hopefully also more efficient once a solution has been implemented successfully.

Will this aid package be enough to accelerate the digital transformation in hospitals and healthcare or do we need more far-reaching improvements in the conceptual framework?

Baum: This is a short-term relief package, which means a one-time payment that can be used to fund projects over the next few years. Policymakers must find a way to sustain the investment volumes that emerged as a result of this pandemic. I hope that the 3 billion euros invested by the federal government will mark the beginning of sustained, long-term joint hospital investments by the federal and state governments.