Digital transformation in hospitals: navigating the path to sustainable healthcare

Healthcare organizations are facing a transformative phase driven by the widespread adoption of digital technologies. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the importance of digital tools in healthcare, including drug delivery, remote monitoring, and wearable devices. This shift is forcing healthcare organizations to embrace emerging technologies to meet changing patient expectations and stay competitive, while also leveraging technology to provide care to underserved populations. This study explores the digital transformation (DT) of hospitals, focusing on the technologies utilized, and the expected impacts on service quality, patient experience, and operational efficiency. The research employs a qualitative case study approach, utilizing document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and participant observation to gain in-depth insights. The findings highlight the complexity of DT in healthcare, emphasizing the need for strategic planning, robust frameworks, and collaborative efforts to address financial, personnel, and infrastructural challenges. The study also underscores the importance of cultural change and the development of digital skills to harness the full potential of digital transformation in hospitals. Overall, this work provides crucial insights for the hospital sector, informing investment decisions and structural changes to drive digital transformation and improve healthcare outcomes.