Digital Health from the Eyes of Hospital Managers

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this research is to evaluate the positive and negative aspects of the concept of digital health, which became active during the pandemic period and gained more importance with the publication of the regulation on the provision of remote health services, in terms of healthcare institutions, employees and patients, in the light of the opinions of hospital administrators. Method: In the qualitative study, a semi-structured interview form consisting of open-ended questions was used as a data collection method. The research sample consists of managers working at upper and middle management levels serving in seven different hospitals in five different cities. Frequency and content analysis methods were used to analyze the data obtained. Results: When the answers given by the managers are coded; it has been determined that digital health has both positive and negative reflections for patients, health institutions and employees. Positive reflections of digital health; speed, convenience, savings, order. It has been determined that the negative reflections are communication problems, adaptation problems, inability to reach the service, and erroneous diagnosis. Conclusion: It has been determined that the results obtained from the interviews and observations are largely compatible with each other. All managers stated that digital health applications provide speed and convenience in paperwork. In addition, hospital managers think that it contributes a lot in terms of cost and expect it to be improved. However, the administrators stated that only face-to-face efficiency will be achieved in the diagnosis and treatment process and that the concept of the digital hospital cannot be fully implemented due to the patient profile. They emphasize that face-to-face communication in health should never be abandoned.