Aydan Kayserili 1 Ece Colkesen2
1 Assistant Professor, HealthCare Department, Faculty
of Health Sciences, Toros University, Mersin, Türkiye
DOI: 0000-0002-5360-7223
2 Research Assistant, Healthcare Department, Faculty
of Health Sciences, Toros University, Mersin, Türkiye
DOI: 000-0002-9818-6362
ABSTRACT
The Purpose of the Study: The objective of the study was to
better understand the process and level of digitalization of healthcare
services, as well as the use of tele-medicine in healthcare settings.
Materials and Methods: In-depth face-to-face interviews were
conducted with total of 20 functional leaders who led the digitalization
process in healthcare organizations via zoom application. For the data
analysis, interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed.
Findings: Findings indicated that receiving an HIMMS level 7
certificate was a goal of all public hospitals but was not the key for
private healthcare organizations although their healthcare services have
nearly become digitalized. The key benefits regarding the digital
healthcare services included savings, efficiency, increased patient
safety, reduced medical errors, and speed access to patient records,
digital archiving and closed loop drug delivery system. Digital
healthcare services were very valuable in every single area
particularly, intensive care units. Use of telemedicine in public
hospitals was limited to transferring patient data to e-pulse. However,
the use of telemedicine services in private hospitals was becoming
increasingly popular.
Highlights: (1) The digitalization of healthcare services was a
goal of all hospitals due to the benefits of technology (2 )
HIMMS EMRAM certification was a goal for public hospitals but not for
private hospitals (3) Use of Telemedicine in public setting is
limited; however, private hospitals are expanding their telemedicine
services (4) The number of digital hospitals has been
increasing in Turkiye.
Key words: Digital healthcare services, tele-medicine, digital
hospitals, HIMMS, EMRAM