In an exclusive interview with CIO Techoutlook, Srinivasulu Thayam, CTO, AUROITECH - Aravind Eye Care System shares his insights on how digital transformation is progressing the implementation of an interoperable system allowing for seamless data collection in the healthcare sector. He is a senior leader in the IT sector with 27+ years of global diversified experience in building and scaling high performing organizations, Strategic management, Technology leadership,  Product engineering, Product development and assurance and  Business Unit development.

How has digital transformation reshaped patient care and engagement in the healthcare industry?

Digital transformation is crucial, especially in the healthcare industry, to improve access for hard-to-reach patients and to provide more affordable care. Currently, many hospitals rely on outpatient and inpatient records that can be easily manipulated. Therefore, a key aspect of digital transformation is the shift towards detailed digital medical records, even when they originate from paper-based systems. Additionally, the implementation of electronic medical records (EMRs) and electronic health records (EHRs) across all hospitals is necessary to capture every patient's visit records. These records should be accessible from any device, ensuring that important medical information is not lost. The Indian government has initiated a program to provide citizens with a single platform for storing all their medical information. This platform allows for easy access to an individual's medical history, including prescriptions from doctors and records of family members. Digital transformation is thus instrumental in driving innovation in personalized care, improving operational efficiency, and transforming the healthcare system. Moreover, it enhances access to care, decentralizes services, and creates interconnected systems of care that bring services closer to the patient.

AI has become a critical tool in healthcare. What role does artificial intelligence play in enhancing diagnostic accuracy and treatment plans in healthcare?

In the healthcare industry, decision-making abilities are crucial, and this is where artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role. AI can interpret complex data, process vast amounts of information, and gather patient feedback by analysing both past data and present symptoms. This capability allows AI to continuously improve diagnostic accuracy and the interpretation of medical images, providing valuable insights that aid clinical decision-making and treatment recommendations based on new data. AI algorithms evaluate multiple potential diagnoses and treatment options, recommending the most effective course of action based on the patient's profile. Additionally, AI helps detect diseases early, facilitates personalized patient care, automates validation processes, and enhances overall efficiency while ensuring patient safety.

From an operational effectiveness perspective, AI language models have streamlined medical record documentation. This automation significantly supports administrative tasks, improving operational efficiency and allowing healthcare professionals to concentrate more on direct patient care.

How can healthcare organizations address data privacy and security concerns when implementing EHR systems, particularly in light of increasing cybersecurity threats?

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) should be built with robust security access controls, encryption mechanisms, and monitoring to ensure data privacy and address security concerns. These components are critical in the design and implementation of EHR systems and should be integral to the overall architecture and ecosystem. Organizations must also prioritize cybersecurity awareness by regularly conducting workshops and training sessions for their employees, whether monthly or quarterly.

Additionally, adhering to cybersecurity best practices is essential. This includes endpoint protection, where all desktops, mobiles, and laptops are secured with effective antivirus tools. Identity and password management, including multi-factor authentication, should also be implemented. It is important to educate users on social engineering and phishing, focusing on safe website usage and email security. Furthermore, adopting a zero-trust architecture with cost-effective security tools is vital. Given the rising costs of cybersecurity, leveraging open-source tools that can be integrated into a zero-trust framework is a practical approach.

Interoperability is essential for seamless data sharing among healthcare providers. What are the current challenges in achieving interoperability in healthcare systems, and how can they be addressed?

Interoperability is a crucial aspect that must be meticulously ensured, especially in the healthcare sector, where operators handle a vast array of data systems. The sensitivity of the data dictates a high level of security; however, the inability to access critical data when needed can lead to significant consequences. This creates a paradoxical situation.

Challenges arise when healthcare providers use varying standards, resulting in diverse data formats across systems. Additionally, some providers are hesitant to share data, which hinders our ability to establish a robust infrastructure. Currently, we face limitations in skills and resources needed to fully utilize interoperable systems.

Despite these challenges, the rise of digital technologies has facilitated more seamless and efficient data exchange, leading to increased adoption of interoperability. The development of standard protocols, such as APIs, HL7, FHIR, and REST, has further promoted interoperability across different systems, devices, and applications.