The Need for Change in Healthcare
“Healthcare inefficiencies have long been a source of frustration for patients and providers alike. Whether it’s the tedious wait times at clinics or delays in accessing medical records, these operational bottlenecks contribute to a system under strain. Indian healthcare has been slow to adopt digital transformation compared to industries like retail or banking. However, the tides are turning, and hyperautomation is becoming the game-changer,” Shravan Pendem, Director, Healthcare Solutions, Zvolv said.What is Hyperautomation?
Hyperautomation refers to a combination of Machine Learning (ML), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Process Management (BPM), Integrations, Digital Apps, Analytics and Generative AI Orchestration. These systems are designed to build and automate repetitive administrative and clinical workflows like appointment scheduling, claims management, and patient record handling. According to industry reports, up to 36% of clinical workflows could be automated, resulting in significant time and cost savings.
Connected technology can assist healthcare providers in improving productivity and quality of treatment provided to patients, right from the patient’s initial visit to diagnosis to returning home. Healthcare CIOs globally cite that digitization and hyperautomation has become necessary to control rising healthcare costs and to deliver on the demand for better patient care, outreach and personalization.
Reducing the Administrative Burden
One of the biggest challenges facing Indian healthcare is the administrative burden on medical staff. Doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers often spend a significant portion of their day filling out paperwork, transferring patient data between shifts, or dealing with billing. Not only does this reduce the time they can devote to patient care, but it also increases the potential for errors.
“Digitisation provides a solution by introducing digital health records that are easily accessible, cutting down the hours spent on paperwork. This not only improves coordination among medical teams but also reduces the likelihood of mistakes in patient data, enhancing the overall quality of care,” Shravan Pendem said.
Streamlining Clinical Workflows
The healthcare workforce in India faces an acute shortage, a problem that will only intensify with an aging population and increasing demand for medical services. Automating clinical workflows can alleviate some of this strain by optimizing resource allocation and freeing up staff for critical tasks.
For instance, intelligent systems can manage appointment schedules, ensuring smooth patient flow and minimising bottlenecks. Automated triage systems can identify minor ailments that don’t require immediate attention, directing patients to alternative care options, thus reducing unnecessary hospital visits.
AI and Data-Driven Healthcare
AI is becoming an integral part of healthcare, offering the ability to analyze large volumes of patient data to predict health trends, identify potential diseases, and assist in decision-making. This data-driven approach enables healthcare providers to offer personalized treatment plans, anticipate patient needs, and manage resources more effectively.
Generative AI, a subfield of artificial intelligence, can even assist in clinical decision-making, drug development, and improving patient outcomes. This could prove crucial in addressing workforce shortages and ensuring sustainability of the healthcare system.
Patient Engagement Platform: A Real-World Example
One notable case of successful automation comes from a paediatric clinic chain in India, which faced significant challenges in managing operations across multiple outpatient clinics. By implementing a patient engagement platform, the clinic was able to streamline its processes, from patient intake to progress tracking. This not only improved staff efficiency but also enhanced patient satisfaction.
“The modular design of the platform allowed the clinic to adopt only the features it needed, creating a more manageable and effective system without unnecessary complexity. As a result, the clinic could focus on delivering high-quality care, even as it expanded its operations,” Shravan Pendem said.
The Future of Indian Healthcare
The benefits of digitisation and hyperautomation in healthcare are clear: lower costs, reduced administrative burdens, improved patient care, and better workforce management. As India continues to embrace these advancements, the healthcare industry is poised to undergo a transformative shift.
“However, successful implementation requires collaboration between healthcare providers, government agencies, and technology companies. Ensuring the right infrastructure is in place, training staff, and maintaining compliance with regulations are critical steps toward fully realising the potential of this digital revolution,” Shravan Pendem said.
Digitisation and hyperautomation hold the key to revolutionise Indian healthcare. By embracing these technologies, the sector can overcome its inefficiencies, offering a better, more patient-centric experience while ensuring the system remains sustainable for years to come.
