The global trend of digital healthcare transformation is now helping to improve healthcare quality, reduce expenses and time spent on patient care, enhance treatment efficiency, and coordinate medical data. The Vietnamese government is also in the process of digital transformation in the healthcare system and people’s healthcare.
Overview of digital healthcare transformation in Vietnam
One of the major priorities for Vietnam is the development of the healthcare system. Spending in this industry is anticipated to rise from $15.6 billion (6.5 percent of GDP) in 2018 to $42.9 billion in 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11% throughout that time. Its health expenditure is among the highest in ASEAN. Additionally, it is anticipated that health spending per person will treble from $161 in 2018 to $408 in 2028.
Vietnam has advantages when implementing digital health solutions. Over 60% of Vietnamese people are younger than 54 and are more used to modern technology. Three of the seven hours that Vietnamese users spend online each day are on mobile devices. To develop infrastructure and information and communication technology, numerous policies have been established. As a result, the country now had access to the Internet, with a penetration rate of 67% and an annual growth rate of 28% as of 2017 (Hootsuite, 2018).
In Vietnam, the use of mobile technology is expanding quickly, with over 95% of homes currently having access to 4G networks. Moreover, the development of creative and economical healthcare service delivery solutions is made possible by Vietnam’s technological infrastructure’s shift to cloud-based services. These elements serve as the cornerstone of Vietnam’s digital healthcare transition.
Challenges
The journey of Vietnam’s digital health revolution is still facing some difficulties. Patients struggle with a variety of issues, from the overall experience to quality and accessibility. Hospital beds, lengthy wait periods, and a dearth of qualified medical personnel are a few examples. Different from the OECD average of 4.7 beds and 3.3 doctors, Vietnam had 2.9 beds and 0.8 doctors per 1,000 people in 2018.
In addition, 65% of Vietnamese people live in rural areas, yet many frequently relocate to cities for access to better medical facilities. Doctor consultations are frequently brief due to a lack of access to the patient’s medical records after lengthy durations of travel and waiting.
Another significant barrier is people’s mistrust of digital health. Patients, particularly the elderly, are still dubious about the veracity of the information offered on medical websites. Additionally, ownership of health information and personal information is becoming an issue. Patients will be curious about how their data is gathered, processed, and evaluated by a service provider and/or a third party because health data is frequently extremely sensitive and personal.
Vietnamese hospitals are currently digitized in small, fragmented chunks, primarily in Class-1 cities’ private and key governmental hospitals. Due to their limited financial and technical resources, primary healthcare providers are reluctant to use health technology. Digital solutions were initially adopted by the diagnostic imaging, hematology, oncology, and surgical departments. The systems’ integration and connection, however, remain ineffective. Sometimes, the systems of other departments’ departments prevent doctors and nurses from accessing patient data.
In order to increase productivity, boost competitiveness, and provide the groundwork for long-term growth, digital transformation goes beyond the simple use of information technology. Despite being in the early stages of healthcare development, Vietnam has so far made some progress. Vietnam can become a leader in digital health by studying other nations, despite the fact that there are still numerous obstacles to development, particularly financial ones.
Solutions
Digitizing medical data
It is necessary to digitize and keep in an information system all currently available medical data. In order to make all information available, internal documents from the health sector should be saved in the system. It is necessary to post documents that can be widely distributed on the medical portal so that people can view them.
Implementing information technology applications
By implementing information security monitoring systems, building and upgrading information technology systems at all levels, and making sure there is enough infrastructure, Vietnam can complete the digital healthcare transformation. Electronic health records for the entire population must be implemented once the system is functional. The creation of medical information systems needs collaboration between the government, technology companies, healthcare professionals, and the public.
Facilitate access
People should be informed widely about medical portals and the use of electronic medical declaration software. This can be accomplished through incentive plans, rewards for participation, and marketing initiatives. Additionally, health professionals and government representatives must be dispatched to organize general guidance sessions for residents of rural places.
Confidentiality of personal medical information
Patients frequently worry about how their data are gathered, handled, and evaluated because health data is frequently extremely private and sensitive. People had doubts and lost confidence as a result of information leaks. Building confidence and ensuring security are therefore essential because only then would individuals use the technology.
Summary
Vietnam has numerous characteristics that make it possible to successfully implement digital health solutions. Additionally, there are chances for hospitals and other healthcare organizations to study the most cutting-edge technological solutions already in use and use them in their facilities, assisting in the promotion of digital transformation and enhancing management effectiveness.
References
Hootsuite. (2018). Digital in 2018 in Vietnam — Essential insights into internet, social media, mobile, and ecommerce use across Vietnam. Retrieved November 18, 2022, from:
http://wearesocial.com/blog/2018/01/global-digital-report-2018
Mundle, S. (2018). The development of education and health services in Asia and the role of the state (№18/239).
