The future of digital hospitals in Türkiye: SWOT analysis

Abstract

Digital transformation in healthcare is progressing rapidly in Türkiye, as it is across the world. The integration of digital technologies into healthcare services allows patients to receive better treatment and healthcare services to be provided more effectively and efficiently. A digital hospital is an institution where all processes of healthcare services (diagnosis, treatment, follow-up, etc.) are supported by digital technologies, data is securely stored and shared, and patient-centered services are provided. The concept of digital hospital has started to be mentioned more frequently with the digitalization of many hospitals in the world and in Türkiye in recent years. In Türkiye, there have been significant developments in the field of digital health, especially with the investments and incentives made in the public sector. Access to healthcare services via e government, digitalization of patient registration systems, and the spread of tele-medical applications are some examples of these developments. The future of digital hospitals looks quite bright in Türkiye. In addition to providing more effective and efficient healthcare services with digitalization, it is predicted that it will significantly affect the quality of healthcare services. In this study, the concept of digital hospital is examined in the context of world examples and its situation in Türkiye, opportunities and threats, strengths and weaknesses are analyzed. The study concludes that government support, technological developments and patient expectations will accelerate digital hospital transformation, but challenges such as infrastructure deficiencies, costs, data security and legal regulations must also be overcome. It is thought that the successful implementation of digital hospitals will make healthcare services in Türkiye more accessible, reduce costs and ensure patient satisfaction.