In an era where healthcare technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, many healthcare companies are uniquely positioned to benefit from the digital transformation. From outdated tools to the latest innovations in artificial intelligence, the journey to a digital future requires a careful balance of resources, scalability and imminent, tangible value.
Dr James Somauroo, health tech expert and CEO of healthcare communications agency SomX, and Semble’s very own CEO, Christoph Lippuner, joined forces for our recent Semble Insights webinar, exploring the actionable strategies that ensure tech adoption isn’t just about keeping up with the competition, but about creating a smarter, more adaptable organisation that’s ready for the future.
In this blog, we discuss how healthcare businesses can adapt a practical, phased approach to tech adoption, from building a strong technological foundation and identifying scalable solutions, to forming the right partnerships for sustainable growth - without overwhelming their teams or breaking the bank.
1. Acknowledge the basics: Improving core infrastructure
For many smaller-to-mid sized clinics, there will always be financial constraints that limit the scope of their tech investments. So, start at your foundations: prioritise cost-effective solutions that can scale as the company grows. Simple automation tools, like online booking, electronic record systems, or cloud-based data storage, can provide immediate value without the hefty price tag.
2. Adopt a phased approach to technology integration
Once the basics are in place, you can begin to gradually integrate even newer technology, ensuring that each addition supports rather than overwhelms your teams. James emphasises: “The thing about technology adoption is it’s idealistic… We can’t stop it all for a couple of weeks and then start the new thing. It’s a continuum.”
This phased approach means prioritising technologies that immediately improve everyday tasks. Simple changes, such as implementing automated patient reminders to reduce did-not-attend (DNA) rates, can provide quick wins without demanding too much from your staff. These incremental changes can make significant impacts on patient outcomes and team efficiency, without the need for heavy technical support, which sets a manageable pace for larger tech upgrades.
3. Focus on gradual tech integration with support from providers
Effective tech adoption requires collaboration with providers who understand the specific needs of healthcare environments. Christoph highlights the need for providers to engage directly with healthcare teams: “You should all have tech providers… they should be available for you to have these conversations.”
This collaborative approach can lead to a more gradual integration, where new technologies are phased in at a pace that suits the team’s existing workload and capacity. As James points out, “I think that has to be massively respected… technology is something that’s done to us; it’s not built for us or by us.” By insisting on tools that align with their current workflows and by voicing their needs to providers, healthcare professionals can adopt tech that supports them, rather than imposes on them.
4. Understand your workflow and identify pain points
A customised approach to tech adoption cannot be understated. By examining your own workflows and identifying where change is most needed within your practice, you’ll find those areas where tech is going to make a real, tangible difference to you, your team and your patients.
“Think about your workflows,” Christoph advises, “Where are the pain points? Where are the repetitive tasks?” Mapping out these areas allows you to focus on tech that directly addresses your needs, making the adoption process more meaningful and efficient.
By identifying these specific areas for improvement, you save yourself from falling for the tech-for-tech’s-sake trap, where new tools are introduced without clear purpose or impact. Instead, your practice should look for solutions that genuinely enhance patient care, streamline administrative tasks, or improve communication between teams.
5. Assign tech champions to drive adoption and adaptation
Not everyone at your practice is going to be a tech whizz, and that’s ok. But for healthcare teams to successfully integrate new tech, it can be helpful to identify who your 'tech champions' are: individuals within the business who are particularly interested in technology and willing to take the lead on learning and implementing new tools.
These champions can bridge the gap between the clinical and tech teams, guiding colleagues through training and addressing concerns.
“Have an internal champion who really cares about technology,” suggested Christoph. “By empowering tech champions to spearhead adoption efforts, you can create a supportive environment where team members feel encouraged to learn and adapt, rather than overwhelmed.”
6. Embrace AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement
New and transformative tech can be scary for even the most technologically-minded among us – and it’s likely not everyone will be on board with it at the start. The thing is, artificial intelligence (AI) holds immense potential for the healthcare industry, but it’s crucial to frame it to your team as an assistive tool, not a replacement for human expertise.
Large language models, ambient scribe tools, and AI-powered diagnostics can significantly reduce the time healthcare professionals spend on routine tasks, freeing them up for more patient-centred activities. As James notes: “When you think about healthcare as a whole… the technology that’s going to make the most impact is anything that impacts the workforce, anything that makes our lives a little bit better, anything that makes us want to go to work a little bit more.”
By using AI to alleviate administrative burdens, both clinical and admin teams can dedicate more time to patient interaction and care. However, as Christoph cautions, “It’s transparency on how you use AI… where do you set the boundaries within your practice?”. It’s essential to establish clear boundaries for AI usage, ensuring it remains a supportive tool.
7. Build a long-term digital roadmap
Depending on your practice size and budget, you may be at the beginning of your digital planning journey. Developing a phased digital transformation roadmap helps prioritise your immediate needs – like replacing outdated hardware – while planning for future tech adoption, such as more advanced AI and machine learning. A roadmap can guide your investment decisions and ensure that each new tool supports your evolving goals.
A more humanistic future for healthcare, supported by technology
Adapting to a digital future in healthcare is not just about adopting the latest technology; it’s about making intentional, patient-centred choices that improve both efficiency and care quality.
In addressing those foundational issues, adopting a phased approach to your tech integrations, and finding your all-important tech champions, your practice can gradually move into a future where technology supports rather than complicates your work.
Start with scalable, flexible solutions and leveraging partnerships with tech providers – this will set in place and adaptable infrastructure that supports your healthcare business through sustainable growth.
It’s perhaps best summed up by our Semble host, women's health expert Dr Michelle Griffin, who reminds us: “We need to be having really active discussions with tech providers… and actually have a really rigorous conversation, to be demanding it and say, if it’s not now, when is it and how is that going to happen?”
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