TECHNOLOGY
The hospital building is undoubtedly one of the most complex and demanding environments in terms of design and functionality due to its size, rigorous facility demands, and high energy consumption
Argentina, 59.1 per cent of respondents changed doctors or healthcare centres to continue treatment elsewhere. l Survey 1 – Survey to patients in Argentina. Own elaboration. 2023.
However, only 27.9 per cent were able to transfer their electronic health records to their new healthcare provider. l Survey 2 – Survey to patients in Argentina. Own elaboration. 2023.
The lack of EHR adoption has forced patients to repeat tests and has affected continuity of care, leading to consequences such as duplicated exams, diagnostic errors, and treatment delays. Implementing EHR systems is crucial for quality healthcare. The same survey in Germany found
that 73.5 per cent of respondents changed doctors or hospitals to continue treatment. l Survey 3 – Survey to patients in Germany. Own elaboration. 2023. Which 66.7 per cent successfully transferring their health records. l Survey 4 – Survey to patients in Germany. Own elaboration. 2023.
Technology has also introduced minimally invasive surgical techniques and telemedicine, improving efficiency and quality of care, while acknowledging that personal interaction remains crucial. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted hospitals globally, altering daily tasks and processes. Telemedicine has been widely adopted for consultations and treatment follow-ups, offering benefits such as reduced infection risk, time and cost savings, and improved efficiency and accessibility of healthcare services. However, challenges include the need for appropriate technology and training for staff. Many professionals, such as surgeons and ophthalmologists, find it impossible to replace their current practices with telemedicine. A comparison between Argentina and
Germany regarding telemedicine app usage reveals that both countries prefer applications provided by their health provider. In Argentina, 52.6 per cent also use WhatsApp for healthcare purposes, whereas in Germany, it is not used due to greater concerns about data security and privacy. l Survey 5 – Survey to patients in Argentina. Own elaboration. 2023.
l Survey 6 – Survey to patients in Germany. Own elaboration. 2023.
IFHE DIGEST 2025
Another tool that has been developed and is increasingly used in the healthcare environment is what is known as big data – a term that refers to large data sets that can be analysed to extract valuable information. In the context of healthcare, big data can be used to improve the quality of patient care, the efficiency of healthcare systems, and clinical decision- making.
Modern organisations recognise the
urgent need to collect, store, and analyse data to leverage these valuable assets. Expected contributions of big data in healthcare IT include the development of innovative intelligent services, disease
management, maximising healthcare budgets, optimising limited medical equipment utilisation, and improving patient quality of life by preventing emergencies and predicting epidemics to respond promptly.4 In summary, ICT is enhancing
healthcare quality and reducing costs, but it is crucial to implement these advancements ethically and in conjunction with human clinical judgment to ensure effective and humanised care.
Changes in hospital design due to technology The hospital building is undoubtedly one of the most complex and demanding environments in terms of design and functionality due to its size, rigorous facility demands, and high energy consumption. Over the years, technology has played a crucial role in transforming these buildings to enhance operational efficiency and healthcare quality. Here are key aspects of this technological transformation in the hospital environment:
27.9% 40.9% 59.1% 72.1%
l Yes l No
Survey 1. Survey to patients in Argentina (Own elaboration, 2023).
l Yes l No
Survey 2. Survey to patients in Argentina (Own elaboration, 2023).
26.5% 73.5% 66.7%
33.3%
l Yes l No
Survey 3. Survey to patients in Germany (Own elaboration, 2023).
l Yes l No
Survey 4. Survey to patients in Germany (Own elaboration, 2023).
23
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