SOTI’s study surveyed 1,450 healthcare IT decision-makers globally, with 150 respondents from Canada. Conducted between March 7 and March 25, 2024, the study encompassed roles from hospitals, general medical practices, clinics, and organizations providing telehealth services. The findings underscore a critical need for technological advancement in healthcare to enhance patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
Pressing need for upgrades
The persistence of outdated technology in Canadian healthcare facilities is staggering. According to the study, 96% of Canadian healthcare IT decision-makers believe their organizations need to invest in better technology. “Canadian healthcare professionals are often left struggling with inefficient systems that slow down their work and compromise patient safety,” Ishkhanov explains. This inefficiency is evident, with 99% of healthcare staff losing an average of 3.9 hours per week due to technical difficulties—a slight increase from 3.4 hours in 2023.
The impact of these technological shortcomings is profound, leading to extended patient care times and hindering the ability to share and access patient records efficiently. “When we look at legacy technology, it could be really outdated mobile handheld devices that come up with issues throughout the day,” Ishkhanov notes, emphasizing the need for modern, reliable technology to support healthcare workers.
Addressing violence and fatigue through technology
One of the significant challenges in healthcare is the issue of violence against nurses. Ishkhanov suggests that technological advancements, particularly in training, can play a pivotal role. “In other industries, AR technology has been used to simulate real-life situations, helping employees better respond to difficult scenarios. This could be invaluable for training nurses on how to handle violent situations,” he says.
Fatigue among healthcare workers, especially nurses, is another pressing concern. Long shifts and extensive overtime contribute to severe burnout. “The largest impact on this is through driving workflow automation and process optimization,” Ishkhanov asserts. By digitizing administrative tasks and leveraging mobile technology, healthcare workers can significantly reduce the time spent on paperwork. Ishkhanov shares an example: “An organization in Ontario provided nurses with tablets to enter patient notes in real-time, drastically cutting down the hours spent on manual paperwork and allowing them to focus more on patient care.”
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