Harnessing Digital Innovation to Transform HCM in Healthcare

In today's rapidly evolving world, human capital represents the most valuable asset in any industry, particularly in healthcare. The quality of work and treatment provided to patients is paramount for their safety and well-being. 

Introduction to Digital Transformation 

Digital transformation involves using digital technologies to create new or modify existing business models and processes. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation in healthcare, leading to new methods of operation such as telemedicine and virtual treatment.

Despite its importance, the adoption of digital transformation for human capital within the healthcare sector has been gradual. In this regard, ERP systems are pivotal, providing an extensive framework to facilitate the transformation of human capital management processes. 

Revolutionizing Healthcare HCM with Digital Innovation 

Digital transformation in human capital extends beyond implementing ERP systems for data consistency and quick retrieval. It involves changing business processes to integrate technology effectively. For instance, in healthcare, it is essential not only to digitalize recruitment and onboarding but also to streamline and enhance these processes with technology.

Below are a few examples that are critical in the healthcare industry. 

1. Mobile Integration for Onboarding 

Imagine onboarding nurses or physiotherapists on the go using a mobile device. With just a few clicks and a few minutes of work, new hires can be seamlessly integrated into the system. Mobile applications with user-friendly interfaces allow HR managers to upload necessary documents, verify credentials, and complete compliance checks instantly. This rapid onboarding process ensures that healthcare professionals are ready to start providing care without unnecessary delays, maintaining the quality and efficiency of patient services. 

2. Medical staff optimization 

Managing dynamic shift rotations in healthcare is essential and should account for staff skills, experience, leave schedules, work-life balance, and patient needs. Digital transformation allows the healthcare sector to optimize staff scheduling with minimal manual effort through AI-driven recommendations. 

3. Automated Patient Info System for Streamlined Documentation and Improved Care 

An automated system that produces printable content from patient-provided information via voice aims to streamline documentation, ensure accuracy, and improve communication between doctors and patients. Organizing medical details into a structured, easy-to-read format helps doctors focus more on patient care during consultations. 

4. Importance of Tacit Knowledge 

Maintaining tacit knowledge within an organization is crucial for ensuring consistent quality of service and improving patient satisfaction. Digital transformation plays a pivotal role in capturing and curating specific and personalized continuous education for employees, resulting in meaningful returns regarding quality of care and innovative solutions. 

Developing knowledge management systems to capture tacit knowledge, along with using chatbots and digital assistants for retrieval, facilitates quick problem resolution and aids in upskilling junior employees.  

Balancing AI and Human Capital 

Technological advancements within the industry have undergone tremendous changes, evolving from Industry Revolution 1.0 to 5.0. Industry Revolution 5.0 now focuses on human-bot coexistence, emphasizing the importance of upskilling employees to manage the significant changes in the industry.  

While AI and IoT are beneficial, it is crucial to use them as a collaborative tool rather than a replacement for human capital. 

Organizations that strike a balance between AI and human employees can focus on growth trajectories. Using AI as an assistant to reduce manual regular activities, provide intelligent recommendations etc. allows employees to direct their focus towards creativity, innovative solutions, and personalized patient services. 

ERP systems combined with AI help fast-track, upgrade, and redefine healthcare practices through AI-powered performance assessments, AI-generated career sites, job descriptions, AI predictive analysis on workforce needs and many more. 

Oracle along with introducing AI features that enhance and assist business has also introduced several employee engagement tools like Oracle GROW, Oracle ME, Redwood UI, Health & Safety etc. that enhance user engagement and there by improve the productivity of these platforms, accessible on various devices, focus on the social well-being of employees. Through AI, Oracle's platform can analyze and understand employee needs based on their skills, preferences, and goals, and design a curated personalized career growth path.  

Challenges of the Healthcare Industry 

While digital transformation of human capital can benefit healthcare industry, providers often prioritize digital service offerings, procurement, and medical advancements, likely due to budget limits or resistance to change. Identifying barriers and addressing them is crucial.

For instance, partnering with someone who supports digital transformation and ensures fast ROI can help mitigate budget issues. Similarly, making sure new processes simplify tasks and require no specific skills can reduce resistance to change.  

Conclusion 

Human capital plays a vital role in the healthcare sector, where mental well-being, empathy, resilience, and sustainable development are paramount.

Digital transformation in Human Capital Management (HCM) aids in overseeing all facets of the human capital lifecycle, enabling enhanced career planning, continuous education, and performance evaluations, which collectively elevate employee satisfaction, delivering effective patient care and boosting operational efficiency.