The Digital Transformation of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital
Peer Reviewed
Date issued
March 2024
Subject
Digital Health;
Health Facilities;
Electronic Health Records;
Information and Communication Technology;
Interoperability;
Health;
Coronavirus;
Digital Technology;
Health Care;
Digital Transformation;
Labor Force
JEL code
I11 - Analysis of Health Care Markets;
O33 - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences • Diffusion Processes;
H51 - Government Expenditures and Health;
J24 - Human Capital • Skills • Occupational Choice • Labor Productivity
Country
Republic of Korea
Category
Learning Materials
This case study underscores the significance of digitalization in healthcare, exemplified by Korea's successful integration of electronic health record (EHR) systems, which has markedly enhanced clinical services quality and efficiency. Focusing on the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH), a leading national multispecialty academic medical center in Korea, the case study details the hospital's journey towards digitalization through the implementation of its interoperable EHR system, BESTCare. Through focus group interviews with field-deployed staff, the study reveals the critical factors for successful digital transformation in hospital management, including leadership investment decisions and the engagement of end-users from the outset. The gradual yet significant benefits of digital transformation, such as cost efficiency and clinical quality improvements, are highlighted, along with the adaptability of digital tools in crisis situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. The study concludes with the documented impacts of BESTCare and other digital tools on care quality and efficiency, suggesting that similar digital transformation efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean could lead to significant health outcomes improvements while maintaining current healthcare spending levels.
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