Vietnamese public hospitals exhibit a spectrum of digital health technology integration, reflecting significant advancements alongside critical gaps. A recent evaluation of five top-tier institutions underscores the widespread adoption of core information systems while highlighting deficiencies in electronic medical records and data sharing capabilities.
Assessment Methodology
The study utilized a tailored questionnaire based on the Vietnam Health Information Technology (HIT) Maturity Model to assess digital health adoption. Heads of IT departments from the selected hospitals provided responses, which were further clarified and verified through follow-up interactions. Data visualization techniques, including radar plots and tile graphs, facilitated the interpretation of digital maturity levels across various systems.
Findings on Digital Maturity
All five hospitals had implemented Hospital Information Systems (HIS), Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), and Radiology Information Systems-Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (RIS-PACS). However, the maturity levels of these systems varied. While 80% of hospitals met at least half the criteria for HIS, only 60% achieved similar standards for RIS-PACS. Notably, two hospitals lacked electronic medical record (EMR) systems and advanced digital capabilities like clinical data repositories (CDRs) and clinical decision support systems (CDSS). Additionally, none reported sharing clinical data using Health Level Seven (HL7) standards, though 40% adopted these standards internally. The adoption rate for the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard stood at 80% for RIS-PACS.
Inferences:
- Widespread HIS, LIS, and RIS-PACS implementation indicates a baseline commitment to digital infrastructure.
- Limited EMR adoption suggests potential challenges in comprehensive data management.
- Absence of data sharing via HL7 standards may hinder interoperability across institutions.
- Adoption of DICOM standards enhances compatibility for radiological imaging systems.
- Gap in advanced digital capabilities like CDRs and CDSS restricts data-driven decision-making.
The assessment reveals that while Vietnamese public hospitals have made commendable strides in adopting essential information systems, significant barriers remain in achieving full digital maturity. The lack of EMR systems and integration of advanced data management tools like CDRs and CDSS limits the potential for enhanced clinical decision-making and patient care optimization. Furthermore, the minimal use of HL7 standards for data sharing poses challenges for interoperability, which is critical for coordinated healthcare delivery. However, the prevalent adoption of internationally recognized standards such as DICOM supports the integration of new digital health technologies, offering a pathway for future advancements.
Enhancing digital maturity in Vietnamese public hospitals will require targeted strategies to implement comprehensive EMR systems and establish robust data sharing protocols. Investing in advanced digital capabilities like CDRs and CDSS can significantly improve clinical outcomes by leveraging data analytics for informed decision-making. Additionally, fostering interoperability through the widespread adoption of HL7 standards will facilitate seamless data exchange between institutions, promoting coordinated and efficient healthcare services. Addressing these key areas will not only bolster the digital infrastructure but also align the hospitals with global health technology standards, ultimately contributing to better patient care and achievement of broader health goals.
This article has been prepared with the assistance of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author.
