Connected Care

While digitalization has transformed most aspects of daily life, the healthcare system has lagged behind, creating inefficiencies in care delivery. This project focuses on improving digital interactions between patients and healthcare providers, particularly during transmural healthcare journeys (care that transitions across different levels of care).

The project includes a literature review, context analysis, and insights from interviews and observations. A synthesis map was created to understand the complex socio-technical system of healthcare, identifying six key leverage points for improving digitalization at the Reinier de Graaf Hospital:

1. Improve system interoperability
2. Enhance system connections
3. Reduce the number of systems used in healthcare
4. Clarify responsibility for digitalization at the hospital
5. Allocate more budget for digital transition efforts
6. Increase digital literacy

The future vision outlines a shared data space for care plans, where patients are empowered to take an active role in their health journey. The strategy is detailed through a strategic and tactical roadmap, centered on three pillars: patient clarity, time for care, and shared administrative responsibilities.

The strategy was tested with hospital stakeholders, and the report concludes with recommendations for implementation, limitations, and areas for future research.