Digital transformation in healthcare is a long journey

A key trend in this transformation is the increasing adoption of IT, particularly the deployment of electronic medical records (EMR). EMR implementation represents a critical milestone in the digital transformation of healthcare.

Dr. Tran Quy Tuong, chairman Medical Informatics Association

Successful adoption of EMR offers numerous advantages. Patients no longer need to carry physical documents, reducing wait times and streamlining processes; healthcare facilities benefit from quicker and more reliable access to clinical data; and costs associated with maintaining paper records are minimised. Furthermore, EMR facilitates better management of healthcare expenses covered by insurance.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued several regulations to promote digital transformation and EMR deployment, including a 2023 resolution which outlines health digital transformation goals for 2025 with a vision towards 2030, and Circular No.46/2018/TT-BYT dated 2018, which provides guidelines for EMR deployment.

Various localities, such as Phu Tho, Quang Ninh, and Hanoi, are actively investing in health digital transformation and EMR. Most medical facilities now have server rooms and dedicated servers, with computers provided for all physicians and staff. Additionally, nearly 40 per cent of medical facilities nationwide have implemented network safety and security systems.

All health departments have entered data on medical facilities and practitioners into the National Management System for medical registration and licensing. Most medical establishments now use hospital information management software and have adopted IT applications. As of now, 94 medical facilities have fully deployed EMR, eliminating paper medical records.

There has also been significant progress in electronic hospital fee payments. Compared to five years ago, when the MoH first issued a directive on non-cash payments, 71 per cent of hospitals now accept electronic payments – 31.4 per cent via direct bank connection, 10.5 per cent via the national public service portal, and 15.4 per cent through other methods. However, 29 per cent of hospitals still use cash payments.

Despite these advancements, several challenges remain. The successful implementation of EMR requires strong leadership, yet some hospital directors have been slow to adopt EMR and continue to rely on higher authorities. Additionally, IT staff in hospitals often lack the necessary expertise and management skills.

IT infrastructure in medical facilities remains inconsistent, with uncertainty about the required investments for EMR deployment, despite detailed guidance in Circular 46 and Circular No.54/2017/TT-BYT. Furthermore, the financial mechanisms for IT applications in healthcare are not well-defined, impacting hospital performance.

According to Circular 46, by the end of 2023, 135 level-one hospitals or higher were expected to implement EMR. However, only 32 such hospitals have done so.

To advance digital transformation and EMR deployment, MoH leaders must intensify their efforts. This includes revising Circular 46 and Circular 54, establishing costing regulations for picture archiving and communication systems, and developing a unified data framework and technical standards for EMR software. The MoH should also enforce penalties for non-compliance and offer training to improve staff capabilities.

The deployment of EMR is crucial for advancing healthcare digital transformation, integrating smart healthcare solutions, participating in Industry 4.0, and modernising the medical industry.

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