Digital transformation is not a dirty word

A significant obstacle for health care providers considering a digital transformation is resistance to change. Lumary’s Disability and Aged Care Specialist, Stacey Sincock, explains how to alleviate those fears and choose the right tech partner to support you on your transformation journey.

Digital transformation is the integration of technology into every aspect of a business to replace outdated systems, improve existing processes and uncover new efficiencies. In the healthcare sector, the primary outcome of digital transformation is to enable providers to deliver quality person-centred care to the greatest number of people at the lowest possible cost.

While digital transformation in healthcare may be daunting, it is necessary to keep up with this ever-evolving sector and deliver care that is seamless, connected and compliant. To help providers embrace this change, we will uncover how to challenge negative perceptions and develop a strong business case before selecting the right technology partner.

Challenge your perception of change

Digital transformation is key to sustainability, yet digital transformation, especially in healthcare, is a complex process. Without a successful approach to change, digital transformation efforts may fall short on delivering desired outcomes.

Many organisations treat change as a project with a defined beginning and end, but change is constant. Providers should learn to embrace change and see it not as something that needs to be managed but as a catalyst for improvement and an opportunity to increase staff satisfaction and deliver greater client care.

Fast-growing NDIS provider I Can Jump Puddles developed an effective ongoing approach to change management, and it’s become the secret to their success.

“I love change, it excites me. We view it as continuous improvement for our business,” says Sam Boag, Founding Director of I Can Jump Puddles. “A big part of our change management culture is understanding why we are transitioning and helping our team recognise how this process will benefit them directly.”

By accepting change as an ongoing process and a natural and necessary part of any digital transformation, providers can view change as an opportunity rather than a challenge. 

There is an assumption that providers undergoing a major transformation will experience more stress. While there may be some obstacles to overcome, creating a better attitude around change within your organisation will go a long way towards successfully integrating technology into the way your business operates. 

Educating staff about the benefits of adopting new technology is also a good idea. With the right care management software, you can manage your entire organisation in one place with one accessible source of truth, empowering your team to do more of what they love and support your clients to live the life they choose.

According to Sam, implementing an integrated end-to-end care management solution at I Can Jump Puddles has hugely impacted productivity and effectiveness. In just four years, the organisation has grown from supporting 20 participants to over 1000.

“It was important for me that I Can Jump Puddles uses one system instead of having multiple to learn and navigate. With Lumary being the only software our organisation uses, all of our almost 100 staff members use it every day. This helped us keep focused on client outcomes and not on the administrative burden that comes with NDIS compliance.”

Build a solid business case

A strong business case is the first step to a successful digital transformation, and it is crucial to create the right environment from the start. Organisations need to understand that digital transformation is not just about technology — it is about business and it is about people.

Your business case should support your organisation’s priorities, capabilities and future decision-making. Before changing your processes, start by identifying your strengths and weaknesses to ensure you address the most significant areas of concern first. 

Next, establish your core business objectives and identify a tech partner with an industry-specific, integrated platform and dedicated services to support you in achieving your organisational priorities. To better support your organisation through its digital transformation, bring a tech partner on board as early as possible so they can understand your operations, people and clients and share their expertise.

Choose the right tech partner

Choosing the right tech partner is an essential and significant investment for any organisation. It would be best to have a partner who is prepared to work with you from the beginning as you develop your business case and be there every step of the way during implementation and beyond.

There are seven recommended steps to consider when selecting an effective tech partner. 

• Market traction: Connect with a tech partner with proven industry success and a product that addresses the specific needs of the industry.  
• R&D investment: Select a partner that spends time, effort and resources on research and development. To truly transform your workflow and the quality of your care delivery, find a tech partner that continuously invests in software development and hiring in-house industry experts.
• Integration capability: Remaining compliant is essential for providers, so you should partner with tech vendors that have integration capabilities. These integrations must align with regulatory guidelines and funding bodies.
• Engagement approach: Identify a tech vendor that uses a customer-centric approach and values the needs of its partners. All successful tech partners will consistently engage with their clients so they can collaborate effectively.
• Industry experience and partners: Look for a tech partner that has proven industry experience and works with clients who want the best for their participants. Organisations that employ professionals with a vast knowledge of the industry are more likely to understand the demands of their clients.
• Overall product capability and price: Determine the quality of the entire platform and whether the vendor has a fair pricing arrangement before selecting your tech partner.
• Verification stage: Finally, get references from other customers or integration partners before forming a partnership to be sure it will stand the test of time.

Once you commit to a tech partner, you are well on your way to supporting your business with the resources it needs to remain compliant, lessen the admin pressure on your staff and enable your team to deliver exceptional value-based care.

Digital transformation is a complete reimagining of how your organisation uses technology to support your team and business processes in pursuit of delivering the best services to your clients. While there may be some challenges along the way, transformation is indeed not a dirty word but a necessary disruption for all healthcare providers.

To learn how Lumary can help your organisation embark on a successful digital transformation, connect with our team today.

Meet the author

Stacey Sincock has more than 20 years of experience in the disability and aged care industries. Before joining Lumary as a Disability and Aged Care Specialist, Stacey worked as a service support officer with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). She is a firm believer in making the healthcare industry a better place so older Australians and people living with disability can thrive. 

Click here to find out more about Stacey’s experience in the disability and aged care sectors.