Robotic Surgeries can turn into double-edged Swords

Technology should never come at the cost of affordability, privacy, training ease, the ability to practice anywhere, CRM’s real use and sensitivity to patient experience. Surjeet Thakur, CIO Rajagiri Hospital, Kochi gives us an X-ray from different angles.

- Pratima H

How tech-savvy, digitally-native, and open for change are Indian hospitals when compared to their global counterparts?

Indian hospitals are increasingly becoming more tech-savvy and digitally capable, strongly intending to adopt modern technology. However, it's important to consider the economic factors and differences in the scale of operations. In India, doctors often see a significantly higher number of patients daily compared to their counterparts in countries like the US. Cost considerations also play a major role in technology adoption. While some Indian hospitals are more advanced than those in the West, direct comparisons can be challenging. By and large, Indian hospitals are competitive and driven toward enhancing their digital capabilities.

Who is your focus when deciding on any technology change- the patient, the doctors or the regulators?

The focus depends entirely on the solution's purpose. If the technology aims to increase clinical adoption, doctors are the primary focus, as they are the endusers. For solutions related to patient engagement, the user interface needs to be intuitive and pleasing to enhance the patient experience. Meanwhile, if regulators are the focus, the solution should meet compliance and data security standards. Ultimately, understanding the target audience's needs drives the design and implementation of technology solutions.

What spurred the idea of an AI assistant- was it tested before? How did you wield it in an Indian context? Are outcomes worth sharing?