SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT , CONSULTING , CITIUSTECH
E D I T O R ' S Q U E S T I O N
As a healthcare digital consultant and a consumer , I often reflect on what sets the healthcare business apart from others . While there are many anatomical differences , the most significant distinction I have observed is the high concentration of compassion and human touch required in everything that it needs to deliver to its stakeholders . As digital consultants take on the important role of shaping the future of healthcare , the ethical code of beneficence , non-maleficence , autonomy and justice extends to the work they perform in advising healthcare executives and developing strategies that will touch lives at scale .
Given the criticality and impact of digital in healthcare , consulting professionals should consider applying a few aspects and demonstrating specific behaviors to keep the guardrails of ethical digital healthcare in place in the quest for profitability , and revenue balanced with outcomes and experience .
1 . Start with empathy and then move to efficiency : The healthcare business has a diverse and large set of stakeholders with competing and conflicting priorities . With outcomes and equitable healthcare as nonnegotiable goals , consultants should always prioritise the patient journey and their diverse needs first . 2 . Adopt regulations in their spirit : As healthcare digital consultants , regulations and changes play an influential role . It is our moral responsibility to ensure that we adhere to all regulations while preserving their intended purpose ; we must avoid letting regulations become lost in piles of checklists and process designs .
3 . Maintain confidentiality of patients and client IP at all costs : Digital consultants thrive on data but must handle healthcare data with utmost care and sensitivity due to privacy and ethical concerns .
4 . There is no way around sustainability : Healthcare is a resource-intensive industry and requires a conscious focus on driving sustainability of resources while designing next-generation healthcare by eliminating waste by design .
5 . Do not forget the healthcare professionals : Patient centricity has been a key focus of all digital transformation in healthcare . However , considering the limited bandwidth of high-value healthcare professionals like physicians and nursing staff , consultants should also prioritise designing digital models .
Keeping these considerations in mind , digital healthcare consultants shall develop and demonstrate a few key behavioral traits to consistently demonstrate the healthcare ethical code .
• Thorough discovery : The healthcare landscape ' s intricacies demand deep , data-driven discovery . Accurate advice and future models hinge on credible evidence
• Challenge the status quo : While meeting stakeholder needs is vital , challenging their views with evidence is equally crucial . Avoid biased recommendations that could harm patients
• Know your limits : Healthcare ' s vastness requires humility . Recognize your limitations and seek expertise where needed , especially from therapy area specialists for tailored solutions
• Verify data : Healthcare data is complex and may have limitations . Ensure data sources are trustworthy , complete , and accurate , validating them against realworld practice �
RAVINDER SINGH
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT , CONSULTING , CITIUSTECH
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