Utilization of Digital Health Care Strategies at Camp Elias Angeles Army Station Hospital

Abstract

The healthcare sector is undergoing rapid evolution, especially with the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which has introduced unprecedented advances in digitalization, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI). This transformation accelerated with the COVID-19 pandemic, challenging traditional healthcare delivery and accelerating the adoption of “digital health” technologies globally. The pandemic spurred a significant increase in telehealth usage, generating valuable data on its effectiveness, impact, and sustainability. This shift holds the potential to transform healthcare for individuals, families, and communities alike. The Philippine healthcare system, including the Philippine Army Medical Treatment Facilities (PA MTFs), has been part of this shift, striving to adapt quickly to evolving health needs by implementing digital health strategies. The pandemic underscored the need for PA MTFs to integrate technological solutions into their health services to address future infectious disease threats and enhance mission readiness. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design to assess the current implementation of digital healthcare strategies at Camp Elias Angeles Station Hospital (CEASH). Through online surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, data were collected and analyzed using thematic and gap vi analysis methods. The findings identified seven central themes, including telemedicine as the foundational digital health strategy (DHS) at CEASH, the development of electronic health records, improved patient care, enhanced accessibility and convenience, greater efficiency among healthcare workers, cost savings, and advancements in data storage and security. The gap analysis highlighted four key areas of concern: challenges in policy implementation, data security vulnerabilities, inadequate infrastructure and resources, and the need for enhanced training and capability development among healthcare staff. To ensure the successful implementation and utilization of digital healthcare strategies, this study recommends proactive measures to address these identified gaps. Kotter’s Theory of Change is proposed as a framework to facilitate these improvements, building on the progress already demonstrated by the initial adoption of telemedicine and virtual consultations at CEASH.