Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health has focused digital technology investment in areas with clear opportunities to add capacity and support growth.
"One of the most needle-moving innovations we have rolled out in the past year at Sanford Health has been our patient digital registration experience," Jared Antczak, chief digital officer of Sanford Health, told Becker's. "We launched a convenient and frictionless self-service option for our patients to prepare for an upcoming appointment with their provider, which has been a win-win for our patients and workforce."
The 44-hospital health system had more than 1.4 million visit registrations through the digital experience last year, which created thousands of hours of capacity per month for teams, said Mr. Antczak. It also allowed clinical teams to focus more on patient-centered services.
The tool has a 95.6% patient satisfaction rating and reduced clinical no-shows by 20%, a big feat to maximize resources. The platform also supports the revenue cycle by maximizing patient collection efforts.
"Patients now have a more seamless way to pay bills online as well," said Mr. Antczak. "This is one of several digital transformation initiatives that we are leveraging to holistically address people, processes and technology for the mutual benefit of our patients and our workforce."
Sanford is also investing in technologies to address staffing shortages and boost the internal team's experience. The system launched a 70-plus room, artificial intelligence-powered "smart hospital" pilot last year with the goal of boosting productivity and relieving administrative burden on nurses.
"Not only is this pilot moving the needle in these important areas, but it has also sparked a conversation around innovation and technology at the bedside like we've never seen," Brad Reimer, CIO of Sanford Health, told Becker's.