Virtual care in the hospitals of the future

Efficiency, reach and cost reduction

Implementing virtual care in hospitals will streamline operational workflows, reducing administrative burdens and expanding the geographic reach of hospitals, all while reducing costs and optimising resource use.

Improved patient care

Virtual care contributes to a positive patient experience, leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty. It also enables hospitals to take a proactive approach to chronic disease management, reducing hospital admissions and improving overall health outcomes. Furthermore, it enhances collaboration and coordination between patients' healthcare professionals, and continuity of care.

Data-driven decision making

The vast amounts of data generated by virtual care systems can be harnessed for insightful analytics, driving data-driven decision-making processes. This strategic approach contributes to improved patient outcomes, resource allocation and operational efficiency.

A promising future, but not without challenges

Implementing virtual care in hospitals holds great potential for Belgian hospitals and for the healthcare ecosystem, but it also raises serious concerns and challenges. The paper notes that issues related to, for example, data security, compliance or trust may hinder widespread adoption of virtual care. It concludes that the willingness to change is a prerequisite for stakeholders, be they healthcare professionals, patients or legislators.