The Digital Transformation of Seoul National University Bundang Hospital

This case study underscores the significance of digitalization in healthcare, exemplified by Korea's successful integration of electronic health record (EHR) systems, which has markedly enhanced clinical services quality and efficiency. Focusing on the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (SNUBH), a leading national multispecialty academic medical center in Korea, the case study details the hospital's journey towards digitalization through the implementation of its interoperable EHR system, BESTCare. Through focus group interviews with field-deployed staff, the study reveals the critical factors for successful digital transformation in hospital management, including leadership investment decisions and the engagement of end-users from the outset. The gradual yet significant benefits of digital transformation, such as cost efficiency and clinical quality improvements, are highlighted, along with the adaptability of digital tools in crisis situations like the COVID-19 pandemic. The study concludes with the documented impacts of BESTCare and other digital tools on care quality and efficiency, suggesting that similar digital transformation efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean could lead to significant health outcomes improvements while maintaining current healthcare spending levels.