How Process Orchestration Can Combat Outdated and Legacy Medical Systems

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, with new treatments, diagnostic tools, procedures, and medical practices emerging at a break-neck pace. However, outdated medical technology deeply entrenched in healthcare systems often hinders this innovation. Luckily, with minimal disruption, it’s possible to use process orchestration to combat these legacy medical systems and their limitations, streamline healthcare operations, and ultimately improve patient care.

Understanding the challenge of legacy medical systems

Before we delve into the solution, it’s essential to understand the problem that legacy systems pose. Many healthcare institutions still need to rely on outdated technology that is not only inefficient but also may pose genuine risks to patient safety and data security.

These systems can lead to:

• Fragmented patient records
• Incompatibility with newer technology
• Increased risk for errors and data breaches
• Slower response times and inefficiencies
• Difficulty in meeting regulatory compliance requirements
• Challenges in integrating with modern healthcare ecosystems

The role of process orchestration in modernizing healthcare

Process orchestration is a method of integrating and automating various business processes to work together harmoniously. In the context of healthcare, it involves using advanced software tools and methodologies to coordinate and streamline medical processes, from patient intake to treatment to follow-up care.

Process orchestration addresses the issues presented by legacy medical systems by creating an interconnected network that allows different technologies and processes to communicate effectively.

Here’s how process orchestration is commonly used within healthcare systems:

1. Seamless integration of new and old technologies.
   One of the primary benefits of process orchestration is its ability to integrate disparate systems, whether old or new. By creating a layer of connectivity, healthcare providers can ensure that all systems work in tandem, sharing data and functionality without completely overhauling existing infrastructure. This allows for a gradual transition from legacy systems to more modern solutions, reducing the risk of disruptions to patient care.
2. Enhanced data sharing and accessibility.
   Legacy systems often operate in silos, making it challenging to share patient data across different departments or healthcare providers. Process orchestration creates a unified platform where data can be exchanged securely and efficiently, ensuring healthcare professionals can access the most up-to-date patient information. This improved data-sharing capability is essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and continuity of care.
3. Improved compliance with healthcare regulations.
   Healthcare providers are required to comply with numerous regulations, such as HIPAA in the United States and GDPR in the European Union, which govern the privacy and security of patient information. Process orchestration can automate compliance-related tasks, ensuring that all data handling meets necessary legal standards. This reduces the risk of costly violations and protects patient privacy.
4. Increased efficiency and reduced costs.
   Outdated medical technology is often associated with manual processes that are time-consuming and prone to human error. Process orchestration automates routine tasks, freeing up healthcare professionals to focus on optimizing patient care rather than administrative duties. This increased efficiency can lead to significant cost savings, as well as faster and more reliable healthcare services. A 2024 Total Economic Impact (TEI) study, conducted by Forrester Consulting, found that our own Camunda platform provided $112.1 million in total net savings, amounting to a 408% ROI.
5. Scalability and future-proofing.
   As healthcare institutions grow and evolve, their technological needs will change. Process orchestration provides a scalable solution that can accommodate new processes and technologies as they emerge. By future-proofing their systems, healthcare providers can avoid becoming trapped in a cycle of constant replacement and upgrading outdated technology.
6. Enhanced patient experience.
   Ultimately, the goal of any healthcare system is to provide the best possible patient care. Process orchestration contributes to this by reducing wait times, improving communication between patients and providers, and ensuring that treatment is based on the most current and comprehensive patient information. A streamlined and responsive healthcare system leads to better patient outcomes and higher satisfaction levels.

Camunda’s business process orchestration can also provide other benefits, such as increased customer/patient satisfaction, improved operational efficiency, reduced process development time, enhanced process quality, and better collaboration between IT and business stakeholders.

Implementing process orchestration in healthcare

Adopting process orchestration requires careful planning and execution. Here are the steps healthcare organizations can take to implement process orchestration effectively:

1. Assess current systems and processes.
   Before process orchestration can be implemented, healthcare organizations must conduct a thorough assessment of their existing technology and workflows. This step identifies areas of inefficiency, potential risks, and opportunities for integration. By understanding the current landscape, organizations can develop a strategic plan that addresses their unique needs and challenges.
2. Establish clear objectives. 
   To ensure a successful implementation, it’s crucial to set clear objectives for what process orchestration should achieve. These might include improving patient care, reducing operational costs, achieving regulatory compliance, or enhancing data security. With specific goals in mind, organizations can measure the success of their process orchestration efforts.
3. Choose the right tools and partners.
   Not all process orchestration solutions are created equal, and choosing the right software and partners is vital. Healthcare providers should look for tools that offer flexibility, scalability, and robust security features. They should also seek partners with experience in the healthcare sector and a deep understanding of its unique challenges and regulations. This handy process orchestration comparison guide will help you explore different orchestration tools and solutions.
4. Pilot and iterate.
   Rather than implement process orchestration across the entire organization at once, it’s often more effective to start with a pilot program. This approach allows healthcare providers to test the orchestration platform, refine processes, and gather feedback from users. Based on the results of the pilot, organizations can make adjustments before rolling out the solution more broadly.
5. Train and support staff.
   The success of process orchestration depends on the people who use it. Healthcare organizations must invest in comprehensive training for their staff to ensure they understand how to use the new systems effectively. Additionally, ongoing support should be available to address any questions or issues that arise during and after the transition.
6. Monitor and optimize.
   After implementation, continuous monitoring is necessary to ensure that process orchestration is delivering the desired outcomes. Organizations should use analytics and reporting tools to track performance and identify areas for further optimization. Healthcare providers can maintain an efficient and modernized technological environment by staying vigilant and responsive to new developments.

The future of healthcare with process orchestration

Looking ahead, process orchestration will become increasingly important as the healthcare industry continues to embrace digital transformation. With the potential to connect Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) devices, incorporate artificial intelligence, and leverage big data, the orchestration layer will become the backbone of a smarter, more connected healthcare system.

Patient care will be more personalized, predictive, and preventative. Clinicians will have access to real-time insights and decision-support tools that enhance their ability to treat patients. Administrators will manage operations with greater transparency and control. Patients will experience a level of convenience and empowerment that was previously unattainable.

Take, for example, the many benefits that can significantly enhance departmental pharmacies’ operational capabilities. By implementing process orchestration as a part of their automation and improved efficiency, pharmacies can ensure that their processes for preparing, assembling, dispensing, selling, and supplying pharmacy and prescription-only medicines are as efficient, safe, and patient-centered as possible.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, embracing process orchestration will be key to staying competitive and meeting the ever-growing expectations of both patients and regulatory authorities.

A healthy conclusion

Outdated and legacy medical systems present significant challenges for healthcare providers, but process orchestration offers a promising solution. By integrating and automating processes, healthcare organizations can overcome the limitations of old systems and pave the way for a more efficient, secure, and patient-centered future.

As technology advances, process orchestration’s importance will only grow. Healthcare providers that embrace this approach will be well-positioned to deliver high-quality care while adapting to the ever-changing future of medical technology.