The digital transformation applied to bed management in hospitals

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: This article aims to identify the benefits and difficulties managers perceive regarding implementing digital transformation (DT) in hospital bed management. Originality/value: The article contributes to academia by analyzing a rele-vant topic, DT of health, that is scarcely explored in the multifactorial perspective of its technological, organizational, and social elements. No similar study was identified with application in a large private hospital located in a developing country. By analyzing managerial perceptions about implementing DT applied to hospital bed management, the study allows a better understanding and potential strengthening of this DT process by the professionals involved, which can contribute to expanding access to hospital care. Design/methodology/approach: A single case study was carried out to investigate the implementation of DT for managing hospital beds in a private general hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. We interviewed 19 managers responsible for hospital bed management. The interviews were analyzed using two methods: content analysis and data mining, and they were classified according to their technological, organizational, and social elements (Reis et al., 2018). Findings: DT’s most cited potential benefits were efficiency gains, real-time information, and employee and patient satisfaction. The main dificulties reported were systems integration, data availability in real-time, instituting new processes, and challenges related to organizational culture and the necessary changes. DT can positively impact bed flow management, but it is crucial to consider the technological, organizational, and social elements involved in its success.