Established in 1972 as one of Thailand’s first private hospitals, Bangkok Hospital has earned itself a reputation for quality, trusted care. It was recently ranked amongst the top best hospitals 2024 in Thailand by Newsweek.

Dr Somrit Jantarapratin

Adoption of smart technologies is a key part of Bangkok Hospitals’ strategy to ensure it continues to deliver quality care amidst the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Dr Somrit Jantarapratin, Deputy Chief Information Officer of Bangkok Hospital, shares the smart hospital projects they have implemented thus far, and his thoughts on navigating the continued transformation process ahead.

 

Q: Firstly, could you briefly introduce your scope of work and responsibilities around smart hospital development?

Dr Somrit: As Deputy CIO at Bangkok Hospital (Headquarters), my professional journey began in paediatric cardiology, subsequently shifting towards over a decade in hospital management. This transition was underpinned by a steadfast commitment to superior clinical outcomes and the unwavering prioritisation of patient safety. Over time, we have adeptly navigated through various phases of system and solution integration, presently capitalising on business solutions and artificial intelligence to revolutionise healthcare services. My primary responsibility involves the strategic integration of Information Technology within our healthcare framework, aiming to optimise clinical effectiveness, elevate patient experiences, and catalyse business excellence.

 

Q: Could you share two or three examples of smart hospital projects at Bangkok Hospital? What impact have they made on patient safety, experience or operational efficiency?

Dr Somrit: Firstly, to enhance Patient Journey in the Outpatient Department, we have implemented:

• Smart Registration: An AI-driven registration system implemented to reduce manual processes at both back and front stages, freeing up frontline staff to enhance service quality through better communication. AI technology is used to verify patient identity, recommend the appropriate department based on their condition, and automate checks on insurance eligibility.
• Smart Payment Project: Facilitated payments via smartphones and kiosks, significantly reducing non-clinical waiting times for patients.
• AI Integration in Imaging Systems: Applied AI to Chest X-Rays and Mammography for improved diagnostic accuracy and efficiency. 

Secondly, we have introduced Data-Driven Operational Management, where we leveraged data management tools for middle managers to monitor daily operations, productivity, and clinical indicators, thus optimising hospital operations and patient care.

Thirdly, our MyB+ Application is a comprehensive digital solution that empowers patients by granting them access to their health data, medical reports through their smartphones—anywhere, anytime. The app supports appointment scheduling, registration, telemedicine, and digital payment, while ensuring compliance with personal data protection and cybersecurity standards.

These initiatives have substantially improved operational efficiency, patient safety, and overall patient experience by streamlining processes, enhancing clinical decision-making, and promoting patient engagement and autonomy.

 

Q: What are the main challenges or risks in implementing such projects, and how do you think they can be addressed?

Dr Somrit: In my opinion, these challenges and risks include:

1. Data Security and Privacy: Protecting sensitive patient data against breaches and maintaining privacy.
2. Technology Integration: Overcoming compatibility issues between new technologies and existing systems.
3. Cost: Managing substantial initial investments and ongoing expenses.
4. Change Management: Addressing staff resistance and adapting hospital culture and workflows to new technologies.
5. Training and Adaptation: Ensuring healthcare professionals are trained to utilise new technologies.
6. Dependence on Technology: Risk of operational disruption if systems fail.
7. Regulatory Compliance: Navigating healthcare technology regulations and standards.
8. Ethical and Equity Considerations: Dealing with ethical questions and potential for increasing healthcare inequalities.
9. Scalability: Ensuring solutions are adaptable to hospital needs and growth.

Strategies to address these include comprehensive planning, staff training, policy development, and ongoing monitoring. And to navigate the challenges in smart hospital projects while addressing critical considerations, focus on:

1. Adaptability to Technology and Market Changes: Staying ahead with scalable solutions amidst rapid technological advancements and market diversity.
2. Balancing Technology with Humanised Services: Prioritising staff skill updates without compromising holistic, compassionate care delivery.
3. Integrating Physical and Infrastructure Design: Ensuring designs promote a healing environment as a cornerstone of excellent care.
4. Meeting Customer Expectations: Aligning technology implementations with evolving customer needs and expectations for personalised and efficient healthcare delivery.
5. Employing a strategic, adaptable approach ensures smart hospital projects are both innovative and patient-centred.

 

Q: How do you see smart healthcare developing in Thailand over the next few years – what are the opportunities or obstacles?

Dr Somrit: As an individual who has transitioned from a medical practitioner to an IT specialist focusing on business solutions, while continuously striving to serve the interests of customers and stakeholders, I foresee that Thailand’s smart healthcare sector is on the cusp of significant growth and transformation in the coming years. This evolution is shaped by a range of opportunities and challenges:

1. Demographic Shifts and Pandemic Aftermath: With an aging society and the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the healthcare market is becoming increasingly competitive. Strategic planning is essential for existing providers to navigate this “red ocean” and remain relevant.
2. Financial Sustainability in Healthcare: The focus on reducing claim expenditures highlights the importance of promoting proactive health and fitness measures. Individuals and payers alike must prioritise preventive care to manage future living costs effectively.
3. Legacy Systems as Barriers: Traditional education, economic, and business models pose significant challenges to the integration and expansion of IT in healthcare. Overcoming these outdated legacies is crucial for the seamless adoption of smart healthcare solutions.
4. Adaptation to Technological Evolution: The rapid advancement of technology, especially AI, emphasises the need for a skilled workforce adaptive to the new era. Failing to cultivate “smart” human resources may lead to organisational inefficiencies and unnecessary costs.

Addressing these factors requires a comprehensive approach, blending innovation with strategic foresight to harness smart healthcare’s full potential in Thailand amidst evolving challenges.

Q: In 2024, what are your main goals as deputy CIO?

Dr Somrit: My primary objectives are centred around harnessing advanced technologies to bolster our healthcare services, thereby ensuring efficiency, innovation, and comprehensive care delivery. While my focus is not exclusively on medical technology, the significance of this domain cannot be overlooked, given its integral role in the future of healthcare. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of my interest, particularly its application in enhancing work processes through the introduction of AI-driven solutions, akin to ‘co-pilots’, in various operational facets. This adoption represents a paradigm shift across all industries, including healthcare, presenting both a substantial opportunity and a challenge. 

The strategy involves not only the deployment of cutting-edge medical technology to support our business objectives but also the formulation of a comprehensive master plan. This plan aims to anticipate and adapt to future work methodologies while maintaining a balance between technological advancement and the human aspect of healthcare. 

Key to achieving these goals is the thoughtful design of our IT infrastructure and organisational structure, ensuring they are aligned with our strategic direction. This approach will enable us to leverage technology effectively while fostering an environment that values both innovation and empathy in healthcare delivery.