Level of implementation of digital transformation in dental radiology centers in Metropolitan Lima: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Digital transformation (DT) involves introducing digital technologies into business models in all areas. This research aimed to evaluate the level of implementation of DT using the digital health indicator in private radiology centers in Lima, Perú.

Material and methods: Forty-five randomly selected radiology centers included in a database of 50 registered centers were evaluated. The inclusion criteria were having a web domain and institutional email address. They were digitally surveyed using a digital survey (HIMSS DHI Rapid) measuring four dimensions: interoperability, governance and workforce, predictive analytics, and person-enabled health. These indicators allowed determination of the digital transformation level of a radiological company. The level of implementation was measured quantitatively on a scale from 0 to 400, and the Kruskal Wallis test (p>0.05) was used to compare DT according to the geographical location of the centers.

Results: The digital health indicator obtained was 60.24 ± 43.14 out of 400 achievable points. The dimensional analysis in terms of interoperability was 24 ± 18.09, followed by governance and workforce at 23.44 ± 18.58, person-enabled health at 18.73 ± 15.63, and finally, predictive analysis at 16.18 ± 13.51. No significant differences were found in health indicator dimensions according to the geographical location (p>0.05).

Conclusions: DT in maxillofacial radiology centers in Lima is at an initial level. Radiology centers should take this situation into account to have relevant information for making diagnostic and treatment decisions and to provide better preventive health policies to benefit the population. Key words:Digital transformation, digital health indicator, dental radiology.