Commentary on Healthcare and Disruptive Innovation

Abstract

Exploits of technology have been an issue in healthcare for many years. Many hospital systems have a problem
with “disruptive innovation” when introducing new technology. Disruptive innovation is “an innovation that
creates a new market by applying a different set of values, which ultimately overtakes an existing market”
(Sensmeier, 2012). Modern healthcare systems are historically slow to accept new technological advancements .
This may be because patient-based, provider-based, or industry-wide decisions are tough to implement, giving way
to dire consequences. One potential consequence is that healthcare providers may not be able to provide the best
possible care to patients. For example, if a healthcare provider does not adopt new technologies or approaches to
medical treatment, they may not be able to offer the same level of care as a provider who has embraced those
innovations. This leads to lower quality of care and poorer patient outcomes.
Another consequence is that healthcare providers who do not adapt to disruptive innovations may lose market
share to competitors who are more forward-thinking and willing to embrace new technologies and approaches.
This can harm the provider's financial performance and sustainability.Not adapting to disruptive innovations in
healthcare can result in missed opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of medical treatment. If a
healthcare provider does not adopt electronic medical records, they may miss out on the benefits of faster and
more accurate information sharing, improving patient care.
Once the decision to implement technology in a specific healthcare industry is made, concerns about patient
safety, an aversion to change, and hospital-wide compliance with regulations begin to arise (WynHouse, nd.). The
healthcare technology industry also boomed with the COVID-19 outbreak. The COVID-19 outbreak has led to
significant advancements and innovations in medical technology. In order to diagnose, treat, and prevent the
spread of the virus, healthcare providers and researchers have had to develop and deploy new technologies and
approaches. The COVID-19 outbreak has highlighted the importance of the medical industry and the essential role
it plays in society. This has led to increased funding, support for medical research and development, as well as a
greater appreciation for the work of healthcare providers. This has created opportunities for growth and
innovation in the medical industry. It also placed enormous strain on global health systems, disrupting healthcare
by increasing the risk of fraud and deception; the risk of hospital operations and assets being compromised,
disrupted, or altered; and the increased use of telehealth resulting in a breakdown between providers and
consumers (Kuehn,2021). This article will cover the effects/impact of disruptive innovations/technologies
introduced into healthcare industries over the short term through a light review of disruptions and responses,
followed by commentary and policy recommendations.