Another technological advancement is the hospital capacity management command center, typically focusing on bed management. The system helps getting beds ready and allocated to admitted patients, and removing barriers to discharge when a patient is ready to leave, reducing the wait-around time. It is comprised of a wall of analytics, where real-time data from multiple source systems across the hospital is displayed, and triggers coordinated action from staff of various disciplines stationed within the command center. Advanced algorithms can anticipate and resolve bottlenecks in care delivery, allowing better resource allocation and smoother patient journeys. By reducing system-wide inefficiencies, excess hospitalization days can be eliminated.

By harnessing the technological power, the possibilities are endless. Big data can be utilized to understand trends and trigger preemptive action. Integrating technology to supply chain organization can improve stock management and reduce wastage. The general public can monitor their health data trends with apps and modify their behaviour according to the feedbacks, empowering citizens to take care of their own health.

While such advancement is exciting, it is important to acknowledge that data demand and digital equipment constitute carbon footprint as well. Emission and pollution are associated with the manufacturing, distribution, operation and disposal of these equipment. To reduce the environmental impact of digitalization, we can:

• Use energy consuming devices responsibly, including reducing excessive brightness of screens, switching off the devices when not in use, using smaller devices when possible (smartphones vs tablets vs desktop computers)

• Use more energy-efficient equipment

• Recycle or reprocess devices instead of disposing them

• Advocate for a societal shift to clean energy