In a digital goldrush, how can medtech stake its claim?

By Sheryl Jacobson, US Consulting Medtech leader, Deloitte Consulting, LLP

While digital transformation might be inevitable for medical technology, nearly one-third of medtech companies do not yet have a digital strategy, according to new research from the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. Although surveyed medtech executives appear to see the value of a digital transformation, many of them might be missing an opportunity to improve internal efficiencies while enhancing external engagement.

When medtech executives discuss digital transformation, they are typically talking about two sides of the same coin—internal transformation and external transformation. The focus on the internal side typically focuses on streamlining processes and improving efficiencies (e.g., supply chain, inventory, contract review, provider compliance). The external digital transformation tends to focus on improving engagement between a device and the patient and/or the clinician, improving health outcomes, or using data and digital to enable new business models. Companies can and should focus on internal transformation or external transformation at the same time.

More than 80% of the surveyed leaders said their organization’s largest digital investments have gone toward artificial intelligence. Cloud was the second highest area of investment, with more than 70% of the surveyed leaders’ organizations identifying it as an area of interest. However, medical device manufacturers might still be a step or two behind other industries when it comes to the adoption of digital technologies. Less than 10% of surveyed medtech companies have made digital investments of more than $5 million. However, some medtech leaders I’ve spoken with say they are interested in advancing their use of data and digital technology to improve efficiencies and engagement.

This changing landscaping is prompting some companies to consider an Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS) model. Xaas refers to the bundling of products (such as hardware, devices, equipment, consumables) and/or software with value-added services. This would be a departure from legacy product-only offerings that have one-time, upfront capital expenditures as a hallmark (see Beyond the device).

Partnerships could add value…and risk

Medtech doesn’t have to go it alone. Partnering with consumer-centric technology companies could help medtech companies accelerate their digital transformation and transition to Xaas. While such partnerships could help medtech companies gain a competitive advantage, there is a risk that a collaborator today could become tomorrow’s competition (see Coop-etition’ Could Grow as Medtech Companies Prepare for Transformational Innovation). Some technology companies could be viewed as a competitive threat, but they also could be valuable partners.

Partnerships between consumer and health technology companies can be potentially synergistic, where medtech companies contribute clinical expertise and the partner contributes the digital expertise. While this may call for new approaches to handling intellectual property rights, existing intellectual property frameworks may offer some answers. Acquisitions are another, generally more familiar, strategy for external digital innovation since it resembles existing models. But it could carry more risk.

Deep clinical expertise, cutting edge medical knowledge, and established customer relationships and trust can be enormous advantages medtech companies have over digital disruptors—and medtech companies should play to those strengths. The expertise tends to put the industry in a strong position to incorporate data and evidence-based insights into decision support that can help providers deliver high-quality and efficient care and help patients in self-care and prevention—which could ultimately improve healthcare outcomes. 

Four strategies for an internal/external digital transformation

Our survey respondents recognize that digital innovation is a long game for their organizations, but one that is necessary to keep pace with the competition. Here are a few ways that medtech leaders can begin to think about an internal and external digital transformation:

1. Align on the business case and value proposition to customers: While relative margins may be higher today on sales, parts, and maintenance of high-per-unit-price legacy equipment, volume could be considerably greater from smaller, portable, point-of-care technology that is far less expensive on a per-unit basis. In absolute terms, this could be beneficial to an organization’s bottom line and growth potential. The value proposition to customers could be the reduced use of capital equipment and facilities, and more efficient labor utilization (if the technology does not require technicians or highly specialized clinicians to perform a procedure, operate a device, or interpret the data).
2. Experiment with new business models: One of the biggest potential benefits of investing in digital technologies and data is enabling new business models. One possible opportunity for medtech companies is to identify pilot opportunities with small investments to test the waters.
3. Modernize the organization’s operating capabilities: Leading companies appear to be borrowing business and operating models from disruptive technology or software companies to stave off competitive threats. Medtech companies should consider ways to adopt agile models with adaptable operating structures.
4. Invest in new capabilities: Because digital health technologies serve multiple users, they should be designed accordingly. This approach will likely involve new ways of thinking about who the customer is, gathering new insights about the customer, and establishing new skillsets to design solutions flawlessly.

Digital transformation is a long-term goal

Innovating via digital technologies and transforming traditional medtech business models may be essential for long-term success, but the second can’t happen without the first. Nearly 20% of our surveyed medtech executives said digital innovation is “necessary at all costs.” Despite the challenges, medtech organizations can unlock new growth opportunities, deliver better patient experiences, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving healthcare environment by implementing an internal and external digital transformation.

By playing to their strengths, including deep clinical expertise, cutting-edge medical knowledge, and established customer relationships and trust, medtech companies may be in a strong position to keep digital disruptors at bay. Incorporating data and evidence-based insights into decision support can help providers deliver high-quality, efficient care, and help patients with self-care and prevention—ultimately improving healthcare outcomes.

Latest news from @DeloitteHealth

This publication contains general information only and Deloitte is not, by means of this publication, rendering accounting, business, financial, investment, legal, tax, or other professional advice or services. This publication is not a substitute for such professional advice or services, nor should it be used as a basis for any decision or action that may affect your business. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your business, you should consult a qualified professional advisor.

Deloitte shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this publication.

Return to the Health Forward home page to discover more insights from our leaders.