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Digital Transformation of Healthcare Enterprises in the Era of Disruptions—A Structured Literature Review

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  • Gaganpreet Singh Hundal

    (Department of Information Technology, College of Graduate & Professional Studies, Trine University, 1 University Ave., Angola, IN 46703, USA)

  • Donna Rhodes

    (Sociotechnical Systems Research Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA)

  • Chad Laux

    (Computer Information Technology, Purdue University, 401 N. Grant St, Knoy Hall, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

Abstract

Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies for creating or modifying existing business processes and customer experience, leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet changing market needs. Disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic, regional wars, and climate-driven natural disasters create consequential scenarios, e.g., global supply chain disruption creating further demand–supply mismatch for healthcare enterprises. According to KPMG’s 2021 Healthcare CEO Future Pulse, 97% of healthcare leaders reported that COVID-19 significantly accelerated the digital transformation agenda. Successful digital transformation initiatives, for example, digital twins for supply chains, augmented reality, the IoT, and cybersecurity technology initiatives implemented significantly enhanced resiliency in supply chain and manufacturing operations. However, according to another study conducted by Mckinsey & Company, 70% of digital transformation efforts for healthcare enterprises fail to meet their goals. Healthcare enterprises face unique challenges, such as complex regulatory environments, cultural resistance, workforce IT skills, and the need for data interoperability, which make digital transformation a challenging project. Therefore, this study explored potential barriers, enablers, disruption scenarios, and digital transformation use cases for healthcare enterprises. A structured literature review (SLR), followed by thematic content analysis, was conducted to inform the research objectives. A sample of sixty ( n = 60) peer-reviewed journal articles were analyzed using research screening criteria and keywords aligned with research objectives. The key themes for digital transformation use cases identified in this study included information processing capability, workforce enablement, operational efficiency, and supply chain resilience. Collaborative leadership as a change agent, collaboration between information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), and effective change management were identified as the key enablers for digital transformation of healthcare enterprises. This study will inform digital transformation leaders, researchers, and healthcare enterprises in the development of enterprise-level proactive strategies, business use cases, and roadmaps for digital transformation.

Suggested Citation

  • Gaganpreet Singh Hundal & Donna Rhodes & Chad Laux, 2025. "Digital Transformation of Healthcare Enterprises in the Era of Disruptions—A Structured Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-18, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:13:p:5690-:d:1683643
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kraus, Sascha & Schiavone, Francesco & Pluzhnikova, Anna & Invernizzi, Anna Chiara, 2021. "Digital transformation in healthcare: Analyzing the current state-of-research," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 557-567.
    2. Mauro, Marianna & Noto, Guido & Prenestini, Anna & Sarto, Fabrizia, 2024. "Digital transformation in healthcare: Assessing the role of digital technologies for managerial support processes," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 209(C).
    3. Jingsi Zhang & Liangqun Qi, 2021. "Crisis Preparedness of Healthcare Manufacturing Firms during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Digitalization and Servitization," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-23, May.
    4. Fotis Kitsios & Maria Kamariotou, 2021. "Artificial Intelligence and Business Strategy towards Digital Transformation: A Research Agenda," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-14, February.
    5. Márcia Andrea Oliveira da Cunha & Helena Fernandes Santos & Maria Eduarda Lima de Carvalho & Gabriella Morais Duarte Miranda & Maria do Socorro Veloso de Albuquerque & Raquel Santos de Oliveira & Adri, 2022. "Health Care for People with Disabilities in the Unified Health System in Brazil: A Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(3), pages 1-14, January.
    6. Mahesh Babu Pasupuleti & Harshini Priya Adusumalli, 2018. "Digital Transformation of the High-Technology Manufacturing: An Overview of Main Blockades," American Journal of Trade and Policy, Asian Business Consortium, vol. 5(3), pages 139-142.
    7. Antonio Zavala-Alcívar & María-José Verdecho & Juan-José Alfaro-Saiz, 2020. "A Conceptual Framework to Manage Resilience and Increase Sustainability in the Supply Chain," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-38, August.
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