A comprehensive framework for classification and selection of H4.0 digital technologies affecting healthcare processes in the grey environment

Abstract

Purpose

This study seeks to provide a conceptual framework for the classification and selection of Healthcare 4.0 (H4.0) digital technologies affecting healthcare processes.

Design/methodology/approach

By examining the literature review, a set of processes of health services based on two axes of interaction and service customization and the axis of labor intensity of the service process matrix was divided into four categories: service factory, mass service, service shop and professional services. Then, using a combination of grey decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and grey weighted aggregates sum product assessment (WASPAS) methods, a framework was presented to compute the impact of each of the H4.0 digital technologies on sub-criteria of the two main axes. Finally, based on the degree of the impact of each technology on the main axes, the technology affecting the four processes was segmented.

Findings

Findings show that the customer participation in the service process (C₁), ways to provide customer service (C₆) as well as the speed of service delivery (L₄) are the most important in the classification of digital technologies affecting healthcare processes.

Research limitations/implications

Various other indicators from the behavioral, cultural, political, social and economic fields can be examined and used as a basis for evaluating H4.0 digital technologies.

Practical implications

The proposed framework can help managers select H4.0 digital technologies to prioritize, review and analyze appropriate technologies to improve and support different processes, prioritize appropriate technologies and review and analyze.

Originality/value

So far, no study has examined the link between digital technologies and various service processes. Therefore, this reinforces the originality and value of the present study.

Citation

Balouei Jamkhaneh, H., Luz Tortorella, G., Parkouhi, S.V. and Shahin, R. (2022), "A comprehensive framework for classification and selection of H4.0 digital technologies affecting healthcare processes in the grey environment", The TQM Journal, Vol. 34 No. 6, pp. 1914-1941. https://doi.org/10.1108/TQM-08-2021-0232