Strategic Analysis of Digital Technologies in the Healthcare Sector through the Application of Multiple Preference Relations Combined SWOT Analysis

Abstract

Digital technologies are including many different technologies that enable information to be collected, stored, and easily accessed when needed. The use of digital technologies is also increasing in the health sector, where service processes are intense and complex. Strategic considerations would be appropriate to analyze the use of these technologies. For this reason, in this study, a strategic evaluation was made on digital technologies in the health sector. With the SWOT analysis, the current situation analysis regarding digital technologies in the health sector was made. Then, the weights of SWOT factors were determined with the multiple preference relations (MPR) integrated DEMATEL method. Subsequently, alternative strategies were determined and prioritized with MPR integrated TOPSIS method. The MPR technique is aimed to analyze the uncertainties and reach more accurate and reliable results by gathering the evaluations of experts in different formats or incomplete opinions under a single group decision. The proposed methodology integrated with SWOT analysis on digital technologies in the health sector constitutes the originality of the study. In line with the results obtained from this study, both researchers and managers will be able to create and use more effective digital technology strategies for the health sector.