DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN MILITARY MEDICINE AND PHARMACY - KEY ASPECTS AND CHALLENGES

Purpose: Digital transformation, as a modern phenomenon, encompasses almost all areas of life, including military medicine and pharmacy. This study aims at reviewing the historical development and key aspects and challenges in the modern process of applying digitalization technologies in the structures of the armed forces. Material/Methods: Review of the Google Scholar database and websites of governmental institutions was performed to identify the most prominent areas where digital transformation is utilized. Results: We have identified that the use of such technologies can take place in the theatre of war itself, mainly through telemedicine, contributing to reduced costs, enhancing medical evacuations and lowering mortality. On the other hand, the other main implementation is in peacetime where trends are aimed at providing more efficient health and pharmaceutical care to servicemembers and veterans, as well as conducting in-depth analyses of military medical supply and crisis response preparedness. While an appropriate population due to its centralized management and hierarchy, there are several challenges to digital technology implementation in the military. These include administrative hurdles, policies, and the need for specific digital products that meet stringent cybersecurity and secrecy requirements. Conclusions: Despite military medicine and pharmacy being pioneers in implementing digital technologies starting in the 60s, there are signs of delayed digital transformation relative to the civilian population, need to address challenges more effectively, and a need of military-customized digital solutions.