Improving Healthcare Outcomes for Patients in the US
According to the Commonwealth Fund, an organization that supports independent research on healthcare, the US spends nearly 18% of GDP on health care, yet Americans die younger and are less healthy than residents of other high-income countries. Healthcare providers are taking action to improve outcomes, engaging and empowering patients through the power of technology. But while innovation is driving transformation, providers remain burdened by fragmented operating systems and industry consolidation.
This webinar hosted by the Financial Times in partnership with Infosys explored several critical themes related to the integration of technology and AI in the healthcare sector. The conversation revolved around the challenges and opportunities faced by healthcare organizations in adopting these transformative technologies.
Speakers:
Winjie Tang Miao
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Texas Health Resources
Leslie Jurecko
Chief Safety, Quality and Experience Officer
Cleveland Clinic Health System
Venky Ananth
Senior Vice President and Head, Healthcare
Infosys
Andrew Jack
Global Education Editor
Financial Times
Key Takeaways:
- Ethical Vigilance: Addressing algorithmic biases and ensuring equity were paramount concerns. The experts stressed the need for rigorous testing and correction of biases to prevent harm.
- Balancing Act: The debate focused on striking the right balance between human expertise and digital tools. Technology can enhance efficiency, but it should complement, not replace, human judgment, especially in clinical contexts.
- Stakeholder Buy-In: Engaging both internal and external stakeholders was crucial for successful tech adoption. Strategies ranged from organic growth to systematic change management, underlining the importance of a clear business case.
- Regulatory Cooperation: Collaborative efforts between healthcare organizations and regulators were seen as essential, especially in the AI domain. Regulations should evolve with technology, ensuring transparency and safety.
- Digital Equity: Bridging the digital divide, particularly in underserved communities, was identified as a critical challenge. Healthcare must ensure that technology adoption does not exacerbate disparities, while fostering partnerships with governments and businesses for solutions.
- Patient-Centric Approach: A patient-centred approach was emphasized, acknowledging the diversity of patient needs. Technology should be adaptable to individual preferences.
- Learning and Collaboration: Organizations were advised to leverage existing solutions and learn from other industries. Agility, continuous learning, and collaboration were deemed crucial to keep pace with tech advancements.
In conclusion, the healthcare experts emphasized the technology and AI hold great promise for healthcare transformation. To harness the potential effectively, they stressed the significance of ethical vigilance, stakeholder engagement, regulatory cooperation, and a patient-centric approach. Continuous learning and adaptability were highlighted as key strategies to navigate this dynamic landscape.
