At HLTH 2023 event in Las Vegas, over 10,000 healthcare professionals, innovators, and thought leaders came together. Peter Birch, host of the Talking HealthTech podcast was in attendance and had discussions with experts who are at the forefront of transforming healthcare. This episode of the Talking HealthTech Podcast features a number of conversations recorded at HLTH. Make sure you’re subscribed to the podcast to catch part 2 of this episode for more discussions.
Kate Brown: Unleashing AI's Potential in Healthcare Human Resources
Kate Brown from Mercer spoke about the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in human resources within the healthcare sector. Her focus was on how AI could personalise employee benefits, streamline administrative processes, and ultimately lead to better patient care. Brown emphasised that the incorporation of AI could revolutionise employee engagement, making healthcare systems more efficient and responsive.
Brown discussed the challenges in adapting traditional employer-payer models to the modern landscape, where AI plays an increasingly crucial role. "The future of healthcare is not just in the hands of medical professionals but also technology innovators," Kate stated, highlighting the collaborative nature of healthcare evolution.
One of Brown's key insights was on generative AI's impact on healthcare. She envisioned a future where AI does more than just automate tasks—it enhances decision-making processes, tailors healthcare benefits to individual needs, and significantly improves the quality of healthcare services provided to employees.
Alex Spanko: Person-Directed Living in Elder Care
Alex Spanko's focus was on revolutionising elder care by introducing person-directed living cultures into care settings. He criticised the traditional, efficiency-driven models, which often overlook the individual needs and choices of the elderly. Spanko's approach advocated for a shift towards respecting the autonomy and dignity of elder individuals, fundamentally changing how care services are designed and implemented.
Spanko discussed the importance of creating elder care environments that feel less like institutions and more like homes. He stressed the value of personalising care to match the unique preferences and lifestyles of each individual, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. This person-centred model, according to Spanko, is key to improving the quality of life for the elderly.
The speaker also touched upon the challenges of implementing person-directed living in current elder care frameworks. He mentioned the need for systemic changes, including training staff to adopt this approach and rethinking the design of care facilities. "Changing the culture of elder care is not just about new policies but also about changing mindsets," said Spanko.
Holly Miller: Virtual Care Observation and Patient Safety
Holly Miller from Collette Health introduced an innovative virtual care observation system that utilises AI to monitor patients in high-acuity settings. This system enhances patient safety while reducing the workload on healthcare staff, addressing critical issues like staff retention and burnout.
Miller explained how the system combines hardware, software, and clinical observers to provide comprehensive patient monitoring. This technology allows one observer to monitor multiple patients simultaneously, enhancing the efficiency of patient care and ensuring timely intervention when necessary.
Discussing the impact of this technology, Miller highlighted its ability to provide constant patient observation without overwhelming healthcare staff. "It's about augmenting the capabilities of our healthcare workers, not replacing them," she clarified. This approach not only improves patient safety but also contributes to a healthier work environment for medical staff.
Chakra Toleti: The Vision of Ambient Intelligence in Healthcare
Chakra Toleti, CEO of care.aiI, shared his vision of integrating ambient intelligence into healthcare settings. He emphasised the importance of creating smart hospitals that seamlessly incorporate technology into clinical and operational workflows, improving both patient care and healthcare efficiency.
Toleti discussed the challenges of making technology unobtrusive yet effective in healthcare settings. He pointed out the potential of integrating hardware and software solutions to develop smart environments that anticipate and respond to patient and staff needs.
"Technology should be a silent partner in healthcare, one that empowers but never intrudes," Toleti stated, envisioning a future where technology enhances the human aspect of care rather than detracting from it.
Ron Dixon: Transforming Outpatient Care with Data Analytics
Ron Dixon, CEO of CareHive Health, highlighted the role of data analytics and machine learning in transforming outpatient care. He discussed how these technologies could predict patient needs and optimise care for chronic diseases and outpatient clinics.
Dixon delved into the importance of triage and decision-making in outpatient care, discussing how data-driven approaches could improve patient access, outcomes, and experiences. He emphasised the role of navigators in guiding patients through their healthcare journeys.
"Data is the key to unlocking better healthcare outcomes. It's not just about collecting it; it's about making it work for the patient," Dixon explained. He shared insights on leveraging data and analytics to create more personalised and efficient care pathways.
Charting the Course for Future Healthcare
The speakers at HLTH 2023 provided valuable insights into the future direction of healthcare. From AI's transformative role in human resources to person-centred elder care and ambient intelligence in medical settings, these discussions highlight the diverse approaches needed to address healthcare's complex challenges. As the industry evolves, embracing these innovations and insights will be crucial for healthcare providers, ensuring a more efficient, patient-centric, and forward-thinking healthcare ecosystem.