Moving Too Fast Can Break People: Looking Back at HIMSS 2023

In the aftermath of the pandemic, our healthcare system rose to new challenges, delivered exceptional care, but also experienced the highest rate of clinician burnout in history. As experts in AI solutions for industries like healthcare and digital health, we wanted to know why, and how we could help. That’s why, alongside our strategic partner, Charla Triplett (Spine By Design), we attended the Healthcare Information & Management Systems (HIMSS) summit from April 17-21. Today, we are excited to share our key takeaways. 

Throughout the conference, we heard from healthcare professionals and vendors like AthenaCare and Microsoft. The resounding consensus was clear: while AI has undeniably made inroads into hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare services, the primary focus is on enhancing efficiency. 

However, moving too fast can break people. And these individuals form the backbone of our healthcare system, enabling it–and us–to flourish. 

AI CAN ALLOW FOR HUMAN-TO-HUMAN ENGAGEMENT WITH PATIENTS OR HEALTH PLAN MEMBERS

There is an immense potential for AI to serve as a support system for healthcare providers. For example, AI can allow for human-to-human engagement with patients or health plan members [1]. By streamlining administrative tasks, bolstering diagnostics, and improving the overall patient journey, AI can create opportunities for our dedicated clinicians to take much-needed breaks and possibly work less demanding shifts, all while ensuring the highest standards of care. 

Now let’s delve into our second main takeaway: electronic health records (EHRs). While initially lauded as efficient systems for billing and patient management, it's increasingly evident that EHRs may not consistently improve patient care and diagnosis. Furthermore, the data entry requirements associated with these systems have burdened healthcare professionals immensely. At HIMSS 2023, we discovered that the key to successful innovation in healthcare software is seamlessly integrating enhancements like AI into the existing clinical workflow, without burdening providers with excessive “clicks”. 

You spoke, and we listened. Here at Synaptiq, we’re no stranger to innovating in healthcare, especially by keeping our AI on people. In 2022, we launched our CLABSI Pilot program with Microsoft to support hospitals and clinicians in the effort to end the central line-associated bloodstream infection epidemic nationwide. And we won’t stop there. Our experience at HIMSS 2023 has only strengthened our resolve that AI can truly help the humans in healthcare, and we’re committed to making that vision a reality. 

About Synaptiq

Synaptiq is an AI and data science consultancy based in Portland, Oregon. We collaborate with our clients to develop human-centered products and solutions. We uphold a strong commitment to ethics and innovation. 

Contact us if you have a problem to solve, a process to refine, or a question to ask.

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