A recent poll of our @HealthTechMag Twitter audience demonstrates some top uses for telehealth.
2. Health Data Interoperability Faces a Critical Crossroads
Despite longtime challenges that prevent data-sharing, progress is on the horizon: A long-developing federal roadmap to push incremental changes to electronic health records systems is expected to be released soon, and a number of tech giants (including Google and Microsoft) last year released a joint statement voicing support for interoperability.
Lowering barriers is a key part of both easing physician burnout and improving care. Sessions focused on reducing duplicative workflow efforts and on tech-focused strategies to improve clinician happiness and reduce turnover are part of a five-day lineup that also includes an interoperability showcase.
Representatives from one HIMSS20 presenter, Indiana University Health, will explain how the company achieved a total redesign of its EHR system. Discussions about the Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR) evolution as well as interoperability among medical devices are also on deck.
3. AI Implementation Grows in Healthcare, but Questions Remain
As more organizations increasingly turn to machine learning to diagnose disease, target treatments and streamline administrative functions, many others are struggling to determine where — and how — to integrate that technology into their workflows.
Harnessing that potential, of course, requires a plan: Susannah Rose of the Cleveland Clinic will address realistic and ethical cases for artificial intelligence in healthcare. Other sessions will include tips for drafting AI contracts and a panel on common challenges.
HIMSS20 attendees also can learn how Halifax Health leveraged AI-powered documentation technologies to prioritize patient encounters. Dr. John D. Halamka of the Mayo Clinic will speak about future goals for AI in healthcare currently in development.
4. Healthcare Cybersecurity Threats Are Constantly Morphing
As Internet of Medical Things tools grow in number and functionality, so do the related threats that could put patients at risk. Healthcare organizations face an ever-increasing onslaught of threat actors seeking to exploit medical device vulnerabilities.
One HIMSS20 session will explain how Cook County Health in Chicago established a medical device security program. Don Kleoppel, the vice president and chief security officer of Cerner, will speak about the latest cybersecurity threats and how to address them.
Speakers will address why a deep organizational strategy is crucial as risks evolve. Attendees also can get tips from a panel that includes CDW Principal Field Solution Architect Mikela Lea on the balance of enabling innovation while curbing breaches.
