Despite the promise of improved patient care and operational efficiency, many hospitals fail to realize the full potential of their technology investments. The problem isn’t the technology itself—it’s how it’s implemented. The key to success lies in aligning technology solutions with the actual needs of the frontline staff.
Patti Artley, the Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer at Medical Solutions, is a strong advocate for evidence-based practices and collaboration with health information experts to drive meaningful improvements in patient care. “Frontline leaders who understand and drive change are crucial,” said Artley.
Amy Ricords, the Vice President of Customer Relationship at Peak Outcomes, focuses on fostering partnerships that align technological advancements with the needs of healthcare providers. Emphasizing the importance of involving senior leadership and frontline staff in decision-making, she agrees. “Having the right people at the table to make decisions and ensuring that these decisions align with the entire organization’s needs is essential,” said Ricords.
However, there are important challenges that might stand in the way of implementing new technologies. The most important one? The disconnect between those purchasing technology and those using it. “Organizations often have different teams making purchases and others handling the implementation,” said Ricords. “This lack of communication leads to misunderstandings about what was bought and why.”
She stresses that ongoing education is vital. “We need to ensure that technology continues to be used effectively, which requires sustained education and partnership with vendors,” said Ricords. And according to Artley, successful implementation requires thorough planning. “Spending at least 60% of your time on planning and only 10-20% on implementation can lead to better outcomes,” said Artley.
But are all hospitals measuring the success of their technology implementations effectively? It seems that many fall short. “We often don’t have a clear idea of the metrics we need to track before and after implementation,” said Ricords. “This leads to uncertainty about whether the technology is delivering the promised ROI.”
The need for integration is high. In today’s interconnected world, where technology seamlessly links nearly every aspect of our lives, achieving cohesive data integration in healthcare is crucial for harnessing the full potential of these advancements. “We’re only scratching the surface with data usage. Hospitals need to improve integration and ensure that systems can work together,” said Artley. “Effective data use involves engaging health information systems experts from the start.”
Among the most relevant trends, AI stands out as one that will continue to grow, offering transformative possibilities for enhancing patient care and streamlining healthcare operations. The key is to know how to use it effectively, integrating it in a way that complements existing systems and maximizes its benefits without overwhelming the current workflow. “Organizations need to think about the future and ensure they have the support needed to maintain their systems,” said Artley.
While these innovations promise significant improvements in patient care and operational efficiency, success depends on how well they are incorporated into existing systems. By embracing these changes thoughtfully and strategically, hospitals can unlock their full potential and enhance their healthcare experience. “Technology alone isn’t the answer; it’s how we integrate and utilize it that will truly transform the future of healthcare,” said Ricords.
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Amy Ricords is the Vice President of Customer Relationship at Peak Outcomes, where she leads efforts to foster strong partnerships between the company and its clients. Her expertise lies in understanding client challenges and ensuring that technology solutions enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Passionate about the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, Amy is dedicated to balancing technological advancements with streamlined processes to improve outcomes for both patients and clinicians.
Patti Artley serves as the Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer at Medical Solutions, bringing a wealth of experience in clinical leadership and nursing practice. In her dual role, Patti oversees the integration of clinical and operational strategies to ensure high standards of patient care and nursing excellence. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to evidence-based practices and the advancement of healthcare quality through innovative solutions.