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At this year’s Qualivis Roundtable, we brought a diverse group of healthcare leaders together to tackle one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: adopting new technologies, particularly AI, to modernize healthcare. The discussion, expertly moderated by Cristal Mackay, VP of customer success at Qualivis, featured thought-provoking insights from panelists Elsie Graves of Cone Health System, Kathi Eldridge of Baptist Health, Taryn Overman of VHC Health, and Barbara Bennett from Frost Brown Todd LLP. Together, they explored the hurdles and opportunities in updating healthcare practices through technology.
The Slow Adoption of Technology in Healthcare
If there’s one thing healthcare is notorious for, it’s the slow pace of technological adoption. This isn’t just due to the industry’s complex regulatory landscape or antiquated structures; it often comes down to fear of the unknown and concerns about transparency and efficiency. As Mackay noted, the key to overcoming these barriers is clear: we must start by identifying the real problems that need solving, not just adopting technology for technology’s sake. The panelists delved into how their organizations are navigating this tricky terrain, highlighting both missteps and successes along the way.
Finding the Right Problems to Solve
Taryn Overman from VHC Health emphasized the importance of addressing specific problems, not just following trends. After early missteps with AI in predictive analytics and provider documentation, VHC is cautiously exploring virtual nursing. Overman stressed the importance of collaboration, saying, “The most important thing is getting all the players in the room. Oftentimes technology [adoption is done] in a silo… true partnership means getting rid of the lines that occur in those service lines and just all coming together.”
Meanwhile, Kathi Eldridge of Baptist Health tackled a different issue—decentralized recruiting and the rising costs of contract labor. By centralizing their recruiting efforts, Baptist Health not only reduced their reliance on contract labor but also aligned their technology goals with their operational needs.
For Elsie Graves at Cone Health System, the focus was on the frontline—specifically, reducing the administrative burden on nurses to boost job satisfaction. Cone Health’s exploration of AI and virtual nursing aims to free bedside nurses from paperwork, allowing them to spend more time with patients. It’s a prime example of how technology, when thoughtfully integrated, can enhance, rather than disrupt, the core of patient care.
Graves stated, “Our problem that we were trying to solve is to create satisfaction within the nursing workforce, as well as reduce the administrative burden… taking that administrative burden off and allowing the nurse to have more time with the patient was instrumental in creating satisfaction for them.”
Collaborative Rollouts and Inclusive Implementations
One recurring theme throughout the panel was the importance of involving all stakeholders in technology rollouts, from IT and operational leaders to the frontline staff who will use these tools daily. This inclusivity not only helps ensure the technology meets the real needs of its users but also makes it easier to fit the new technology into existing workflows. The panelists stressed that getting buy-in from everyone—from clinicians to IT—helps build a more cohesive, effective approach to technology adoption. It’s not just about the tech; it’s about people and processes coming together.
Navigating Vendor Selection and Implementation Pitfalls
When it comes to choosing vendors, the panelists strongly emphasized the importance of rigorous vetting. Barbara Bennett from Frost Brown Todd LLP highlighted the need for involving legal advisors early to avoid pitfalls where vendor promises don’t align with actual deliverables. Learning from peers through site visits and open discussions was also highlighted as a valuable strategy, offering real-world insights into what works and what doesn’t.
Managing Change and Measuring Success
Successfully implementing new technologies takes time and continuous effort. The panel emphasized the need for a careful approach to change management, including engaging critics as well as advocates to refine rollouts. Defining clear KPIs was also highlighted as essential to measure the impact of these technologies, with focus areas including staff engagement, turnover rates, and patient satisfaction.
Success stories shared by the panel included Cone Health’s improvements in nurse engagement and patient experience through virtual nursing, and Baptist Health’s significant cost reductions in contract labor due to their centralized approach. These examples underscore the tangible benefits that well-implemented technology can bring.
Legal and Compliance Hurdles
Finally, Bennett provided a crucial reminder of the evolving legal landscape surrounding AI. With regulations continually developing, having a robust governance and compliance framework is not just a best practice—it’s essential. Ongoing oversight and thoughtful vendor selection are key to mitigating the risks associated with adopting AI in healthcare.
Barbara Bennett stressed, “Doing research and networking, talking to others, is absolutely the way to go… be careful and diligent on the front end.”
The Path Forward
These thought leaders made one thing clear: modernizing healthcare isn’t just about new tools. Thoughtful problem-solving, collaboration, and careful management are key to ensuring technology improves efficiency, patient care, and staff fulfillment.”
For those ready to explore how AI and other technologies can transform their healthcare delivery, Qualivis offers expert guidance and tailored solutions to help navigate the complexities of this journey. Reach out to discover how you can take your first steps toward a more modernized healthcare system.