The annual trade show where the healthcare industry showcases innovative ideas is off to a strong start. Here's what participants are talking about:
The HLTH 2024 event in Las Vegas this week will give industry innovators the opportunity to advocate for new technologies and strategies. But at a time when healthcare seems more fragmented and expensive than ever, what themes really resonate?
Here are three things I gleaned from my first two days in Sin City.
AI remains a hot topic
AI is as big as ever, and no conversation at the Venetian fails to mention how this technology will revolutionize care for health systems, hospitals, payers, and most importantly, patients. There are very few. In fact, it is the consumer/patient who truly influences the evolution of healthcare. They are using AI tools to better understand their health care needs and options, and are working with both health plans and providers (or recommended providers) to plan their care efforts. Masu.
The topic on the floor at HLTH 2024 is that payers and healthcare providers may go all-in on AI, but carefully and purposefully develop strategies to meet the needs and preferences of patients and consumers. There is a need. That means understanding how to use data coming in from all angles, including through very non-traditional channels. In short, AI is revolutionary, but it's important to learn how to ride the wave, not just ride it.
Medical collaboration focuses on navigation
That's perhaps the biggest theme to come out of HLTH, and it's what Glen Tullman and Transcarent are highlighting with the release of WayFinding, an AI-powered platform for benefits navigation, clinical guidance, and care delivery. The real disruptor in healthcare is that so many health systems and hospitals have limited means to care for their patients, while payers are turning to “in-network” strategies to steer members down specific paths. I am aware that I am dependent on it. However, the healthcare market is much larger, with new options and ideas available to consumers almost every day.
As AI evolves and true innovators understand the market, they will create platforms where consumers can choose the services they need, with AI behind the scenes analyzing their needs and providing the right options. It will be. Providers need to be transparent about what they can offer, and payers need to be on hand to manage financial strategies and provide guidance. Primary care, specialist, behavioral health, pediatric care, oral and eye care, rehabilitation providers, and even SDOH-compatible services such as nutritional counselors and alternative therapies can also join the platform.
To be sure, this is an ambitious and optimistic view of the future healthcare landscape, but if AI is applied strategically, it can become a reality. And it's what consumers demand as they understand how they can control their healthcare choices.
From niche service to enterprise platform
It's a platform again. But from a healthcare executive's perspective, this is where healthcare systems and hospitals can make their presence felt. Healthcare is flooded with services and technologies that address specific populations and conditions. Exhibition halls at events such as HLTH, ViVE, CES, HIMSS, and ATA feature companies offering unique and specialized services and technologies. While these solutions may be highly effective, health systems and hospitals need to reach a much larger patient base.
Healthcare leaders are now interested in enterprise-wide platforms that allow healthcare providers to better coordinate and manage patient care. They value interoperability and tools and services that can integrate with health systems and their technology infrastructure (EHR). Continued workforce shortages are putting an emphasis on services that can be delivered through virtual channels, allowing providers to reach patients without burdening already stressed businesses.
This is how providers can best address SDOH. By using AI and other tools to understand patient challenges and needs, programs and services that address these challenges can be built into this enterprise platform. These services can then be scaled out and delivered to more people, increasing sustainability.
Admittedly, these are all optimistic strategies. But that seems to be the vibe at HLTH this year, as the main stage features the usual Las Vegas decorations and a parade of celebrities lending their names to hot-button public health issues. The health care industry may be in a tough spot right now, beset by cost and quality issues, payer conflicts, and a shrinking workforce, but there are also some innovative ideas that deserve attention. And with AI, there is ample opportunity.
Eric Wicklund is an associate content manager and senior innovation editor at HealthLeaders.
