Today marks the end of another HIMSS conference. 45,000+ attendees descended on Orlando for 4 days of learning sessions, demos in the exhibit hall and after-hours events. By all accounts it was a successful event – in person and online.
According to Symplur, over 78,000 tweets were sent during HIMSS19, by 16,800 different users. These are incredible engagement statistics.
The actual numbers, however, are actually a bit higher because there were a significant number of tweets that were sent with the wrong hashtag – #HIMMS19 instead of #HIMSS19. I scrolled through the hundreds of tweets tagged with #HIMSS19 and pulled out a few that I thought were notable.
Our peers from @IndianaHIE @jkansky and Keith Kelley sharing a candid view of the value of #HIE past, present and future. “HIE capability becomes more critical with the rise in complexity of the healthcare environment.” #HIMMS19 pic.twitter.com/YNGbJVROyC
— Win Vaughan (@winvaughan) February 14, 2019
Although no one can predict the economic future of HIEs, I do agree that they are one of the only neutral entities in the healthcare ecosystem. As such, they have the potential to be an effective clearinghouse or repository of health information – but only if the challenge of data compatibility/interoperability is solved.
#cloudcomputing in #healthcare @peteratmsr shares @Microsoft’s mission in health focused on providing value to the industry as cloud platform, not competing as provider or life sciences company. #empower the #health community. #HIMMS19 pic.twitter.com/2FwW5jFPqW
— Jackie Haydock (@JackieHaydock) February 14, 2019
It’s nice to know that Microsoft isn’t trying to be more than what healthcare needs of them right now – a stable, reliable technology provider that can be the backbone of modern clinical systems. By sticking to what they are good at, they aren’t clouding the issue (pun intended).
From paternalistic to participatory medicine, patients are not waiting any more… @GraceCordovano at #HIMMS19 pic.twitter.com/wH2YuzzJRL
— Tim Blake (@timblake1978) February 14, 2019
There are two ways I interpret Grace Cordovano’s statement. First, patients are tired of being treated poorly, burdened with unintelligible bills that they cannot afford and being prescribed treatment plans that don’t match their socioeconomic as well as geographic circumstances. Second, the advances in mobile technology and sensors has made it possible for patients to self-diagnose minor issues without the need for a medical professional. As these tools and technologies improve, patients willing to accept “good enough” digital health may elect to bypass the traditional healthcare system altogether.
“As we age, it’s crucial that we get information in the hands of caregivers. They know as much as, if not better than, anyone about how to best deliver care to their parents or loved ones.” – Shawn Martin, @aafp. #HIMMS19 pic.twitter.com/MN43OO7QYZ
— Eric Gascho (@EricGascho) February 14, 2019
I agree with this Shawn Martin quote. Caregivers are not seen as potential partners or assets in the health of patients, yet they often are much more well-informed about the patient’s medical history AND they are the support system that can help patients stick with their treatment protocol.
“Generating awareness and having the right messaging around cyber security is an important part of helping clinicians and healthcare understand the cyber security landscape?” @drnic1 at the Atos session. #HIMMS19
— David Rice (@bigdatadavid13) February 13, 2019
This is a very astute observation. If you use technical jargon to explain the need for cybersecurity, you could be in for a tough sell. If, however, you talk about cybersecurity in a way that makes it clear how a lack of cybersecurity could negatively impact clinical operations and/or patient outcomes, you will likely gain executive buy-in.
“Your cyber security has to be in line with your biz strategies. Having tactics without strategy is the fastest way to failure.” -Dr. Robert Jamieson at the Atos Cyber Security session From the Boardroom to the Endpoint. #HIMMS19
— David Rice (@bigdatadavid13) February 13, 2019
It’s 2019. IT for IT sake is no longer a viable business strategy. IT organizations need to show how their investments and their work contributes to clinical effectiveness, patient outcomes and/or financial performance. I totally agree that aligning cybersecurity with organizational goals is key to getting the necessary resources.
We have to be mindful of disparities such as income, which especially puts women at risk. Amplify what we believe: speak up and walk the talk to find equity where we can. –@healthythinker #Himms19 #healthequality #GuideWellNow pic.twitter.com/PqExzKjjCg
— Daya (@dayiii_x3) February 13, 2019
Jane Sarasohn-Kahn once again hits the nail on the head. We should fight city hall for ensure equity for all, but we should also be pragmatic and reduce disparities in small incremental ways whenever and however we can.
In regards to AI – 1) don’t see us replacing docs with AI, but allowing docs more time with pts 2) need to free the data to use AI to help patients 3) putting AI into #SDOH and prevention will be a focus for @CMSinnovates @DXCHealth @DXCTechnology #HIMMS19 pic.twitter.com/UXiU2nKmxg
— gmathews71 (@gmathews71) February 13, 2019
I think this is a realistic prediction on AI in healthcare. The irrational AI exuberance at last year’s HIMSS has thankfully given way to pragmatic strategies on how this technology can be deployed.
Wow, Q&A on Patient Engagement at #HIMMS19
1. Nobody needs another portal — give us meaningful tools.
2. Real engagement is driven by caring, not compliance.
3. Until we treat patients as co-experts, the system will be paternalistic and erode engagement.— Dave Wieneke (@UsefulArts) February 11, 2019
Nothing to add to this tweet. It sums everything up nicely.
Clyde Hewitt points out, “We need a new laptop after 4 years but we keep a medical device for 15.” It’s no wonder we have such risks with biomed. #HIMMS19 pic.twitter.com/vXyKM4b1MX
— CynergisTek (@cynergistek) February 14, 2019
This tweet stopped me in my tracks. I never really considered the age of the medical devices being used in healthcare organizations, but Hewitt is right to call out this technology disparity. We won’t tolerate a 4 year old laptop but we will accept a 10 year old patient monitor. It doesn’t make sense to me either.
This article was inspired by this lovely sign that spotted while in line for coffee at HIMSS19.
