Latest Healthcare Trends from HIMSS 2016

Earlier this month a few PadillaCRT colleagues had the privilege to attend HIMSS 2016 in Las Vegas. The annual conference brought together over 40,000 healthcare IT professionals, clinicians, executives and vendors from around the world. With more than 1,300 vendors and organizations represented, the four-day conference highlighted the latest tools, innovations and trends in healthcare technology.

Each year HIMSS continues to impress attendees, and showcase the latest happenings in the worlds of healthcare and technology. Included below are a few topics that received lots of coverage and attention from media and attendees.

HIMSS16_Logo_Lockup_PRINTHealthcare IT: As expected, a big focus of the conference was the new advancements in healthcare IT. In particular, vendors used the conference to launch new software and devices to improve care for patients. Whether it’s tablets for remote patient monitoring or digital signage for hospital or clinic communication, organizations are continuing to spend more time and energy on developing tools to help patients, caregivers and staff ensure the best quality of care.

One particular new technology that was showcased at HIMSS was Children’s Health of Dallas’ virtual health platform. In order to ensure younger patients and their caregivers receive the best care, supervision and education, the hospital introduced a pediatric remote patient monitoring program. The new technology provides a seamless mobile experience for children and their parents to track their medical conditions.

Another focal point of the conference was cybersecurity and its role within an organization. Providers need to work closely together in order to battle, and prevent, the threats of attacks on personal data.

Interoperability: The latest industry buzzword heard frequently at HIMSS. For those not familiar, HIMSS defines interoperability as “the ability of health information systems to work together within and across organizational boundaries in order to advance the effective delivery of healthcare for individuals and communities.” You know it will be a big topic of discussion when the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary announced an industry-wide pledge for interoperability. Last year, the pledge – which shows the need for connected health systems – was signed into action. It includes three parts: better consumer access to health information, regulations about data blocking and a promise to develop industry-wide standards for interoperability.

Ideally, the new interoperability guidelines would allow for easier flow of digital patient records between providers, and between providers and patients.

2016-connected-health-survey-infographic
2016 HIMSS Connected Health Survey (click to enlarge)

Future of Healthcare Technology:  Is it cybersecurity technology to protect patient and hospital data, or digital platforms to create an open and more personal virtual experience for patients? The truth is that healthcare is an industry that’s constantly changing and evolving. But one thing that will always remain consistent is the need for personalized care and trusting relationships between providers and patients.

Technology allows providers to take the relationships to a new level. The 2016 HIMSS Connected Health Survey showed the importance of interactive relationships between physicians and patients.

“The healthcare ecosystem is increasingly converging on patient-centric technology solutions,” said Tom Martin, Ph.D., Director of Healthcare Information Systems for HIMSS. “The role of the provider is to expand far beyond the walls of the exam room.”

What are your thoughts on these trends? Or do have experience working in this space? Share in the comments below!

Interested in attending HIMSS 2017? Mark your calendar for February 19-23.

Related Posts: After HIMSS – Three PR Tips to Stay Top of Mind with Media after the Show Focus Your Post-Pandemic Evolution with Familiar Strategy Tools Food Values in South America A Taste of FNCE 2018 – Trends to Take Home Long Distanced Relationships During COVID-19 Health Care Communications In The Age Of COVID-19: Lessons From Mayo Clinic