Finding the Right Business Partner in Healthcare
The new Emerge Innovation Experience at HIMSS25 featured speakers from health systems discussing the importance of finding the right business partner.
A Good Partner is Hard to Find
According to Crystal Broj, enterprise chief digital transformation officer at the Medical University of South Carolina, a good partner is one who wants to be part of your team and has "skin in the game." They need to have the attitude, "if you’re successful, we’re successful."
It Takes Time
Broj emphasized that it takes months, not just one meeting, to find the right partner. "Healthcare and health tech is hard," she said. "It helps when meeting with someone who understands that."
Partnership Needs to be Aligned to Weather Storms
Adam Landman, an emergency physician and chief medical information officer for health information innovation and integration at Mass General Brigham, agreed. "Partnership needs to be aligned to weather the storms," he said.
Financial Challenges in Healthcare
The panelists highlighted the financial struggles of healthcare, including a workforce shortage. "Hospitals need to be sure that the solution is solving the problems that need solving," said Broj. "How do you incorporate it in the workflow?" she asked.
ROI Must Include Quality Improvement
Landman emphasized that the ROI must include quality improvement and saving time for doctors and nurses. "It’s a really challenging time, particularly with all the changes," he said.
Training for the Workforce
Crystal Broj stressed the need for money for training for the workforce to keep up with the changes. "What needs to be done is creating an orchestration project for all of these technologies," said Sameer Sethi, chief data and analytics officer at Hackensack Meridian Health.
Conclusion
Finding the right business partner is crucial in the healthcare industry. It takes time, effort, and a clear understanding of each other’s goals and challenges. The healthcare industry is facing significant financial challenges, including a workforce shortage, and requires solutions that provide quality improvement and save time for doctors and nurses.
FAQs
- What is the key to finding the right business partner in healthcare?
A: A good partner is one who wants to be part of your team and has "skin in the game." - How long does it take to find the right partner?
A: It takes months, not just one meeting. - What are the financial challenges in healthcare?
A: The industry is facing a workforce shortage, and many systems are struggling to make a profit. - How can healthcare systems overcome these challenges?
A: By finding the right business partner and implementing solutions that provide quality improvement and save time for doctors and nurses.
