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When your mission is to drive change, there are inevitably going to be setbacks. What sets successful organizations apart, says CHIME CEO Russell Branzell, is the ability to stay the course and find a way to move forward.
Unlike in years past, healthcare IT leaders now have access to some of the most influential rule makers and legislators, making it all the more critical to keep plugging away and “shoot for something better,” says CIO Michael Martz.
The most effective way for CIOs and other leaders to continue to drive for change in health IT policy? To share your stories, say Congress representatives Doris Matsui, Bill Johnson, and Bill Foster, who discussed their involvement in telehealth, patient matching, and other key areas.
As healthcare enters “the digital revolution,” perhaps the greatest challenge for leaders is balancing the need for data access with the need for security, says Pamela McNutt, CIO at Methodist Health System.
No one is better suited than those who are in the trenches to push for better healthcare IT policies, according to Randy McCleese, one of several leaders who talks about why advocacy is so critical, especially in today’s landscape.
The initiatives that have made the most impact – especially when it comes to curbing opioid abuse, don’t necessarily require a big budget. What is needed, however, is guidance from fellow leaders, say Patty Lavely and Dave Lehr.
No one knows better than healthcare IT leaders how digital health regulations might remove a barrier or disrupt care, which is why it’s more important than ever for CIOs to find their voice – and use it, says Liz Johnson.
When it comes to health IT policy, leaders have two choices: get engaged in the process and help lead the discussion, or wait for regulators to set the rules and live with the consequences, according to Mari Savickis and Leslie Krigstein of CHIME.
“There’s security and safety in doing things that are known,” says CIO Aaron Miri, who believes the hallmark of a great leader is being willing to step out of the comfort zone and take risks.
With HHS releasing the long-awaited proposed rule on data blocking and HIPAA being reopened, healthcare IT’s future looks bright – as long as some key concerns don’t let lost in the shuffle, says CHIME’s Mari Savickis.
