In this episode, host Jay Anders, MD welcomes Christoper Kunney, a renowned senior-level HIT executive and strategist, and Managing Partner and Digital Transformation Strategist for IOTECH Consulting.
He is, as Dr. Anders notes, someone who “…has basically done it all.”
In his position with IOTECH, Christopher engages with clients to provide guidance and thought leadership specific to emerging healthcare technology offerings, compliance-related issues, and technology adoption.
He serves as an advisory committee member for Chilmark Research, an industry advisor for Scale Health and BIONABU, an adjunct instructor for Dignity Health Global Education, and chairperson of the MS Healthcare Informatics Advisory Board for Morehouse School of Medicine. He’s a 2024 HIMSS Changemaker Award Recipient, a 2024 HHCP Award Recipient, 2006 CHIME Minority Scholarship Award winner, and 2024 GA Titan Award Nominee.
And somehow, when he’s not tending to all these pursuits, Christopher serves as host of the popular “Straight Outta Health IT” podcast, and is a sought-after thought leader, author, speaker, and strategist in emerging healthcare technologies.
Together, Dr. Anders and Christopher discuss the intersection of technology and healthcare –– with a focus on the challenges and opportunities presented by the integration of advanced technologies into healthcare systems. The discussion delves into how technological advancements can improve patient care, streamline operations, and address systemic issues such as interoperability and data security. However, hurdles such as regulatory compliance, cybersecurity threats, and the need for effective utilization of electronic health records remain.
Show Notes
Among the topics covered:
- Persistent problems in healthcare IT, such as interoperability issues and data management challenges.
- The potential of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to address these challenges.
- The need for regulatory frameworks and standards to guide the implementation of new technologies in healthcare.
- Emerging healthcare IT regulations like HTI-1 and HTI-2
- Current stressors and challenges for healthcare providers and organizations such as:
- Health data management
- Cognitive workload for clinicians
- Patient data ownership
- Financial challenges post-COVID
- Transition to value-based care
- The ever-changing landscape of healthcare, including the shift towards value-based care and the impending “silver tsunami” of an aging population.
- The importance of collaboration among different stakeholders in the healthcare ecosystem to drive meaningful improvements.
- Why major EHR vendors need to evolve into more open platforms that foster innovation.
- “If you had a magic wand and could change anything in healthcare IT today, what would it be?”
Show Links
- Christopher Kunney on LinkedIn
- “Straight Outta Health IT” on Apple Podcasts
- IOTECH Consulting
- Jay Anders on LinkedIn
- “Tell Me Where IT Hurts” on Healthcare NOW Radio
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