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Author Archives: Kaushal Chaudhary

Accelerate Healthcare Digital Transformation with APIs

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy discuss the basics of an API and its impact on digital transformation in health systems.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “What is an API?”
    • Vik explains to Jimmy  how APIs work together with other apps. APIs act like a bridge that connect different systems and make it easy to share data.
    • The digital transformation happening now requires APIs to be able to connect apps such as telehealth and remote monitoring.
  • “With the Cures Act coming from the government, health systems have to enable data sharing..”
    • COVID has certainly accelerated the digital transformation shift, but the shift had already been started. Vik explains the incentives for customers, healthcare, and the government to push for more data sharing, starting ultimately with better patient care.
  • “From a CIO standpoint, what do I need to have to run everything efficiently?”
    •  Vik states that its starts with having the correct strategy. This means being able to plan for the use APIs over the traditional approach for integration.
  • “Once you do all the hard work and have the infrastructure in place for APIs, then you can simply reuse it.”
    • Vik explains the pros of using APIs over traditional integration.
  • “What is the ROI for using APIs over the traditional approach?”
    • Vik explains the competitive advantage of using APIs over traditional integration, ranging from reduced work time to providing a better user experience for all parties involved.


Listen to the full episode:

 

Learn more about Tido’s Integration Packages:
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Scheduling Your COVID-19 Vaccine

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy cover the timely topic of COVID-19 vaccine scheduling/distribution.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “What is the protocol for getting a vaccine?”
    • As the vaccine continues to be administered, Jimmy asks Vik what the protocol is on who gets the vaccine first. Vik lays out the protocol, starting with essential workers and the elderly getting it first.
  • “Phone lines are clogged up bad, and it’s starting to affect patients.”
    • More and more people are calling hospitals to gain information on vaccine scheduling. This has caused the phone lines to be clogged up, which could lead to other critical issues not getting the attention they need. Vik mentions a couple solutions to the problem of phone lines, such as using a robust intranet to give information, such as an FAQ.
  • “What do you think are some good FAQ questions?”
    • Jimmy asks Vik to lay out the types of questions that would help address questions related to vaccine scheduling, such as where/when to schedule.
  • “Use the technology at your hands to help people.”
    • Vik talks how Tido Inc. has helped hospital systems deal with the logistics of vaccines and using certain tools to make sure that the 1st and 2nd dose are administered for the correct time window.
  • “Lets try and use technology in healthcare to help with this really complex situation.”
    • On top of providing good healthcare, there has been a logistical issue that technology can help deal with. Vik mentions the importance of automation in making sure that vaccines are scheduled correctly.

Listen to the full episode:

Learn more about Tido’s Integration Packages:
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Click below for more information regarding Tido’s test automation packages:

Test Automation Packages

2020 Wrapped Up

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy recap their favorite moments from 2020 and discuss the future for 2021.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “Let’s dive right into security and malware and viruses…”
    • The duo celebrate the one year anniversary of the show. They talk about how security was an important topic early on and how it will never really leave.
  •  “It’s free on paper, but the data obtained by these apps are priceless..”
    • Jimmy points out that even though apps such as Zoom are free, they are still collecting valuable data. Vik agrees, saying that healthcare disruption is inevitable as Big Tech enters the industry.
  • “COVID-19 has accelerated a lot of things in healthcare.”
    • The pair reflect on how the pandemic has forced us to adapt to a virtual lifestyle. Telehealth has become an important tool moving forward when it comes to digital strategy.
  • “Some of the most fun I’ve had on this podcast is talking with our guests.”
    • The guests that have appeared on this show have been absolutely great and knowledgeable. Jimmy comments on how much he has learned about healthcare from all the guests. Vik and Jimmy go over some of their favorite guest episodes.
  •  “I feel like over the next few years, there’s going to be an exponential increase in app usage, from a patient and provider standpoint.”
    • The ONC’s Cures Act will give patients/providers more control over their data. Vik gives his predictions for tech trends heading into 2021, ranging from test automation to using cloud architecture.

Listen to the full episode:

Learn more about Tido’s Digital Packages:
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Click below for more information regarding Tido’s test automation packages:

Test Automation Packages

Mobile Apps Management for Health Systems

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In this episode of This Week In Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy are joined by Wayne Che, CTO of Sowingo Inc. The group jumps into what it takes to manage and develop mobile apps for health systems.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “If I’m a health system and people are asking for a certain app, should I Build or Buy the app?”
    • With the boom in the app economy because of COVID-19, Vik and Wayne talk about the best approach healthcare providers can take for mobile app development. Wayne goes over pro’s and con’s for Build vs Buy apps.
  • “We recently launched a new digital package to help health systems manage all the mobile apps, and it does include custom development.”
    • Tido Inc offers a Digital Package for the management of mobile and web apps for healthcare systems.
  • “A very important point is continually testing and maintaining the app.”
    • As we’ve mentioned before, you can never have enough testing. Being able to provide an app that works correctly on all devices is one of the first steps in providing good patient engagement. Wayne makes a point that testing on real devices is crucial so the best experience can be provided.
  • “From an infrastructure standpoint, do you want to host in-house or do you make use of cloud providers?”
    • With so many cloud-based providers available, Vik asks Wayne if storing the infrastructure in-house has any advantage over the cloud. Wayne makes several points in favor of cloud-based, such as privacy and security compliance, cost and for scaling.
  • “Regardless of the Cures Act, healthcare innovation is happening.”
    • The ONC’s Cures Final Act allows seamless and secure access, exchange, and use of electronic health information. Vik and Wayne discuss how API’s can be used for data sharing. The healthcare industry has been lagging behind other industries, and Vik comments that innovation needs to happen to provide the patient the best healthcare experience.
  • “One thing is clear, whether you build in-house, buy it, or take a hybrid approach, we are going to see more and more apps.”
    • Jimmy asks the best approach to mobile development, and Wayne gives his take on different development models. Vik mentions that the innovation is not going to stop with apps, citing examples such as wearables and remote-monitoring apps.

Listen to the full episode:

Learn more about Tido’s Digital Packages:
Tido’s Digital Packages


Click below for more information regarding Tido’s test automation packages:
Test Automation Packages

Sowingo Inc:

https://sowingo.com/

The Inpatient Digital Experience

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy are joined by Jeff Fallon, CEO and Chairman of eVideon, where they discuss the digital transformation happening to the hospital inpatient experience.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “About 75 percent of hospital rooms have not changed much since the 1970’s…”
    • Jeff and Vik discuss the current state of hospital rooms and how the digital transformation can be achieved in hospital rooms.
  • “Why now do you see this different approach for providing inpatient healthcare?”
    • Jimmy asks Jeff why the digital transformation has taken so long in healthcare. Jeff answers that the pandemic has certainly accelerated the transition, and compares it to the changes happening in telehealth. Jeff also mentions value-based care being a big driver for hospitals to make the change.
  • “The right approach is to provide an experience where the patient doesn’t feel like a guest in someone’s hospital.”
    • Vik brings up the idea of smart hospital rooms, and Jeff agrees that the technology is there to provide better patient engagement.
    • The use of smart TVs and smart speakers can help give patients more control over their experience in the hospital.
  • “It looks like eVideon is making a more interactive/pleasant experience for patients..”
    • Jimmy asks Jeff about how eVideon is providing an overall better inpatient experience. Jeff elaborates on the importance of providing entertainment for patients and being able to give patients control over what apps they want to use.
  • “You better have a smart digital strategy for all types of folks.”
    • Vik makes a good point that everyone is not on the same level when it comes to using technology. Jeff addresses this as well and comments that a smart digital strategy is one that can benefit everyone, regardless of an individual’s comfortability with technology.

Listen to the full episode:

Learn more about Tido’s Digital Packages:
Tido’s Digital Packages

Learn more about Tido’s Integration Packages:
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eVideon Healthcare: https://www.evideon.com/

Using wearables for preventive patient care

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Jimmy and Vik are joined by Dr. Michael Farmer, a Cardiologist and founder of Corverix. Michael discusses the importance of using wearables for preventive patient care.

Hear is what they discussed:

  • “I really feel strongly that the systems we have are completely reactive based with zero emphasis on prevention.”
    • Michael tells the duo his opinion on the state of healthcare and why he got into the business of wearables. He talks on how current wearables can provide preventive patient information to healthcare providers.
  • “Value-based care and wearables actually align quite well.”
    • Michael agrees with Vik on the ROI that wearables can give healthcare providers. Michael discusses how wearables can provide more accurate data for doctors to rely on, such as sleep. With the massive amounts of data that wearables can provide, Jimmy asks Michael what data points patients should be on the lookout for.
  • “We are seeing digital transformations in health systems happening overnight.”
    • Vik talks on how COVID-19 accelerated the need for digital integration in healthcare systems. They discuss methods for integrating wearable data into EHR’s. With Cure’s Act around the corner, Vik discusses the potential for accessing patient data.
  • “People can prolong their life with really simple lifestyle changes.”
    • Michael gives his recommendations how to to improve your health and the future of wearable technology.

Listen to the full episode:

For more information regarding Corverix, click link below:
https://corverix.com/pages/wearables

Learn more about Tido’s Digital Packages:
Tido’s Digital Packages

Learn more about Tido’s Integration Packages:
Tido’s Integration Packages

Test Automation in Healthcare

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy discuss the importance and growing need of test automation for EHR as well as testing for web/mobile applications.
They are joined by Laura O’Toole, who serves as President of Santa Rosa Consulting, and Ryan Neaves, VP of Care Applications at Novant Health.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “You can never have enough testing”.
    • As said by Vik himself, this illustrates the main talking point of this episode. The group elaborates on why rigorous and extensive testing must be done and continue to be done to ensure that the best healthcare can be provided.
  • “Test automation is the next iteration for the healthcare industry…”.
    • Ryan discusses the changing landscape of the healthcare industry regarding test automation. He explains that other industries have relied on test automation for decades, and the need for healthcare to transition to test automation continues to grow. Ryan and Laura also discuss the successful test automation implementation at Novant Health.
  • “It takes a change in mentality and culture…”.
    • The transition from in-person testing to test automation takes some getting used to. Vik talks side-effects of the test automation transition in relation to ROI. The group discusses how test automation can free up key personnel to work on more important tasks. Laura and Ryan elaborate on making sure the team has confidence when working with test automation and giving up control.
  • “How do you adapt and get better in the face of COVID-19”.
    • The group discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the use and need of test automation. Vik talks about how COVID-19 has made testing for digital apps more important. Patient engagement due to COVID-19 relies heavily over digital apps. Because the digital transformation is happening so fast under COVID-19, the need for test automation in areas other than EHR is high. Laura remarks on how COVID-19 threw the health industry into the frying pan and highlights on how it forced healthcare workers to focus their skills and utilize test automation.
  • “How do you pitch test automation to your C-suite? It’s easy.”
    • Ryan explains that his conversation with his C-suite was relatively seamless because the deliverables on it were highly sought after. The ability to scale very rapidly is a key selling point, especially given the current pandemic. Ryan delves into more detail into how COVID-19 is a great example of why test automation is so relevant and necessary.

Listen to the full podcast:


Click below for more information regarding Tido’s test automation packages:

Test Automation Packages

Empowering Patients with their Health Record in a Modern Health IT Economy

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy focus on the ONC’s Cures Act Final Rule and how it will benefit the patient and healthcare industry.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “The new rule puts the patients first in terms of health technology.”
    • Vik explains that by putting the patient first in terms of health technology enables the health care industry to give patients transparency into the cost and outcome of their care. The duo go over more benefits of the rule including: giving patients the option to shop around for healthcare, having convenient and reliable access to their medical records, and creating a boom in the app economy.
  • “I think innovation is going to go through the roof for smartphone apps.”
    • Vik elaborates on how the new rule gives room for innovation that developers can take advantage of. It can allow for a patient to choose from a number of apps that specifically caters to their healthcare needs.
  • “It’s going to improve the healthcare service provided to the patient…”
    • Jimmy asks how the new rule could affect clinics. Vik explains that the data will be accessible for everyone to see the outcomes of clinics, which will forces poorer performing clinics to improve their services. Vik and Jimmy discuss potential security and privacy concerns. Vik addresses these by discussing security protocols already used in other industries, such as banking, which can be used also in the healthcare industry.
  • “Is there any pushback to this rule?”
    • Vik explains that the majority of people are for this rule, especially Big Tech(Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon). Jimmy asks Vik about pushback from EHR’s.
  • “We are going to have a lot of apps for providers as well.”
    • Vik states that the innovation from the new rule will not benefit solely patients but providers as well. Healthcare providers will be able to find/transfer patient records with ease.

Listen to the full episode:

Click link below to learn more about ONC’s Cures Act Final Rule:
https://www.healthit.gov/curesrule/

Learn more about Tido’s Integration Packages:

Tido’s Integration Packages

Improving the Patient/Provider Telehealth Experience

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech Vik and Jimmy discuss making changes to telehealth and how the ongoing COVID pandemic has pushed telehealth to the forefront in focusing on how to provide the optimal user experience for patients and providers.

Hear is what they discussed:

  • “Telehealth is here to stay.”
    • Jimmy and Vik dive into the importance of telehealth and how the pandemic has created the necessity to improve the field.
  • “If you want your telehealth to be the best, you have to invest in good audio quality…”
    • Jimmy shares how improving audio quality is the most important aspect of providing engaging telehealth. Vik and Jimmy compare the pro’s and con’s of different types of microphones and audio equipment.
  • “Video quality can always be better.”
    • Jimmy recommends getting a dedicated web camera to be one the biggest improvements you can make for telehealth. Vik adds that your internet connection is more important than your video quality, and elaborates on how patients and providers can improve in that area. Jimmy gives his tips on how to improve your rooms at home/office for a better telehealth experience.
  • “How easy was it to schedule my virtual visit?”
    • Vik talks on the necessity for the telehealth system to be seamless. In particular, patients should have an easy and accessible way to make appointments.

Listen to the full episode:

Click below to learn more about Tido’s Digital Packages:

Tido’s Digital Packages

Click below to learn more about Tido’s Integration Packages:

Tido’s Integration Packages

Managing Human Resources during a Pandemic

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In this episode of This Week in Health Tech, Vik and Jimmy are joined by Tony Welch, Senior VP and Chief Human Resources Office for Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. Tony discusses the challenges that COVID-19 brings to Human Resources and how his hospital has adapted.

Here is what they discussed:

  • “We  had to tear up our HR manual and start from new.”
    • Tony describes the steps his hospital took to address the growing COVID-19 cases. He goes into detail about how they managed PPE equipment and how his team came up with solutions to help prevent PPE shortages.

 

  • “You really have to figure out what to do with staffing.”
    • When it came to the staff, Tony reiterates that they didn’t furlough or layoff a single employee. His HR team instead created a labor pool, where staff were re-assigned jobs based on what was needed. The morale of his team stayed positive, and other facilities followed what Phoebe Putney was doing.

 

  • “What about communication with staff and keeping them updated?”
    • Vik asks Tony how they were able to effectively communicate with staff and keep them updated. Phoebe Putney hospital set up a command center that was manned 17 hours daily. Tony explains that the executive board became very transparent with the staff and the community. Other forms of communication include newsletters and daily videos for staff.

 

  • “Did you look into any digital tools that could help the staff and the patient in regards to COVID?”
    • Vik asks Tony whether they have intensified their approach to telehealth systems and other digital apps. Tony shares that telehealth has been in the works for a couple years but COVID has definitely accelerated more implementation of telehealth.

 

  • “Diversity and Inclusion are things that we’ve put on the radar since day one.”
    • With the social unrest currently going on in our country, Jimmy asks Tony what they are doing to address these on-going problems. Tony reiterates that they are looking at every demographic when it comes to their staff, including generational differences.

 

Listen to the full episode:



Click below for more information regarding Tido’s test automation packages:

Test Automation Packages
Learn more about Tido’s Integration Packages:

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