During a recent appearance, Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare Chairman and CEO R. Milton Johnson discussed the influence startups will have on healthcare during the next few years and how innovators can optimize their products for integration by hospitals and health systems nationwide, Nashville Business Journal reports.
Mr. Johnson was one of several speakers headlining the annual Health:Further conference, which took place Aug. 27-29 in Nashville.
During an interview Aug. 27, Mr. Johnson disclosed the advice he would give healthcare innovators.
"First thing I would say is you're in a great industry for disruption. There's a lot about healthcare we can improve. But look at it through the eyes of the patient or maybe look at it through the eyes of the physician. … What problem are you trying to solve and can you clearly understand it through the eyes of that patient?" he said.
Mr. Johnson said it's a question he pondered before the 178-hospital system purchased mobile EHR company PatientKeeper in 2014 and acquired data security platform startup Mobile Heartbeat in 2016, according to the report. The apps help nurses and physicians coordinate patient care via an iPhone or tablet. Prior to the acquisitions, Mr. Johnson said he spoke with staff as they tested the products to see how they would be incorporated on the front lines.
"I saw firsthand how it would impact patient care, how it would impact nurses and how it would impact physicians. So, I think you have to look at [innovation] as close as you can through the eyes of that patient, or if it's a physician solution, through the eyes of that physician. Listen closely to understand the problems they have and how can you solve them," he said.
To access the full report, click here.