At the recent Reuters Digital Health conference in Nashville, health system executives gathered for this high-impact event defined by innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the future of patient-centered care. Across packed sessions and candid panel discussions, a recurring theme emerged: digital transformation in healthcare must be as human-centered as it is tech-enabled.
Digital Engagement as a Driver of Value-Based Care
In the panel, “Enhance Member Experience Through Digital Engagement to Boost the Value of Care,” industry leaders explored how digital tools can elevate both the patient and member experience. Moderated by Edward Mitchell, senior director of strategic partnerships at Advocate Health, the discussion featured insights from Eric Smith (Memorial Hermann), Rebecca Stametz (Geisinger), Dr. Valerie McKinnis (AdventHealth), Doba Parushev (CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield), and Nayan Jain (ustwo).
One key takeaway was that thoughtfully designed digital engagement platforms not only improve patient satisfaction but also contribute meaningfully to clinical outcomes.
Highlights from the session included:
- Implement real-time feedback loops that inform continuous improvement.
- Create telehealth and digital touchpoints that build consistent, meaningful patient interactions.
- Align digital tools with value-based care goals to boost retention and improve outcomes.
Speakers also acknowledged important equity considerations, such as the challenge of designing digital programs that are inclusive of underserved or differently-abled populations. Geisinger, for example, cited ALS patients as a group that could be left behind by standard digital solutions, and one that they have successfully included.
Trust surfaced as a key factor in digital adoption. Panelists emphasized the importance of addressing patient skepticism through transparency and empathy-driven design, underscoring that technology must serve as a bridge, not a barrier.
Bridging Silos to Improve Outcomes
The conversation around organizational collaboration took center stage during the session, “Break Down Silos Between Departments to Create Teams that Work Together to Improve Patient Outcomes.” Leaders including Troy Foster (Stanford Health Care), Jodi Rosen (City of Hope), Karthik Raja (Ascension), and Dr. Bradley Crotty (The Froedtert & MCW health network) shared hard-earned lessons and practical strategies.
Rather than the often-cited goal of “breaking down silos,” this panel proposed a more nuanced approach – bridging silos to create alignment without erasing critical distinctions in training, certifications, and workflows.
Key strategies included:
- Regular cross-functional meetings to align goals and monitor progress.
- Enterprise-wide recognition programs that celebrate contributors from all departments.
- A focus on executing projects that solve root problems to drive meaningful change.
Dr. Crotty noted that collaboration comes with a cost—time, attention, and relationship-building. When done right, the investment pays off. He encouraged leaders to make collaborative efforts “less threatening” by clarifying shared goals and amplifying the individual “what’s in it for me” for each team.
As Jodi emphasized, success hinges on strong leadership that aligns strategy, elevates underrepresented voices, and ensures all departments feel ownership in the outcomes.
Leading Through Change: A Call to Action
One of the most powerful reminders came as leaders reflected on the healthcare system’s COVID-19 response. The ability to unite across silos during a crisis offers a compelling roadmap for the future: we’ve done it before, and we can do it again – this time proactively.
With all baby boomers reaching age 65 by 2030, the urgency is real. Healthcare systems must adapt to serve a rapidly aging population with growing comorbidities, all while grappling with workforce shortages.
Leadership must step up. Change begins at the top with executives modeling transparency, prioritizing collaboration, and building cultures that reward innovation and trust.
A Community of Leaders
The conference also featured the Women in Digital Health Breakfast, a powerful gathering that underscored the importance of creating space for connection, mentorship, and leadership among women in healthcare innovation.
The Reuters Digital Health conference was a reminder that while technology is transforming care delivery, it’s people and the trust they build that truly power progress. As we look ahead, the challenge isn’t simply to adopt new tools, but to align them with shared goals, inclusive strategies, and a relentless focus on the patient experience.