The realm of health IT is constantly evolving, and with the explosion of AI, it’s more important than ever to maintain a sense of balance. Bob Katter, president of FDB (First Databank), a provider of drug information and decision support technology, has some valuable advice for healthcare professionals navigating this rapidly changing landscape.
At HIMSS25, Katter emphasizes the importance of finding the right balance when it comes to adopting new technologies. While it’s tempting to get swept up in the hype surrounding AI, it’s crucial to avoid investing in unproven applications that could lead to wasted resources and suboptimal outcomes. On the other hand, sticking with the status quo could mean missing out on transformative technologies that have the potential to improve patient care, financial performance, and clinician satisfaction.
Katter warns against expecting immediate change when implementing new technology. It’s easy to become disillusioned if short-term results don’t meet expectations, but true transformation takes time. He encourages healthcare executives to be ambitious yet thoughtful, implement safeguards to protect patients and the organization, and recognize the long-term impact of generative AI.
When it comes to deploying new technology in healthcare, Katter advises against the “move fast and break things” mentality popular in Silicon Valley. In healthcare, the stakes are higher, and any new technology must at least maintain the same level of quality care, if not improve it. Achieving a balance between risk and reward in healthcare technology is a challenging but essential task.
Generative AI is a hot topic at HIMSS25, with many discussions centered around its potential to revolutionize patient care delivery. While current applications focus on administrative tasks like documentation and communication, Katter predicts that generative AI will soon play a more significant role in diagnostic, testing, and treatment decisions with appropriate human oversight.
FDB’s message at HIMSS25 is clear: the healthcare industry has a unique opportunity to leverage the power of information technology to personalize medication and clinical decision support for individual patients. By embracing new technologies and focusing on personalized care, health systems can improve patient outcomes, enhance the clinician experience, and reduce wasted resources.
In conclusion, the healthcare industry is at a pivotal moment where technology has the potential to revolutionize care delivery. By finding the right balance between innovation and caution, healthcare organizations can harness the power of AI to provide more precise, personalized care to their patients.
