Key Focus Areas for HIMSS25: Actionable Innovations and Collaboration

As HIMSS25 approaches, attendees are encouraged to concentrate on actionable innovations that can streamline processes and enhance collaboration within the healthcare industry. Dr. Colin Banas, the chief medical officer at DrFirst, emphasizes the importance of implementing technologies that eliminate friction and promote teamwork.

DrFirst’s Contribution to Medication Management

DrFirst, a leading vendor of medication management technology, offers solutions that cover the entire spectrum from prescription to adherence. Their platform is utilized by nearly half a million prescribers, 70,000 pharmacies, 270 EHRs, and over 2,000 hospitals across the United States. By leveraging their technology, healthcare providers can enhance patient care and medication management processes.

Prioritizing AI and Automation

Dr. Banas recommends that health IT leaders at HIMSS25 focus on incorporating AI and automation in practical and measurable ways. While AI has already begun making an impact in healthcare, the key is to deploy these technologies where they can address real challenges and improve outcomes. Whether it’s streamlining prior authorization workflows, utilizing predictive analytics for medication adherence, or implementing chat-driven clinical decision support, the goal should be to reduce administrative burdens and enhance patient care.

Breaking Down Data Silos for Better Collaboration

To foster better collaboration among healthcare stakeholders, it’s essential to break down data silos that hinder efficient communication and coordination. Interoperability should be a top priority for IT leaders, enabling seamless data exchange across the healthcare ecosystem. Accessible and actionable clinical data can lead to quicker treatment decisions, fewer errors, and increased patient engagement.

Empowering Patients through Information

Empowering patients with targeted information is crucial for improving medication adherence and reducing readmissions. Patient engagement programs that provide personalized resources and relevant clinical information can help individuals manage their medications effectively. IT leaders should focus on platforms that offer valuable information to patients without adding extra burden to healthcare providers.

AI’s Practical Impact in Healthcare

In the realm of technology trends at HIMSS25, AI is taking center stage with its practical applications in healthcare. From patient engagement to clinical decision support, AI is revolutionizing various aspects of healthcare delivery. AI agents are acting as guides for patients, offering real-time updates on prescriptions and financial assistance options, while AI-enhanced clinical decision support tools are aiding providers in making informed treatment decisions.

Disruptive innovations in e-prescribing are also on the horizon, aiming to streamline the process and enhance collaboration between prescribers, pharmacists, and payers. By modernizing e-prescription workflows, healthcare professionals can reduce manual workarounds, improve efficiency, and ultimately enhance patient care.

Follow Bill’s HIT coverage on LinkedIn: Bill Siwicki
Email him: bsiwicki@himss.org
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS Media publication.

WATCH NOW: Why you can’t just dump AI on a CIO or CTO to make a chief AI officer