CE-IT Integration From the IT Perspective

Abstract

The convergence of clinical engineering and information technology (CE-IT) won't just reshape the medical world, it also will affect IT companies. IBM, one of the world's largest providers of IT and consulting services, recently waded into healthcare IT through an agreement to manage Kaiser Permanente's computer systems and other services. IBM also is involved in implementing electronic medical record (EMR) systems to reach President Obama's goal to computerize medical records by 2014.Dan Pelino, general manager of global healthcare and life sciences industry at IBM, has formed key partnerships with leading healthcare organizations and advises federal, state, and local legislators on healthcare IT matters and healthcare reform.BI&T: What is IBM doing with respect to integrating healthcare IT?Pelino: We are helping hospital systems, health plans, and state offices to look at their infrastructure for areas of consolidation and optimization. IBM also is looking to bring analytics, business intelligence, and areas of business effectiveness to integrating healthcare ITBI&T: Is there a risk that implementing EMR systems can drive up the cost of integration?Pelino: The challenge is how to drive better patient care. We are trying to drive better outcomes and lower costs. The EMR by itself is just a window into the house. It is just a way for information to be exchanged between the patient and the doctor. In order to get at the cost element, we need to look at all aspects of care. The answer does not lie in selling one more EMR solution or health exchange, it lies in comprehensive care and creating better doctor/patient relationships.BI&T: What challenges do you see in the integration of IT and the creation of an EMR system?Pelino: You need to ensure that the solutions fit within the workflow and the process of the doctor's office and hospitals, and that the solutions enhance the patient/doctor relationship. You have to get into the discussion of who has access to medical information, when, where, and why.BI&T: How does IBM help clients manage risks associated with integrating medical systems?Pelino: IBM helps clients take a comprehensive approach to managing risk that considers both business goals as well as technical requirements and constraints for security and service management.BI&T: What role will medical devices have with respect to IT integration?Pelino: As we build out standards within the exchange of health information, medical devices will be able to take their value and have it in a more scalable environment. In the past, medical device companies have been concerned because of the lack of standards for the exchange of medical information. Their very smart device may not be accessible in a large market because of the lack of IT standards on the exchange of information.Going forward with standards, this hurdle has been lowered and the opportunity for the device to drive the benefit for the patient can now be realized on a broader scale. This now fits within the medical device companies' business plans, and we will encourage them to bring forward remote devices that benefit the patient and can help with outcomes and lower costs.BI&T: How has the economy affected the integration of healthcare IT?Pelino: It has redirected where we need to spend time. That redirection has occurred in two areas: cost take-out and efficiencies and value creation.The redirection on cost take-out is that hospitals are under significant pressures due to fewer people going to the hospital. When people lose their jobs, they usually lose their health benefits. And with fewer benefits, individuals pick up more of the cost so that becomes a challenge on revenue. That is why hospital systems have to redirect their priorities. Many are stopping expansion and building construction.Value creation focuses on creating more value with the patient/doctor relationship to attract more patients into their systems.