2014: What’s in store

Welcome to 2014! This year is sure to be busy with Meaningful Use efforts, ICD-10 implementation, expanding health information exchange, high-tech and low-tech methods to improve patient engagement and more on your to-do list. 

This month’s cover story explores the growing field of data analytics and how healthcare organizations are using data to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs. Better dissecting and utilizing the deluge of data healthcare is managing is a top priority moving to Meaningful Use Stage 2.

There is much room for improvement in the field of data analytics, says Peter Aiken, PhD, associate professor of information systems at Virginia Commonwealth University and founder of Data Blueprint. He recommends starting with the basics to build and grow a successful analytics effort. Once that is accomplished, organizations can better tailor treatment and service lines to improve care quality, outcomes and economics. Read the article.

Also this month, we’re diving into the patient experience. More and more healthcare organizations are creating roles and departments devoted to this issue because they are finding that, while their patients may be receiving excellent care, it doesn’t always feel that way. Despite the increasing use of electronic tools and exciting technological advances, patients still want to feel compassion and warmth from their caregivers. Are your patients getting that kind of caring, personal treatment? Read the article.

For the tech geeks among us, hackathons are drawing a lot of interest and generating innovative ideas. These one-time, short-term events push teams to develop bleeding-edge tools and devices. Staff writer Laura Pedulli showcases several recent winners. Read the article.

Speaking of devices, the FDA came out with its long-awaited final guidance on mobile health apps. The “final” most likely is a temporary status, however, given the ever-changing field and the fact that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have yet to weigh in. Read the article.

2013 may have been the year of Meaningful Use implementation, the year of patient engagement or the year of EHR dissatisfaction (depending on your health IT guru of choice). We’lls soon know which issues are driving health IT in 2014.

We look forward to focusing in on the most pressing issues and sharing useful, insightful news and developments in the health IT arena this year. 

Best wishes for a happy and healthy new year—and for achieving the many goals of health IT.

Beth Walsh,

Editor

Editor Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in health communication. She has worked in hospital, academic and publishing settings over the past 20 years. Beth joined TriMed in 2005, as editor of CMIO and Clinical Innovation + Technology. When not covering all things related to health IT, she spends time with her husband and three children.

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