In Seattle, it sometimes feels like groundbreaking technology is constantly emerging with promises to change the way we live, work, and interact with each other. In periods of great uncertainty, technology has often helped us see new possibilities and provided new ways to tackle complex challenges. Yet in the human-centered work we do in health care, we have also witnessed the potential harm of technology and the isolation of a tech-laden generation. That’s why I believe it’s critical for us to work together to focus on the positive impact technology can have on our children’s health.
At Children’s Hospital Association’s Transforming Quality Conference, I was reminded of the power we have when we come together around a common goal. Many of us shared ways children’s hospitals are using data and technology to deliver positive outcomes for kids. We had great conversations around connecting data to safety and using AI to enhance patient care and eliminate disparities.
Advances in technology offer an opportunity to leverage new capabilities and discover what’s possible. It’s inspiring to see how many in pediatric health care are embracing technology. Whether it’s leveraging AI for heart transplant matches, developing predictive models to improve health equity, or designing hospitals of the future, technology is changing the pediatric health care landscape.
I look forward to learning about more technical and other advancements at Family Advocacy Day June 12-14. Several children’s hospitals and health systems will show elected leaders how they are expanding care beyond clinical treatment, such as using canine co-pilots on behavioral health units, a rewards program to improve adherence to medical treatments, and a Seattle Children's therapeutic gaming program.
At CHA, we will continue to highlight examples of how our members use technology to power new solutions for patient outcomes, improve care environments for our teams, and identify new therapeutic discoveries in our research programs. What a gift we have to be able to learn from each other and collaborate for the benefit of our children.
