Using technology to transform the way we care

According to Lisa Stump, interim chief information officer at YNHHS and YSM, "In the not-so-distant future, YNHHS information technology will be able to deliver the world-class health care that is the emblem of Yale New Haven Health right from the palms of our hands, both literally and figuratively." The goal is to make the data as relevant and accessible as possible. "For many of us today, the computer we have easiest access to is within arm's reach – our cell phones."

The guiding principles that will drive this vision are: security, accessibility and reliability, as well as problem-directed – meaning technology is solving real needs, innovative and scalable –creating a platform that allows us to grow clinical services and programs with ease. Another important goal is for clinicians to spend less time typing and more time caring reducing reliance on typing passwords by recognizing the information in ID badges and voice recognition to capture the spoken word as data.

What else does the future hold? Advances in the MyChart portal will soon include "OpenNotes" so patients can see their physicians' notes in addition to lab results and appointment scheduling – providing more transparency, communication and engagement.

 According to Stump, YNHHS will continue to drive expansion of telemedicine, as well as pursue electronic way-finding technology to help patients and visitors navigate our medical centers and extend care into patients' homes. There are several pilots underway with tracking devices such as Fitbits, blood pressure devices and glucometers that can take data from homes to Epic.

What the future also holds is what Stump described as prescriptive – or predictive – analytics, which makes use of data, statistical and qualitative analysis to tailor patients' care. "Our health system now has dozens of data registries and predictive tools, and we are preparing for the influx of genomic data," she said. "But with it comes a tremendous obligation to use it wisely."