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Blog • • 2 minute read

CHIME Reflects on 2021 during End-of-Year Session

WWT and partners predict digital focus for healthcare in 2022.

Overview  

On December 8, 2021, the College of Healthcare Information Executives (CHIME) Board members invited partners and team members to their last virtual education session of 2021, "Foundation Partner Education Series: End-of-Year Reflections & New Year Insights with CHIME Board Leadership." Board members shared their insights, plans and priorities for 2022. The webinar was moderated by CHIME President and CEO Russell Branzell, FCHIME, CHCIO.  

Panelists participating in the discussion included:  

  • John Kravitz, CHCIO, Chair, CHIME Board; Corporate CIO Geisinger Health
  • Shafiq Rab, MD, MPH, CHCIO, Chair, CHIME Foundation Board; CDO & CIO Wellforce Health System
  • Tanya Townsend, System Senior Vice President, and Chief Information Officer 
    LCMC Health

The last few years  

Russell started the discussion by asking each board member their thoughts about the last few years of impact:  

  • The pandemic has shown that Information Technology (IT) has enabled us to do everything quickly.
  • Cybersecurity was a big factor in 2021 and will continue to be important in the coming years.
  • Because of the labor shortage in the workforce, there is a need to look for employees globally.
  • Creative employee retention strategies such as DE&I efforts and professional development are needed to keep employees engaged.
  • Remote/hybrid work is here to stay.

Importance of foundation partners  

Recognizing that 2021 was a very challenging year for healthcare, each board member expressed appreciation to the CHIME Foundation Partners. The foundation partners went above and beyond by offering catered lunches to frontline workers and helping with the rapid implementation of new technologies. It's important to build meaningful relationships with partners by establishing genuine connections. 

Looking Ahead  

CHIME members and partners are projecting the next 24 months will be the busiest season for healthcare IT. There are many projects board members are excited about for the future including recruiting and retention, revenue cycle, digital health, patient access and disparities in the healthcare system.  

Insights  

World Wide Technology Chief Healthcare Advisor and CHIME diversity and inclusion committee member, Eric Quinones, M.D. was in attendance and shared his insights. 

"Healthcare moved quickly during the pandemic, and we must continue the momentum to leverage technology with a focus on equity of care. As highlighted in this webinar, everyone should have the same access to care, regardless of socio-economic standing and ethnicity."