1 00:00:00,160 --> 00:00:02,319 This is Laura Dierda with the Becker's Healthcare 2 00:00:02,319 --> 00:00:04,480 Podcast. I'm thrilled today to be joined by 3 00:00:04,480 --> 00:00:07,679 Joshua Wilda, associate vice president for information systems 4 00:00:07,679 --> 00:00:10,000 and chief information digital officer at the University 5 00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:12,080 of Iowa Healthcare. Joshua, it's a pleasure to 6 00:00:12,080 --> 00:00:13,884 have you on the podcast today. Thank you, 7 00:00:13,884 --> 00:00:15,664 Laura. I'm excited to be here today, 8 00:00:15,964 --> 00:00:18,704 especially representing University of Iowa Health Care. 9 00:00:19,244 --> 00:00:21,884 Absolutely. Now, you know, I love University of 10 00:00:21,884 --> 00:00:23,644 Iowa. I haven't grown up right near there, 11 00:00:23,644 --> 00:00:25,724 a a big Hawkeye fan. And so just 12 00:00:25,804 --> 00:00:27,404 we'll be excited to learn more about some 13 00:00:27,404 --> 00:00:28,859 of the things you're doing and, 14 00:00:29,339 --> 00:00:31,420 what you're thinking about for the future. But 15 00:00:31,420 --> 00:00:32,940 before we dive in, can you tell us 16 00:00:32,940 --> 00:00:34,619 a little bit more about yourself, your background? 17 00:00:34,619 --> 00:00:35,820 I know you recently, 18 00:00:36,219 --> 00:00:38,380 joined the University of Iowa, and so love 19 00:00:38,380 --> 00:00:39,840 to hear a little bit more about, 20 00:00:40,219 --> 00:00:41,500 you know, some of the things that you've 21 00:00:41,500 --> 00:00:43,020 done throughout your career and what you're bringing 22 00:00:43,020 --> 00:00:44,479 to the new, new place. 23 00:00:44,885 --> 00:00:46,265 Yeah. For sure. So, 24 00:00:47,365 --> 00:00:49,284 I've been in health care IT for about 25 00:00:49,284 --> 00:00:51,685 twenty years now in various different roles. I 26 00:00:51,685 --> 00:00:52,505 actually started 27 00:00:53,125 --> 00:00:55,465 as an Epic implementer working at Epic, 28 00:00:56,325 --> 00:00:59,090 which gave me a really good opportunity to 29 00:00:59,090 --> 00:01:00,309 understand the relationship 30 00:01:00,609 --> 00:01:01,109 between, 31 00:01:02,289 --> 00:01:04,229 patient provider and technology, 32 00:01:04,930 --> 00:01:07,729 with how forward folk forward facing and forward, 33 00:01:08,450 --> 00:01:10,069 thinking that they are as an organization. 34 00:01:11,104 --> 00:01:13,185 After that, I got that opportunity to go 35 00:01:13,185 --> 00:01:14,004 work for 36 00:01:14,384 --> 00:01:16,304 a health system in the Michigan market, University 37 00:01:16,304 --> 00:01:18,704 of Michigan Health West, where I really had 38 00:01:18,704 --> 00:01:21,825 that opportunity to combine talents of how do 39 00:01:21,825 --> 00:01:23,444 we connect patients and providers, 40 00:01:23,829 --> 00:01:26,009 how do we use technology as that vehicle 41 00:01:26,469 --> 00:01:28,170 to allow the whole organization 42 00:01:29,030 --> 00:01:30,549 to work at the top of their license. 43 00:01:30,549 --> 00:01:32,250 I talk a lot about about that, 44 00:01:32,629 --> 00:01:34,310 and really get myself to to hone in 45 00:01:34,310 --> 00:01:36,569 on my own leadership style, leadership abilities. 46 00:01:37,590 --> 00:01:39,165 Five years ago, 47 00:01:39,704 --> 00:01:41,885 University of Michigan Health West joined 48 00:01:42,265 --> 00:01:44,665 into the University of Michigan Health Regional Network 49 00:01:44,665 --> 00:01:46,185 where I got to be able the the 50 00:01:46,185 --> 00:01:48,685 opportunity to to lead a much larger team 51 00:01:48,984 --> 00:01:52,045 across a network of community health organizations 52 00:01:52,659 --> 00:01:54,739 and get the opportunity to really partner with 53 00:01:54,739 --> 00:01:57,219 academic medical centers. You see this now happening 54 00:01:57,219 --> 00:01:59,939 these days where academic medical centers and community 55 00:01:59,939 --> 00:02:00,680 health medicine 56 00:02:01,060 --> 00:02:03,540 are really combining forces and bringing more power 57 00:02:03,540 --> 00:02:05,534 to what they can do. And then, you 58 00:02:05,615 --> 00:02:07,695 know, I had the opportunity to expand in 59 00:02:07,695 --> 00:02:08,594 my own career. 60 00:02:09,375 --> 00:02:11,694 The mission that happens at Iowa, the fact 61 00:02:11,694 --> 00:02:14,034 that Iowa is is, the 62 00:02:14,335 --> 00:02:17,055 the only academic medical center here. We're a 63 00:02:17,055 --> 00:02:17,555 quaternary 64 00:02:18,014 --> 00:02:20,580 organization for the state, and we truly serve 65 00:02:20,580 --> 00:02:21,639 the Iowan community. 66 00:02:22,659 --> 00:02:24,680 And I love the mission and passion around, 67 00:02:25,139 --> 00:02:27,000 again, how can we extend technology, 68 00:02:27,539 --> 00:02:29,620 especially now, you know, Laura, you've probably seen 69 00:02:29,620 --> 00:02:31,080 and heard about rural health. 70 00:02:31,459 --> 00:02:33,299 We'll talk probably a little bit about that. 71 00:02:33,299 --> 00:02:35,625 And Iowa is right for how can we 72 00:02:35,625 --> 00:02:37,805 use technology to connect patients, 73 00:02:38,344 --> 00:02:39,784 to for them to stay in their communities, 74 00:02:39,784 --> 00:02:41,224 but still get the health care that they 75 00:02:41,224 --> 00:02:44,344 lead. So, my career has gone full circle 76 00:02:44,344 --> 00:02:45,165 up and down, 77 00:02:45,944 --> 00:02:47,544 allowing me to use a lot of my 78 00:02:47,544 --> 00:02:50,490 own past experiences to now bring a breadth 79 00:02:50,490 --> 00:02:52,509 of expertise in digital health, 80 00:02:52,889 --> 00:02:56,509 in digital transformation, in project management, in leadership 81 00:02:56,810 --> 00:02:59,209 to the already great foundation that was here 82 00:02:59,209 --> 00:02:59,949 at UIHC 83 00:03:00,810 --> 00:03:03,050 and be able to to really push us 84 00:03:03,050 --> 00:03:06,025 forward. As you, can imagine our mission and 85 00:03:06,025 --> 00:03:08,745 vision, changing medicine, changing lives. How can you 86 00:03:08,745 --> 00:03:09,965 not get behind that? 87 00:03:10,504 --> 00:03:12,264 And so that's it's very exciting to be 88 00:03:12,264 --> 00:03:13,245 a part of it now. 89 00:03:14,185 --> 00:03:16,665 Absolutely. No. That's amazing. And what a a 90 00:03:16,665 --> 00:03:18,425 great way to come into the health care 91 00:03:18,425 --> 00:03:21,349 space to understand the technology side, really, being 92 00:03:21,349 --> 00:03:23,530 able to then move into the provider side, 93 00:03:24,069 --> 00:03:25,430 and see some of the big challenges as 94 00:03:25,430 --> 00:03:27,270 well as come up with solutions and develop 95 00:03:27,270 --> 00:03:29,349 network and relationships that can make a big 96 00:03:29,349 --> 00:03:31,750 difference. So, you know, I'm curious when you 97 00:03:31,750 --> 00:03:33,270 think about where we're at today, what are 98 00:03:33,270 --> 00:03:35,395 some of the opportunities and headwinds that you 99 00:03:35,395 --> 00:03:36,754 have your eye on right now? What are 100 00:03:36,754 --> 00:03:38,215 you, thinking most about? 101 00:03:38,914 --> 00:03:40,914 Yeah. Laura, I think for for me and 102 00:03:40,914 --> 00:03:43,175 and I'll see talk specifically here at University 103 00:03:43,314 --> 00:03:43,974 of Iowa. 104 00:03:44,435 --> 00:03:46,275 One of the major things that I'm still 105 00:03:46,275 --> 00:03:48,375 hyper focused on is patient experience 106 00:03:48,889 --> 00:03:50,830 and how do we connect our patients 107 00:03:51,289 --> 00:03:53,370 to us when they're not here. This is 108 00:03:53,370 --> 00:03:55,150 a perfect opportunity and perfect 109 00:03:55,449 --> 00:03:55,949 ecosystem 110 00:03:56,250 --> 00:03:56,989 for that. 111 00:03:57,449 --> 00:03:59,370 You know, many out there I I'm from 112 00:03:59,370 --> 00:04:01,789 Wisconsin. I'm a Midwesterner, so I understand 113 00:04:02,409 --> 00:04:04,784 communities in the Midwest, but some might say, 114 00:04:04,944 --> 00:04:07,185 you know, Iowa, they don't use IT. They 115 00:04:07,185 --> 00:04:08,165 don't use technology. 116 00:04:09,185 --> 00:04:10,784 You know, I beg to differ coming from 117 00:04:10,784 --> 00:04:13,264 the Midwest of, you know, farmers and those 118 00:04:13,264 --> 00:04:14,485 that are in these industries. 119 00:04:14,784 --> 00:04:16,725 They actually rely heavy on technology. 120 00:04:17,120 --> 00:04:19,040 And how can we then bridge that gap 121 00:04:19,040 --> 00:04:20,899 to give them that care that they need 122 00:04:21,040 --> 00:04:22,879 so you can still focus on on their 123 00:04:22,879 --> 00:04:24,720 families and where they're going and where they 124 00:04:24,720 --> 00:04:27,279 are, but get the care. So patient experience, 125 00:04:27,279 --> 00:04:29,620 I think, is something that we can lead, 126 00:04:30,394 --> 00:04:32,954 definitely the state in, but also expand on 127 00:04:32,954 --> 00:04:33,454 nationally. 128 00:04:34,314 --> 00:04:36,314 The other thing that is hyper focused is, 129 00:04:36,314 --> 00:04:37,055 for me, 130 00:04:37,754 --> 00:04:39,694 is connecting the dots between 131 00:04:40,474 --> 00:04:43,454 the health care, the research, and the academic 132 00:04:43,514 --> 00:04:45,774 side of our tripartite mission. 133 00:04:46,259 --> 00:04:47,720 Often I see in some other, 134 00:04:48,420 --> 00:04:48,920 organizations 135 00:04:49,379 --> 00:04:51,139 that while they're part of the mission, they're 136 00:04:51,139 --> 00:04:52,680 not coalescing together. 137 00:04:53,060 --> 00:04:55,860 The research isn't driving the health care, isn't 138 00:04:55,860 --> 00:04:59,060 driving the education within the organization itself. Usually, 139 00:04:59,060 --> 00:05:00,740 it kinda permeates out and then comes back 140 00:05:00,740 --> 00:05:03,995 in another ways. And so I'm focusing on 141 00:05:03,995 --> 00:05:05,995 how do our teams connect those dots even 142 00:05:05,995 --> 00:05:08,314 more so that we can bring some of 143 00:05:08,314 --> 00:05:10,714 that research to the bedside as quick as 144 00:05:10,714 --> 00:05:12,875 possible for our patients in in care from 145 00:05:12,875 --> 00:05:13,535 that standpoint. 146 00:05:14,800 --> 00:05:16,400 I hate to always talk about this. I 147 00:05:16,400 --> 00:05:19,620 think every CIO, CIO, CIDO does 148 00:05:20,000 --> 00:05:20,500 cybersecurity. 149 00:05:21,280 --> 00:05:22,960 You know, those two missions of how do 150 00:05:22,960 --> 00:05:24,180 we extend ourselves 151 00:05:24,720 --> 00:05:27,040 not only in, the community that we're in, 152 00:05:27,040 --> 00:05:28,814 but to the rest of the state, then 153 00:05:28,814 --> 00:05:30,915 there's big risk there too from a cybersecurity 154 00:05:31,295 --> 00:05:32,754 standpoint. I do feel 155 00:05:33,055 --> 00:05:35,134 that's our biggest risk these days. Although you're 156 00:05:35,134 --> 00:05:37,154 starting to see some of the cloud technologies, 157 00:05:37,295 --> 00:05:39,475 starting to get a knock on resiliency, 158 00:05:39,775 --> 00:05:41,154 but I think it's still cybersecurity 159 00:05:42,014 --> 00:05:43,314 is one of the most 160 00:05:44,339 --> 00:05:46,420 impactful things that can happen at any given 161 00:05:46,420 --> 00:05:48,980 moment. And how are we prepared now to 162 00:05:48,980 --> 00:05:50,680 use technologies like cloud 163 00:05:50,980 --> 00:05:53,080 and others to maintain services 164 00:05:53,540 --> 00:05:56,279 while we deal with those high impacting events? 165 00:05:57,335 --> 00:05:59,095 Last but not least, when we talk about 166 00:05:59,095 --> 00:05:59,595 headwinds, 167 00:06:00,055 --> 00:06:01,194 it definitely is 168 00:06:01,975 --> 00:06:04,775 this push and pull of technology can be 169 00:06:04,775 --> 00:06:05,514 an enabler, 170 00:06:05,895 --> 00:06:08,535 but technology has cost behind it. And how 171 00:06:08,535 --> 00:06:10,535 do those costs affect the cost of health 172 00:06:10,535 --> 00:06:12,779 care? How do we drive down those costs? 173 00:06:12,779 --> 00:06:14,860 What's happening at the federal and state levels 174 00:06:14,860 --> 00:06:15,839 around our reimbursement? 175 00:06:16,459 --> 00:06:18,220 You know? And it is interesting that I 176 00:06:18,220 --> 00:06:20,779 have these conversations of, hey. You know, we're 177 00:06:20,779 --> 00:06:23,500 reducing your reimbursement, but use technology to make 178 00:06:23,500 --> 00:06:24,560 yourself more efficient. 179 00:06:24,939 --> 00:06:26,319 Well, that comes with cost. 180 00:06:26,625 --> 00:06:28,625 That comes with the understanding of how do 181 00:06:28,625 --> 00:06:31,125 we become intentional with how we're using technologies. 182 00:06:31,425 --> 00:06:33,025 Rural health care, I mentioned that with some 183 00:06:33,025 --> 00:06:34,944 of the federal funding that's coming our way 184 00:06:34,944 --> 00:06:37,585 here in short order. The conversation is, yes, 185 00:06:37,585 --> 00:06:39,449 we wanna use that to stand it up, 186 00:06:39,610 --> 00:06:41,689 but it also needs to be sustainable and 187 00:06:41,689 --> 00:06:43,610 make the impact of the mission and care 188 00:06:43,610 --> 00:06:46,810 there so it is sustainable cost. So Dan 189 00:06:46,810 --> 00:06:49,230 Dan that that that dance of innovation, 190 00:06:49,930 --> 00:06:50,430 cybersecurity, 191 00:06:50,810 --> 00:06:53,210 how much you you know, how innovative can 192 00:06:53,210 --> 00:06:55,375 you be when you're always concerned about those 193 00:06:55,375 --> 00:06:57,855 security and resiliency pieces of it, and then 194 00:06:57,855 --> 00:07:00,014 the funding. And how do we continue to 195 00:07:00,014 --> 00:07:00,915 flow that 196 00:07:01,295 --> 00:07:04,334 to allow technology to help drive health care 197 00:07:04,334 --> 00:07:06,735 from a vehicle standpoint? We're still in it 198 00:07:06,735 --> 00:07:08,995 for patients and providers. I never want anyone 199 00:07:09,319 --> 00:07:11,979 to ever think that, especially in our world, 200 00:07:12,279 --> 00:07:14,680 that it's not health care first. I talk 201 00:07:14,680 --> 00:07:16,060 about that we're an organization. 202 00:07:16,599 --> 00:07:19,319 Our leadership style is we're health care professionals 203 00:07:19,319 --> 00:07:21,500 in the IT space. I say that often. 204 00:07:22,199 --> 00:07:23,639 And that's where the goal is of how 205 00:07:23,639 --> 00:07:24,915 do we balance cost, 206 00:07:25,955 --> 00:07:27,095 risk, and innovation 207 00:07:27,475 --> 00:07:29,574 to push forward where health care can go. 208 00:07:30,274 --> 00:07:32,235 I love that. I think that's such a 209 00:07:32,355 --> 00:07:34,214 sums up sums up so well, 210 00:07:34,514 --> 00:07:36,595 some of the different challenges, but then also 211 00:07:36,595 --> 00:07:38,835 opportunities that you have with the technology, with 212 00:07:38,835 --> 00:07:41,270 AI, and, what it really takes in order 213 00:07:41,270 --> 00:07:44,230 to transform the organization, not just bringing technology 214 00:07:44,230 --> 00:07:44,970 in, but 215 00:07:45,350 --> 00:07:47,990 knowing how to implement it and incorporate into 216 00:07:47,990 --> 00:07:49,830 the daily workflows to solve some of these 217 00:07:49,830 --> 00:07:51,449 big problems and really tackle, 218 00:07:52,004 --> 00:07:54,084 you know, the challenges that we're having head 219 00:07:54,084 --> 00:07:56,024 on. So Yeah. When you think about, 220 00:07:56,485 --> 00:07:58,964 yeah, I guess, are there any specific examples 221 00:07:58,964 --> 00:08:00,644 you're looking at in the next year or 222 00:08:00,644 --> 00:08:01,144 two? 223 00:08:01,685 --> 00:08:03,764 Yeah. Some things that we're doing for innovative 224 00:08:03,764 --> 00:08:06,459 wise, we're we're one, it's not innovative. It's 225 00:08:06,459 --> 00:08:07,199 it's actually 226 00:08:07,819 --> 00:08:09,980 assuring that the block and tackling of some 227 00:08:09,980 --> 00:08:11,899 technologies that are table stakes are out there, 228 00:08:11,899 --> 00:08:13,600 like telemedicine and teledelivery. 229 00:08:14,300 --> 00:08:16,060 Those are some things that we're we're looking 230 00:08:16,060 --> 00:08:18,480 at. We're definitely looking at the cyber, 231 00:08:19,259 --> 00:08:22,225 security framework. And, again, using infrastructure 232 00:08:22,605 --> 00:08:24,305 and technology. How can we 233 00:08:24,845 --> 00:08:27,324 bridge the gap in resiliency and really make 234 00:08:27,324 --> 00:08:29,245 sure it's at control cost? So we're talking 235 00:08:29,245 --> 00:08:31,185 about being a cloud smart organization 236 00:08:32,044 --> 00:08:35,024 using cloud technologies not as the primary deliverer, 237 00:08:35,450 --> 00:08:37,549 but to to to stand up our resiliency. 238 00:08:38,250 --> 00:08:40,889 I'm really excited for where the hospital of 239 00:08:40,889 --> 00:08:42,409 the future and I always say that and 240 00:08:42,409 --> 00:08:44,649 I go, it is here and now. How 241 00:08:44,649 --> 00:08:46,570 can we use our four walls and bricks 242 00:08:46,570 --> 00:08:49,210 and mortar with sensors, with AI, with tele 243 00:08:49,210 --> 00:08:51,230 nursing, and some other things that we're doing 244 00:08:51,584 --> 00:08:54,464 to really encapsulate that patient care and and 245 00:08:54,464 --> 00:08:57,985 deliver more of that patient provider intimacy but 246 00:08:57,985 --> 00:09:00,404 through our technology. So we're definitely looking at 247 00:09:00,625 --> 00:09:03,845 products that allow us to expand our services 248 00:09:03,904 --> 00:09:04,564 and telly, 249 00:09:04,940 --> 00:09:06,879 expand our services in patient education. 250 00:09:07,259 --> 00:09:08,779 There are also some things that are fun 251 00:09:08,779 --> 00:09:10,959 things, which is interesting that, 252 00:09:11,259 --> 00:09:13,179 as I came here, it's a very large 253 00:09:13,179 --> 00:09:13,679 institution. 254 00:09:14,940 --> 00:09:17,259 You know, I came from Michigan Medicine, same 255 00:09:17,259 --> 00:09:19,360 thing there. It's something that you you experience 256 00:09:19,500 --> 00:09:21,445 every day here, and you see it are 257 00:09:21,445 --> 00:09:23,524 those patients that are coming here. And for 258 00:09:23,524 --> 00:09:25,125 the most part, they don't wanna be here. 259 00:09:25,125 --> 00:09:27,125 You know, there are some life changing fun 260 00:09:27,125 --> 00:09:29,225 events why you would be at health care. 261 00:09:29,524 --> 00:09:31,144 But when they come here, 262 00:09:31,524 --> 00:09:33,764 you should really be focused on how can 263 00:09:33,764 --> 00:09:35,365 they come in and be well and and 264 00:09:35,365 --> 00:09:37,379 and engage. But the first thing they gotta 265 00:09:37,379 --> 00:09:38,820 figure out is how do I get to 266 00:09:38,820 --> 00:09:40,419 where I need to be? Where do I 267 00:09:40,419 --> 00:09:42,740 need to park? So digital wayfinding and that 268 00:09:42,740 --> 00:09:43,240 experience 269 00:09:44,019 --> 00:09:46,659 of helping folks relieve some of the pressures 270 00:09:46,659 --> 00:09:48,500 of what it takes to engage with health 271 00:09:48,500 --> 00:09:49,000 care, 272 00:09:49,539 --> 00:09:52,054 so they can focus on the relationship, what 273 00:09:52,054 --> 00:09:53,975 they need to do to be better, what 274 00:09:53,975 --> 00:09:56,054 they need to do to heal. That's something 275 00:09:56,054 --> 00:09:57,815 that's fun to to look at, and we're 276 00:09:57,815 --> 00:09:59,495 talking about that as an organization of how 277 00:09:59,495 --> 00:10:01,815 can we give a a great internal experience 278 00:10:01,815 --> 00:10:03,815 when they're here so they can focus on 279 00:10:03,815 --> 00:10:06,049 engaging with us and not focus on how 280 00:10:06,049 --> 00:10:07,809 are they gonna wander around and get to 281 00:10:07,809 --> 00:10:09,570 where they need to be. So those are 282 00:10:09,570 --> 00:10:11,330 some fun things that we're continuing to work 283 00:10:11,330 --> 00:10:13,250 on. And I didn't touch on AI just 284 00:10:13,250 --> 00:10:14,789 because everyone else does. 285 00:10:15,889 --> 00:10:17,990 But it is in there in our conversations 286 00:10:18,129 --> 00:10:19,925 around how do we get how do we 287 00:10:19,925 --> 00:10:23,605 utilize it everywhere in our organization for everyone 288 00:10:23,605 --> 00:10:25,304 to work at the top of their license, 289 00:10:26,485 --> 00:10:29,845 in facilities, in HR, in supply chain. You 290 00:10:29,845 --> 00:10:31,625 know, it's not just about those clinical, 291 00:10:32,370 --> 00:10:35,009 AI tools for ambient voice. Those are very 292 00:10:35,009 --> 00:10:38,149 important. Clinical decision for AI, that's very important. 293 00:10:38,290 --> 00:10:40,370 But we're also looking holistically of how do 294 00:10:40,370 --> 00:10:41,670 we raise all boats 295 00:10:42,049 --> 00:10:44,470 using AI and raise all of our capabilities 296 00:10:44,610 --> 00:10:45,110 as 297 00:10:45,475 --> 00:10:47,235 health care professionals. So those are some some 298 00:10:47,235 --> 00:10:49,554 of the exciting things that we're working on 299 00:10:49,554 --> 00:10:50,534 in short order. 300 00:10:51,235 --> 00:10:53,394 I love that. I I think that's, so 301 00:10:53,394 --> 00:10:54,855 cool that your capability, 302 00:10:55,394 --> 00:10:56,514 to do all of those things and the 303 00:10:56,514 --> 00:10:57,720 precipice of really, 304 00:10:58,120 --> 00:11:00,679 strong transformation there at Iowa. Now I think 305 00:11:00,679 --> 00:11:02,439 we've talked a little bit about growth and 306 00:11:02,439 --> 00:11:04,839 some of the ways that you see these 307 00:11:04,839 --> 00:11:07,319 changes occurring, but I am curious. What does 308 00:11:07,319 --> 00:11:08,679 it look like, that balance when you think 309 00:11:08,679 --> 00:11:10,600 about adding value to the organization? I think 310 00:11:10,600 --> 00:11:13,625 especially with technology and AI, you know, it 311 00:11:13,625 --> 00:11:15,625 is expensive as we've talked about in a 312 00:11:15,625 --> 00:11:18,345 big event. So how do you know, that 313 00:11:18,345 --> 00:11:19,785 some of the things you're doing are are 314 00:11:19,785 --> 00:11:22,105 actually adding that value and really what do 315 00:11:22,105 --> 00:11:23,544 you do to measure that? What are some 316 00:11:23,544 --> 00:11:25,589 of the metrics and things you take into 317 00:11:25,589 --> 00:11:28,230 consideration as you're piloting and testing and then 318 00:11:28,230 --> 00:11:29,049 rolling out? 319 00:11:29,429 --> 00:11:31,750 Yeah. I always love the conversation around, is 320 00:11:31,750 --> 00:11:34,329 IT an expense center or a value center? 321 00:11:35,029 --> 00:11:36,804 You know, we're expense center when you're looking 322 00:11:36,804 --> 00:11:38,325 at budgets and you're going, hey. We're in 323 00:11:38,325 --> 00:11:39,684 high health care, and why are you one 324 00:11:39,684 --> 00:11:40,424 of the largest 325 00:11:40,964 --> 00:11:41,464 budgets? 326 00:11:42,164 --> 00:11:44,404 But it is about value, and it is 327 00:11:44,404 --> 00:11:46,804 about what are we bringing to the table 328 00:11:46,804 --> 00:11:49,065 and pushing to the forefront here at Iowa. 329 00:11:49,279 --> 00:11:50,960 One of our goals is to be ahead 330 00:11:50,960 --> 00:11:53,040 of the business, but doing it in an 331 00:11:53,040 --> 00:11:56,019 intentional sort of way. We all know that, 332 00:11:56,799 --> 00:11:59,519 that money is tight or it is small 333 00:11:59,519 --> 00:12:00,660 margins around, 334 00:12:01,360 --> 00:12:03,540 health care, and our focus is intentionality. 335 00:12:04,394 --> 00:12:06,715 Our focus is how do we reinvest in 336 00:12:06,715 --> 00:12:07,215 ourselves 337 00:12:07,835 --> 00:12:09,535 by really focusing on, 338 00:12:10,394 --> 00:12:10,894 eliminating 339 00:12:11,915 --> 00:12:14,654 legacy technologies, overlapping technologies, 340 00:12:15,195 --> 00:12:15,935 and then 341 00:12:16,409 --> 00:12:18,889 driving new innovations in intentional ways. I've been 342 00:12:18,889 --> 00:12:20,490 a part of other organizations where they do 343 00:12:20,490 --> 00:12:22,269 a lot of pilots all over the place. 344 00:12:22,409 --> 00:12:24,089 And they really don't know what they're trying 345 00:12:24,089 --> 00:12:25,610 to solve for. It might be the new 346 00:12:25,610 --> 00:12:26,750 cool big thing 347 00:12:27,129 --> 00:12:28,649 to do and that's out there, but they 348 00:12:28,649 --> 00:12:31,465 really haven't engaged with the organization of what 349 00:12:31,465 --> 00:12:34,024 true problems are we trying to solve? What 350 00:12:34,024 --> 00:12:36,024 problems that if we solve them are gonna 351 00:12:36,024 --> 00:12:37,245 be the most impactful? 352 00:12:37,705 --> 00:12:39,225 And like you said, Laura, what are those 353 00:12:39,225 --> 00:12:40,845 metrics to show that? 354 00:12:41,705 --> 00:12:43,404 We're bringing that discipline 355 00:12:44,450 --> 00:12:47,649 to our institution and having those conversations around 356 00:12:47,649 --> 00:12:48,149 technologies. 357 00:12:48,850 --> 00:12:50,610 Perfect example that I give you is when 358 00:12:50,610 --> 00:12:52,149 I talk about tele nursing. 359 00:12:52,690 --> 00:12:55,090 You know, there's point solutions that are out 360 00:12:55,090 --> 00:12:57,045 there for that. But can we get more 361 00:12:57,045 --> 00:12:59,465 value out of that being a a platform 362 00:12:59,524 --> 00:13:00,504 based technology? 363 00:13:00,884 --> 00:13:02,904 So we can maximize our resources, 364 00:13:03,605 --> 00:13:06,245 teach them a platform, and expand on that 365 00:13:06,245 --> 00:13:06,745 platform. 366 00:13:07,445 --> 00:13:10,085 Also, our end users are now not, dealing 367 00:13:10,085 --> 00:13:11,225 with different systems. 368 00:13:11,620 --> 00:13:14,340 They're now more focused on how the technology 369 00:13:14,340 --> 00:13:16,519 is driving care instead of being a wedge. 370 00:13:16,740 --> 00:13:19,160 So when providing that value, it is about 371 00:13:19,460 --> 00:13:21,559 what's the what are we trying to solve 372 00:13:21,779 --> 00:13:23,875 and getting to the root of that? What 373 00:13:23,875 --> 00:13:25,875 are we trying to to deliver as far 374 00:13:25,875 --> 00:13:28,434 as our experience in getting to that? Talk 375 00:13:28,434 --> 00:13:30,514 about those measurements of what it means to 376 00:13:30,514 --> 00:13:31,575 bring that value. 377 00:13:31,955 --> 00:13:33,415 And then with that intentionality, 378 00:13:34,115 --> 00:13:36,115 and this is something that, you know, I'm 379 00:13:36,115 --> 00:13:36,615 learning 380 00:13:36,920 --> 00:13:39,399 as I have grown into the larger scale 381 00:13:39,399 --> 00:13:39,899 organizations. 382 00:13:40,279 --> 00:13:42,279 How can we move in an agile sort 383 00:13:42,279 --> 00:13:44,620 of way so there's speed to delivery 384 00:13:45,480 --> 00:13:47,820 in that innovation, in that intentionality? 385 00:13:48,440 --> 00:13:50,200 So we're working on how are we assessing 386 00:13:50,200 --> 00:13:52,274 those things in short order, how are we 387 00:13:52,274 --> 00:13:53,954 bringing them to bear in front of our 388 00:13:53,954 --> 00:13:54,454 organization, 389 00:13:55,075 --> 00:13:55,815 as well 390 00:13:56,195 --> 00:13:59,315 as being using our telescope in strategic planning 391 00:13:59,315 --> 00:14:00,995 going, what is the next two to three 392 00:14:00,995 --> 00:14:03,095 years look like, and how can we 393 00:14:03,714 --> 00:14:05,575 maybe deprecate some old technologies 394 00:14:06,069 --> 00:14:08,470 so we can invest in the future and 395 00:14:08,470 --> 00:14:10,970 be in an investment front fund of ourselves? 396 00:14:12,309 --> 00:14:14,389 Absolutely. I love that. And, you know, that 397 00:14:14,470 --> 00:14:16,470 that's such a a great philosophy to have. 398 00:14:16,470 --> 00:14:18,730 And when you think about becoming an investment 399 00:14:18,789 --> 00:14:20,985 fund into yourself, when you become how you, 400 00:14:21,544 --> 00:14:24,024 think about, you know, where the value is 401 00:14:24,024 --> 00:14:25,245 and how you're contributing, 402 00:14:25,784 --> 00:14:26,284 overall, 403 00:14:26,664 --> 00:14:28,424 it'll just become even more critical over the 404 00:14:28,424 --> 00:14:30,184 next couple of years because I know so 405 00:14:30,184 --> 00:14:33,464 many hospitals and systems have tight budgets or 406 00:14:33,464 --> 00:14:35,164 looking at, you know, tight margins, 407 00:14:35,980 --> 00:14:36,379 probably, 408 00:14:36,779 --> 00:14:39,100 in the coming years given just the current 409 00:14:39,100 --> 00:14:41,600 environment, health care landscape, etcetera. So, 410 00:14:42,220 --> 00:14:44,220 I I think when you actually take that 411 00:14:44,220 --> 00:14:45,820 mindset and put it into practice, what does 412 00:14:45,820 --> 00:14:47,580 that look like? Are there any other, I 413 00:14:47,580 --> 00:14:49,514 guess, investments that you still think are important 414 00:14:49,514 --> 00:14:51,115 to make knowing that it's going to be 415 00:14:51,115 --> 00:14:53,274 challenging in the next couple of years? Yeah. 416 00:14:53,274 --> 00:14:55,355 You know, the the other thing, Laura, that 417 00:14:55,355 --> 00:14:57,355 that I think is helpful is now the 418 00:14:57,355 --> 00:14:59,995 partnerships that you form in the communities that 419 00:14:59,995 --> 00:15:00,894 you're in. Right? 420 00:15:01,754 --> 00:15:03,055 Every market has 421 00:15:03,740 --> 00:15:07,259 competition, some sort of competition or a community 422 00:15:07,259 --> 00:15:09,259 arm, especially in Iowa. There's a lot of 423 00:15:09,259 --> 00:15:11,679 community and critical access hospitals. 424 00:15:12,059 --> 00:15:13,899 And I think another way to bring that 425 00:15:13,899 --> 00:15:15,919 value is how do we pool our resources 426 00:15:16,059 --> 00:15:16,559 together, 427 00:15:16,944 --> 00:15:19,345 not from a command and control standpoint, but 428 00:15:19,345 --> 00:15:22,065 from a leveraging all of our experiences. You 429 00:15:22,065 --> 00:15:23,764 know, we're all competing for talent. 430 00:15:24,065 --> 00:15:27,424 We're all competing for patient focus. We're all 431 00:15:27,424 --> 00:15:29,504 competing for the best quality of care that 432 00:15:29,504 --> 00:15:31,559 we can do. Now how can we do 433 00:15:31,559 --> 00:15:33,320 that in such a way that we get 434 00:15:33,320 --> 00:15:36,299 economies of scale, especially from a technology standpoint? 435 00:15:36,679 --> 00:15:38,919 That's something I'm excited about that's happening in 436 00:15:38,919 --> 00:15:39,419 Iowa. 437 00:15:39,959 --> 00:15:42,039 For those that are are listeners might know 438 00:15:42,039 --> 00:15:44,220 Epic's Community Connect program, allowing 439 00:15:44,684 --> 00:15:46,705 organizations like Iowa who, 440 00:15:47,325 --> 00:15:49,804 have direct connections and contacts to Epic to 441 00:15:49,804 --> 00:15:52,384 extend ourselves out into the community areas. 442 00:15:52,845 --> 00:15:55,325 So those folks can leverage the technologies at 443 00:15:55,325 --> 00:15:57,164 a lower cost sort of way because of 444 00:15:57,164 --> 00:15:58,919 the scale that we're able to provide it. 445 00:15:59,159 --> 00:16:01,000 And then looking to how do we build 446 00:16:01,000 --> 00:16:01,820 upon that, 447 00:16:02,200 --> 00:16:04,440 something I've been so excited about coming into 448 00:16:04,440 --> 00:16:07,079 the Iowa market has been the community connect 449 00:16:07,079 --> 00:16:09,320 program that we have at Iowa. I've been 450 00:16:09,320 --> 00:16:12,759 thoroughly impressed with the partnerships that we have 451 00:16:12,759 --> 00:16:13,259 made 452 00:16:13,654 --> 00:16:15,894 through our community connect program. But the secret 453 00:16:15,894 --> 00:16:16,955 sauce is actually 454 00:16:17,495 --> 00:16:20,054 then those critical access hospitals that we're extending 455 00:16:20,054 --> 00:16:22,554 to, especially in Iowa, how they've come together. 456 00:16:23,654 --> 00:16:25,575 And they've talked as a community now on 457 00:16:25,575 --> 00:16:27,115 how they leverage the tools. 458 00:16:27,459 --> 00:16:29,399 And that's where you're gonna get the investments, 459 00:16:29,700 --> 00:16:31,000 the returns on these. 460 00:16:31,539 --> 00:16:32,980 You know, if we're all going out and 461 00:16:32,980 --> 00:16:35,139 buying the same systems and putting the same 462 00:16:35,139 --> 00:16:35,639 technologies, 463 00:16:36,419 --> 00:16:38,740 there's no economies and scales of that. How 464 00:16:38,740 --> 00:16:40,659 do we leverage our skill sets and our 465 00:16:40,659 --> 00:16:41,959 talents and our scale 466 00:16:42,264 --> 00:16:44,745 to really drive what can happen in a 467 00:16:44,745 --> 00:16:46,764 community and across the state? 468 00:16:47,384 --> 00:16:49,464 So I think that organizations need to hyper 469 00:16:49,464 --> 00:16:51,784 focus on that. Michigan market, there was a 470 00:16:51,784 --> 00:16:53,964 lot of competition, and we would call coopetition. 471 00:16:54,769 --> 00:16:56,529 Here in the state of Iowa, I'm seeing 472 00:16:56,529 --> 00:16:58,870 that it is more of that community focus. 473 00:16:59,409 --> 00:17:01,490 It's less about competition and more how do 474 00:17:01,490 --> 00:17:02,629 we raise all boats. 475 00:17:03,330 --> 00:17:05,670 And that's something that I'm excited for. And 476 00:17:05,890 --> 00:17:08,470 Iowa is a key partner in that conversation, 477 00:17:08,529 --> 00:17:09,829 especially with the scale, 478 00:17:10,174 --> 00:17:11,554 especially what we provide, 479 00:17:12,095 --> 00:17:13,934 with the skill sets, the talents of our 480 00:17:13,934 --> 00:17:14,434 providers, 481 00:17:14,734 --> 00:17:16,515 of our nurses, of our administration, 482 00:17:16,974 --> 00:17:19,294 and definitely our IT shops. So I think 483 00:17:19,294 --> 00:17:21,294 that that's another area that folks should should 484 00:17:21,294 --> 00:17:22,974 look at at is how do you partner 485 00:17:22,974 --> 00:17:23,634 in technologies 486 00:17:24,220 --> 00:17:25,820 versus going out and doing them on your 487 00:17:25,820 --> 00:17:26,320 own. 488 00:17:27,180 --> 00:17:29,100 I love it. I I think that idea 489 00:17:29,100 --> 00:17:31,820 of partnership and being, so ingrained with those 490 00:17:31,820 --> 00:17:33,039 collaborative collaborators, 491 00:17:33,340 --> 00:17:34,320 within the community, 492 00:17:34,860 --> 00:17:36,700 in in the companies that are willing to, 493 00:17:36,860 --> 00:17:38,365 be part of that and part of that 494 00:17:38,365 --> 00:17:40,684 solution and partner with you to know what 495 00:17:40,684 --> 00:17:42,444 you need and build something that makes sense 496 00:17:42,444 --> 00:17:44,845 for the institution is so helpful. I I 497 00:17:44,845 --> 00:17:46,204 think I've heard more than ever over the 498 00:17:46,204 --> 00:17:49,565 last year that, partnerships are critical in the 499 00:17:49,565 --> 00:17:51,724 health care space, more than ever. So it's 500 00:17:51,724 --> 00:17:53,380 it's a team sport, and that's great to 501 00:17:53,380 --> 00:17:53,880 hear. 502 00:17:54,259 --> 00:17:55,700 Before we wrap up, I wanted to ask, 503 00:17:55,700 --> 00:17:56,980 where do you see some of the best 504 00:17:56,980 --> 00:17:59,460 opportunities for growth in the future? Yeah. Good 505 00:17:59,460 --> 00:17:59,960 question. 506 00:18:00,900 --> 00:18:02,980 There's definitely more growth to be had around 507 00:18:02,980 --> 00:18:05,380 how we can extend our services both internal 508 00:18:05,380 --> 00:18:06,279 to our organization 509 00:18:06,805 --> 00:18:08,644 and then thinking about how do they how 510 00:18:08,644 --> 00:18:10,484 do they grow to the community. I think 511 00:18:10,484 --> 00:18:12,105 another area of growth is 512 00:18:12,404 --> 00:18:13,065 our talent, 513 00:18:13,765 --> 00:18:15,765 and how do we invest even more in 514 00:18:15,765 --> 00:18:18,805 our talent, taking advantage of of especially local 515 00:18:18,805 --> 00:18:21,819 talent, but also expanding ourselves. I think that 516 00:18:21,819 --> 00:18:24,980 as the community of IT changes, you know, 517 00:18:24,980 --> 00:18:27,660 the the the now the technology changes into 518 00:18:27,660 --> 00:18:29,759 AI or the ability to be remote, 519 00:18:30,140 --> 00:18:31,900 it really has changed the framework of how 520 00:18:31,900 --> 00:18:34,345 we utilize our talent and deploy them. 521 00:18:34,644 --> 00:18:36,345 So growth and maximizing 522 00:18:36,724 --> 00:18:38,724 our talent to the point of how are 523 00:18:38,724 --> 00:18:40,404 they involved, how are they getting into the 524 00:18:40,404 --> 00:18:42,724 passion of the mission, how are they bringing 525 00:18:42,724 --> 00:18:44,265 new technologies to the forefront 526 00:18:44,565 --> 00:18:46,500 are gonna help us grow. I think the 527 00:18:46,500 --> 00:18:49,140 most part for for me, growth is truly 528 00:18:49,140 --> 00:18:51,240 going to be how do we control costs 529 00:18:51,539 --> 00:18:53,640 but bring those innovations to the table. 530 00:18:54,019 --> 00:18:56,180 AI and automation is definitely going to allow 531 00:18:56,180 --> 00:18:57,400 us to be more efficient. 532 00:18:57,779 --> 00:18:59,619 But it is gonna be that hyper focus 533 00:18:59,619 --> 00:19:01,774 on how do we make sure the technologies 534 00:19:01,994 --> 00:19:03,855 enhance the patient provider intimacy 535 00:19:04,315 --> 00:19:06,315 and not just decrease it. And I think 536 00:19:06,315 --> 00:19:08,714 as we start seeing AI being a layer 537 00:19:08,714 --> 00:19:10,394 on top of some of the technologies that 538 00:19:10,394 --> 00:19:12,714 we've had, you know, that we've had EHR 539 00:19:12,714 --> 00:19:14,634 for years, and now a e AI is 540 00:19:14,634 --> 00:19:18,279 allowing us to interact with big data and 541 00:19:18,279 --> 00:19:18,779 EHRs 542 00:19:19,159 --> 00:19:20,679 in a more efficient way so we can 543 00:19:20,679 --> 00:19:23,159 focus on patient care. I think that is 544 00:19:23,159 --> 00:19:23,900 gonna drive 545 00:19:24,359 --> 00:19:26,359 more of the benefits of what we can 546 00:19:26,359 --> 00:19:29,019 get out of the collective data in EMR 547 00:19:29,464 --> 00:19:32,025 in our infrastructure and technology. So I'm excited 548 00:19:32,025 --> 00:19:34,045 for the growth and possibility 549 00:19:34,744 --> 00:19:37,065 of how can we be more efficient, but 550 00:19:37,065 --> 00:19:38,585 come at it with a all new light 551 00:19:38,585 --> 00:19:39,325 of innovation, 552 00:19:40,025 --> 00:19:40,525 connection, 553 00:19:41,224 --> 00:19:42,605 partnerships, and collaboration. 554 00:19:43,980 --> 00:19:45,579 I love it. Joshua, thank you so much 555 00:19:45,579 --> 00:19:47,420 for joining us on the podcast today. This 556 00:19:47,420 --> 00:19:49,819 is such an inspiring and and fun conversation 557 00:19:49,819 --> 00:19:51,019 to have, and I look forward to connecting 558 00:19:51,019 --> 00:19:52,079 with you in the future. 559 00:19:52,460 --> 00:19:54,619 Thank you for having me, Laura. Always always 560 00:19:54,619 --> 00:19:56,240 love participating in these.