A Way Forward in Healthcare

After decades within the business, I still struggle to define “healthcare.” Admittedly, the concept is malleable as aspects of healthcare morph into every size, time, and location. It can be found at the scene of an accident and simultaneously at home in a corporate boardroom. Its mere ten letters dominate the news and Internet while bantered in backroom negotiations of employee benefits. Healthcare is also the focus of commercial pharmacies, the battle cry of politicians, and the marketing mission of equipment providers, tech companies, wearable medical devices, and more.

In so many ways, Healthcare is a ubiquitous and ultimate paradox. It is universal and very personal. It is the annual salvation of millions and the death of hundreds of thousands via medical error. Yet, perhaps unsurprisingly, it also lends itself to conflicting jargon such as:

Preventative Healthcare (prevent health – really?). ????????????????????????????????????????? Wellness Health (as opposed to illness variety?). ??????????????????????????????????????????????? Alternate Healthcare (what?).

Therefore, I share two recommendations for Healthcare in 2023.

First - Standardize the basic verbiage and concepts across the industry!?????????

?Daily Health?– Physical, mental, and spiritual wellness habits to prevent illness or harm with safe environments and a health-conscious attitude.

Health Maintenance?– Manage and constrain chronic illness.

Health Repair?– Correct acute injury, surgical, or other illness and injury episodes, recovery, and rehabilitation.

Second, and very importantly - Welcome and utilize the CMIO! ???????????????

Embrace and integrate technology's immense potential and growing resources by utilizing Chief Medical Information Officers. With their help, Healthcare Providers can best use technology, data, research, and potential to expand possibilities and determine ideal solutions for individual patients and communities.

Happy and Healthy New Year to All!

Barbara