Optimizing Healthcare IT in Canadian Hospitals: Data Standards, Governance, and Digital Literacy

Faces of Digital Health

In this episode Anne Forsyth, Director of Clinical Applications and Support at Women’s College Hospital in Canada, discusses the challenges and opportunities in optimizing healthcare IT systems, particularly in data management and digital literacy. She shares her experiences transitioning from a policy role to a hospital setting and emphasizes the importance of data governance, workflow design, and continuous improvement in digital health projects.

Key Takeaways:

• Community and Collaboration: Canada’s digital health community is a significant asset in advancing healthcare IT.
• AI and Data Standards: The adoption of AI in healthcare is promising but requires robust data governance and standards.
• Importance of Fundamentals: Good governance, workflow optimization, and training are crucial in creating sustainable healthcare IT systems.
• Digital Health Literacy: Clinicians need focused training on using digital tools correctly rather than deep technical knowledge.
• Cybersecurity Preparedness: Hospitals must prioritize business continuity planning to prepare for potential cyber attacks.

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Show notes:

[00:04:00] Optimism in Canadian Digital Health

[00:06:00] The Role of AI and Data Standards

[00:08:00] Transition from Policy to Practice

[00:10:00] The Fundamentals of IT in Healthcare

[00:16:00] Tackling Unstructured Data

[00:22:00] Continuous Improvement in Healthcare IT

[00:26:00] Digital Health Literacy for Clinicians

[00:34:00] Cybersecurity and Business Continuity

[00:38:00] Closing Remarks and Advice

• The importance of strong relationships with vendors and clinicians in solving technical challenges in healthcare IT.
• Final thoughts on the continuous nature of digital health optimization and the need for sustainable, well-communicated strategies.