In a recent interview, healthcare professionals explored the impact of intelligent test automation on health systems on This Week Health‘s Interview in Action podcast! This episode features Terri Couts from the Guthrie Clinic and then our CEO, Laura O’Toole, and Mike Matthews at Yale New Haven. They delve into healthcare institutions’ transformative journeys as they navigate the complexities of modern IT challenges and innovations. From the expansive operations of the Guthrie Clinic to the intricate automation projects at Yale New Haven Health, our guests share their firsthand experiences. How does Guthrie Clinic defy the common perception of a ‘clinic’ with its extensive network and multifaceted services? What drives their focus towards IT efficiency and the creation of a data lake, and how do they manage the balance between cost and quality in healthcare IT?
Yale New Haven Health’s exploration into automation and its impact on operational efficiency and patient care further enriches our understanding. What lessons can we learn from their approach to automation in clinical systems, and how does this reflect the broader trends in healthcare technology? These discussions provide insights into the challenges faced and highlight the innovative strategies employed to overcome them.
Discussion on Automation in Healthcare
- Problems addressed with automation
- Initial focus on Robotic Process Automation (RPA)
- Collaboration with SureTest to automate testing processes
- Challenges with manual testing scripts and staff engagement
- Importance of automating Epic go-lives, optimizations, and acquisitions
Barriers to Adoption of Automation
- Resistance to change and attachment to existing processes
- Benefits of SureTest’s Global Library and quick development turnaround
- Need for discipline, rigor, and dedicated project management
Implementation and Acceptance
- Overcoming initial fears of job displacement
- Efficiency gains and positive feedback from analysts
- Specific project examples, such as Access 365 and Beaker Pathology testing
Importance of Governance and Stakeholder Buy-in
- Mike Matthews experience with clinical IT and stakeholder management
- Complexities of working within academic medical centers
- Strategies for gaining acceptance and building relationships
Conclusion
- Reflections on 40 years at Yale and future outlook
- Encouragement to share insights and support the community
Catch the full conversation below.