Interview with Bill Russell, Laura O’Toole, and Robin Parkin
Laura O’Toole, CEO of SureTest, and Robin Parkin, CIO of UVA Health, sat down with Bill Russell from This Week Health for a discussion about the innovative solutions UVA Health is implementing with SureTest to address critical challenges in healthcare IT.
The Problem and the Solution
Robin Parkin shared that UVA Health initially partnered with SureTest to solve the problem of manual testing, which was time-consuming and required significant coordination. The automated testing process provided by SureTest has not only saved countless hours but also improved team morale by eliminating the tedious task of manual testing.
Laura O’Toole emphasized that many healthcare organizations underestimate the time spent on manual testing, including maintaining scripts, documentation, and coordinating testing efforts. SureTest automates these processes, allowing teams to focus on more strategic tasks. Some clients even use SureTest as a recruiting tool, highlighting the elimination of manual testing as a benefit.
Expanding the Use of SureTest
Bill Russell noted that many SureTest clients start with one application and quickly realize the potential for broader use. Robin confirmed this, explaining that UVA Health has integrated approximately 30 third-party applications into their automated testing library. This robust library allows for comprehensive testing and ensures stability across their IT environment.
Implementation and Impact
When asked about the implementation process, Robin explained that integrating SureTest did not feel like a massive project. SureTest handles much of the workload, running scripts and building methods for testing. This approach minimizes the burden on the healthcare organization and ensures a smooth transition to automated testing.
Laura highlighted that UVA Health’s innovative use of SureTest has helped evolve their methodologies, making the implementation process efficient and minimally disruptive. This partnership has contributed to UVA Health being recognized as the number one hospital in Virginia.
The Consequences of Losing SureTest
Bill posed a hypothetical scenario: what would happen if SureTest were removed from UVA Health’s environment? Robin responded that it would lead to significant dissatisfaction among IT staff and operational partners. The organization would struggle to revert to manual testing, which would be inefficient and unsatisfactory for everyone involved.
Women in Healthcare IT
The conversation also touched on the representation of women in healthcare IT. Laura and Robin discussed the challenges and progress in rising to key leadership roles. They emphasized the importance of STEM programs and industry initiatives to support and encourage women in technology.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the interview highlighted the transformative impact of SureTest on healthcare IT. By automating testing processes, SureTest not only saves time and resources but also enhances the overall performance and stability of healthcare systems. The partnership between SureTest and UVA Health serves as a model for innovation and efficiency in the industry.
Key Points:
- 01:27 Challenges and Solutions at UVA Health
- 04:41 Implementation and Impact of SureTest
- 10:49 Women in Leadership in Healthcare IT