Digital DNA, Vaccine Passport, WFH

Thoughts of the week (March 22, 2021)

Healthcare thoughts of the week!

Organizational DNA

We agree that speed and getting things done quickly has not occurred historically in the healthcare provider sector. Prominent tech CEOs have thrown out comments such as organizations have seen two years' worth of transformation in 2 months during the pandemic.

It is not about buying the latest technology, but the organization's DNA must be technology savvy at the leadership level. We have all heard about the Domino pizza use case where they transformed from a pizza company's DNA to a technology company, and it shows in their stock. 

Debate on a remote workforce

The remote workforce is here to stay, but many CEOs do not support that case. Goldman Sach's CEO has been a harsh critic of a remote workforce. Netflix CEO has also been a critic but believes that a hybrid approach is likely to be the norm. 

The reality is that building relationships with colleagues and coworkers is already a challenge in-person. It is a more significant challenge remotely. Leaders and individuals must create the same in-person experience with digital tools, a new marketplace for technology. Organizations will allow the hybrid workforce, but it is up to the individual professionals to figure out how they can be successful if they are virtual.

Vaccine passport coming to life 

Two months ago, I discussed the vaccine passport, and as we are getting more people vaccinated, the future will entail individuals holding a vaccine passport. 

The main question comes down to integrating the data set as I believe it will be the responsibility of each state's public health agency to supply the data. Executing that plan can be an interesting exercise. 

Other discussion points revolve around "HIPAA Privacy", it always feels like the "H" word comes up when it involves healthcare innovation or change. I do not believe HIPAA comes into play because of the following definition.

The Privacy Rule strikes a balance between protecting patient information and allowing traditional public health activities to continue. Generally, disclosure of protected health information without the authorization of the individual is permitted for purposes including but not limited to:

1. disclosures required by law (45 CFR § 164.512(a)) or

2. for "public health activities and purposes." This includes disclosure to "a public health authority that is authorized by law to collect or receive such information for the purpose of preventing or controlling disease, injury, or disability, including but not limited to, the reporting of disease, injury, vital events…, and the conduct of public health surveillance,… investigations, and… interventions." (45 CFR § 164.512(b)(i))

Hopefully, the definition will end any potential discussion.