Frederick Health's journey through technology and compassion

April 10th 24th5 minutes read

The conversation begins with an exploration of his undying passion for medicine, using the example of an 82-year-old surgeon who remains passionate about practicing medicine despite his advanced age. “It was obvious. His passion…he's very passionate about medicine…he described how he spends his time training and afterward, and it was almost painful to go on vacation.” said Christine Conley, CMIO of Frederick Health.

This anecdote stands in stark contrast to the current state of the medical profession, where the balance between professional commitment and personal life has changed significantly. This highlights the fundamental challenge of rekindling healthcare professionals' enthusiasm for healthcare in an era marked by burnout and shifting priorities.

Transforming the way patients and care teams interact

Central to Frederick Health's strategy is a commitment to leveraging digital technology to enhance patient engagement. By leveraging MEDITECH Expanse's patient portal, the facility aims to empower patients and put them in the driver's seat of their care journey. Dr. Conley highlighted the transformative impact of implementing the MEDITECH Expanse and Patient Portal, emphasizing the empowerment of patients as active participants in their care.

“Patients have also grown up in an environment of digital technology, and all of this engagement will help move them forward and give them some power,” she points out.

The battle against clinician burnout is being waged on the technological front. Frederick Health's adoption of his AI-driven solutions such as Dragon Ambient eXperience (DAX) serves as an example of a proactive approach to reducing the administrative burden plaguing healthcare providers. . Technology serves as an important ally in restoring work-life balance and finding joy in patient care by streamlining documentation and enabling more natural patient-provider interactions. .

Embracing genomics for personalized medicine

Frederick Health's genomics efforts represent a leap forward toward personalized medicine. By integrating genomic data into clinical workflows, health systems are personalizing treatment plans to each patient's genetic makeup, especially in oncology. This effort extends beyond cancer treatment to pharmacogenomics, where insights into a patient's genetic profile can inform drug selection, increase efficacy, and minimize side effects.

Frederick Health's ambitious genomics program is not only a testament to the institution's innovative spirit; It reflects the tangible benefits of personalized medicine. From tailoring oncology treatments based on genetic markers to tailoring medication regimens to a patient's unique genetic profile, genomics is at the heart of patient-centered care.

Dr. Conley said MEDITECH's involvement is critical as it provides an enhanced EHR system that seamlessly integrates genomic information into the clinical decision-making process. This integration gives clinicians easy access to important genetic insights at the point of care, enabling them to make informed, accurate, and timely medical decisions.

Addressing social determinants

Understanding and addressing the social determinants of health is central to Frederick Health's mission to provide comprehensive and equitable care. Dr. Conley will articulate the agency's efforts to identify and address SDOH, from identifying factors such as access to transportation, safe housing, and nutritious food.

Frederick Health is making great strides to minimize health disparities in our region. This approach recognizes that health status is complexly linked to social and environmental conditions, making SDOH an integral part of patient care.

Systematic screening for SDOH facilitates the integration of this important information into the patient record, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the patient's situation and addressing the broader context of the patient's health needs. intervention becomes possible. By leveraging technology to incorporate SDOH into the fabric of patient care, Frederick Health executives believe that SDOH can be incorporated into patient care, rather than just treating the disease. It's about cultivating happiness.

Leverage data for impactful outcomes

In the data-driven world of modern healthcare, analytics and dashboards are valuable tools for making informed decisions. Frederick Health's implementation of advanced analytics and comprehensive dashboards exemplifies how data can drive strategic initiatives, monitor program growth, and enhance patient support.

“Dashboards are a great way to use clinical analytics to get genetic data, not just genetic results, but how programs are growing,” she said, adding that they will help shape the future of health care delivery. explains the important role of data in These tools provide a real-time overview of a variety of metrics, from patient demographics to program effectiveness, allowing healthcare organizations to adapt their strategies to meet evolving healthcare needs.

Encouraging this data-centric approach is essential. Frederick Health works with partners to harness the full potential of data by providing a robust platform for analytics and dashboards. This collaboration between healthcare and technology creates a feedback loop of continuous improvement, where data not only informs current practice but also shapes future direction.

Empowering patients and providers

Frederick Health's success stories, particularly in the area of ​​genomics, highlight the transformative power of technology in healthcare. These stories not only demonstrate how technological advances have a direct impact on patient outcomes, but also demonstrate how technology can empower both patients and caregivers, making them more proactive and informed about their care. It shows a wide range of possibilities that enable a proactive approach based on

As Frederick Health navigates the complexities of the modern healthcare environment, its journey provides valuable insight into the role of technology in shaping the future of healthcare. From reigniting a passion for medicine among healthcare providers to leveraging genomics for personalized treatments, the agency's forward-thinking approach serves as a beacon for others in the industry. The integration of technologies from AI to his EMR highlights the potential for innovation to transform patient care, provider experiences, and overall health outcomes.