Recommendations

             To optimize the efficiency of Hackensack Meridian Health, these are suggestions below for the best results based on our report.  

First, we would suggest maybe enhancing the Epic software so that it can customize the user experience even more. We would suggest doing this by tailoring the modules and creating advanced, role- specific training programs for the staff. This deals with the challenges that a user might face by making the system more intuitive and effective. This would deal with the existing glitches and time gaps in access. We feel as though the greatest problem with the current way the software is being utilized is limiting the daily workflow and user productivity. This recommendation is low risk because it builds on an already existing infrastructure. We feel as though this would streamline routine everyday operations and would improve patient care within 3 months. This can be done using dedicated user feedback to see what modules and dashboards the company should change. Our suggestions would be to focus on reducing manual entry and allowing detailed customization for specific roles.

Currently, HMH manages 3 Petabytes worth of information in their databases with tables across billions of rows! This indicated a need for a more advanced form of data management. We would suggest building on HMH’s existing partnership with Google Cloud by adding the integration of AI/Machine Learning models. This would help predictive analysis, getting valuable insights on data, disparate data sources, and help with access across systems.  This would be a long-term investment for the company that could be very beneficial for their operations. While it might require a larger investment initially, its potential to convert its massive data volume into usable intelligence is great for better decision making for physicians, optimizing resource allocation, and better insight into areas of improvement. Examples we would think of are identifying trends in patient outcomes, and resource/treatment efficiency.

Furthermore, since the healthcare industry is very competitive in order to have a competitive advantage in their industry, we would recommend increasing the scope of HMH’s telemedicine service. HMH could include new AI technology that can use data from wearable devices like Oura Rings, Polar Ignite for early disease detection, personalized health risk assessments, and proactive interventions for chronic disease management. This continuous innovation would be essential for HMH to stay ahead of its competitors and would position HMH as a leader in virtual care and preventative health. Patients nowadays care about quality care and price, but they also value convenience. It aligns with the companies’ goals for quality patient care and health. This is just one of the ways that HMH can use emerging technology to offer greater quality of service and provide increased value to patients through proactive health care. 

To bring all these ideas together, we recommend that HMH create a dedicated digital innovation team to lead and manage these upgrades. This team should include a mix of IT professionals, clinical staff, and operations leaders to make sure every perspective is considered. Their role would be to guide the implementation process, track the impact of each change, and ensure everything stays aligned with HMH’s broader goals for patient care and efficiency. Having this kind of team in place will not only help make the transition smoother but will also support a culture of ongoing improvement. By making innovation a core part of the organization, HMH can keep adapting to new technology, stay ahead in the healthcare industry, and deliver even better care to the communities it serves.