Amy West • November 1, 2024
A note from Amy West, Principal Director, Advisory Services, HITLAB. Just back from my first time attending HLTH, and what an experience! From groundbreaking AI to human-centered innovations, the event showcased healthcare at its best, with every major player—and some emerging niche voices—contributing to the conversation.
There were way too many takeaways, but here are some standout themes:
- AI Everywhere: The buzz around AI was huge, but there’s a noticeable balance between excitement and caution. While AI’s potential is undeniable, it’s important we focus on developing tools that don’t just follow trends but solve real issues for healthcare stakeholders.
- Care Coordination: Health tech and data continue to push the boundaries, helping connect care beyond just primary visits—especially in complex therapy areas like chronic disease and oncology. Better coordination means smoother, more holistic patient journeys across specialties.
- Food as Medicine: This area is gaining traction, and accelerated by GLP-1s reshaping how people think about food and health. Nutrition as a core part of holistic health and wellness is something we’ll see growing in focus.
- Nursing Shortage & Clinician Burnout: With clinician burnout an urgent issue, much of the tech is geared toward supporting these teams. Innovations like AI-driven voice scribing and ambient data capture can ease workflow burdens, allowing for more quality time with patients.
- Mental Health’s Digital Momentum: There’s no stopping the digital health wave in mental health. These platforms were some of the most proven and impactful technologies showcased. It’s clear that digital health is here to stay, particularly for areas where accessible, flexible support is essential.
HLTH 2024 was a strong reminder of the role that practical, human-centered innovation can play in transforming healthcare. From reshaping patient experiences to empowering clinicians, these advancements are setting a new standard for what’s possible. I’m excited to see where this momentum takes us and how we can collectively drive meaningful, sustainable change for everyone in the healthcare ecosystem.
To learn more about Amy and HITLAB read more.