Episode Summary: In episode 15 of Constructing With Care, guests Laura Wilt, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Sutter Health; Clara Guixa, Vice President of Applications and Deputy CIO at Boston Children's Hospital; and Carl Fleming, Healthcare Strategy and Digital Transformation at DPR Construction are welcomed by host Leslie Tullio. In this third and final episode of the series the group explores how funding models for healthcare projects are shaped by technological and demographic needs and how the industry is evaluating ROI They also delve into everybody's favorite topic, AI.

Key Themes:

1. Strategic alignment of technology investments with organizational goals.

2. The importance of flexible funding and innovation models.

3. AI as a transformative tool for operational efficiency and patient care.

4. The need for healthcare facilities to evolve in tandem with technological advancements

[00:33] Introduction

[01:47] Investment in Healthcare Technology

• Laura highlights the critical role of technology in health systems' strategies, particularly for improving access and leveraging digital professionals.

• Clara presents a balanced view, recognizing the progress but emphasizing the work needed to achieve ROI across the industry.

[05:12] Aligning Technology with Strategic Goals

• Clara explains Boston Children’s strategy of aligning tech investments with strategic goals, measuring outcomes, and maintaining accountability.

• Aligning metrics with problems being solved ensures investments deliver tangible value.

[06:28] Innovative Approaches to Funding

• Laura discusses innovation driven by demographic shifts (e.g., aging populations) and the rise of value-based care.

• Carl shares insights into funding models such as venture capital, private equity, and strategic alliances.

• Health systems are increasingly investing in internal innovation hubs to drive long-term ROI and create scalable solutions.

[11:39] Build vs. Buy vs. Adapt

• Laura introduces the concept of adapt as a middle ground between building and buying technology, tailoring solutions to specific needs.

• Clara reflects on her organization’s journey from customized EHRs to a mix of purchased and adapted solutions.

• The "build, buy, or adapt" approach balances efficiency, customization, and scalability.

[15:55] AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Strategies

• Laura explains Sutter Health’s strategy to build, buy, and adapt AI solutions, including ambient AI to improve efficiency and patient care.

• Clara highlights pediatric care advancements through large language models, genetic testing, and big data.

• AI’s potential lies in intersecting technologies (e.g., ambient AI, RTLS) to create integrated, efficient systems.

[20:06] Design and Construction Implications of Emerging Technology

• Carl emphasizes the importance of aligning design and construction efforts with health systems’ AI strategies and innovation tolerance.

• Collaborative planning ensures physical spaces are optimized for integrating AI and other advanced technologies.

[22:39] Closing Thoughts

• Leslie reflects on the interconnected nature of healthcare technology investments, ROI, and innovation.

Featured Guests:

• Laura Wilt: Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Sutter Health

• Clara Guixa: Vice President of Applications and Deputy CIO at Boston Children’s Hospital

• Carl Fleming: Healthcare Strategy and Digital Transformation Specialist at DPR Construction

Laura Wilt

"Technology is integral to healthcare strategies, but it should never be about technology for technology's sake. It's about achieving the outcomes we're striving for."

Clara Guixa

"Funding healthcare technology isn't just about the dollars; it's about understanding the value and impact on patient outcomes."

Carl Fleming

"If technology doesn't streamline processes or add value, providers don't want it. We need to ensure tech works for them, not against them."