Insights From LSI Europe ‘23: How the Largest Challenges in Hospitals Are Being Addressed by Emerging Technologies
The LSI Europe '23 conference gathered leading hospital and AI experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities in integrating new technologies into hospital systems. Six key insights emerged from the discussions, from building trust with medical professionals to adapting to the growing use of AI in hospitals.
Building Trust for Technological Integration in Hospitals
Successfully integrating new technologies in hospitals is an uphill task that hinges on building trust with medical professionals. This trust is crucial for gaining the buy-in necessary to encourage continued adoption of technology in healthcare.
Lina Williamson, Head of Entrepreneurship at Hospital Clinic in Barcelona, emphasized, "The key is not to impose and to work with the users. My way of managing without power, because that’s what it is, is to involve all the different users in the decision-making process." This inclusive approach ensures that the needs and concerns of all stakeholders are addressed, fostering a supportive environment for technological adoption.
Similarly, José Pedro Almeida, Chief AI Strategist, highlighted the importance of trust, stating, "You really need trust—and that takes time to accomplish. At the same time, if you’re going for a transformation like I’ve led, you need to have some empowerment. In my case, because I lead transformation from the inside, I always answer the CEO. That makes a big difference, as it opens the doors." Building this trust requires consistent engagement and proving the value of new technologies through practical, real-world applications.
Importance of Multidisciplinary Collaboration
The successful implementation of new technologies also depends on collaboration among all individuals who will be involved in the process. Williamson noted, "Having not only the doctor, the porter, and the nurse but also IT together at the same table allows them to discuss all of the different aspects." This comprehensive inclusion helps address various aspects of technology deployment, from technical adjustments to user training.
Almeida added, "Complement the internal resources with external expertise. Outside in, I've done the same thing, and it was really valuable. One key point I always told the external team was that they need to be inside. You’re not building from the outside; you must be inside every day because that makes a real difference. The doctors and nurses you will work for at the end of the day will see you there—and just by seeing you three, you’re already a part of the team."
Real-World Impact as a Driver of Adoption of Technology in Healthcare
Demonstrating the real-world impact of new technologies is fundamental for gaining the support of senior doctors and other key stakeholders. Practical, tangible results can be more convincing than theoretical benefits or sales pitches.
Almeida shared a compelling example: "One of the systems we built could predict 30% of ICU admissions seven days earlier and send text message alerts to each physician. Only young doctors were using it at the time. We tried everything to convince the senior doctors—putting up posters around the hospital, sending emails, talking to them directly, etc. Nothing worked until one of these text messages saved a patient's life one Friday evening. That spread by word of mouth to the entire hospital, and suddenly, we had all of these senior doctors supporting the system." This real-life success story underscored the system's value, leading to broader adoption of technology in healthcare.
Providing Incentives for First Clients
For startups in the medtech market, securing the first client is often the most difficult step. Offering preferred terms can incentivize hospitals to take the initial leap, helping the startup achieve validation.
Williamson suggested, "When you’re on the buyer/hospital side, we always ask the company if they’ve implemented it in hospitals with more than 500 beds. But when you’re on the other side, it’s very difficult to find your first client because that first client is asking you to be already validated. From the investor standpoint, the solution is to give the startup briefer terms they can use to go to the first client—maybe a free use for the first six months, then 50% off the first year, and then maybe full price after three years." These incentives can help startups establish a foothold and demonstrate their technology's effectiveness.
Preparing for Integration of Big Data and AI in Hospitals
The rapid advancement of AI and big data technologies presents both opportunities and hurdles for hospitals. Preparing for these innovations requires a proactive approach to education and implementation.
Almeida emphasized the unprecedented potential of AI, stating, "These large language models are the most powerful technology I've seen. It evolves at an exponential rate. In six months, it has evolved more than any other technology in 12 years." Hospitals must stay ahead of these advancements to leverage their full potential.
Williamson highlighted the internal challenges, noting, "We need to do a lot of education on the concept of these language models and how you’re actually going to implement it. But things are moving so fast that we must identify ways to educate our people faster by preparing them in small teams and doing small implementations that can then spread around." Overcoming these hurdles is crucial for effective integration.
Understanding the Existential Risk to Traditional Models
Traditional AI models are at risk of becoming obsolete as new advancements in generative AI emerge. Companies must pivot quickly to integrate these advancements and stay competitive.
Almeida warned, "Startups and companies relying on this old, traditional way of building algorithms are at an existential risk right now." Staying ahead of technological trends is essential for survival in the fast-evolving medtech market.
In conclusion, the keynote highlighted the need for trust, collaboration, real-world impact, and readiness for AI in hospitals. For medical device investors and stakeholders, these insights provide a roadmap for increasing the adoption of technology in healthcare and integration in hospitals.
The full recording of the discussion can be found in LSI’s resource hub at the link below:
