No question about it, HIMSS is my favorite conference of the year. Not because I get to use more abbreviations and acronyms in one week than I do all year or because I get to connect with old colleagues and make new friends. And believe it or not, it is not because I thoroughly enjoy frequenting the Ballpark exhibit around 4pm every day for a refreshing cocktail. While those are all a definite plus, the true reason being that for 4 days I am surrounded by brilliant individuals, from all sectors of healthcare, discussing and demonstrating all the latest and greatest healthcare business and technology solutions.
One particular area I am revved up about: healthcare business intelligence (HC BI). There’s no doubt that HC BI has been a hot topic for the past few years given the need operationalize data and processes to drive better healthcare outcomes and there certainly will be no shortage of educational sessions surrounding this important subject. However, this year, in addition to attending the educational sessions, I am more excited to spend some time in Booth 869 – the Clinical and Business Analytics/Intelligence Knowledge Center.
For those of you who are not familiar with HIMSS’s Knowledge Center-you don’t know what you are missing. The Knowledge Centers (KCs as I like to call them) are located in the actual exhibit hall and this year will “bring more than 60 education and vendor solution sessions, exhibitor case study presentations, one-on-one time with industry experts and exhibition companies with targeted products, HIMSS resources and networking to one area around 3 powerhouse topics” (Mobile Health, Clinical and Business Intelligence and ICD-10).
Talk about a one stop shop. I find it so neat to go to an education session on such an evolving topic, like HC BI, and then be able to discuss what you just learned along with your own experiences with industry experts bouncing ideas off each other, all while watching exhibitors showcase the most innovative solutions on how we can continue to improve clinical, operational and financial outcomes using these new BI strategies and technologies.
Does it get any better than that? I don’t think so, but don’t take my word for it, come see for yourself.
