Technology companies from across the U.S. gathered in Austin June 2 to present innovative concepts aimed at shaping the future of health care delivery at Baylor Scott & White Health's inaugural Digital Summit.
Baylor Scott & White executives heard pitches from a dozen startups and entrepreneurs, screened from a pool of nearly 100 applicants, who brought digital health solutions designed to enhance the patient experience, increase convenience and improve quality. Presenters showcased a wide range of innovations, from wearables that support pregnancy and reduce pre-term birth, to technology that removes wires from the patient care environment.
"Technology is accelerating at a very fast pace, and as an organization we recognize that," said Nick Reddy, chief digital officer and senior vice president, Baylor Scott & White Health. "The Digital Summit was really about listening to the marketplace and to our leaders; identifying opportunities; and then pairing those opportunities with solutions that are sustainable and are aligned with our mission."
The winning pitch was presented by 3Derm System, a device that allows primary care physicians to capture high-definition, three-dimensional images of suspicious skin lesions to be evaluated by a Baylor Scott & White Health dermatologist remotely. The digital health office will begin reaching out to Baylor Scott & White dermatologists and family medicine to begin planning a pilot with 3Derm.
Also featured at the event, panels focused on health technology innovations, as well as interactive demonstrations of cutting-edge inventions. Executives, vendors, technology experts, and clinicians in attendance had the opportunity to network and further brainstorm potential solutions for transforming patient care.
"There are three pressures pushing on everyone in health care," said John McWhorter, chief operating officer, Baylor Scott & White Health. "One is the pressure to be more affordable, second is the pressure to create a better patient experience, and the third is the pressure to evaluate the wave after wave of new innovation that continues to flood the marketplace. We have to view everything through the lens of the patient, that's what's most important."
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About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com