Recalibrating "systemness" in a new technology era of healthcare

The healthcare industry is advancing into a new era driven by artificial intelligence and other technological innovations. Many hospitals and health systems are moving beyond early stages of AI ideation to the execution of new models and applications, and 89% of healthcare organizations plan to invest in generative AI within the next year, according to a Guidehouse survey. However, cost and workforce pressures are causing disruptions in the concept of “systemness” within health systems. 

Guidehouse Partner Yianni Douros recently shared a perspective in the American Hospital Association’s Trustee Insights on how health system and provider leaders can and should shift their mindset from one of “systemness” to that of “ecosystem-ness” as a gateway to growth. In this Insight, we’re featuring a few key points from the article. Click the button below to download the full piece. 


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1. Health system leaders should recalibrate their measure of systemness: In healthcare, systemness has traditionally referred to integrated operations, service delivery, and experience across an organization’s network, often localized to that specific organization or market.  But as health systems continue to grow and partnerships become crucial to success, narrow definitions of systemness have caused silos to emerge, even as leaders strive for alignment. 

 2. “Ecosystem-ness” can help health systems move beyond stabilization to sustainable growth: “Ecosystem-ness” takes the concept of systemness and expands it beyond a health system’s walls, shifting from internal connectivity to greater external collaboration. This includes relationships with other providers, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, digital health startups, and community enterprises. 

3. Health system leaders must consider recalibrating three overarching elements of systemness to align with broader ecosystem dimensions:

• Structure: Transition from an inward focus on your health system to an outward focus on external relationships and constituent groups. This pivot is crucial for driving competitive growth and expanding access channels for timely care delivery.
• Workforce: AI agents should be considered part of the workforce, as they are creating operational efficiencies while reframing and enhancing the value of human-owned roles. Collaborations with technology platforms like Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure, and Oracle Cloud can help frontline leaders access and analyze clinical information, creating operational efficiencies and enhancing human roles.
• Technology and data: Establish scalable data exchange across healthcare organizations, partners, and vendors. Seamless data connectivity and real-time visibility are essential for overcoming margin pressures and workforce challenges.

Want to learn how you can enable ecosystem-ness at your organization? In his article, Yianni outlines four key actions that health system trustees and other leaders can take. Read Yianni’s article to learn how you can invest in ecosystem-ness within your organization.