Key Takeaways

• Novant Health prioritizes delivering exceptional care through continual IT improvement, enhanced cybersecurity, and a focus on team development.
• The implementation of a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system is set to streamline nonclinical processes and improve operational efficiencies.
• Novant Health has embraced AI and machine learning since 2019, establishing governance for pilot projects to innovate without disrupting core business functions.

Transforming Healthcare through Technology

As healthcare increasingly integrates digital solutions, patient expectations have shifted, prompting organizations to adopt methods seen in other industries. Patients today can conveniently schedule appointments online and communicate with their healthcare providers through digital portals. While technology enhances access to care, trust and human relationships remain essential to the industry’s success.

Onyeka Nchege, the executive vice president and chief digital and information officer at Novant Health in Winston-Salem, N.C., emphasizes that meeting patient needs starts with building those strong relationships. He stresses the importance of collaboration, not just for addressing immediate challenges but also for creating long-term solutions that benefit the entire organization.

In discussing Novant Health’s priorities for 2025, Nchege highlights three main focus areas for his team: fostering a culture of continuous improvement to optimize IT resources, strengthening cybersecurity practices, and enhancing team engagement. The goal is to create a supportive environment that also combats employee burnout.

Reflecting on Novant Health’s digital transformation journey, Nchege notes the organization’s recent successful launch of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. This initiative is expected to enhance operational efficiency across various departments, including human resources and supply chain management. The new system aims to streamline workflows by modernizing nonclinical processes and enabling staff to better manage tasks such as requesting time off and ordering supplies.

Alongside this, Novant Health boasts an award-winning digital platform, including the MyNovant mobile app, which offers patients easy access to medical records, appointment scheduling, and prescription refills. By familiarizing patients with everyday technology, Novant Health aims to improve the overall patient experience.

Despite progress, Nchege acknowledges room for improvement in cybersecurity, underscoring the continuous need to enhance defenses against evolving threats. The organization has also been exploring AI to automate repetitive tasks across both clinical and nonclinical spheres, identifying these innovations as vital for future growth.

Collaboration across departments has significantly improved through strategic adoption of new technologies. Nchege facilitates this by ensuring education around new tools and processes begins before a project starts and continues through implementation. This emphasis on training not only aids in understanding but also promotes cooperation between clinical and nonclinical units.

In terms of cybersecurity, Nchege stresses the importance of placing the right leaders and resources in place. The recent appointment of a new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has resulted in expanded strategies and improved security measures.

Novant Health has been a pioneer in AI and machine learning, beginning its initiatives in 2019 with the launch of a data science team and an Institute of Innovation and AI. The institute’s governance structure allows for careful vetting of projects, enabling the organization to experiment with innovation without disrupting day-to-day operations. Education on AI and machine learning applications remains a key component, ensuring all team members understand its potential and utility.

Overall, Novant Health’s approach illustrates how healthcare can leverage technology while maintaining a strong focus on patient relationships and team dynamics for continuous improvement and success.

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