The rise and fall of the Chief Digital Officer (CDO) role across industries offers powerful lessons for health system leaders striving for innovation. In his Forbes article, Dr. Aasim Saeed highlights four key insights, all of which are directly applicable to modern healthcare.
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Technology Alone Doesn’t Drive Change
While many organizations invest heavily in new technologies, the reality is that simply acquiring tech without fully implementing or integrating it does little to move the needle. Health systems can fall into this same trap, purchasing expensive platforms or services that go underused or are never fully deployed, wasting both time and resources. To succeed, health systems must ensure that new technology investments are not only implemented but are also aligned with clear, patient-focused goals. -
Consumer-Centric Change is More Complex Than It Appears
Becoming more patient-centric has been a major focus in healthcare, but achieving true consumer-centric transformation requires more than just lip service. In Dr. Saeed’s article, he points out that the healthcare industry still struggles with simple things like appointment scheduling. Many hospitals stick to outdated models of patient interaction (like requiring patients to call for appointments) because of internal resistance to change. This hesitance slows progress, highlighting the importance of addressing cultural barriers before attempting technological upgrades. -
Business Outcomes Should Drive Digital Transformation
Innovation teams often feel pressured to launch solutions quickly, but in many cases, these efforts don’t address core business outcomes. Dr. Saeed references chatbots in healthcare as an example of this. They may seem like a cutting-edge addition to a health system’s digital front door, but if they don’t improve patient experience or create measurable outcomes, their impact is minimal. The lesson here is clear: health systems should focus on technology that drives real change in patient outcomes rather than investing in tools that only create the appearance of innovation. -
Stay Mission-Focused Amid the Tech Hype
It’s easy for organizations, especially in healthcare, to get swept up in tech trends and lose sight of their mission. Whether it’s trying to develop a new digital platform or investing in a flashy startup, many organizations fall victim to tech hype rather than remaining focused on their core goals—improving patient care and operational efficiency. By keeping the mission at the forefront, health systems can ensure their digital transformation efforts actually deliver long-term value.
