Title

AWS re:Invent 2023 - Using data to prevent heart disease and sudden cardiac death (IMP208)

Summary

Speakers: Angela Shippey (moderator), Dr. Emeka Okafor (Chief Health Information Officer, Memorial Hermann), and Evan Ernst (Co-founder and Executive Director, Who We Play For).
Topics Discussed: The complexity of the healthcare ecosystem, the importance of data in healthcare, the role of cloud technology in healthcare, and the impact of screening for cardiac disease.
Memorial Hermann: A healthcare provider with a significant number of patient encounters and emergency visits, involved in teaching and healthcare informatics and analytics.
Who We Play For: A non-profit focused on preventing sudden cardiac death in athletes through screening and advocacy, with a large database of pediatric and young adult ECGs.
Data and Cloud Technology: The use of cloud technology for business continuity, scaling technology, and integrating data from various sources, including EHRs, wearables, and remote monitoring devices.
AI and Machine Learning: The potential of AI to democratize the ability to read ECGs and provide actionable insights to clinicians and patients.
Health Equity: AWS's commitment to health equity through grants and the importance of data in addressing social determinants of health.
Advocacy and Legislation: The role of advocacy groups in changing healthcare practices and the importance of collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem.

Data-Driven Healthcare: The conversation highlights the critical role of data in transforming healthcare practices, particularly in the prevention of heart disease and sudden cardiac death.
Cloud as an Accelerator: Moving healthcare data to the cloud is seen as an accelerator for clinical insights, business operations, and knowledge dissemination.
AI's Potential: AI and machine learning are poised to revolutionize healthcare by providing tools for better ECG interpretation and personalized patient care.
Health Equity Focus: AWS's Health Equity Grant is an example of how technology companies are investing in initiatives to improve healthcare access and outcomes for all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Collaboration is Key: The discussion emphasizes the need for collaboration between healthcare providers, non-profits, tech companies, and other stakeholders to improve health outcomes.
Education and Literacy: There is a call for increased digital literacy among healthcare providers and the public to better understand and utilize emerging technologies.
Regulatory Influence: Advocacy for changes in healthcare practices, including ECG screening for athletes, requires engagement with regulators, legislators, and payers.
Actionable Steps: The speakers suggest practical steps such as learning CPR, advocating for ECG screenings, and understanding the use of AEDs to contribute to the prevention of sudden cardiac death.