AWS in Healthcare

Jun 23, 2024

Lecture Notes: AWS in Healthcare

Overview

  • Topic: Amazon Web Services (AWS) in the Healthcare Sector
  • Key Speaker: Dr. Angela Shippy, Physician Executive at AWS

Introduction

  • AWS is expanding its reach into healthcare.
  • Focus areas:
    • 3D virtual hearts
    • Voice commands
    • Real-time data analysis
  • Tech can solve major issues in healthcare such as costs and labor shortages.

Dr. Angela Shippy's Background

  • Experienced medical doctor transitioned to tech.
  • Formerly managed hospitals, now bridges gap between healthcare and technology.
  • Works with 700 healthcare leaders to expand AWS tech use.

AWS Healthcare Solutions

  • Two-Way Communication Systems:
    • Echo Dot replacing traditional call buttons.
    • Patients can control room settings (lights, temperature) using voice commands. Frees clinical staff for critical tasks.
  • Cost Effectiveness:
    • Migration to cloud reduces IT infrastructure costs.
    • Organizations saving 60% on compute, storage, and networking costs.
  • Virtual ICU:
    • Integrating audiovisual tech with cloud services.
    • Reduced burnout and improved patient care efficiency.

Impact on Hospitals

  • Roberta Schwarz: AWS tech reduced night staff from 4 to 2, improved staff well-being, reduced code blues by 20%, shortened hospital stays.
  • Financial Impact: AWS tools digitally transforming healthcare, projected to reach $115 billion by 2030.

Competitive Landscape

  • Microsoft Azure: Strong foothold in healthcare, used by Epic (covers 300M patient records).

Training and Patient Engagement

  • Virtual Training: Providers trained on procedures, patients educated about illnesses.
  • Patient Compliance: Visual aids aid in understanding conditions, promoting medication adherence.

Challenges and Perception

  • Labor Shortages: Supply and labor issues prevalent.
  • Financial Pressures: Hospitals face variability in margins, workforce challenges.
  • Patient Satisfaction: Long waits and brief appointments plague system, 70% Americans dissatisfied.

Personal Journey and Tech Adoption

  • Decision to Join Tech: Dr. Shippy's history with tech integration in medical practice.
  • Dual Perspective: Combines clinician experience with technology for better healthcare solutions.
  • Importance of Listening: Emphasizes personalized patient care.

Diversity and Inclusion

  • Women in Tech: Women occupy 35% of tech jobs, fewer in senior roles.
  • Healthcare Workforce: Majority are women, especially nurses.
  • Optimism: Tech can enhance representation and decision-making roles for women.

Closing Gaps in Healthcare Access

  • Advocacy for reducing disparities in healthcare access for underrepresented communities.