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AI in healthcare, exploring IT challenges and opportunities

Podcast – Ep 2 | January 24, 2025 |  Duration: 41 minutes 47 seconds

Host: Jyothsana Jha

Guest: Jeff Davis – Director of IT, PrimeRx

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Podcast Summary

In this episode, we discuss the integration of technology in healthcare, focusing on digital transformation, AI, and the challenges in pharmaceutical supply chains. Jeff Davis, IT director at PrimeRx, shares insights on:

His career journey started from rolling out Windows 95 systems in hospitals to managing IT infrastructure.

Key challenges in healthcare IT, include data security and compliance with regulations.

Digital transformation trends like streamlining procurement processes for pharmacies and integrating ordering systems.

The potential of AI to enhance efficiency in telehealth, pharmacy management, and compliance with track-and-trace regulations.

Future advancements, such as integrating AI to prepopulate pharmacy orders, improving patient care through telemedicine, and addressing challenges in regulatory compliance.

Podcast Transcript

Host: Jyothsana Jha

Hello, everyone! Welcome to our Healthcare IT podcast. I’m Jyothsana Jha, and today we’re excited to have a special guest, Jeff Davis, an experienced IT Director in the healthcare industry. Jeff, thank you for joining us. Before diving in, could you share a bit about your journey in healthcare IT and what initially drew you to this field?

 

Guest: Jeff Davis

Thanks, Jyothsana! My first experience in healthcare IT dates back to college when I got an internship at a local hospital. My role was to help them transition from mainframe-based systems to Windows 95 PCs across their departments. It was an exciting time as they adopted new technologies like Novell and Exchange Servers.

Over the years, I progressed to a Systems Administrator role, managing Microsoft servers, backups, and user accounts. This experience gave me insights into how IT infrastructures support healthcare operations. Interestingly, HIPAA regulations were introduced around that time, so I got involved in implementing compliance standards. I worked on projects like rolling out time and attendance software and collaborating with various departments, including finance, labs, radiology, and pharmacy.

Jyothsana Jha

That’s an impressive journey, Jeff! With such extensive experience, what do you think are the most significant challenges in leading technology initiatives in healthcare?

Jeff Davis

One of the biggest challenges is ensuring patient data security. The healthcare industry is highly regulated, with laws like HIPAA in the U.S. and additional international standards. Keeping patient data secure while meeting compliance requirements is a constant priority, especially with the growing frequency of cyberattacks on organizations.

Jyothsana Jha

Absolutely. Data security is crucial. Speaking of digital transformation, it’s a buzzword across industries. How do you define digital transformation in healthcare, and how can organizations navigate it successfully?

Jeff Davis

Digital transformation in healthcare is about enhancing operational efficiency and patient care through technology. At my current role in pharmaceutical distribution, we’ve revolutionized processes for independent pharmacies through platforms like the PrimeRx Marketplace.

Previously, setting up accounts with suppliers involved time-consuming paperwork and limited visibility into pricing. Our platform streamlined this by enabling e-signatures, centralizing supplier applications, and providing real-time price comparisons. This has saved pharmacies time, reduced costs, and improved overall efficiency.

Looking ahead, I believe digital transformation will focus on tighter integrations between pharmacy management systems (PMS) and ordering platforms. This will enable seamless workflows, from prescriptions to inventory management.

Jyothsana Jha

That’s fascinating, Jeff. With digital transformation, AI and automation are also making waves. How do you see these technologies shaping healthcare operations in the coming years?

Jeff Davis

AI adoption in healthcare is progressing, albeit at a slower pace compared to other industries. Initially, I see AI playing a significant role in pharmacies, such as flagging potential drug interactions and optimizing pricing strategies. Complex contracts with suppliers often make it challenging for pharmacies to determine the best deals. AI can help by analyzing data and providing actionable insights.

In the future, telehealth will likely be a significant area for AI-driven innovation. For example, AI tools can summarize patient histories, aiding doctors in making quicker and more accurate diagnoses during teleconsultations.

Jyothsana Jha

That’s a great point. Telehealth and remote healthcare are rapidly growing sectors. How is PrimeRx positioning itself to support these trends, especially in pharmaceutical access and distribution?

Jeff Davis

PrimeRx focuses on simplifying pharmaceutical distribution. With telemedicine’s rise, the integration between e-prescriptions and drug delivery systems is critical. Our platform ensures pharmacies have real-time access to supplier inventories and enables them to meet delivery demands efficiently.

We’re also leveraging data analytics to reduce waste in the pharmaceutical supply chain. For instance, by identifying short-dated medications and offering them at discounts, we help pharmacies save costs while minimizing waste. Additionally, we assist pharmacies in complying with regulations like Track and Trace, ensuring accountability across the supply chain.

Jyothsana Jha

That’s insightful. Data analytics and AI clearly play a critical role in improving decision-making and patient outcomes. What other advancements is TrexAid focusing on to stay ahead in the healthcare marketplace?

Jeff Davis

Our future roadmap includes tighter integrations with PMS systems, automating the ordering process, and leveraging AI to predict inventory needs. We’re also preparing for the next phase of Track and Trace regulations by adopting more advanced electronic data interchange (EDI) systems.

Another area we’re exploring is enhancing user experiences for pharmacies through intuitive dashboards and data visualization tools, helping them make informed decisions effortlessly.

Jyothsana Jha

Jeff, this has been an incredibly insightful discussion. Thank you for sharing your expertise. Do you have any closing thoughts for our audience?

Jeff Davis

Thank you for having me, Jyothsana. It’s been a pleasure sharing my journey and insights. To everyone listening, embrace technology—it’s transforming healthcare in exciting ways.

Jyothsana Jha

Thank you, Jeff. And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Until next time, take care!

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