Too often, hospitals and health systems invest in new systems, only to face integration challenges, fragmented workflows and data silos that hinder efficiency – the goal is to emphasize that health IT is not just about technology, it's about enabling smarter, more connected healthcare environments, said Sandy Saggar, the new CEO of Connexall, about what he and his team are communicating to HIMSS25 attendees.

Connexall, in Booth 4675, is a vendor of clinical communication and workflow automation technologies.

Directly impacting care

"The future of healthcare depends on vendor-neutral interoperability, ensuring technology works for care teams, rather than complicating their jobs," he said. "By focusing on systems that seamlessly unify hospital ecosystems, healthcare leaders can maximize the value of their existing investments, improve coordination across departments, and make real-time, data-driven decisions that directly impact patient care.

"Beyond connectivity, the real transformation lies in how technology empowers people," he continued. "The healthcare workforce is under immense pressure, facing staffing shortages, burnout and growing administrative burdens. Smart health IT systems must do more than just exchange data – they need to enhance clinical workflows, reduce inefficiencies and support frontline staff in delivering better care."

As digital transformation accelerates, hospitals must move beyond fragmented point systems and adopt a holistic approach that breaks down silos, supports better decision-making, and ultimately improves both operational efficiency and patient outcomes, he added.

"The future of healthcare isn't just about adopting new technologies – it's about ensuring they work together to create a truly unified, efficient and patient-centered healthcare system," he said.

The tech to watch

As for what's hot at HIMSS25, Saggar points to AI, interoperability and telehealth.

"Artificial intelligence and automation are at the forefront of healthcare transformation, tackling some of the most persistent challenges in the industry," he noted. "AI-powered systems are streamlining administrative workflows, helping to reduce clinician burden, and enhancing decision-making by delivering real-time insights at the point of care.

"Predictive analytics, fueled by AI, are enabling hospitals to anticipate patient deterioration, optimize staffing and improve resource allocation before issues arise," he continued. "Automation also is playing a crucial role in reducing manual, repetitive tasks, allowing clinicians to focus more on direct patient care rather than being bogged down by administrative processes."

In an era of staffing shortages and increasing demand, these technologies are essential for maintaining high-quality care while improving operational efficiency, he added.

Vendor-neutral platforms

"Meanwhile, interoperability remains a top priority as hospitals strive to break free from siloed systems and disconnected workflows," Saggar said. "Many health systems are moving toward vendor-neutral platforms that can integrate data across various clinical and operational systems, ensuring seamless communication across departments.

"Telehealth and virtual care continue to evolve, blending in-person visits with remote patient monitoring, AI-driven diagnostics and command center models that centralize hospital operations for more efficient patient flow," he continued. "At the same time, cybersecurity has become a growing concern, with rising threats pushing healthcare organizations to strengthen data protection measures, enhance identity management and implement more robust security protocols."

As hospitals navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape, the focus must remain on leveraging technology in ways that improve care delivery, enhance patient outcomes and create a more resilient healthcare system, he added.

A former health system CIO's advice

For participants at HIMSS25, Saggar shared thoughts based on his previous experience as a health system CIO.

"There will constantly be emerging technologies and transformative opportunities, such as artificial intelligence, and you should always plan and pace your execution methodically for them," he advised. "As long as they provide value, of course. But don't lose sight of all the investments and technologies that you already have in place and the optimization and interoperability opportunities that still exist.

"This is a more immediate and tangible benefit that you can help enable for your patients, clinicians and staff," he concluded.

Follow Bill's HIT coverage on LinkedIn: Bill Siwicki
Email him: bsiwicki@himss.org
Healthcare IT News is a HIMSS Media publication.

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