In a recent interview with Lynn Thoman for the 3 Takeaways Podcast, Sam Hazen, the chief executive officer of HCA Healthcare, shared his unique perspective on the future of healthcare. As one of the nation's leading healthcare providers, HCA Healthcare is at the forefront of leveraging innovative technology to improve care delivery.

Using Data to Support Clinicians

Healthcare is a dynamic field, and at HCA Healthcare, they play a crucial role in the delivery system. They provide a wide range of services to patients in various locations. Sam believes that the industry is at an inflection point driven by emerging technologies. By using machine learning and artificial intelligence, they can learn from patterns and bring those learnings to caregivers, enhancing the quality of care. In his 42 years with the company, he has seen the potential of using data to support decision-making and improve care.There is often a lot of variation in care due to individual decisions. However, by using artificial intelligence, they can provide more standardized and informed care. This will lead to greater transparency for patients and make the system more efficient.

Advances in Diagnostics and Treatment

In oncology care, the Sarah Cannon Research Institute conducts a large number of clinical trials and generates new drug developments. Robotic-assisted surgery is less invasive, allowing patients to recover faster and enabling physicians to operate in new ways. In diagnostics, computerized CT scanners and MRIs are highly advanced and fast, replacing more invasive procedures. This allows for timely and economic care.HCA Healthcare is at the forefront of these technological advancements, performing more robotic-assisted surgeries than any other system in the world and continuing to grow in this area.

Leveraging Scale to Improve Care Delivery

Having scale is one thing, but using it effectively is another. HCA Healthcare has learned to use scale effectively over the years. They have consolidated redundant functions to create value and access capital at a reasonable cost to invest in the business and people.They also harvest best practices by sharing learnings across their 20 hospitals in Miami, 20 in Dallas, and 10 in Denver. This allows them to be better employers, more engaged in the community, and provide a better care process for patients. Their unique culture, which emphasizes doing the right thing and being detail-oriented, adds value to their patients.

The Future of AI in Healthcare

AI can help improve healthcare delivery in three primary ways. On the administrative side, it can streamline and make more efficient functions that are heavily regulated. In the emergency room, AI can enhance throughput and make the process more effective.The most exciting area is leveraging standardized data sets to bring patterns to the forefront. This allows decision-makers to interact with insights and adjust care delivery. By supporting human intelligence with AI, patients will benefit in ways that are hard to explain.

3 Takeaways

First, hard work matters. Leaders must be willing to solve problems and work hard to ensure the success of their organizations and teams. Second, keep learning. At HCA Healthcare, they learn from each other and from other organizations to stay at the forefront. Third, treat people right. In the people business, focusing on taking care of sick people is crucial.Sam Hazen is the CEO of HCA Healthcare, leading one of the nation's leading healthcare providers with 187 hospitals and approximately 2,400 ambulatory sites of care. Listen to the full conversation and gain additional insight on 3 Takeaways.