The EHR Association has expressed serious concerns about the proposed HTI-2 rules aimed at enhancing electronic health information accessibility and interoperability. In a letter, the organization, which represents 29 members, warned that the regulations could pose challenges for IT developers and healthcare providers, potentially disrupting the current health IT landscape. Key issues include a projected 12% reduction in certified health IT solutions that may disproportionately impact smaller healthcare organizations, along with financial implications such as increased costs for providers due to a likely 11% decrease in health IT developers. The EHRA calls for modifications to the rules to mitigate these potential disruptions.

EHR Association Warns Proposed HTI-2 Rules Could Disrupt Health IT Landscape Healthcare IT News

A report by the World Economic Forum and McKinsey Health Institute reveals that women suffer from 25% more debilitating health issues than men, highlighting a significant gender health gap related to access, research, and diagnosis. This gap results in around 75 million years of life lost annually among women, and closing it could enhance health outcomes and potentially add $1 trillion to the global economy by 2040. Research shows that women are often underdiagnosed and face biases that lead to inadequate pain assessment and delayed treatment. The article identifies six health conditions that exemplify this gap, notably cardiovascular disease, which remains underrecognized in women.

"Closing the Gender Health Gap: A $1 Trillion Opportunity by 2040" World Economic Forum

Amazon Pharmacy aims to transform the retail pharmacy landscape by applying its e-commerce principles to enhance convenience and access. Since its 2020 launch, the pharmacy has introduced features like automatic medication discounts and a pilot drone delivery service targeting 60-minute prescription deliveries. With plans to expand its services to 20 new cities in 2025, Amazon seeks to improve same-day medication access, especially during high-demand seasons. Unlike traditional pharmacies, Amazon's digital-first model minimizes wait times and leverages its logistics capabilities for rapid delivery. To further enhance customer experience, the company is integrating clinical teams with engineering experts to streamline the checkout process and improve pricing transparency, positioning itself competitively in the pharmaceutical market.

Amazon Pharmacy Set to Transform Medication Delivery with Rapid Expansion Forbes

A shift in expectations for generative AI (gen AI) is occurring as businesses acknowledge the complexities of implementing this technology effectively. The initial enthusiasm seen in 2023 is transitioning to a more conservative approach that emphasizes the need for substantial investment in technological resources and organizational capacity. Companies are encouraged to focus on scaling their solutions rather than pursuing short-term gains through pilot projects. An example is a telecommunications firm that appointed a chief data and AI officer to develop a strategic vision, prioritize use cases, and establish cross-functional teams to enhance employee skills and create a solid foundation for their gen AI initiatives. As organizations consider their roles in the gen AI landscape, they should decide whether to be implementers, innovators, or creators of AI technology, balancing the use of existing tools with the development of proprietary solutions for effective productivity gains.

Companies Shift Focus to Strategic Investment in Generative AI Success McKinsey