At HLTH USA, discussions centered around key strategies for advancing health equity in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape. Conversations particularly centered on ensuring that these technologies are implemented inclusively, prioritizing accessibility and affordability, especially for lower-income and minority groups who face barriers to traditional care. 

During the discussions at HLTH USA, experts emphasized the importance of embedding equity into organizational strategies, leveraging AI and emerging technologies to bridge care gaps, and fostering collaboration across sectors to ensure equitable access to care. 

• Equity as an Essential: With an uncertain economic outlook in healthcare, organizations may feel pressure to put equity initiatives on the sidelines and prioritize other budgetary needs. However, speakers at HLTH USA emphasized that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives should not be viewed as optional or ‘nice to have’ add-ons to company culture. Instead, they should be seen as essential components of strategic planning and performance. By embedding equity into the foundation of their operations, healthcare organizations can create a strong, sustainable case for investing in access to care, even during challenging economic times.

• AI and Emerging Technologies: AI has the potential to advance equity by identifying and filling the gaps in care, especially among rural and underserved populations. However, biases within datasets that power these models risk further marginalization of underserved populations. At HLTH USA, experts speaking about AI also emphasized the importance of ensuring that while AI and other emerging technologies accelerate innovation, implementation remains inclusive - ensuring no group is left behind in the pursuit of progress.

• Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Sessions highlighted how a range of stakeholders, from community health centers to pharmaceutical companies, can drive health equity by integrating digital technologies into their workflows. The industry has a shared responsibility to advance health equity by expanding access to care through technology and promoting education and outreach initiatives. Achieving these goals requires collaboration among stakeholders across sectors, both within and beyond healthcare, to ensure these advancements reach underserved populations and reduce health disparities.

Want to know more? Watch all the sessions from HLTH USA now on the HLTH Community platform.