An Editor’s Perspective: HIMSS16 Q&A with Health IT Outcomes

HIMSS16 is in the air…just check out the official hashtag (#HIMSS16)! Here at InkHouse, we recently kicked off our “Road to HIMSS16” blog series to get the scoop on all things HIMSS. InkHouse’s VP Lauren Arnold chatted with two of the society’s in-house experts on how attendees can make the most of their experience, while Brittany Boyer spoke with mHealthintelligence Editor Eric Wicklund to gain insight on the media front.

For this blog, I had the good fortune to catch up with Health IT Outcomes’ Editor John Oncea (and third year HIMSS attendee) to learn what he’s looking forward to most at the show and how PR professionals can best work with him.

Here’s a recap of my conversation with John:

Q: What are you most looking forward to this year at HIMSS16?

A: I’m hoping to attend more educational sessions than I was able to the past two years. I’ve set aside time for sessions focusing on population health, IoT, big data and telehealth – all topics that Health IT Outcomes’ readers have indicated are important to them. I’m also planning to spend time at the Innovation Pavilion as I really enjoy speaking with people from start-up companies and disruptive technologies.

Q: Who are you most intrigued to see at HIMSS16: companies in the startup phase or more established vendors that have already made a name for themselves?

A: Both start-ups and established vendors provide unique value, but I’m partial to companies that are just breaking into healthcare. These companies are going to shape the future of health IT, either themselves or by forcing established vendors to continue to innovate and reinvent themselves so as not to be passed by. That said, I really value the perspective people associated with established vendors provide. Their thoughts on industry trends combined with years of experience really tell a well-rounded story.

Q: What is the best way for vendors (and PR folks!) to work with you/Health IT Outcomes during HIMSS16?

A: We follow our readers, and they want to hear from end users. I’m more open to a meeting if an end user is part of it. Also, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. I try to reply to all outreaches, but the sheer number of them makes it difficult to always get back after that first email. But a second email? That almost always gets a reply.

Q: With ICD-10 implementation complete and Meaningful Use hanging in the balance, what do you think will be the biggest health IT news trend/theme coming out of HIMSS16?

A: Population health management, in conjunction with finding ways to make meaningful analysis of Big Data. These two themes have been hanging around for a couple of years, but the time may be right for them to dominate healthcare. And if anyone can fix EHRs, they’ll be healthcare heroes.

Q: Do you have any tips for first-time attendees trying to make the most of the show?

A: The best advice I got prior to my first show was to wear comfortable shoes. I’d add ask good questions and listen – really listen – to the answers. There are so many sharp individuals at HIMSS sharing so much valuable information – it’s a unique opportunity to really grasp what is happening and what will be happening in healthcare.

Thank you to John for taking the time to share his insight and feedback!