CarePoints

Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Lone Star Communications' clinical experts—Regina Wysocki, Elsie Gori, Mark Vines, and Kim Caraway. Together, they explore how nurse informaticists are helping hospitals integrate mobile technology to reduce clinical burden, improve workflows, and enhance patient outcomes. The conversation highlights real-world experiences, the importance of involving clinicians early in the adoption of technology, and the exciting future of nursing technology, including AI-driven documentation and mobile-based EHR access. This Episode's Guests Regina Wysocki, MS, RN, NI-BC, CPHIMS, SHIMSS, is a healthcare informatics thought leader with deep expertise in technology implementation and adoption, change management, strategic partnerships, and data analytics. Known for collaborative leadership and team-building skills, Wysocki is currently pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at UT Tyler, with graduation anticipated in May 2026. An active contributor to professional organizations, Wysocki is a member of HIMSS, ANIA, and TONL, and holds certifications in Nursing Informatics (AACN) and CPHIMS. Connect: LinkedIn Mark Vines, MSN, RN, is a Nurse Informatics Specialist and healthcare IT leader with more than 15 years of experience aligning clinical workflows with innovative technology to improve patient care, staff efficiency, and operational outcomes. A registered nurse and healthcare technologist, Vines brings a unique perspective in translating clinical needs into scalable digital solutions, with expertise spanning EMR implementations (Epic, Cerner, PulseCheck), clinical systems strategy, change management, and large-scale training across 40+ hospitals. Currently serving as Secretary Chair for the Houston HIMSS chapter, Vines is an active contributor to advancing the health informatics and technology community. Connect: LinkedIn Elsie Gori, RN, is a Nurse Informaticist with extensive experience in facility-based clinical informatics, CPOE, and surgical services. A registered nurse with a background in intermediate critical care, ICU, PICC services, and med-surg, Gori brings both breadth and depth of clinical expertise to their informatics work. With years of experience in hospital and clinical settings,and semiconductor research and development, Gori offers a unique perspective that blends critical thinking, technological insight, and hands-on patient care. Connect: LinkedIn Kim Caraway, MSN, RN, is an accomplished healthcare leader and now works as a nursing informatics specialist for Lone Star Communications. Her career includes serving as Chief Nursing Officer and Chief Operating Officer for multiple hospitals. Caraway brings extensive experience in both clinical and administrative leadership. She has a strong focus on patient safety and healthcare information technology, reflecting her commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and outcomes. Caraway holds a Master of Science in Nursing from The University of Texas at Arlington and is passionate about leveraging technology to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Known for her collaborative and innovative leadership style, she is recognized as a respected voice in the healthcare sector and an advocate for using informatics to improve both patient and staff experiences. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Nurse informaticists bridge the gap between clinicians and IT, ensuring technology supports patient care. Mobile technology streamlines workflows, saves time, and keeps nurses closer to the bedside. Early nurse involvement in tech rollouts boosts adoption and usability. Alarm fatigue remains a challenge, driving innovation in smarter notification strategies. Future innovations like AI and mobile EHR access promise to simplify documentation and improve decision-making.

Podcast Episode Summary This conversation explores how Lone Star Communications is evolving its technology leadership during a pivotal phase of growth. CTO Dan Baxter discusses how he balances deep engineering involvement with strategic planning. He shares his early passion for technology, why Lone Star's "friends and family" culture drew him in, and how employee ownership strengthens innovation from the ground up. Looking ahead to 2025–2026, Dan highlights sibling companies, ProMobix and Alairo Solutions, and their clinical mobility tools and AI‑driven fall prevention technology, designed to transform clinical workflows and deliver meaningful value to caregivers. This Episode's Guest Dan Baxter is a seasoned technology leader known for blending hands‑on engineering with strategic vision. With deep experience across cloud architecture, software development, analytics, and high‑performance engineering teams, he focuses on building technology that genuinely works for the people using it. His background working with healthcare communication systems—and his long‑standing collaboration with the Lone Star family, gives him a unique perspective on how legacy infrastructure and future innovation intersect. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Culture as competitive advantage: Lone Star's team‑first, relationship-driven environment helps accelerate adoption, collaboration, and creative problem‑solving. With aligned incentives and shared outcomes, teams think more holistically about efficiency, quality, and long‑term value. Today's biggest gains come from AI augmenting—not replacing—skilled professionals. Trust comes from not just meeting standards but proving it through evidence and consistent practices. Clinical mobility, analytics, and AI fall prevention unified in one ecosystem will help caregivers act faster and more confidently. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Podcast Episode Summary: In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff speaks with Jeremy Dye of Willis Knighton Health about building a comprehensive and sustainable fall prevention program in an inpatient rehabilitation setting. With over 26 years as a physical therapist, Jeremy explains why falls remain one of the most preventable yet damaging adverse events in healthcare, especially among neurologically impaired patients. The conversation explores how Willis Knighton moved beyond traditional tools like bed and chair alarms to adopt a multidisciplinary, tailored approach supported by predictive AI technology. Jeremy discusses the organization's journey with Ocuvera's sensor-based system, including staff adoption challenges, alarm fatigue concerns, and the importance of continuous data review. This Episode's Guest: Jeremy Dye is a licensed physical therapist with over 26 years of clinical experience across acute care, outpatient, and inpatient rehabilitation settings. He currently serves as the Performance Improvement and Safety Coordinator for Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation at Willis -Knighton Health in Shreveport, Louisiana. In his leadership role, Jeremy focuses on patient safety, quality improvement, and fall prevention—particularly for neurologically complex and cognitively impaired patients. Known for his data-driven mindset and collaborative approach, he has helped lead a multidisciplinary fall-prevention program that has achieved significant, sustained reductions in patient falls through thoughtful process design, staff engagement, and predictive AI technology. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Falls are the most common preventable adverse event in healthcare—and prevention requires constant vigilance Effective fall prevention must be multidisciplinary, involving nursing, therapy, and leadership Traditional tools like bed and chair alarms are helpful but insufficient on their own Predictive AI can alert staff before a patient attempt to stand, reducing unassisted falls Staff buy-in is driven by education, transparency, and real-world success stories Alarm fatigue can be minimized through flexible, patient-specific alert settings Continuous data review and feedback loops are essential for sustained success Technology enables results—but people and process make them stick Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Gina Brody, Principal Product Manager at Rauland, and Tessa McAuley, Clinical Solutions Specialist at Lone Star Communications, to discuss the evolving landscape of hospital safety and communication. They explore pressing challenges like active shooter threats, workplace violence, and delayed Code Blue response times—and how technology is stepping up to meet these demands. From automation and system integration to RTLS badges and real-time analytics, Gina and Tessa share insights on creating smarter workflows that protect both patients and staff. This Episode's Guest: Gina Brody is the Principal Product Manager at Rauland, where she has spent the past decade shaping innovative healthcare communication solutions. With extensive experience in healthcare software, Gina is a recognized subject matter expert and thought leader in patient and staff safety technologies. Her work focuses on integrating systems, customizing workflows, and driving product strategies that improve outcomes in acute care environments. Connect: LinkedIn Tessa McAuley is a Clinical Solutions Specialist at Lone Star Communications, bringing deep technical expertise in Rauland's Responder systems. A former Rauland employee, Tessa now works as part of Lone Star's 17-member clinical team, supporting implementations and service for healthcare facilities nationwide. She collaborates closely with hospitals to optimize workflows, enhance emergency response, and leverage technology for safer, more efficient care delivery. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Automation reduces delays in emergency response by eliminating manual steps and ensuring the right team is notified instantly during Code Blue and other critical events. Integration is essential for hospital safety, connecting nurse call systems, overhead paging, and duress alerts into a unified workflow that improves communication and outcomes. RTLS technology enhances staff protection and efficiency, enabling real-time location tracking, automatic call cancellation, and wearable duress buttons for immediate assistance. Customization drives better workflows, allowing hospitals to tailor alerts, escalation paths, and communication protocols to their unique environment and patient care needs. Analytics and reporting close the loop on safety, providing actionable insights into response times, resource allocation, and process gaps for continuous improvement. Leveraging existing infrastructure saves cost and accelerates adoption, enabling hospitals to upgrade safety systems without full-scale replacements. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Podcast Episode Summary In this CarePoints episode, host Kenny Schiff talks with Amy Clodfelter, Health Informatics Strategy & Solutions Leader at McLeod Health, about tackling alarm fatigue in hospitals. Amy shares her experience with alarm management, bed exit alerts, and the impact of nuisance alarms on patient safety and nursing workflows. They discuss real-world strategies, data-driven interventions, and socio-technical factors that shape sustainable improvements. This conversation offers practical insights for healthcare leaders, nurses, and informatics professionals focused on safer, more efficient care. This Episode's Guests Amy Clodfelter Amy Clodfelter is a healthcare leader with over 25 years of nursing experience and 15 years in informatics. She holds a doctorate in Health Informatics and currently serves as Health Informatics Strategy & Solutions Leader at McLeod Health, where she drives telehealth, alarm management, and workflow optimization. Her work focuses on reducing alarm fatigue, improving patient safety, and implementing data-driven interventions that maintain fall prevention while minimizing nuisance alerts. Clodfelter, Amy D. "Improving Alarm Management Practices." CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 28 May 2025, https://doi.org/10.1097/cin.0000000000001324. Improving Alarm Management Practices Wireless Bed Exit Alerts on Medical-Surgical Units: https://journals.lww.com/cinjournal/fulltext/2025/08000/improving_alarm_management_practices__wireless_bed.6.aspx Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Frequent, non-actionable alerts overwhelm clinicians, slowing response times, and risking missed critical events. Nuisance alarms, false positives, and generic thresholds are major contributors. Effective strategies require thoughtful workflow design, targeted escalation for bed exit alerts, and socio-technical approaches that consider people, processes, policies, and technology. Collecting and analyzing alarm data enables informed changes without compromising safety. Success depends on frontline engagement, governance, and executive sponsorship for sustainable improvements. Emerging technologies like AI, predictive analytics, and telehealth promise smarter alarm customization and extended practices for remote patient care. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Podcast Episode Summary This episode of CarePoints explores what makes healthcare technology adoption successful, and it's not just the tech. Host Kenny Schiff and guest George Weldon Jr. discuss how authentic relationships, stakeholder engagement, and outcome-focused strategies create lasting impact. From building trust with vendors to navigating procurement and IT hurdles, they share practical advice for vendors and leadership insights for healthcare executives. If you want to improve patient care, reduce workflow friction, and foster long-term partnerships, this conversation is packed with actionable takeaways. This Episode's Guest George Weldon Jr Former Vice President of Operations at Westchester Medical Center Health Network. George Weldon Jr. is a transformational healthcare leader with nearly 20 years of experience, including 15 years in leadership roles. His career spans analytics, innovative technologies, and enterprise-level operations, reflecting a unique blend of clinical insight, technical fluency, and strategic vision. George has led multi-site health systems, acute care hospitals, and technology-driven environments through cultural evolution, operational turnarounds, and major capital projects—always with a focus on patient- and people-centered outcomes. Known for pairing precision with empathy, he has driven measurable improvements in quality, efficiency, and financial performance while fostering collaboration across clinical, IT, and operational teams. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Healthcare organizations prioritize measurable improvements in patient care, safety, and efficiency, not flashy features. Vendors must clearly demonstrate the value and impact of their solutions. Successful technology implementation starts with trust and authentic engagement. Vendors who listen, build coalitions, and understand organizational goals outperform those focused only on transactions. Leaders must observe team dynamics, include diverse stakeholders, and foster collaboration to ensure smooth adoption and cultural alignment. Vendors who spend time understanding real workflows and pain points earn trust and design better solutions, an often-overlooked strategy for long-term success. Post-implementation, regular check-ins and governance meetings with vendor partners are essential to optimize workflows, track KPIs, and maintain momentum. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Podcast Episode Summary In this CarePoints Podcast episode, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Allen Foucht, BSN, RN, CLSSMBB, Senior Engagement Consultant at Midmark Consulting, to discuss the critical role of Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) in modern healthcare. Drawing from Allen's nursing background and frontline experience, the conversation explores how RTLS has evolved from asset tracking to a must-have solution for staff safety, duress alerts, and workflow optimization. They delve into how Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and hybrid RTLS technologies are reducing costs, enhancing adoption, and creating safer environments for both patients and caregivers. The episode highlights why facility-wide duress systems are no longer optional in addressing workplace violence and ensuring nurse well-being. This Episode's Guests Allen Foucht, BSN, RN, CLSSMBB Allen Foucht is a seasoned healthcare professional and Senior Engagement Consultant at Midmark Consulting. Before moving into consulting, he served as an RN in high-pressure environments, including the emergency room and ICU, where he gained first-hand experience with clinical workflow, patient transport, and frontline safety challenges. At Midmark, Foucht helps hospitals and health systems implement Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) that go beyond simple asset tracking, designing solutions that support staff duress, improve workflow efficiency, enhance safety, and elevate patient care. His expertise is rooted in both the practical realities that nurses face and the evolving RTLS technologies, such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and hybrid sensor platforms. Foucht is passionate about helping institutions adopt RTLS with full facility coverage—so staff feel protected everywhere in the hospital. He believes in deploying technology in ways that are intuitive for caregivers, driving adoption, and enabling safer environments for everyone. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Workplace violence in healthcare is rising, making staff safety and duress systems essential. RTLS has evolved from asset tracking to a critical tool for staff safety, workflow efficiency, and patient care. Facility-wide RTLS coverage is vital—partial deployments erode trust and leave staff vulnerable. BLE and hybrid RTLS technologies reduce costs, speed deployment, and improve precision. Adoption depends on ease of use and addressing privacy concerns by focusing on workflow benefits. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

In this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff speaks with Rob Gorelik, Senior Product Manager at Rauland, about the company's legacy and innovation in education and healthcare communications. Rob shares his experience leading the development of Telecenter, a platform widely used in schools and increasingly in hospitals. The conversation explores Rauland's evolution from its early days in radio to becoming a leader in safety and communication technology, with a strong focus on enhancing security in learning environments. This Episode's Guests Rob Gorelik Senior Product Manager at Rauland Robert Gorelik is a Senior Product Manager with over 11 years at Rauland, where he leads the development and lifecycle management of Telecenter — cutting-edge solutions designed to improve school safety. His work spans product innovation, customer application support, and strategic sales enablement. With a deep understanding of the K–12 landscape, Robert is committed to delivering technology that helps schools create safer, more secure learning environments. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Rauland's Telecenter platform, originally designed for schools, is now being explored for use in hospitals, highlighting how communication technologies can be adapted across sectors to improve safety and coordination With over 80 years in the industry, Rauland's evolution from radio manufacturing to modern communication systems shows how long-standing companies can stay relevant by continuously innovating to meet current challenges. School and hospital safety are top-of-mind concerns, and Rauland's focus on integrated communication systems directly supports emergency preparedness and real-time response capabilities. Managing a product's full lifecycle, from development to deployment, is extremely important. Ensuring that solutions remain aligned with user needs and technological advancements. Rauland's success is rooted in understanding the unique needs of educators and healthcare providers, reinforcing the value of designing technology with direct input from end users. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

In this episode of CarePoints, Bill Mundt, Deputy CIO of University Health in San Antonio, shares what makes healthcare IT partnerships succeed. He emphasizes that trust, transparency, and responsiveness are essential to building lasting relationships with hospitals. Cybersecurity remains a top concern, as leaders balance innovation with the risks of ransomware and other threats. Mundt stresses that vendors must provide not only technology but also expertise and accountability. At the core of every partnership is patient care, and the best vendors never lose sight of that mission. This Episode's Guest Bill Mundt Bill Mundt is the Deputy Chief Information Officer at University Health in San Antonio, where he leads strategic initiatives that align technology with the mission of advancing patient care. With more than 37 years of IT leadership experience across both military and civilian operations, he has deep expertise in healthcare IT, enterprise infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Known for his crisis management skills and pragmatic problem-solving approach, Bill has overseen the implementation of complex technology solutions that improve organizational efficiency and clinical outcomes. He is recognized for fostering strong vendor partnerships built on trust, transparency, and long-term reliability. At the core of his leadership philosophy is a commitment to ensuring that every technical decision supports the clinicians, staff, and patients who depend on University Health. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Once trust is broken, it's nearly impossible to repair, making transparency and reliability critical for long-term partnerships. Hospitals need vendors who bring strong service teams, not just polished sales pitches, to build credibility with clinicians and leadership. New solutions must balance innovation with rigorous security standards to protect patients, staff, and hospital systems. Quick, clear communication from vendors strengthens trust and ensures alignment in fast-paced healthcare environments. Every IT decision affects clinicians and patients directly, meaning the best vendors act as true partners in delivering safer, more effective care. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

In this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Lone Star Communications founder and CEO, Ray Bailey, to explore the company's future following its transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). From longtime employees who've been part of the journey since day one, to strategic decisions and Bailey's personal mission, discover what truly sets Lone Star apart as a leader in the industry. This Episode's Guests Ray Bailey Ray Bailey, founder and CEO of Lone Star Communications, brings decades of experience in healthcare communications to the company's foundation. Before launching Lone Star in 1991, Bailey spent five years as a district manager at Rauland, a leading provider of integrated communication and safety solutions for healthcare and education. Thirty-four years ago, Bailey drafted the mission statement that continues to be Lone Star's guiding light: "We will deliver the right products to our customers on time, the first time, every time, with no exceptions." He has served on the board of directors for the National Systems Contractors Association since 2003 and is an accomplished pilot, having flown over 200 Angel flights. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Lone Star Communications is now proudly employee-owned through an ESOP. This transformative move gives employees a direct stake in the company's success and helps preserve its leadership and values for the long term. Lone Star has grown into a trusted industry leader with 285 employees. It continues to make a meaningful impact across healthcare, education, and commercial industries by focusing on safety, communication, and service. Employee empowerment is central to Lone Star's culture and future. Through smart management and technology, the company fosters leadership at every level and ensures employees can make a real impact—and benefit from it. Rather than being acquired, Lone Star chose to expand strategically on its own terms. With multiple acquisitions and a focus on schools and hospitals, the company is poised to double in size and grow its national influence in the coming decade. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff sits down with healthcare technology leader, Steve Tyler, to discuss why less is more when it comes to clinical communication tools. Learn how aligning technology with real clinician workflows—not just adding more features—can reduce alert fatigue, improve staff efficiency, and enhance patient safety. From the importance of user-centered design to the role of AI and data integration, this episode breaks down what it takes to build healthcare technology that truly supports care teams and drives better outcomes. This Episode's Guests Steve Tyler Formerly CTO at Vocera and Extension Healthcare, and VP at TigerConnect, Tyler specializes in building scalable, user-centered tools that support clinicians and improve care delivery. Passionate about aligning technology with real-world needs, Steve helps organizations design solutions that make healthcare safer, smarter, and more efficient. Connect: Website Key Takeaways Effective healthcare technology should align with clinician workflows, not just add more features—tools must reduce burden and improve patient outcomes. Feature overload is often fear-driven, leading to unnecessary alerts and inefficiency; instead, solutions should be based on real problems and situational awareness. Strong infrastructure is essential, as reliable networks and seamless integration form the foundation for successful clinical tools. User-centered design and product integrity are key, ensuring solutions are built with direct clinician input and only include features that truly add value. AI and data tools hold promise, but must be thoughtfully integrated to support—not replace—clinicians, relying on high-quality data and real-world testing to be effective. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with the CEO of Ocuvera, Steve Kiene, about the future of fall prevention in hospitals. Learn how predictive technology, staff workflow integration, and solid infrastructure are helping reduce unassisted bed exits by over—and what it means for the future of safer care. This Episode's Guests Steve Kiene - CEO for Ocuvera With a background spanning software, computer vision, hospital tech, and product development, Steve brings both technical expertise and a patient‑centered perspective. His leadership helped build the largest proprietary video dataset of patient room behavior, enabling Ocuvera's AI to achieve significant reductions in falls and real outcomes for hospitals, caregivers, and patients. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Ocuvera's AI-enabled technology identifies patient movements that signal a likely unassisted bed exit, helping staff intervene before a fall occurs. Successful adoption depends on involving frontline staff early, integrating alerts into existing workflows, and providing ongoing training to build trust and reduce resistance. Predictive tech needs more than just hardware; it relies on strong Wi-Fi, integrated nurse call systems, and proper alert routing. A solid infrastructure is key to reliable performance. Hospitals using predictive systems have cut unassisted bed exits by 60% and saved millions by reducing sitter costs and fall-related penalties, while also boosting staff satisfaction. Ocuvera's platform has potential beyond fall prevention, including pressure injury prevention and rounding compliance. This is just the beginning of smarter, safer care delivery. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 34 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Kassaundra McKnight-Young about how technology is transforming healthcare with real-time data, wearable devices, and innovative solutions. Together, they explore how these advancements improve patient safety, speed up care, and enhance the overall healthcare experience. This Episode's Guests Kassaundra McKnight-Young Healthcare CNIO Industry Principle for Zebra Technologies With 30 years of experience in healthcare, Kassaundra is committed to driving nursing excellence through technology integration, championing patient safety, staff empowerment, and healthcare innovation. Known for her collaborative approach and problem-solving skills, she thrives in dynamic environments where innovation meets real-world application. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Advancements in technology now allow healthcare professionals to access real-time data, enabling quick responses to patient needs. This ensures faster decision-making and improved care delivery. Wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers continuously monitor health metrics like heart rate and sleep patterns. These devices provide valuable insights into a patient's health, allowing for proactive interventions before issues escalate. Telehealth and virtual consultations are growing rapidly, expanding access to healthcare, especially in rural or underserved areas. These solutions allow patients to receive medical attention without the need for travel, saving time and reducing healthcare costs. Automation tools and predictive analytics are being implemented to streamline hospital operations, from scheduling to resource management. These technologies enhance efficiency and contribute to better patient outcomes. By integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analysis, healthcare systems are becoming more accurate in diagnosing conditions and predicting potential risks, leading to better patient safety and long-term health outcomes. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Donna Montgomery and Kevin Henderson about the company's new StarCare CX program, which focuses on evolving customer experience based on ever-changing industry needs. They discuss how Lone Star is shifting from transactional service to a collaborative, results-driven approach, with an emphasis on proactive support, continuous improvement, and aligning technology with providers' goals. This Episode's Guests Donna Montgomery Chief Clinical Informatics Officer at Lone Star Communications Through advanced healthcare technology solutions, Donna leads initiatives to improve patient care and outcomes. She is passionate about addressing key healthcare challenges and is committed to driving continuous improvement in healthcare organizations through her leadership in Lone Star's customer experience programs. Connect: LinkedIn Kevin Henderson Chief Operating Officer of Lone Star's Arkansas region Kevin is focused on fostering long-term partnerships with clients through proactive engagement and continuous support. He plays a key role in Lone Star's customer experience initiatives, driving the adoption of tailored solutions that improve healthcare workflows, enhance patient care, and deliver measurable results for clients. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Lone Star's StarCare CX program shifts the company from a transactional model to a more collaborative, results-driven approach. This evolution involves proactive support to ensure solutions align with evolving customer needs and optimize workflows. The program strongly emphasizes understanding and aligning with customer goals, moving away from merely selling products. Lone Star works closely with clients to deliver tailored technology solutions that directly improve organizational outcomes. Key healthcare challenges, such as improving patient experience and reducing falls, are central to the StarCare CX program. Through advanced technology like bed exit alarms and upgraded nurse call systems, Lone Star helps clients meet critical metrics that impact patient care and reimbursement rates. Lone Star's "high-touch" service model ensures customers receive continuous, hands-on support. Frequent communication and in-depth understanding of client challenges enable Lone Star to provide solutions that address both immediate and long-term needs. The program focuses on continuous improvement, with an emphasis on delivering measurable outcomes. This approach ensures that Lone Star stays engaged with clients, making adjustments as needed to improve customer care and operational efficiency. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Patti Artley and Amy Ricords about the challenges and successes of hospital technology adoption. They emphasize involving frontline staff in tech decisions, bridging gaps between purchasing and implementation, and the importance of thorough planning and ongoing education. The episode also explores the potential of data integration and AI in enhancing patient care and hospital efficiency. This Episode's Guests: Amy Ricords Vice President of Customer Relationship Peak Outcomes Amy's expertise lies in understanding client challenges and ensuring that technology solutions enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Passionate about the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, she is dedicated to balancing technological advancements with streamlined processes to improve outcomes for both patients and clinicians. Connect: LinkedIn Patti Artley Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer at Medical Solutions Patti's leadership is characterized by a commitment to evidence-based practices and the advancement of healthcare quality through innovative solutions. She is a strong advocate for enhancing data integration within healthcare systems, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with health information experts to drive meaningful improvements in patient care and clinical workflows. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Involving frontline staff in identifying challenges and solutions is crucial for successful technology adoption, as it ensures the tech addresses real needs. Clear communication between purchasing and implementation teams prevents disconnects that can hinder success. Dedicating significant time to planning (60%) over implementation (10-20%) leads to better outcomes and smoother rollouts. Continuous training and collaboration with vendors are essential for effective, sustained technology use. This ongoing partnership helps adapt to updates and ensures tech solutions remain beneficial long-term. Establishing clear metrics before implementation is critical for tracking ROI and assessing effectiveness. Better data integration optimizes patient care and operational efficiency by allowing systems to work cohesively. Involving health information experts can enhance interoperability, maximizing technology's potential. Technology alone doesn't transform healthcare; effective integration and thoughtful utilization are what drive meaningful change. By focusing on strategic use, hospitals can maximize technology's impact on patient care. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation

Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Guy Meger, Elaine Bridge, and Tim O'Malley about the challenges of implementing new at-home technologies to prevent falls in elderly patients. They discuss the critical need for seamless integration of these technologies into daily routines and the importance of training patients and caregivers to maximize their effectiveness. The conversation also highlights the role of data analytics in monitoring patient safety and the ongoing evolution of fall prevention strategies within healthcare settings. ### This Episode's Guests Guy Meger Vice President and Head of the Vayyar Care Business unit, Vayyar Focusing on leveraging data analytics and wearable technologies, Meger has led initiatives that transform healthcare practices through continuous monitoring and predictive insights. His work aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical healthcare applications, enhancing both patient outcomes and operational efficiency in clinical settings. Connect: LinkedIn Elaine Bridge Principal Consultant, Over the Bridge Consulting, LLC She has dedicated much of her career to improving patient care, focusing on safety, quality, and operational efficiency in healthcare settings. Her passion for patient advocacy and nursing excellence has shaped her approach to leadership, driving her efforts to create better outcomes for both patients and healthcare staff. Connect: LinkedIn Tim O'Malley Vice President and Division Manager of TPC Systems healthcare unit, TPC Systems With extensive experience in leading health tech organizations, O'Malley has been instrumental in developing and implementing cutting-edge solutions that improve clinical workflows, patient care, and overall hospital efficiency. He is dedicated to using technology to enhance healthcare delivery and drive more effective, patient-centered outcomes in clinical settings. Connect: LinkedIn ## Key Takeaways By utilizing wearable devices, telemonitoring, and advanced AI algorithms, healthcare providers aim to reduce fall risks for patients, particularly those in high-risk groups like the elderly. These technologies allow for continuous monitoring and predictive analytics, providing real-time insights that can inform fall prevention strategies. Successful implementation of these technologies requires more than just equipment—it hinges on proper staff training and ensuring patient education. When staff members understand how to use technology effectively, and patients are informed about its benefits, fall prevention efforts are significantly enhanced. Proper adoption across both ends is key to maximizing the effectiveness of tech-driven interventions for safety improvements. Challenges like infrastructure limitations and alarm fatigue can hinder the efficacy of these technologies. Many healthcare facilities may not have the resources to support the integration of advanced systems, and constant alerts can overwhelm staff, reducing the response to critical events. Finding a balance between technological integration and operational feasibility is critical to success. Collaborations between tech developers, healthcare providers, and data scientists are essential for refining these systems. By leveraging real-world data and continuous learning from AI algorithms, healthcare teams can create a more targeted, responsive approach to fall prevention. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Stryker's Peter Kraslawsky and Lone Star Communication's Jonathon Murphy, where they discuss the integration of Stryker's Vocera wearable communications platform with Rauland's educational platform, Telecenter U—an integration that aims to enhance communication and life safety in educational institutions. Their discussion covers the features, benefits, and use cases of the integration, as well as the future of the Vocera solution in schools. This Episode's Guests Peter Kraslawsky Manager - Strategic Partnerships, Stryker Peter is a seasoned professional at Stryker, where he leverages his extensive expertise in healthcare and educational technology and solutions to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes and school safety. With a strong background in product development and strategic management, Peter has successfully led numerous projects that enhance operational efficiency and support healthcare and educational professionals. His dedication to excellence and passion for advancing medical technology make him a valuable asset to Stryker, the healthcare and education industries. Connect: LinkedIn Jonathon Murphy Technology Innovation Specialist, Lone Star Communications Jonathon began working for Lone Star in 2000 and has worked in almost every department—starting in installation, then as a service technician, and eventually in IT. As a service technician and system programmer, he gained valuable experience in building direct customer relationships, which led to a position as an education sales representative and his current role as a technology innovation specialist. Key Takeaways Lone Star's integration of Vocera with Rauland's Telecenter U provides a comprehensive solution for communication, emergency response, and security in educational settings, addressing the limitations of traditional communication and life safety platforms. The Vocera solution offers voice-enabled communication and mobility, allowing teachers and staff to initiate lockdowns and emergency protocols from anywhere within the school. The future of Vocera solutions in education involves streamlining workflows, integrating various communication modalities, and enhancing security measures to create a comprehensive fabric of protection for teachers and students. The partnership between Stryker and Lone Star Communications offers a cost-effective and flexible solution that covers multiple communication needs in educational institutions, providing a one-size-fits-all approach to communication and emergency response. Chapters [00:23] Introduction to the Stryker-Lone Star partnership [02:15] Exploring the Vocera solution for education [03:20] Vocera vs. traditional communication and life safety platforms [05:52] Integration of Vocera and Telecenter U for emergency communication [08:27] Examples of voice-enabled mobility and lockdown initiation [12:58] Capabilities and advantages of Vocera over walkie-talkies [14:04] Comprehensive communication solutions for educational institutions [15:56] The four pillars of security and the future of Vocera [18:27] Built-in voice command scenarios [21:00] How to find out more about Stryker and Vocera Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff interviews digital health specialists John Elms and Brian McAlpine about the role of middleware and clinical communication and collaboration (CC&C) in the hospital enterprise. They explore the evolution of connected devices and workflows, the challenges in managing medical device alarms and alerts, and the impact of accidental architecture in healthcare organizations. Also discussed is the intersection of CC&C and patient engagement, the future of nurse call systems in an EHR-centric universe, and the potential for a single comprehensive platform for communication in healthcare. ### This Episode's Guests John Elms Strategic Adviser, Meerkat Technologies Co-founder of Connexall USA and former Chief Product Officer at TigerConnect, John is an accomplished executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in the high tech industry. His career spans various roles, including CEO positions at public and privately held companies, venture backed startups and his own entrepreneurial ventures. Connect: LinkedIn Brian Mcalpine Digital Health Consultant, Cirkel Consulting Group Brian McAlpine has spent most of his 30-year career assisting innovative startups with developing and taking to market solutions focused on the provider side, primarily in acute care. His career has been focused on developing new markets in healthcare IT including device data integration, connectivity workflows, alarm management, clinical surveillance, clinical communications, patient engagement, and medical devices segments. Connect: LinkedIn ### Key Takeaways Middleware and CC&C play a crucial role in the hospital enterprise and have evolved from bridging systems like nurse call and telemetry to enabling clinical workflow on smartphones and other devices. Progress in managing medical device alarms and alerts has been limited due to manufacturers' reluctance to cede control of workflow and integration. "Accidental architecture" comes from the lack of a comprehensive design and planning process, and has resulted in complex and unmanageable integrated systems in healthcare organizations. There is a need for a comprehensive platform that combines messaging, patient engagement, and all forms of communication in healthcare. The future of nurse call systems in an EMR-centric universe depends on regulatory changes and the ability to integrate with IP-based patient engagement systems. Patient engagement technologies are becoming increasingly important, both inside and outside the hospital, and may impact the future of CC&C and nurse call systems. ### Chapters [00:25] Introductions [01:05] The evolution of middleware and CC&C in hospitals [04:45] A tug of war between customers' and manufacturers' needs [06:55] Impact and challenges of "accidental architecture" [12:00] Epic-centric alarm and alert presentations [15:00] The obstacles facing standalone middleware [19:15] Mid-term prospects and the role of building automation systems [22:15] The need for more patient engagement [28:15] Towards a comprehensive platform Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare industry. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare through innovation and empowering improved caregiver and patient experiences.

Episode Description In today's episode, Kenny Schiff sits down with Myron Wallace, founder of Cirkel Consulting Group, and discusses the challenges healthcare organizations face when integrating new mobile devices into their facilities. Myron provides insights into the differences in implementation between iPhones and purpose-built devices such as Zebra and Spectralink, the special technology requirements of a hospital environment, and how organizations without the proper infrastructure in place can prepare themselves for a secure and effective rollout. Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Myron Wallace, founder of Cirkel Consulting Group, about mobile device integration in healthcare. They discuss the challenges and considerations in selecting and deploying mobile devices, particularly iPhones and purpose-built devices. They also explore the shortcomings of Epic in collaboration and communication and the importance of integrating alarms and notifications from various systems. Myron emphasizes the need for organizations to assess their readiness, consolidate technologies, and have a clear roadmap for device and platform selection. He also highlights the value of working with experienced consultants in the healthcare industry. The Episode's Guest Myron Wallace Founder & Principal Consultant, Cirkel Consulting Group Myron has been at the forefront of revolutionary business solutions for over 20 years. He has led teams to build technologies that have enabled tech start-ups to launch into the market, changed how businesses operate, and transformed how they communicate both internally and with their customers. His career spans product leadership experience within start-up and hyper-growth technology firms, such as TigerConnect, Alianza, consultant for various unified communications providers, and Halo Health. He's a Senior Director and Product Line Executive at TigerConnect, where he drives the innovation of next-generation collaboration products for healthcare clients while continually optimizing product development and implementation practices and processes. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Mobile device integration in healthcare requires careful consideration of the existing internal network before selecting the next device and platform. Integrating alarms and notifications from various systems is a complex, often overlooked challenge. Purpose-built devices, unlike iPhones or Android, offer advantages in healthcare environments such as durability and specialized features. Organizations should assess their readiness and be prepared to consolidate technologies and have a clear roadmap for device and platform selection. Consolidation, workflow optimization, and vendor consolidation are crucial for the new enterprise. Getting help from healthcare integration experts can ensure successful device integration and infrastructure management. Chapters [00:00] Introduction [00:58] Mobile Device Integration Journey [06:35] Challenges with iPhone and Purpose-Built Devices [07:57] Device Management and Infrastructure [09:21] Considerations for Sustainable Solutions [10:17] Challenges with Purpose-Built Devices [11:14] Voice Calling Capabilities and Enterprise Communication [12:42] Complexities of Healthcare Architecture [13:36] Shortcomings of Epic in Collaboration and Communication [15:02] Consolidation and Workflow Optimization [18:24] Hybrid Approach and Vendor Consolidation [20:49] Considerations for the New Enterprise [22:12] Operationalizing Devices and Infrastructure [23:41] Getting Help from Healthcare Integration Experts [24:11] Introduction to Cirkel Consulting Group [25:38] Conclusion Connect with Lone Star Communications Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare industry. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare through innovation and empowering improved caregiver and patient experiences.

Episode Description In this episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff sits down with Vizabli's Ron Nelson and Sarah Cannon. They discuss how Ron co-founded Vizabli to address the need for an acute care engagement solution that integrates data from multiple healthcare systems into a single platform that can serve clinical staff, patients and their families. Vizabli's solution goes beyond traditional patient engagement by bringing together digital whiteboards, mobile applications, virtual access to patient rooms, and real-time notifications for family members. Listen to the episode to find out more! Episode Summary Kenny Schiff, Ron Nelson, and Sarah Cannon discuss Vizabli, a company that offers an acute care engagement solution. Ron and Sarah discuss how Vizabli was conceived and its mission to improve communication and engagement in hospitals. They explain that Vizabli's solution goes beyond traditional patient engagement by offering such features as digital whiteboards, mobile applications, virtual access to patient rooms, and real-time notifications for family members. They also discuss current trends in the healthcare industry, including the need for technology to save time and address nursing shortages, the importance of family involvement in care plans, and the consolidation of devices. Sarah explains the process of implementing Vizabli's solution, which involves close collaboration with the hospital and integrators to customize the system according to their needs. Ron mentions that Vizabli is focusing on standardizing their solution and enhancing the capabilities of their digital whiteboards and virtual care models in the coming year. The episode concludes with information on how to learn more about Vizabli. This Episode's Guests Ron Nelson, Vizabli Co-founder and CEO An accomplished, high-performance executive sales and marketing leader, Ron has an established history of success in driving overall company performance in global sales organizations by embedding proactive change, building motivated sales, marketing, and sales operations teams, and generating game-changing business models in competitive markets. Connect: LinkedIn Sarah Cannon, Vizabli VP of Operations Sarah is an experienced business and sales operations manager with a demonstrated history of working in the medical device industry. She is adept at growing small businesses, being agile and working with ambiguity, as well as being knowledgeable in HR, finance, legal, logistics, fulfillment and production. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Vizabli was created as a result of its founders experiencing a series of communication obstacles while caring for their hospitalized parents. Vizabli's platform adds new layers to traditional acute care engagement, including enhanced patient, family, and clinical engagement that allows real-time visual communication and interactive data display across multiple screens and devices. Vizabli integrates a variety of hospital systems, such as Epic, through the Vizabli platform and disperses the data—schedules, care teams, visual alerts—to digital whiteboards, mobile devices, and other locations. Vizabli's technology addresses staff shortages by saving time, introducing digital whiteboards, getting virtual access into rooms, involving families in care plans, and consolidating devices to save wall space. Vizabli weaves together many elements into an elegant, seamless, customizable presentation, making sure that patients, family members, and the care team all have a consistent level of understanding about a patient's condition and needs. Chapters [00:30] Introduction of Vizabli's Ron Nelson and Sarah Cannon [00:53] Vizabli's origins [03:34] What makes Vizabli's approach to acute care management unique, including patient, family, and clinical engagement [05:00] The many aspects of Vizabli's clinical engagement platform [06:53] Vizabli integrates data—such as schedules, care teams, and visual alerts—from a variety of hospital systems and disperses it to multiple devices and displays [08:10] What's driving current trends in the industry and how Vizabli offers an ideal solution [10:48] A step-by-step look at a typical Vizabli project, from discovery through implementation [13:00] The ongoing conversation between Vizabli and its customers, which allows for ultimate customization [14:12] The special value of Vizabli's presentation: presenting info through "a single pane of glass" [15:18] What's next for Vizabli in 2024 Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare industry. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare through innovation and empower

Episode Summary Carl Cox and Kyryll Keydanskyy are a bit of an unlikely pair. With over fifty years of experience in the healthcare industry, Carl was a key player in early nurse call system innovation in the 1970s. Because he's seen how far healthcare technology has come since then, he has a firm grasp on what is already working well for caregivers and healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs). Kyryll, on the other hand, is of a younger generation — he sees HDOs moving toward a more hospitality-inspired model in the coming years. As the Director of Engineering and Chief Product Officer of HatchMed, respectively, Carl and Kyryll are both committed to improving the usability and accessibility of consumer devices for patients in hospital settings. Kyryll notes that while it can be tempting to rush into overhauling medical technology like nurse call systems, that level of disruption is often unnecessary and can even be detrimental to existing workflows. That's why HatchMed is on a mission to effectively adapt familiar consumer devices for healthcare settings. Carl and Kyryll are facilitating communication between patients and caregivers by pioneering patient-focused tablet solutions, some of which allow patients to use their own devices to control their environment and communicate with nurses. In this episode of CarePoints with Kenny Schiff, Carl and Kyryll discuss numerous exciting and innovative HatchMed technologies. With a laser focus on improving the patient experience and supporting caregivers, HatchMed is out to prove that innovation sometimes requires working with what's already in place, rather than uprooting existing structures and replacing them with entirely new systems. Featured on the Episode Name: Carl Cox What he does: Carl Cox is the Director of Engineering and Quality Control at HatchMed, with 50 years of design experience and 40 years of regulatory experience in the healthcare communication industry. Having spent much of this time with Chicago-based manufacturer Rauland-Borg, Carl began consulting in 2017, taking on HatchMed as a client before joining the company three years later in a full-time role. Organization: HatchMed Words of wisdom: "That's one of the areas that we're focusing on: being able to give patients the same easy-to-use and familiar-to-use devices they use at home but that they can operate inside the hospital." Connect: LinkedIn Name: Kyryll Keydanskyy What he does: Since Kyryll Keydanskyy, a Ukraine native and UW graduate, first joined HatchMed 7 years ago, he has been focused on taking consumer devices and reengineering them for healthcare use. How do you transform something as ubiquitous and easy to use as an iPad into a medical device or take the patient's own phone and make it seamlessly control the nurse call system? Kyryll has created innovative hardware and software solutions to revolutionize these products for patients and care team members alike. A self-proclaimed tech fanboy, he is passionate about working alongside his design and engineering team to invent products that are intuitive to use, elegantly engineered, and most importantly, created to save both patients and care team members time at every step in their healthcare journey. Organization: HatchMed Words of wisdom: "Any new tech that we introduce to the hospitals needs to be balanced and integrated in a way that works with the existing systems and doesn't force the care teams to become IT people." Connect: LinkedIn Key Points Top takeaways from this episode Aim to enhance existing systems, rather than overhaul them. Instead of completely gutting existing systems that work well, HatchMed augments nurse call systems and facilitates communication between patients and caregivers. Not only is this strategy more cost-effective than more drastic options, but it also allows care teams to continue using technologies that have been working for them without needing to be retrained. Zero in on the "why" of implementing innovations. HDOs that are interested in implementing HatchMed technologies need to ask why they want or need an upgrade — this helps HDOs focus on the features that matter to staff and patients. "How do we save the nurses' time? And how do we get patients home sooner and, ideally, happy?" asks Kyryll. Ultimately, HatchMed has experienced great success with HDOs that are committed to providing exceptional care for their patients while lightening caregivers' mental and physical load. Don't be afraid to start small and expand from there. Kyryll emphasizes that new technology needs a champion, and that champion needs a concrete plan for tech implementation. He recommends starting by rolling out a handful of impactful features and expanding the scope of the project down the road. Problems arise when HDOs want "to do everything all at once," he says. Episode Insights [00:00] Combining experience and fresh ideas: Carl Cox and Kyryll Keydanskyy share their professional backgrounds and how they came to work toge

Episode Description In the newest episode of CarePoints, host Kenny Schiff interviews Jeff Richard, the new president of the Alairo Solutions Group, along with Justin Bailey, Lone Star's R&D Director and CTO. They discuss Lone Star's legacy in healthcare its investment in innovation and expanded consultative services, and how the newly integrated Alairo Solutions will use its A.I.-assisted fall prevention and alarm analytics platforms to build on that legacy. According to Justin and Jeff, Alairo will bring customers more and better services while maintaining continuity with the Lone Star brand. Episode Summary Kenny Schiff, Jeff Richard, and Justin Bailey discuss the evolution of Lone Star Communications and its focus on delivering innovative products and services to improve healthcare operations and metrics. Jeff, who was previously a Lone Star customer, shares his vision for Alairo Solutions to build on Lone Star's legacy and provide augmented solutions and consulting services in the healthcare industry. Justin explains that the new entity doesn't change the relationship with Lone Star customers, but rather offers additional products and services seamlessly. They also discuss the Alairo platform, which integrates different functionality modules to maximize value for end users. Jeff highlights the focus on investment partners and the need to address healthcare challenges, primarily fall prevention, and getting Alairo out to the masses so it can prove its value in the clinical practice environment. The episode concludes with a reminder of Lone Star's commitment to providing technology, services, and measurable results to its customers. This Episode's Guests Jeff Richard, Alairo President of Alairo Solutions Group Before being appointed President of Alairo Solutions, Jeff Richard was Lone Star Communications' CTO. A former customer of Lone Star, his 23 years of experience in the healthcare industry and as a business owner have left him with strong leadership skills combined with clinical and operational experience in building and leading teams. Connect: LinkedIn Justin Bailey, Lone Star Communications As Lone Star Communications' R&D Director & CTO, Justin is responsible for leveraging new technologies to improve patient and caregiver experience. He has been with Lone Star since the late 1990s. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways ★ As a natural extension of the Lone Star brand, Alairo's mission is to help customers get the most out of new and existing technology systems—excelling with nurse call but also capable of much more. ★ With Alairo, Lone Star is doubling down on its mission to improve the lives of patients and caregivers by offering expanded healthcare solutions and consulting and filling persistent gaps in clinical practice. ★ Alairo's products will be integrated seamlessly with Lone Star's other offerings, ensuring consistent relationships with customers. ★ Alairo's different functionality modules work together as a unified whole, complementing and augmenting not only the nurse call system but other clinical solutions in the environment. ★ With patient falls continuing to rise in U.S. hospitals, Alairo's innovative fall prevention technology will be given top priority. ★ Alairo's focus in the coming year will be on finding investment partners to help spread Alairo's reach in the clinical practice environment and provide value and positive outcomes for customers. Chapters [00:30] Introduction of Jeff and Justin, Alairo's Mission [01:35] Lone Star's legacy and evolution [03:15] Jeff's background and the opportunity to provide augmentative healthcare solutions [05:20] A seamless transition for Lone Star customers [06:05] The value of Lone Star's Professional Services Team [06:55] Maintaining consistent customer relationships [07:50] Alairo: a comprehensive platform for transforming healthcare through innovation [08:50] Alairo's different functionality modules and The Grand Unified Theory of Healthcare [09:55] Opportunities for Alairo, looking into the future Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare industry. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare through innovation and empowering improved caregiver and patient experience.

Episode Description In the latest episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff interviews Jenn Upton, co-founder of Mate, a circadian rhythm lighting company; and healthcare innovations specialist Cliff Switzer, of Lone Star Communications. The three discuss the background and inspiration behind Mate, the concept of circadian rhythm and its impact on sleep (and on the bottom line), the current lighting experience in hospitals, and the benefits of circadian rhythm lighting in healthcare and beyond. Episode Summary Kenny Schiff, Jenn Upton, and Cliff Switzer discuss the background and inspiration behind Mate, the concept of circadian rhythm and its impact on sleep, the current lighting experience in hospitals, and the benefits of circadian rhythm lighting in healthcare. They also explore the reception and adoption of circadian rhythm lighting, the energy savings and cost reduction it offers, and the typical project process and success factors. A case study of the Methodist Innovation Lab is presented, and the expansion of circadian rhythm lighting to other healthcare settings and industries is discussed. The episode concludes with a glimpse into Mate's future plans and how to learn more about the company's solutions. This Episode's Guests Jenn Upton, Mate Co-founded Mate in 2016, using her control and automation background to bring a low-voltage, circadian rhythm lighting solution to hospitals and medical centers to promote wellness and restful sleep for patients. Connect: LinkedIn Cliff Switzer, Lone Star Communications A healthcare innovation specialist for Lone Star Communications with over 27 years in the industry, his main focus is on building relationships with individuals by understanding their needs and connecting them to the right products or solutions. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways The current lighting experience in hospitals often ignores circadian rhythm, resulting in poor sleep for patients and more stressful conditions for staff. Mate's circadian rhythm lighting can optimize sleep and wake cycles by mimicking the natural light patterns of the sun, leading to improved wellness and restful sleep. Along with its health benefits, circadian rhythm lighting offers significant energy savings and cost reduction for healthcare facilities, making it an attractive solution for both hospitals and the companies that build and retrofit them. The adoption of circadian rhythm lighting in healthcare is gaining traction, with innovation centers and clinicians recognizing its potential to improve patient outcomes and staff well-being. Mate's technology has applications beyond healthcare, including education facilities, senior living centers, and commercial buildings, where it can enhance productivity and well-being. Chapters [00:00] Introduction [01:25] Background and Inspiration for Mate: Moving beyond traditional uses for LED technology and taking a deep dive into how LEDs can be optimized to mimic the sun and benefit both patients and hospitals. [03:10] Understanding Circadian Rhythm and its Impact on Sleep: Regulated by the amount and quality of light, circadian rhythm tells our brains when to wake and when to sleep, and is especially important for hospital patients. [05:10] Current Lighting Experience in Hospitals: The industry as a whole seems content with installing standard light fixtures with dimming capability but no temperature control—missing out on an important opportunity. [07:00] More Than Just Health Benefits: Along with the wellness benefits it brings to healthcare, Mate's technology saves more than 60% in energy costs while reducing construction budgets. [09:30] Monitoring Energy Usage: Mate's unique monitoring system allows hospitals to not only see energy use per light fixture but also when a light is nearing the end of its life cycle—giving staff time to ready a replacement. [10:40] Cutting the Customer's Construction Budget: Because Mate's light fixtures are wired with low-voltage cabling, there are no conduit and electrical costs during construction. The same applies to retrofitting existing facilities—resulting in enormous savings. [12:30] Benefits to Nursing Staff: With night shift workers facing a higher risk of health issues, hospital innovation centers are recognizing the clinical benefits of proper lighting and the resulting reduced stress levels—benefits that extend to all parts of a facility. [14:00] Knowing What Installers Are Looking For: Mate's system was created in the field based on real user feedback, making it easy to install and, with its hardware auto-detect and reverse polarity protection, virtually foolproof. [16:00] Case Study: Methodist Innovation Lab: Overhauling an entire facility with new light fixtures provided a world of difference, and was done safely and easily even without an electrician. [19:40] Expanding Beyond Hospitals: Circadian rhythm lighting is also a good fit for education facilities, senior living centers, large-scale warehouses, factories, and commercial buil

Episode Summary What's the best way to leverage new AI-driven technological advances to improve patient care and safety? The answer is so straightforward that it's a shock more healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs) don't. But SaaS-based vision AI pioneer IntelliSee is on a mission to change that. IntelliSee leverages existing camera systems across healthcare facilities and builds AI-driven hardware to detect real-time threats with an integrated automated alert system. But it's not all smooth sailing: "You'd be surprised at the number of healthcare facilities that do not have Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, or do not have working cameras," IntelliSee CCO Maureen Pajerski says. IntelliSee aims to raise the standard of patient safety and security in some of the toughest work environments in the country — which often rate as more violent in terms of physical assaults than jails. The job of constantly monitoring HDOs is best fulfilled as a partnership between AI and humans. And while IntelliSee is a young company, humanity is similarly new to facing the challenges of AI. "This space reminds me of the early internet days when there were hundreds of players all battling it out," Maureen says. "And it's a race to the customer — because whoever gets the best data gets a smarter and better platform." Featured on the Episode Name: Maureen Pajerski What she does: As CCO of IoT solutions company IntelliSee, Maureen brings over two decades of experience in sales and marketing leadership to help power the pairing of advanced vision AI with existing security camera infrastructure. Organization: IntelliSee Words of wisdom: "If towards the end of my career, I can help prevent — or mitigate the damage of — just one single horrific active shooter event, it's all worth it. That mission is what has driven me. Additionally, AI is such a cool technology, and I firmly believe it's going to change our world the same way the Industrial Revolution changed it." Connect: LinkedIn Key Points Top Takeaways from this Episode Like any technology, vision AI can be used for good or bad. People afraid of the so-called singularity (where AI supersedes human intelligence) frequently neglect the fact that most AI models exist in silos. Individual models — including language, knowledge, reasoning, and perception — fulfill different functions and serve different purposes. It's up to us to decide how to use specific models for desired ends. Broadly categorized in a perception model of AI, vision AI developers can easily leverage existing infrastructure to improve security. AI cameras will soon be everywhere — HDOs need to be proactive. Too many healthcare facilities lack IP (or even working) cameras, which already renders them a poor fit for the solution offered by IntelliSee. Many rely on outdated analog equipment, which is inadequate for workplaces that are frequently rated as more violent than jails in terms of physical assaults. Just as schools can't (and shouldn't) fight the fact that cameras are today an inevitable part of classrooms thanks to the number of devices present, HDOs should embrace the potential to increase patient care, security and safety with vision AI. Far from the be-all-and-end-all solution, AI is one single layer of security. Security is all about layers, Maureen emphasizes. She admits that while IntelliSee is a great, even necessary layer, it can still be fooled. AI is exponentially better than humans at doing the boring work of monitoring multiple cameras — which is impossible for humans at scale anyway. But it also doesn't understand object permanence like a human child can. AI is one part of a collaboration with human beings, and that partnership is the real changemaker. Episode Insights [00:00] I spy AI: As a young, well-funded company, IntelliSee leverages existing cameras for its SaaS solution — covering slips and falls all the way up to active shooter scenarios — because of the pre-existing infrastructure. [04:09] Siloed models: Far from a single, superhuman entity, AI currently exists in the form of different models that perform various functions. [06:40] IntelliSee ICP: Potential customers of IntelliSee are typically open to the public, need IP cameras and generally have a higher focus on the safety and security of their patients than more affluent healthcare settings. [10:02] Layered security: When it comes to monitoring cameras, AI is king. But it's a layer of security — not the be-all and end-all. [12:34] Integrative prerogative: IntelliSee is fundamentally an automatic alarm based on what cameras in healthcare settings see. [14:02] AI hype and fears: All technology can be used for good or bad. ChatGPT simply amplified the mainstream's awareness of the dangers and drawbacks of AI-based technology. [16:14] OEM and VAR partnerships: As an open integrations platform, IntelliSee's GTM is through the reseller. The hardest part about deployment, Maureen highlights, is identifying the cameras the customers want to m

Episode Summary In today's world of ever-evolving healthcare needs, nurse leaders are being asked to juggle more responsibilities than ever before. So it makes sense that many of these busy professionals would hesitate to add another commitment, like membership in a professional organization, to their respective plates. However, according to Drs. Susan Hernandez and Donna Montgomery, the benefits of joining a professional organization like the North Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership (NTONL) far outweigh any potential scheduling snafus or inconveniences. Many nurse leaders find that NTONL makes it easier and more enjoyable to meet their commitments. Within a rapidly changing environment, NTONL is a forum for nurse leaders to promote compassionate, effective, and efficient healthcare. It's also a safe space for nurse leaders to network, troubleshoot difficult issues, and build each other up. In this episode of CarePoints with Kenny Schiff, Drs. Hernandez and Montgomery discuss the many advantages associated with professional organizations in general and NTONL, specifically. On the podcast, Drs. Hernandez and Montgomery talk about how NTONL promotes essential continuing education and training while connecting nurse leaders with community-specific support. They also emphasize the importance of creating judgment-free spaces in which nurse leaders can connect, address obstacles, and brainstorm solutions to complex problems. As nurse leaders continue to manage myriad responsibilities in high-pressure environments, joining a professional organization like NTONL can ultimately help nurse leaders stay up-to-date educationally, get the support they need to thrive, and give back to their professions. Featured on the Episode Name: Dr. Susan Hernandez What she does: Dr. Susan Hernandez, DNP, MBA, RN currently serves as the Health System Chief Nurse Executive for UT Southwestern Medical Center. She is the Past President of the North Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership (NTONL), where she is committed to developing and supporting leaders in nursing. Organization: UT Southwestern Medical Center Words of wisdom: "Give [NTONL] a shot. It's not extra work, and it's incredibly valuable. Share your ideas, your opinions, your thoughts, and your expertise with all of those who are already involved. It's worth the time, and it's a lot of fun." Connect: LinkedIn Name: Dr. Donna Montgomery What she does: Dr. Donna Montgomery, DNP, MBA, RN is the Chief Clinical Informatics Officer for Lone Star Communications. She has spent over 35 years as a healthcare leader in varying roles including nursing management, IT management, product line development, process improvement, informatics, and executive leadership data. Organization: Lone Star Communications, Inc. Words of wisdom: "One of the things that we are really wanting to do in NTONL is encourage up-and-coming young leaders to come and join us. It'll be good for us, and we hope that it will be good for them." Connect: LinkedIn Key Points Top takeaways from this episode Professional organizations facilitate essential continuing education. The healthcare environment is always changing and evolving; participating in a professional organization is one-way nurse leaders can ensure that they stay up-to-date with skills and technology. NTONL even conducts an annual internal needs assessment of nurse leaders, to ensure that their educational offerings are relevant to nursing administration and healthcare providers. Join a committee to get more out of membership, while giving back. NTONL has developed three distinct committees — Education, Communication, and Membership — to empower nurse leaders to give back to their nursing community in a meaningful way. The Education Committee plans and executes bimonthly membership meetings as well as the annual Fall Forum. The Communication Committee leverages social media to increase the visibility of nurse leaders. The Membership Committee supports chapter activities and networking events to encourage NTONL's recruitment and growth. There is truly a role for everyone. Diverse perspectives fuel advancement. Professional organizations bring together a unique and varied cross-section of nursing personnel to share ideas, information, and support. NTONL is committed to uplifting professionals in every career stage. NTONL is designed to foster the interchange of new knowledge and innovation in an accepting and understanding environment. Plus, sometimes, simply speaking with someone who genuinely understands the challenges of nursing can make all the difference. Episode Insights [01:04] Professional organization appreciation: Drs. Montgomery and Hernandez have both been well-served by the professional organizations that they have been part of, including NTONL. [02:20] Connecting nurse leaders to communities: As a busy professional, Dr. Hernandez understandably had some reservations about adding another commitment to her plate. Once she joined NTONL, h

Episode Summary Is customer data secure and working for all parties? This is the question, whether realized or not, that every healthcare organization should be asking. Cloud presents businesses in the healthcare space with unique opportunities, but also significant challenges. Back in the early 2010s, most businesses were concerned with acquiring and storing data — not securing it. In the wake of Amazon Web Services (AWS), early success came with competitors including Microsoft Azure, Oracle, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The goal? To capitalize on the prospect of ultra-cheap data storage for organizations across the globe. But security is now a top priority for businesses that recognize data is only valuable if it's secure. As the pace of innovation quickens, industries from fintech to healthcare are wondering if they're equipped to effectively deal with compliance. This applies to both the cloud and on-prem infrastructure — which have different capabilities, resources, and use cases but the same cybersecurity concerns. Cloud providers are no strangers to these concerns, either. They know the implications of increasing business migration from on-prem to cloud-based infrastructure: more data to protect and secure in a precarious cyber landscape. For the healthcare industry, this means balancing the value of holding protected health information (PHI) — with the growing usage of platforms like Epic and Cerner — against potential business risks and liabilities. The most critical thing providers can do is educate customers as much as possible on the issue, not just by filling out spreadsheet forms and questionnaires, but by having candid conversations. Prioritizing the human element and contextualizing these discussions within the ultimate mission to provide quality customer care is what will truly drive success. Featured on the Episode Name: Ali Allage What he does: As CEO of BlueSteel Cybersecurity, Ali consults with companies on their cybersecurity postures, helping run compliance programs and supporting partners to better face and navigate the challenges of the modern cyber landscape. Organization: BlueSteel Cybersecurity Words of wisdom: "Being secure in the cloud doesn't mean that you're more secure on-prem: It just means that you have more of a focus on ensuring that your open ports [and] environment are completely locked down and making sure that access control … is thoroughly thought through." Connect: LinkedIn | X, formerly known as Twitter | Ali's website Name: Eric Thorsen What he does: As CEO of ThorTech Solutions, a software architecture and IT automation consulting business, Eric's expertise lies in a range of technological applications including fintech and healthcare. ThorTech was early to the cloud computing game with involvement in election polling processes. Organization: ThorTech Solutions Words of wisdom: "AWS spent $8 billion dollars alone on cybersecurity in 2021 … These on-prem companies trying to compete with the might of Amazon, Microsoft, Oracle, and Google is a tough sell. Who's going to be able to really attract the top talent and figure out how to secure hundreds of thousands of business workloads the best? It's very hard for on-prem companies to compete in that world." Connect: LinkedIn | X, formerly known as Twitter Name: Jeff Richard What he does: Before becoming CTO at Lone Star, Jeff was a longtime player at Baylor Scott & White Health, the largest non-profit healthcare system in Texas. Organization: Lone Star Communications, Inc. Words of wisdom: "We weren't really looking at cybersecurity [when focused on storage challenges back in 2013]. … At the time, there weren't as many bad players in the market making cyber attacks. But as we've moved to Epic, Cerner, more user-focused applications [and] the cloud … [cybersecurity concerns] are coming to the forefront [with] the need to secure information in transit [and] shine a brighter light on it." Connect: LinkedIn Key Points Top takeaways from this episode The key to successful cloud-powered healthcare is communicating the importance of organizational security posture. The rise of the cloud has facilitated unprecedented storage capabilities, while also prioritizing cybersecurity concerns for businesses. With a greater prevalence of both PHI-interacting user-focused applications and cyber threats, service providers must educate customers — while also respecting their wishes about how to handle their chosen solutions. How PHI is secured depends on the value proposition. Businesses looking to enhance their products need to weigh risks and liabilities against the value of holding confidential data which requires the utmost sensitivity. Measures like encrypting data in transit and assessing SaaS-based application data handling practices help respect this necessary privacy. For outcomes that could potentially save lives, detailed insight into transit, storage, accessibility, and interaction is critical. Meaningful customer convers

Episode Summary When is disruption a good thing? An unlikely partnership at Lone Star Communications found the answer by assembling a whole department around it. When technology integration specialist Brian Banks and healthcare innovations specialist Cliff Switzer came together to form what they later named the Department of Disruption (DoD), the aim was simple — but not quite clear or direct. "We were invited to join an innovation group," Cliff explains. "They basically handpicked the guys [within Lone Star] who think outside the box." In this episode of CarePoints with Kenny Schiff, Brian and Cliff tell the inside story of how Lone Star took a desire to innovate and transformed it into a tangible solution that exceeded expectations. What was the bedrock of this process? Low code no code. At the inception of the DoD, the department's remit was to pin down exactly what could disrupt the industry. But the DoD decided to turn the objective on its head: What if they became the disrupting force themselves? Healthcare technicians need a large amount of up-to-date, accurate information on demand, typically in the form of a knowledge base library. Cliff demonstrated the power and unrivaled efficiency of this type of solution to Brian, and soon the two built a prototype to present to the DoD. The rest of the team was thrilled with the result. Instead of technicians having to refer to parts, diagrams, and manuals on-site by logging into websites on laptops, they now have access to everything in a single app. On the podcast, Brian and Cliff dive into how citizen development is nothing to be afraid of if it's executed well. They also share how creativity, lifelong learning, and brand power can unlock the potential of new AI tools to impact customers and transform businesses for the better. Featured on the Episode Name: Brian Banks What he does: A Lone Star veteran of 17 years, Brian started in customer service and soon worked his way into R&D. He's currently a technology integration specialist within the R&D team. Brian is directly involved with fostering Lone Star's cyber security culture to perfectly position the company for the near future. Organization: Lone Star Communications, Inc. Words of wisdom: "A lot of times, people will not even venture out to try [to see possibilities for innovation]. But we['ve been given] the opportunity to display what could be created. More and more people will see that." Connect: LinkedIn Name: Cliff Switzer What he does: An industry stalwart for almost three decades, Cliff grew Halco Life Safety Systems with a team of five to 65% market share before Lone Star acquired it in late 2015, then feeding his talent into the healthcare innovations specialist role. Day-to-day, Cliff communicates with healthcare providers about the technology they buy and use, for integration into Lone Star's systems. Organization: Lone Star Communications, Inc. Words of wisdom: "Every day is a different day, and it's pretty awesome to see this stuff go live in these facilities." Connect: LinkedIn Key Points Top takeaways from this episode Innovation sometimes means (positive) disruption. When Brian and Cliff came together under the newly-founded Department of Disruption, their mission wasn't clear-cut. The general goal was innovation, but the path to achieving truly great developments is seldom a beaten one: You have to tread it yourself. The DoD landed on the idea of empowering the team from the inside and becoming deliberately disruptive and found the best way to achieve this was via a low code no code solution. Low code no code catalyzes further innovation. When technicians and other departments see what can be achieved with creativity and hard work, it stimulates their sense of what is possible. One minute you're comparing prototype work with another team's development processes, and the next you're adopting those processes for your team: creating and feeding a positive feedback loop. AI tools are out there — you just need to learn to apply them and get creative. Thanks to the rapid development of different AI and large language models from rudimentary to extremely useful tools, anyone can build — it just takes passion coupled with creativity and branding power. Look at new tech and figure out how to plug in and piece it together. Episode Insights [00:00] A meeting of the low code, no code minds: Brian Banks and Cliff Switzer share their professional backgrounds and how they came to work together on Lone Star's R&D project. [02:07] Positive disruption can be innovation: A handpicked team at Lone Star innovated beyond expectation, but their success sprung from a disruptive mindset, encapsulated in the name: Department of Disruption. [04:43] Why low code, no code?: Cliff was applying data analytics in customer-facing situations when he hit upon the need for a quicker customer feedback solution than his team had in place. [09:05] Avoiding citizen developer danger: Both individuals and companies can benefit

Episode Summary It's not every day that healthcare technology providers can find an application for theoretical physics that might radically improve patient care and hospital outcomes. But Lone Star Communications, Inc. Director of Research and Development Justin Bailey has done just that, laying out the Grand Unified Theory of Healthcare (GUTOH). While Justin — by his admission — had his tongue firmly in cheek when he named his concept for the entire lifecycle of a hospital visit, its applications are deadly serious — and potentially revolutionary for healthcare technology providers. Hot on the back of analytics-as-a-software (AaaS) platform CareSight joining the Lone Star Communications, Inc. family, Justin dives into how hospitals can best benefit from applying the GUTOH to their systems and processes with Lone Star Communications, Inc. Director of Analytics Kenny Schiff. In his role, Justin is tasked with researching and evaluating new technologies that might prove beneficial to healthcare providers in improving the quality of patient care. He also focuses on tying systems together to help them work in a more cohesive, effective way than when separate. As such, a fundamental part of the GUTOH is taking a broader view of a hospital visit's lifecycle than just the nurse call system — historically, Lone Star Communications, Inc.'s primary focus. Systems from other healthcare technology providers, ambulance travel to the hospital and post-stay care should all factor into the equation. The other part of GUTOH is ensuring that the well-known marketing process, "jobs to be done" (JTBD) underpins every action — from system through product and even ideology — and stakeholder perspective. Through customer and stakeholder interviews, healthcare technology providers can focus solely on the mission rather than getting distracted by new but unnecessary technology. Featured on the Episode Name: Justin Bailey What he does: As Director of Research & Development at Lone Star Communications, Inc. Justin is responsible for both evaluating new technologies and tying systems together to provide the best possible patient care. Organization: Lone Star Communications, Inc. Words of wisdom: "What you're trying to get to is the actual job to be done, not what technology you're using to do the job — because the job itself never changes over time, but the technology does." Connect: LinkedIn Key Points Top takeaways from this episode Look at the whole lifecycle of a hospital visit, not just its constituent parts. Familiarity with one system, such as a nurse call system, should never trump the overarching view of the whole. There are a multitude of systems both in and outside hospitals, including patients arriving there in ambulances and going home following hospital stays. What Justin refers to as "jobs to be done" informs this process, which looks at various system and product needs from all stakeholders' perspectives — even if they might be founded on ideologies. Look at and solve JTBD without being distracted by shiny, new, and unnecessary technology. Whether the objective is based on a system, product, or ideology, every perspective in the life cycle chain matters. From a systems standpoint, the life cycle and procurement matter as much as the end user view. By interviewing customers and stakeholders separately about what they're trying to do step by step, providers can establish the permanence of jobs to be done — alongside the impermanence of the technology to get those jobs done. Attractive technology may be nothing more than a distraction if it doesn't solve the problem. Systems that are tied together are better together than they are separate. Having recently joined Lone Star Communications, Inc., analytics-as-a-service (AaaS) platform CareSight is what Justin calls the "dark matter" of the GUTOH. This dark matter ties the whole system together and provides new possibilities — knowledge beyond what's going on within the four walls of a single hospital. CareSight empowers Lone Star to recommend programming processes because it has data from multiple hospitals. Episode Insights [00:00] Healthcare tech champions: Lone Star Communications, Inc. is dedicated to providing the very best healthcare technology for prime patient care. [00:56] R + D = Magic: As Director of Research and Development for Lone Star, Justin's mission is twofold: Evaluate new technologies (the research) and tie systems together (the development). [01:19] The grand unified theory of healthcare: Justin dubbed his concept of the full continuum of a hospital visit's lifecycle as an homage based on his love of physics and engineering. [02:24] JTBD: There's theory and then there's practice. GUTOH doesn't just look at healthcare through the lens of the end user, but also from other standpoints like lifecycle support and procurement. [03:32] Jobs don't change, tech does: Cool technology is alluring but can be unnecessary, distracting from the true goal of solving t

Episode Summary Successful implementation of healthcare technology can be challenging. Not everyone is initially on board and solutions often require complex coordination between multiple moving parts: teams, departments, and key stakeholders. Overcoming obstacles to effective healthcare delivery requires delicate finesse and an ability to bring stakeholders together. Those with a bird's eye view are best positioned to do this — like Lone Star Communications, Inc.'s Clinical Application Specialists. Acting as a bridge between disparate medical and technological departments, informatics is the linchpin of successful healthcare tech implementations, says Lone Star Clinical Application Specialist Regina Wysocki. Beyond the tried-and-true bastions of IT and facilities also lie the clinical and oft-overlooked biomedical departments. IT takes a broad view of infrastructure and solution deployment, which is ideally suited for efficient delivery, albeit sometimes at the risk of neglecting the consequences and outcomes of those solutions. While clinicians rarely makes financial decisions about integrations, they're the end users with boots on the ground, and their perspective on pain points and optimal workflows is crucial for successful implementation. Biomedical is the go-to when something isn't working properly, and so it's sometimes easy to overlook in calmer waters. Meanwhile, facilities used to be the only stakeholders with whom integrators would partner, while it now forms just part of a greater whole. The department is second to none in understanding the flow of healthcare providers. Informatics acts as the connector between the technological and the medical, facilitating stronger communication. In particular, informatics must drive home the truth that no one perspective is any more important than another: All must work in harmony to achieve ideal implementation outcomes. Featured on the Episode Name: Regina Wysocki What she does: Regina is an informatics clinical application specialist and thought leader for healthcare integration best practices. She's worked with critical stakeholders through complex healthcare implementation and digital transformation projects, including those at Houston Methodist and Texas Children's Hospital. Organization: Lone Star Communications, Inc. Words of Wisdom: "If you get the right information from the right clinical people at the beginning, it saves you time at the end. You don't have to go back and reprogram or change your training. It helps to have that voice at the table from the very beginning." Connect: LinkedIn Key Points Top takeaways from this episode The financial decision-makers can't be the only voices in the room. For successful technological implementation, you must consult with physicians, technicians, unit secretaries, and nursing assistants — those with boots on the ground. These individuals sometimes have the best insight into optimal workflows and persistent pain points. It also means bringing in those who are most resistant from the outset. A robust clinical application specialist team is the secret to a successful implementation. It's a common scenario: Two different departments meet and members of one use jargon unfamiliar to the other (and vice versa). The solution to this frequent conundrum is to build a team that acts as a bridge — connecting disparate departments and diverging interests — to facilitate better communication for optimal outcomes. No one stakeholder is better than any other. All five key stakeholders — IT, clinical, biomedical, facilities and informatics — must work in tandem with one another for successful healthcare technology integrations and effective healthcare outcomes. Every stakeholder brings a different perspective that will ultimately impact these overall outcomes for end users and patients. Combining these perspectives into an overarching view results in better solution delivery and patient care: the desired end goal of all healthcare technology integrators. Episode Insights [00:00] Near and dear to the heart: Regina's background as an informatics clinical application specialist and healthcare technology thought leader, has involved working on implementation projects with a number of Texas-based healthcare providers. [02:46] Top 5 Stakeholders: Those in the healthcare industry need to work with some key organizational areas in mind for a successful technology implementation. [03:08] Clinical personnel priorities: Anyone interacting with a healthcare system must still be involved from the beginning (even if they don't make financial decisions). These key professionals help to address pain points and accurately optimize workflows. [08:56] Setting sights on super users: Those who can grapple with and effectively explain tech to more resistant team members are a successful implementation's best friend — especially in larger work environments. [11:41] IT-driven implementation: IT departments oversee and control timelines with a bir

Episode Summary Navigating the complex landscape of healthcare technology can feel like playing a game of Double Jeopardy. CarePoints, a new podcast series hosted by Kenny Schiff, will equip clinical directors, hospital administrators, and other stakeholders with insights to explore and actualize technology-driven solutions for improved outcomes. Listen to the trailer to learn more about what you can expect from this dynamic series of conversations with healthcare industry thinkers, creators, and practitioners. Meet Your Host Kenny Schiff is a healthcare industry veteran, Kenny is the Founder of CareSight, a cloud-based patient care analytics company. In October 2022, CareSight was acquired by Lone Star Communications. Though healthcare colleagues often mistake him for an engineer, Kenny instead describes himself as an explainer teacher, translator, and problem solver. His interest in technology started early on and he has leveraged it as a way to support his musical pursuits. Organization: Lone Star Communications, Inc. Words of wisdom: "For me, the value of technology is not the 'cool factor,' not the bits and bytes. It's about what it can do for humanity and healthcare. It's about making patients safe and satisfied, helping to avoid adverse events and improving the work life of staff." Connect: LinkedIn Connect with Lone Star Communications Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at [email protected]. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare industry.. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare through innovation and empowering improved caregiver and patient experience.