Health care leaders gathered on January 15, 2024, during a webinar hosted by Newsweek titled “Collaboration Over Competition: Charting a New Path to Better Patient Care.” They discussed the increasing necessity for partnerships among hospitals, technology firms, and academic institutions to address gaps in patient access and improve health care operations. The event was moderated by Alexis Kayser, Newsweek’s Healthcare Editor, and featured insights from several prominent figures, including Jeff Flaks, President and CEO of Hartford HealthCare; Robert Stone, President and CEO of City of Hope; and Dr. Corey Casper, Chief Research Officer at Banner Health.
During the discussion, Stone expressed that the real competition lies not between health systems but against diseases, particularly cancer. City of Hope, a comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute, treats approximately 175,000 cancer patients annually across five major regions in the United States. He emphasized that collaboration is essential for delivering care to all patients effectively.
“Organizations cannot, or at least should not, keep their knowledge, research, and tools to themselves,” Stone stated. He highlighted the importance of working with tech companies, pharmaceutical firms, and philanthropists to broaden access to advanced therapies, ensuring that quality care reaches communities regardless of their location.
Dr. Casper also addressed the challenges of health care access, particularly in rural areas. He noted that each geographic region presents unique political and cultural landscapes, which necessitate tailored partnerships. Banner Health, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, collaborates with established hospitals like the Mayo Clinic and academic institutions such as the University of Arizona to drive innovation and enhance patient care.
“We can now bring in much more innovation and discovery than we can do alone,” Dr. Casper remarked. He underscored that partnerships are not just about scale; they are about complementing each other’s strengths to provide better health solutions.
The panelists unanimously agreed that successful partnerships require clear communication and a shared commitment to core values. Flaks pointed out that health systems must prioritize continuous improvement to meet the evolving needs of patients. “We have an ambition to be the best at getting better,” he said, highlighting that each new partnership offers a chance to enhance previous efforts.
Dr. Casper added that a common understanding of goals and purpose among all stakeholders is crucial before formalizing any partnership. “Having those conversations already puts people’s minds in that mindset to begin to think about how we need to change what we’re doing right now,” he explained.
Flaks emphasized that transparency is essential in building trust over time. “If you focus on the why, people can really get behind and invest in what we’re working to accomplish,” he said. He further articulated that health care is fundamentally a team effort and that aligning various organizations and individuals towards a common goal leads to improved outcomes.
The dialogue concluded with a call for health systems to align their incentives and focus on the greater good. “There’s so many talented organizations and capable people. The notion of bringing more people together with singular, focused purposes will ultimately yield better results,” Flaks asserted.
Looking ahead, Newsweek plans to host another webinar titled “Wearables: What’s The ROI For Health Systems?” on January 22, 2024, from 14:00 to 15:00 ET. Those interested can find more information and register through the provided link.
This gathering of health leaders underscores the urgent need for collaboration in the sector, with the aim of fostering an environment where patient care can thrive through shared knowledge and resources.
