21 Feb Innovation Digest – February 2023 Vol. 2

The collection of articles this week reflects both the promising horizon for patient-centered health care, and the ongoing barriers that exist in data, in decision-making and in equity. The two articles about problem solving (think like Legos!) and toxic positivity really spoke to me about how we effect change. Having a big vision and thinking about the small ways to consistently change process and build over time is the way we must think about challenges in data accessibility, equity, and measuring and paying for value. Starting with the patient perspective and experience as the foundational “bricks” is the way forward. Also, while I’m an optimist, the culture in which we are afraid to acknowledge and grapple with the ugly truths of our health system prevents us from seeing where and how we need to employ those bricks creatively to build something beautiful. As ever, I’m a creator of change (maybe even a master builder!), founded on necessary, sometimes uncomfortable dialogue and inclusion to ensure we’re asking and answering the right questions.

In this issue:

• Mental Health America Conference
• Innovation and Value Initiative 4th Annual Methods Summit
• 99% of Big Projects Fail. His Fix Starts With Legos.
• To improve employees’ health in 2023, employers must take a hard look at where and how employees receive care
• The Medicine is a Miracle, but Only if You Can Afford It.
• 2022 was a breakthrough year for understanding rare diseases. 2023 needs to be better
• Need a new drug? You may be asked to ‘fail’ an old drug first
• Barriers and strategies to improve digital mental health intervention uptake among college students of color: A modified Delphi study
• The Healthcare Industry’s Biggest Cultural Challenge Has A Name: Toxic Positivity
• UnitedHealthcare Tried to Deny Coverage to a Chronically Ill Patient. He Fought Back, Exposing the Insurer’s Inner Workings.