2046 is a time that is impossible to predict. The rate of technology advancement in this decade alone will shock most of us. Even with all the advancements coming, I would propose a goal and idea that could be built with today’s technology. Let’s target a goal to radically increase life expectancy and the daily quality of that life in southeastern Wisconsin. In order to achieve such a lofty goal, we should build a health operating system. This is not an electronic medical record or a siloed tech solution to address health care but rather a platform for health that is:
Founded on the true health influencers: Health outcomes are most correlated with individual behaviors, social and economic factors, environmental factors, genetics and personal preferences. A health operating system needs to focus on these factors.
Deeply personalized: Each of us has a truly unique picture of health influencers and therefore a unique set of needs. We each need a way to assess, understand, and be supported in improving factors that are detrimental or enhancements to our health. No two pictures or plans will be the same and needs will change for each of us throughout our lives.
Self-service: We need a way to take action on our individual needs without gatekeeping or added friction. We should strive for individual empowerment everywhere possible. If members of our community would like help, a trusted advisor and supporter should be available.
Partnership based: To truly address the factors that drive health, it will take a partnership of organizations that can come together on a shared platform. No single organization should own the platform. Unlike some platforms of today, this health operating system should drive a partnership model through transparency, universal access, trust and security.
A health operating system for our region will help leaders to better understand the needs of the community, partners who can meet the needs and the impact of investments targeting health overall. Such a platform will also serve to help individuals in our community understand their own health and take charge to improve it in meaningful ways through the thousands of organizations in our community ready to support them.
This column is part of “25 big ideas for Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin’s future,” a feature included in the BizTimes Milwaukee 25th anniversary issue. To read other contributions, visit biztimes.com/bigideas
