A Look Back at Breakthroughs 2019

It’s been one month since more than 4,200 healthcare industry representatives from hospitals, health systems, suppliers, life sciences companies and other healthcare organizations attended Premier’s Breakthroughs Conference and Exhibition June 18-21 in Nashville. An event designed to convene industry thought leaders and peers from across the care continuum, Breakthroughs attendees spent the week sharing strategies to create a more connected, efficient and high-quality healthcare system.

As always, the conference provided an environment that encouraged networking, innovation, learning and sharing. Insightful and inspirational speakers, including motivational speaker Mel Robbins, Carolina Panthers Tight End Greg Olsen and Washington insider Chris Christie shared their viewpoints as keynotes during general sessions.Premier members from hospitals and health systems led concurrent sessions where they shared insights and best practices that covered a variety of topics, including operational transformation, value-based care and payment, drug shortages, direct-to-employer models, margin management, applied sciences and technology. And the exhibition floor featured more than 1,800 suppliers, offering a wide variety of industry-leading products, devices and services available to members through Premier group purchasing contracts.Premier CEO Susan DeVore told attendees that the future of healthcare continues to be a system that is consumer centered and provider led. “A healthcare system that is connected, efficient and high quality…where information flows freely and can analyze populations and disease states to improve the health of communities,” she said.

Using the Tragedy of the Commons and the Paradox of Plenty, Susan discussed how the two famous economic theories were at work in today’s healthcare system. Comparing the arrival of big data to the Paradox of Plenty, Susan discussed how overwhelming it can all be.

“We’ve got data about costs, quality, claims, supplies and outcomes. We’ve got lab and imaging data, labor data, genomic, patient-reported data, and billing and scheduling data.” The Paradox of Plenty ensures that we have so much information that it doesn’t really help us think expansively. “In healthcare, our Paradox of Plenty lies in the fact that we are information rich, but insight poor.”Susan discussed the continued move away from a fee-for-service payment system and the importance of alignment and collaboration to succeed in value-based care and reimbursement. She also highlighted the importance of trust between the industry and its consumers. “For us, trust is earned, with every interaction, with every comment, with every vitals check. Above all, trust means cooperation, collaboration and partnership,” said Susan.

President of Premier, Michael J. Alkire, talked about abandoning old ways and working together to deliver the best results. He discussed how we must manage financial pressures, reinvent the rules and get creative to move beyond a problem and find real solutions.

“That’s what Premier is here for, and it’s the entire point behind this conference – connecting you to the most innovative ideas and collaborators, with the hope of inspiring you into action. Because, we are here to heal healthcare and apply all our creative resources to the challenges at hand. We are here to help you improve your financial health and deliver the best outcomes.”More than 160 Premier members and suppliers were recognized during awards ceremonies for the industry leaders that are making a difference in transforming healthcare. Premier’s annual Innovation Celebration showcased a range of next generation medical devices and products.In addition, McLaren Health Care was named the Premier Alliance Excellence Award winner and Lifehouse Maternity Home received the 26th Premier Cares Award. Premier’s Foodservice members enjoyed some tasty dishes, as well as a cooking contest during the culinary riverboat cruise. And Volunteer Rottweiler Gunther, who visits Premier member hospital patients for trauma therapy, roamed the halls to greet attendees and make new friends.On the last night of the conference, Breakthroughs attendees took over downtown Nashville with networking events at Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar and Luke’s 32 Bridge. Attendees even had access to an exclusive trolley tour of Music City, USA. It was truly a night to remember!

Thank you to everyone that joined us this year. And a special thank you to our Be Social contest winners @guyatitians and @YNOTLegacy7 for helping us document all the fun. For more on what happened at Breakthroughs, scroll the #Breakthroughs19 feed on Twitter and follow @PremierHA to stay up-to-date throughout the year.

Planning has already begun for Breakthroughs 2020. It will be June 23-26, 2020, in Nashville. We hope you can join us!