I share several interesting reads from the past week.
The failed efforts by Sweden in managing their way into achieving natural herd immunity for the coronavirus by deliberately allowing a degree of exposure to the virus is explored in a series of graphs and charts in this interesting piece by Tomas Pueyo. (Pueyo’s first piece, titled the Hammer and the Dance was widely read in the early stages of the pandemic.) In contrast, a fascinating panel discussion moderated by physician-writer Siddhartha Mukherjee provides a detailed overview of the multiple efforts under way across the globe in developing a vaccine which seems far more scientific and likely to succeed in delivering the immunity we need. They are both long reads but worth the time.
Big tech firms distanced themselves from facial recognition technologies in law enforcement last week. The ongoing protests against police brutality unleashed by George Floyd’s killing seems at least in part to have been caused by flawed identification of minorities and people of color through facial recognition, and tech firms want to have no part in it. Problems with facial recognition have been long known. A Peter Thiel-backed startup, Clearview, had even surreptitiously gathered billions of images of people from social media profiles and had made it available to law enforcement agencies across the country. The potential for abuse of facial recognition technology now far outweighs the benefits – at least in law enforcement.
We love disruptive innovators who can take on deeply entrenched incumbents and come up with a better product or service at a lower price. Just think Amazon. However, healthcare is different. An initiative in Utah led by tech startup founders with zero experience in public health and safety provides us a cautionary tale of the limits of disruptive innovation.
What lies beyond telehealth? In my latest piece, I write about the emerging new technologies that will define virtual care beyond just telehealth in future.
My latest podcast guest is Ceci Connolly, President and CEO of the Association of Community Health Plans. Take a listen.
Digital transformation in healthcare: our picks for the week
Beyond telehealth: the virtual care technology trends that will transform healthcareIn my latest piece, I discuss contact tracing, contactless experiences, and other emerging virtual care models in the next stage of evolution in the digital transformation of healthcare.
Microsoft Pledges Not to Sell Facial-Recognition Tools to Police Absent National RulesFollowing what happened to George Floyd, potential for facial recognition technology for racial bias have grown amid outcry against police brutality.
Amazon Suspends Police Use of Its Facial-Recognition TechnologyOne more big tech firm distance itself from facial recognition technologies. For all the right reasons.
IBM ends all facial recognition business as CEO calls out bias and inequalityIBM’s decision could start a trend that halts the advance of facial recognition tech in society.
A Case for Banning Facial RecognitionA Google research scientist explains why the police shouldn’t use facial recognition software.
Rethinking the Hospital for the Next PandemicHospitals are rethinking how they operate considering the COVID-19 pandemic and preparing for a future where such crises may become a grim fact of life.
How Utah’s Tech Industry Tried to Disrupt Coronavirus TestingWhat happens when “disruptive innovators” try to take control of public health. A cautionary tale.
Can a Vaccine for Covid-19 Be Developed in Record Time?A discussion moderated by physician-writer Siddhartha Mukherjee about the challenges of developing a vaccine in record time.
Coronavirus: Should We Aim for Herd Immunity Like Sweden?Tomas Pueyo reinforces his case for a “Hammer-and-Dance” approach to beat the spread of the virus.
Note: Some of the articles linked in this newsletter may be behind paywalls that need a subscription.The latest from Damo Consulting
Podcast: Ceci Connolly, President and CEO, Alliance of Community Health Plans“We believe that a business model of payer-provider partnership is best for patients and communities.”
Webinar by Damo Consulting CEO Paddy Padmanabhan and Edward Marx, Chief Digital Officer, The HCI Group‘A Model for Digital Transformation.’
Press Release: Damo Consulting Expands Board of AdvisorsDamo Consulting announced the addition of Harry D. Fox as the Advisory Board member.
The WITCH Report: Annual ReviewA review of the financial and market performance of global technology consulting firms in healthcare.
eBook: COVID-19 Telehealth Program – Highlights of the CARES ActA complimentary e-book on highlights of the COVID-19 CARES Telehealth Program by FCC.
White paper: What health systems must do to accelerate digital transformationOur latest white paper explores how health systems can accelerate digital transformation.
The WITCH Monthly Monitor (May) – Our monthly update on major global IT consulting and services firms in healthcare provides latest financial and market performance updates on WITCH companies along with other global IT consulting firms. * The WITCH Monthly Monitor is now available as free 1-year subscription with every purchase of The WITCH Report – Annual Review.
