Omar Ahmed, Senior Vice President, Research & Development, Connected Care Segment, BD
Healthcare is entering a new era defined by AI-enabled devices, machine learning, advanced robotics, and an unprecedented volume of data. It is more critical than ever that clinicians, healthcare systems and governments keep pace by modernizing safety standards, treatment guidelines, regulatory frameworks, and reimbursement mechanisms to ensure patients can benefit from these advances.
Institutions are being challenged to become more digitally connected enterprises, powered by data and analytics that support care not only in acute settings, but increasingly in outpatient environments, post-acute settings and the home where we can manage more complex cases better than at any point in modern medicine. For example, one trend that we see is the increase in acuity of patients in Assisted Living Facilities and in the home while most of these patients were previously limited to Long Term Care and Skilled Nursing Facilities. Strengthening these facilities with tools such as medication adherence packaging to reduce medication errors and streamlining dispensing and inventory management can help providers to practice at the top of their license and spend more time on patient care. The success of this enhanced system depends on a comprehensive modernization of the policy environment governing long term care, including both federal and state policy changes and reforms to the existing reimbursement system that take into account medication management for this patient population.
While we manage the needs of care provided in post-acute and ambulatory care settings, there is a broader set of challenges for health systems that are increasingly expected to optimize operations while serving as a beacon for health in their community. Healthcare organizations are seeking practical ways to reduce inefficiencies, better manage resources, and support clinical teams that are often working under significant pressure. Connected systems can help provide greater visibility into medication inventory, infusion therapy, patient monitoring, and pharmacy operations. As the volume of operational and clinical data continues to grow, healthcare organizations are exploring how AI-enabled analytics can help predict risk patterns, anticipate operational needs, reduce waste, and support more informed decision making. Realizing this potential requires a robust digital foundation built on secure, real-time, and interoperable systems that connect devices, electronic medical records, and clinical workflows. These technologies are designed to support, not replace, healthcare professionals, helping reduce administrative complexity and enabling clinicians to focus more on high-quality care.
Industry leaders, healthcare providers, and policymakers all have a role to play in creating an environment where data can be securely connected, insights can be shared responsibly, and innovation can scale to meet healthcare’s most pressing challenges. As care extends beyond the hospital, connected solutions can enable medication adherence, early intervention, reduced readmissions, and more proactive care models. The rise of connected care highlights the importance of innovation, interoperability, and the responsible use of data to improve efficiency, expand access, and drive better patient outcomes.
Connected care is no longer a future vision. It is becoming the foundation of modern healthcare. By connecting data, enabling interoperability, and leveraging AI responsibly, we have an opportunity to build a more efficient, resilient, and patient-centered healthcare system for the future. Together, we can turn connected care into better care.
Omar Ahmed
Senior Vice President, Research & Development, Connected Care Segment
BD