Resilience and Innovation: Transforming Defense Healthcare Data and Honoring Government Excellence

October 9, 2024

Presented by The Women's Center

Revolutionizing Military Healthcare Data

Jesus Caban, Chief Data Scientist at the Program Executive Office for Defense Healthcare Management Systems (PEO DHMS), discusses the ongoing transformation of healthcare data management within the Department of Defense (DoD). PEO DHMS oversees the integration of data from over 50 medical centers and 500 outpatient clinics worldwide, including prominent facilities like Walter Reed. Through the use of MHS Genesis, a modernized electronic health record, data is now centralized, making it easier for healthcare providers, administrators, researchers, and military leadership to access vital information. Caban explains the importance of using a common data model to standardize data across different entities, ensuring consistency and enabling seamless data sharing between the DoD, Veterans Affairs, and other international healthcare systems. He also highlights data innovation projects, including the application of machine learning, predictive models, and natural language processing to process the massive volume of clinical notes generated daily. These efforts are aimed at improving patient care, enhancing administrative efficiency, supporting mental health initiatives, and optimizing overall military readiness.

Key Takeaways:

1. PEO DHMS standardizes healthcare data across the Military Health System through a common data model, enabling better collaboration with external agencies like the VA and international healthcare systems.
   
   
2. MHS Genesis consolidates data from global military medical centers and outpatient clinics, improving decision-making in patient care, administration, research, and readiness assessments.
   
   
3. Innovative data initiatives like natural language processing and predictive analytics are helping the DoD advance mental health support and improve the efficiency of healthcare services across the military.

Building Workforce Resilience Through Holistic Wellness and Purpose

Rachna Krishnan, CEO of the Women’s Center, discusses the evolving concept of resilience in the workplace, particularly in the post-COVID era. She highlights how the lines between home and work have blurred, making holistic wellness a priority for both individuals and organizations. Krishnan emphasizes the importance of fostering resilient individuals and communities, as resilient employees tend to be more engaged and productive at work. She points out that creating a supportive, purpose-driven environment where employees can bring their "whole self" to work is key to enhancing retention and engagement. Moreover, corporate social responsibility initiatives are vital in building a sense of purpose and “stickiness” within organizations, which helps to retain talent. Krishnan also touches on the challenges leaders face in capturing the hearts and minds of the new, more purpose-driven generation of workers, noting that holistic wellness programs and opportunities for meaningful involvement are critical to bridging that gap.

Key Takeaways:

1. Focusing on mental health and overall well-being enhances employee productivity and engagement, while bridging personal and professional life.
   
   
2. CSR initiatives are key to fostering workforce "stickiness" by giving employees a sense of purpose and involvement beyond their daily roles.
   
   
3. Assessing resilience involves evaluating personal functionality in daily life, with corporate engagement surveys providing insight into workforce retention and satisfaction.

Building a Culture of Recognition and Leadership in Public Service

Max Stier, President and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, highlights the critical role that recognition plays in motivating federal employees through the prestigious Service to America Medals (Sammies). These awards spotlight individuals and teams within the federal government who have made significant contributions to public service, from eradicating polio in India to solving decades-old criminal cases. Stier stresses that the nomination process itself is vital, as it shows appreciation for employees' efforts, regardless of whether they win. He urges people to nominate worthy candidates, emphasizing that concrete achievements that directly benefit the public tend to stand out. Stier also discusses the evolving nature of the government’s work, particularly in areas like data utilization and innovation, while expressing concern about the lack of younger employees in public service. He calls for greater investment in recruiting and retaining young talent to ensure the future success of government initiatives. Stier’s ultimate goal is to create a stronger culture of recognition and leadership in government, which he believes is essential for maintaining a healthy and effective public sector.

Key Takeaways:

1. The act of nominating federal employees for the Sammies fosters a sense of appreciation and encouragement, enhancing morale and productivity.
   
   
2. Awards tend to go to individuals who have made measurable and impactful contributions to society, addressing critical issues like public health, safety, and the environment.
   
   
3. Stier highlights the importance of attracting the next generation of public servants, emphasizing that a younger workforce is crucial for sustaining innovation and progress within government.