Health Technology & Exploration Center

Bringing Health Care Innovation to the World

BIDMC has a long-standing tradition of integrating healthcare with information technology (IT). Building on this legacy, we have established the Health Technology Exploration Center (HTEC), dedicated to extending BIDMC’s technological expertise globally. This pioneering center, the first of its kind at a Harvard teaching hospital, aims to transform the medical landscape by making healthcare more efficient, accessible, and integrated.

Mission

HTEC's mission is to create scalable technologies that improve healthcare delivery, making it more accessible and effective in curing diseases worldwide.

To support our mission, consider giving a gift.

Vision

At HTEC, a community of world-class clinicians and IT professionals collaborates to shape the future of medicine. With a focus on creativity, collaboration, and passion, we are developing solutions to address urgent healthcare challenges.

Global Impact Areas

HTEC is committed to enhancing:

• Patient Engagement
• Continuum of Care
• Quality of Care
• Precision Medicine
• Access to Care
• Patient Privacy

A Foundation of Excellence

BIDMC's leadership in healthcare technology uniquely positions us to tackle the challenges of modern healthcare delivery. We were among the first to utilize computers for patient care and launched the nation's first online patient portal and electronic health record system. Our ongoing IT innovations continue to elevate the standard of patient care.

Technology Leadership

BIDMC has earned accolades as a top innovator in healthcare information technology. Key contributions include:

• Development of the first electronic lab system in 1977.
• Leadership by Dr. John Halamka, who spearheads significant health information-sharing projects in Massachusetts.
• Recognition as "Most Wireless" and "A Prestigious Innovator" by the American Hospital Association.

HTEC in Action

HTEC operates independently within BIDMC, focusing on evaluating and optimizing disruptive technologies, enhancing telemedicine offerings, and forming global partnerships. Our mission includes rapidly assessing high-risk, high-reward innovations and sharing successful solutions with our international partners to improve healthcare quality and safety.

Exploring Novel Technologies

HTEC emulates a start-up incubator, fast-tracking innovation by exploring scalable technologies. Our research leverages BIDMC's unique HIPAA-compliant database of de-identified patient data for efficient testing. Key areas of exploration include:

• Patient Empowerment: Engaging patients through mobile applications.
• Medical Decision Making: Utilizing analytics and dashboards.
• Patient Education: Enhancing care through conversational interfaces.
• Clinician Communication: Improving interactions with new devices and programs.

Supporting HTEC's Vision

The momentum for healthcare reform presents a unique opportunity for BIDMC to expand its technological capabilities. With your philanthropic support, HTEC can invest in faculty, staff, and infrastructure to enhance our pioneering work and build partnerships that advance patient care. Together, we can redefine healthcare standards and ensure broader access to high-quality care.

For more information or to support HTEC, please contact Aubrey Conquergood at aconquer@bidmc.harvard.edu.