Health information systems that incorporate electronic data sharing, modern database design platforms, and automated wireless communication technology will continue to be adopted by hospitals in ever greater volumes. Federal regulatory trends are also creating economic incentives designed to encourage wider use and faster incorporation of such systems in both civilian and military hospitals.

The Kansas City region has some strong research and science partnerships undergirding the health care technology economy. Collaborative arrangements linking industries, universities, and hospitals are driving technology improvements in multiple areas that have the potential to open up new markets in health care delivery and systems management. However, there is underutilized partnership possibilities among the region’s hospitals that could drive both new product innovation and stronger demand for technologies linked to improved patient care.

The intersection of information technologies and medical electronic knowledge holds a wealth of opportunities in health care delivery, diagnostics, quality control systems, and wireless data-sharing. Kansas City must build on it’s core strengths and bundle cross-boundary capabilities in testing, managing, and delivery to develop and position the region as a cost-effective and high quality community model.