Crafting and executing a dynamic and connected digital strategy has never been more important for health systems seeking to improve care and win in an increasingly competitive market. This type of strategy not only sets the digital path for an organization, but also helps them understand which areas are ripe for digital transformation.

Finding a trusted digital transformation partner

South Bend, Indiana-based Beacon Health System, comprising 74 locations, initially sought a trusted partner to help them select a search-to-schedule solution. Amid evolving internal dynamics and market pressure, AVIA built momentum that kept the team on track. In less than 90 days, the Beacon team researched, selected, and contracted a search-to-schedule solution. Following the success of this effort, Beacon expanded the scope of its relationship with AVIA, working on topics such as virtual visits and text-based appointment reminders, as well as overall digital strategy.

“AVIA was instrumental in helping us define and select a vendor for three key components of our digital front door: provider directory, provider search, and online scheduling,” said Kate Newbold, Manager of Beacon’s Digital Portfolio. “Their ‘What Good Looks Like’ framework and vendor selection criteria helped us cut down significantly on our vetting and contracting timelines. Since then, we’ve leveraged their frameworks and subject matter expertise to help define our digital strategy and get to market more quickly on several digital initiatives. AVIA is a trusted advisor to Beacon on digital transformation strategy and a key partner in effective digital product execution.”

AVIA experts meet weekly with Beacon’s C-Suite leaders and Digital Design and Consumer Experience team to help align system stakeholders around digital transformation.

“The AVIA team has been outstanding in helping me (as someone new to the hospital side of healthcare) make meaningful connections, build relationships and expand my reach of knowledge,” said Carey Cockrum, Director of Brand, Marketing & Creative Services. “This is invaluable in my effort to ensure the best outcomes for Beacon Health System. I can’t thank them enough for the partnership and support – truly an extension of the Beacon team.”

Leaning into the AVIA Network

Beacon leveraged the full suite of AVIA’s Membership offerings to achieve their goals. Their team attended AVIA workshops and Executive Forums, consulted with AVIA experts, tapped into insights on AVIA Connect, and connected with other C-Suite leaders from across the Network to gain shared learnings.

“Our partnership with AVIA has provided a hard-to-find asset of views into successful and failed digital technology initiatives across the U.S. healthcare industry,” said Mark Warlick, Beacon’s Chief Information Officer. “They not only have insights into the vendor trends and improvements, but also provide an active Membership network to connect people to colleagues to compare experiences and lessons learned.”

Acting as an extension of Beacon’s team, AVIA facilitated Beacon’s Digital Design and Consumer Experience retreat, led by Beacon’s Chief Strategy Officer, Diane Maas. AVIA experts contributed to the retreat agenda to ensure Beacon team members were aligned and could maximize value from the session, also leveraging AVIA’s consumer digital experience and CRM insights in order to prioritize and hone in on areas of focus.

Supporting strategy with digital

Beacon’s digital journey continues to gain steam. Beacon is currently working with AVIA on the development of an enterprise-level virtual health strategy. By leveraging the power of the AVIA Network along with expert consults and workshops, Beacon is determining which virtual health offerings will best support their system strategy.

“AVIA has helped Beacon Health System with building our digital strategy and enabled us to focus on the patient experience,” said Maas. “They have been a great resource for putting together a tactical plan that focuses on the key areas for growth.”

AVIA is the leading digital transformation partner for over 50 health systems across the US, including Beacon Health System. To learn more about how you can become an AVIA Member and achieve digital transformation in your organization, contact us today.