Novant Health

Onyeka N. Nchege

As senior vice president and chief information officer, Onyeka Nchege oversees the delivery of cutting-edge consumer capabilities, innovative technologies, and advanced clinical solutions that enhance patient care. Nchege brings a strong focus on driving successful digital transformations and enabling enterprise growth,

He has nearly three decades of experience as a visionary leader in information technology and digital products and services. Nchege brings expertise in a breadth of areas that enhance all aspects of the business.

As CIO at prominent organizations such as Toyota Industries Commercial Finance, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Interstate Batteries, and The Cooper Institute, he successfully developed and implemented digital strategies, driving information technology and digital business transformations that aligned with corporate purpose and strategy to sustainable value.

Nchege was named a healthcare finalist for the Carolina ORBIE "CIO of The Year" Awards in 2021, 2022, and 2023 and currently serves on Apparo's CXO Tech Council. He is a graduate of Georgia State University's J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

What inspired you to pursue a career in healthcare information technology, and what led you to your current position at Novant Health?

Like many others, I was drawn to this field because of a passion for both healthcare and technology. It was personal for me. My father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and I wanted an opportunity to be involved with an industry where I could impact lives in a positive manner. I envisioned the potential for technology to greatly improve patient care, streamline processes, and enhance the overall healthcare experience. Novant Health provided me with the opportunity to leverage technology to improve healthcare outcomes and provides a fertile ground for innovation, allowing me to create and implement cutting-edge solutions to address complex challenges in healthcare. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you face as Chief Information Officer at Novant Health, and how do you prioritize and address them?

Protecting sensitive patient data from breaches and ensuring compliance with privacy regulations is a top priority. In my role, I also focus on modernizing legacy systems and outdated processes and providing clinicians with accurate and timely information to inform their decision-making. To address these challenges, I collaborate with cross-functional teams, stay informed about emerging technologies, engage with stakeholders and develop long-term IT strategies aligned with the organization's goals. Additionally, I foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning and adaptability within my department and across the organization.

How do you see technology evolving in the healthcare industry over the next decade, and what impact do you think this will have on patient care?

Over the next decade, we can expect to see significant advancements in technology within the healthcare industry. This evolution will likely involve the integration of various technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, telemedicine, genomics and wearable devices. The impact of these advancements on patient care is expected to be transformative.

“Healthcare organizations have a crucial role to play in the development and deployment of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to ensure ethical and effective use.”

Potential benefits include:

• Improved diagnosis and treatment: Advanced AI algorithms can help analyze large volumes of patient data and assist healthcare professionals in making more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. 

• Enhanced access to care: Telemedicine and remote monitoring technologies enable patients to receive medical advice and consultations from the comfort of their homes, especially for those in remote areas. This can lead to more timely and convenient healthcare services.

• Empowered patients: Wearable devices and health apps allow individuals to actively participate in their own healthcare management. Patients can monitor vital signs, track symptoms, and receive personalized health recommendations, leading to more proactive and preventive care. 

• Streamlined operations: Automation and robotics can streamline administrative tasks, improve operational efficiency and reduce human errors in tasks such as medication management, inventory control, and record-keeping. This allows healthcare providers to focus more on direct patient care.

• Enhanced research and development: Technological advancements enable the analysis of vast amounts of health data, leading to new insights into diseases and treatment effectiveness.

• It's important to note that while technology has great potential to improve patient care, data privacy, and equitable access should be prioritized to ensure the benefits are accessible to all individuals.

In your opinion, what role should healthcare organizations play in the development and deployment of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, to ensure that they are used ethically and effectively?

Healthcare organizations have a crucial role to play in the development and deployment of emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to ensure ethical and effective use. Healthcare organizations should establish and promote ethical guidelines for the development and use of AI and ML technologies. These guidelines should address issues such as patient privacy, data security, algorithm transparency and bias mitigation.  Healthcare organizations should actively engage with regulatory bodies and comply with relevant laws and regulations governing the use of AI in healthcare. This includes ensuring adherence to data protection and privacy laws, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) in the United States.

Robust data governance practices are crucial to ensure the ethical and effective use of AI and ML in healthcare. Organizations should establish policies and procedures for data collection, storage, and usage, ensuring that patient data is anonymized, protected and used only for legitimate purposes. 

Additionally, healthcare organizations should collaborate with technology developers, researchers, and experts to foster responsible innovation. By working together, they can identify potential risks, evaluate the impact of new technologies, and develop best practices for their implementation. One of the things that is critical is continuous monitoring and evaluation of AI systems which is essential to identify and address any biases, errors, or unintended consequences. Healthcare organizations should implement mechanisms for ongoing evaluation, feedback, and improvement of AI algorithms and models. 

By actively engaging in these roles, healthcare organizations can help shape the ethical development and deployment of emerging technologies, ensuring that they contribute positively to patient care while upholding ethical standards.

How does Novant Health ensure the security and privacy of patient data in an increasingly digital healthcare landscape, and what measures are in place to protect against cybersecurity threats?

Novant Health employs a cybersecurity program that addresses electronic information and information systems that support business processes and assets of Novant Health, including those provided or managed by another organization, vendor or source. Included in this program is a comprehensive framework of cybersecurity activities, outcomes, and controls that provide detailed instruction for developing, implementing, and maintaining cybersecurity.

What advice would you give to young professionals who are interested in pursuing a career in healthcare information technology, and what skills and knowledge do you think are essential for success in this field?

Advice I would give young professionals would be multifold.

• Gain a strong foundation in healthcare: Familiarize yourself with the healthcare industry, its terminology, regulations and workflow. This knowledge will help you understand the context and challenges of implementing technology solutions in healthcare.

• Develop technical expertise: Acquire a solid understanding of information technology concepts and tools. Focus on areas such as data management, information security, system integration, and electronic health records (EHRs).

• Stay updated with industry trends: Healthcare technology is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest advancements, regulations, and best practices through industry publications, conferences, and online resources. 

• Embrace adaptability and continuous learning: Technology in healthcare evolves rapidly. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability to keep up with new tools, methodologies, and emerging trends.

Lastly, the field of healthcare information technology is multidimensional, combining healthcare knowledge with technical expertise. By developing a solid foundation, staying up to date, and acquiring practical experience, you'll be better equipped to succeed in this rewarding field.