As the only independent users group for McKesson Customers since 1998, InSight has benefited greatly from another successful year working in strategic partnership with McKesson.  In 2006 InSight provided solutions to thousands of members on issues dealing with the healthcare technology industry.  Reinforcing once again, why this organization remains The Vision, Voice and Value of McKesson Customers.

Since becoming the InSight President, the sense of community and information-sharing that is a part of this organization’s culture has stood out above all else  We take a great deal of pride in our work, our relationship with McKesson solutions and our commitment to teamwork as we increase the efficiency and quality of healthcare.

As I previously mentioned during the General Session at the 2006 InSight Annual Conference, three important aspects are the keys to growing InSight in 2007 and beyond.  These three aspects are Membership, Strategic Planning and Partnership.

With InSight’s membership growth reaching unprecedented levels, it is obvious to all that healthcare technology professionals are finding InSight a true benefit on many levels.  Being members of InSight is not just beneficial to your career in terms of efficiency, knowledge, and advancement, but beneficial to facilities overall.  When employees are actively engaged in their work and committed to adding value, it is inspirational to everyone around them.  I’d be willing to say the InSight members clearly stand out in their respective workplaces as thought leaders and top performers. 

In 2006, InSight created a Strategic Plan.  The Board of Directors, Councils, Special Interest Groups (SIGs), McKesson Liaisons and InSight Headquarters team have all played a significant role in the past year as we work on our initiatives, and will continue to be drivers in enhancing our reputation amongst McKesson product users.  Our Strategic Plan is not set in stone or cast aside once it is approved rather it is an ever evolving idea that reacts to the environment surrounding the services we provide and is revisited regularly to ensure that we are achieving the results that are essential to this organization. 

InSight’s Strategic Plan maintains an operational foundation, expands education and community beyond the InSight Annual Conference and serves as a champion for McKesson product advancement.  A significant result of this Strategic Plan is the creation of the InSight and McKesson partnership named the STAR Tune Up.  The number of hospitals that enrolled in the STAR Tune Up was beyond our expectations.  Surveys were completed in the hundreds and detailed audit reports are in the process of being prepared.  This initiative will conclude with a research paper that sets benchmarks and creates means for hospitals to maximize their efforts. 

The Strategic Product Change Model—formerly known as Enhancements—was another result of the Strategic Plan.  This new initiative has garnered very positive feedback that has inspired us to work harder to move this program in the proper direction and fully realize the initial vision of the task force.

Finally, I would like to address the continued success of the strategic partnership InSight shares with McKesson.  Since coming on as InSight President, I have seen the benefits of this shine through in every aspect of our organization.  The key to this partnership has been an open line of communication on both sides.  InSight has not hesitated to express its ambitions and McKesson has been very receptive to these in addition to expressing its own goals for what InSight can do to raise the profile of their products.  They have shared important data that drives membership, supported the STAR Tune Up and has made available resources that proved essential to delivering a quality Annual Conference and Product Solution Center (PSC) in Nashville. 

I will have the privilege to serve a slightly longer term than is traditional of InSight presidents.  I look forward to using that extra time to attain great results in 2007 and set benchmarks that future stakeholders in this organization will work to achieve.  In the end, it is through all of your dedication and efforts that inspires this organization to maintain its relevance and exceed expectations.

InSight President
Deborah Gash
St. Luke's Health System