At HIMSS 2026, where innovation meets real-world healthcare transformation, conversations go beyond technology - they uncover the nuances shaping patient care, provider decision-making, and the future of engagement.
In this chapter of Doceree Dialogue, Thomas Shea, Chief Revenue Officer (Patient Affordability & AI Solutions), Doceree, sits down with Kevin Ciemniecki, Director, Point of Care Investment, to explore how point-of-care (POC) is evolving, and what it truly takes to make it more effective.
Point-of-care engagement has been around for years, but the last 24 months have brought a meaningful shift - driven largely by patients themselves.
“People are starting to take a lot more control of their health and having more of those conversations.”
From the rise of telehealth to the growing influence of social media and increased awareness around chronic conditions like obesity, today’s patients are more informed - and more involved - than ever before.
This evolution is reshaping how and where engagement happens.
“Showing up where there are these new doctor-patient interactions… and capturing those data points that are relevant to the conversation.”
Historically, consumer and healthcare professional (HCP) engagement operated in silos. Today, those lines are beginning to blur.
“They are definitely starting to come together… patients are able to have more informed conversations with their provider.”
But true alignment remains a challenge.
Delivering consistent, cohesive messaging across channels - while ensuring both patients and providers are equally informed - is easier said than done. Especially when platforms like EHRs are inherently HCP-focused.
“Making sure that the messaging is aligning for both sides of the aisle.”
In traditional media, success is often measured in clicks and impressions. But at the point of care, those metrics fall short.
“In an EHR, the last thing you want is a doctor clicking and taking time away from the interaction.”
Instead, the focus shifts to clinical relevance and downstream impact - like prescription behavior and patient outcomes.
“You really have to find those nuggets… this message is working because it led to X amount of prescriptions.”
However, one key barrier persists: data lag.
“If we can lessen that lag, it just makes things more actionable for everyone.”
Faster feedback loops mean better optimization - and ultimately, better patient care.
One of the most striking takeaways from HIMSS is the sheer complexity behind seemingly simple healthcare interactions.
“The amount that happens in between a doctor clicking… to getting that script filled is enormous.”
From EHR systems to backend infrastructure, the ecosystem powering healthcare delivery is vast - and often invisible to patients.
While innovation is accelerating, the industry still faces structural challenges - particularly when it comes to efficiency.
“Everyone is used to a continuous feedback loop… but it’s a lot more convoluted in the point-of-care space.”
Simplifying processes - whether through better data flow, improved interoperability, or smarter systems - remains a critical priority.
Beyond engagement and measurement, two themes stood out strongly at HIMSS: data security and AI.
“The focus on cybersecurity is huge… these systems contain all of our personally identifiable information.”
At the same time, AI is rapidly becoming embedded across the ecosystem - but with a clear positioning.
“AI as an assistant… but still with a human touch.”
Rather than replacing human roles, AI is increasingly being designed to support them - streamlining workflows, reducing inefficiencies, and enhancing decision-making.
What emerges from this conversation is a clear truth: healthcare transformation isn’t about a single innovation - it’s about alignment.
Alignment between patients and providers.
Between data and action.
Between technology and human experience.
And as the industry continues to evolve, point-of-care will remain a critical intersection where all of this comes together.
Dive deeper into the insights from HIMSS and explore the future of point-of-care engagement.