Top 25 Innovators - 2020

Roth oversaw creation of a virtual navigator program that offers expectant mothers from vulnerable populations a docent to guide them through the entire care process. Docents manage a large panel of patients, but also use high-tech tools to create personalized care plans. In the initial launch markets in Arizona and California, the program resulted in reduced length of stay for moms and reduced NICU utilization. It is now being expanded to CommonSpirit locations in five other states.

How do you identify opportunities for innovation?
The future of innovation in healthcare rests on the ability to form partnerships, coalitions and cross-industry collaborations. More than ever, the social services world and healthcare delivery are interconnected, as one example. Good healthcare can’t exist without addressing systemic barriers to care. One for the best areas to look for innovation is the intersection of where the healthcare services ecosystem meets others such as the pharma, life sciences and technology sectors. 

What advice do you have for people who know how to get an idea in front of managers but may be afraid of failing?
Innovation requires perseverance and there will be hurdles along the way. My advice to managers would be, “How do you say ‘no’ to an employee idea in a positive way so that it encourages them to come up with improvements and present an evolved concept at the next meeting.” A culture of innovation rests on the employee/supervisor relationship.

How do you stay focused on innovation during a crisis?
The pandemic laid bare so many of the weaknesses of our system. From the impact on vulnerable populations, to the supply chain challenges, to testing readiness and beyond. This is a time to invest in innovation to encourage better solutions.