Reflecting the way we think...get to the power point

When confronted by Powerpoint detractors I usually scratch my head and wonder why so many blame the messenger. Steven Pinker said it most succinctly... 

"If anything, Powerpoint, if used well, would ideally reflect the way we think."

If you still don't believe me let me introduce you to the antidote for the infamous "Death By Powerpoint." If you have the opportunity to attend a Pecha Kucha night you will instantaneously become a convert. Imagine high energy dynamic presentations replacing data dumping and not so hidden business agendas within our industry.

The format limits unnecessary content and yields a focused and intimate discourse. The ability to ramble is curtailed by the strict sub-7 minute length.

The biggest challenge is learning how to pronounce Pecha Kucha as you will hear it massacred every where you turn. The closest I can get you without whispering in your ear is to have you imagine it as 4 syllables--pe cha ku cha with the same emphasis on each syllable. That will get you pretty close.

This brings me to PAT. I introduced PAT at a meeting earlier this year where I presented on value--what it is and how to measure it. I am in the process of editing the audio but will happily share it with you here once it is done.

The basic premise aligns with the simplicity and power of a TED talk. Technology, entertainment, and design. Not to geek out but can you envision  a global community creating a deeper and sincere understanding of healthcare and medicine? Ideas are powerful facilitators of change and help converge inspired thinkers behind a significant purpose.

PAT patient centricity + adherence + technology is a toe in the water of inviting others to engage in more thoughtful engagement. What is missing from the ongoing narrative is connection from the podium. We have all been in conferences that seem to be endless. Speakers overcome with nerves, lack of preparation, horrible slides, and worse of all--limited integrity.

And then, out of seemingly a void, a real dynamic presenter approaches the podium. We lean in to listen as we hear a message that brings value to our everyday and maybe even challenges what we previously knew to be true. We need moments like these with the challenges facing healthcare. When we create our presentations we need to speak from the intersection of health policy, economics, and clinical medicine. We can't afford the business model of "verticals" any longer.

When I review content I see a common theme. Scientifically robust content that although accurate and informative is the visual equivalent of covering our ears and humming to avoid the reality that surrounds us. In the absence of context within the health ecosystem, there is limited relevance to the practice of medicine.

I would like to invite you to participate in the "brain trust" of authentic discourse that has the power to transform our industry. I witnessed the possibility after attending the Lown Conference in San Diego. Not that many slides, but a lot of passion and sleeve rolling to bring something meaningful to the table. 

Its time to create meaningful and valuable presentations.


Do you want us to save you a chair?

Imagine a healthcare system that is absolutely remarkable. Patients feel well cared for, and receive the care they need, no more and no less. Imagine a gathering of committed, passionate, and skilled physicians, health care workers and advocates who won’t stop until they make that system real.--Lown Institute

---