HIMSS26

AI-driven tools such as Cherish's device allow aging patients and those with cognitive decline to remain in their homes with ambient monitoring that requires no wearables or apps, says Sumit Nagpal, Cherish CEO and founder.

According to CMS' Amy Gleason, the agency is inspiring innovation by offering vendors the opportunity to develop secure, CARIN code-certified patient-facing apps. These apps will be made available via the Medicare.gov website.

Across interviews at HIMSS26, attendees recommend comfortable shoes, as well as advising first-timers to talk to everyone, build connections and explore new technology that can solve healthcare's top challenges.

Proactive monitoring via wearables and at-home care can keep patients healthier longer, reducing inpatient stays and strengthening health outcomes by detecting anomalies earlier, explains Hal Wolf, HIMSS president and CEO.

2026 Senior Executive Changemaker Awardee Kassaundra McKnight-Young says vendors must work closely with clinicians to develop reliable tools that streamline workflows and that help care teams improve patient outcomes.

Because AI technology is moving so quickly and governments are still figuring out how to respond to it, Robert Herjavec of ABC's "Shark Tank" predicts that regulating its use will present a challenge for the next 5 to 10 years.

During HIMSS26, Guido Giunti, chief data officer at St. James's Hospital Dublin, said hospitals' AI investments will succeed if paired with workforce-focused initiatives.

At HIMSS26, panelists said the OR is a "black box" evolving into a connected ecosystem, with surgical video and procedural data providing new ways to prevent complications.

During the HIMSS26 closing keynote, actor Jeremy Renner reflected on his recovery and the need for better care coordination and communication in healthcare.

Traditional mental health intake often means long waits. Vincci Tang and Dr. Phil Klassen of the Davies Award-winning Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences discuss how AI-assisted triage can guide patients to the appropriate care faster.