Fast Lane – Episode 1: Why healthcare innovation stalls and what it takes to put it into practice

Written by: American Hospital Association • Created: Aug 05, 2026

The Fast Lane is a bimonthly conversation series from the West Health Accelerator at AHA’s Health Research & Educational Trust focused on helping hospitals and health systems move technology-enabled solutions from promising ideas into everyday practice. Each episode features field signals, real-world implementation lessons and practical discussion with leaders working to accelerate adoption.

Hospitals and health systems are not short on ideas or technology. They need clearer, more practical paths to implementation. In this Fast Lane episode, healthcare leaders share what it takes to move proven solutions into everyday practice, from aligning people and processes to building frontline trust and reducing workforce burden.

Signals From the Field

Chris DeRienzo, MD, Senior Vice President and Chief Physician Executive, AHA, and President, HRET, and Kristin Preihs, Vice President, HRET, explore what hospitals are learning on the ground about accelerating technology adoption.

Learn more about Ambient AI solutions

Adoption in Action with Real-World Results

Nicole Ayoub, MSN, RN, CENP, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of Care Transitions, AdventHealth Central Florida Division, and Mark Boucot, CEO, Garrett Regional Medical Center and Potomac Valley Hospital, WVU Medicine, share how strong clinician engagement, committed local leadership and a clearly defined community need enabled successful implementation of new technology.

Learn more about Virtual Care solutions

Join the movement

The future of care will be shaped by how quickly proven technologies are adopted and scaled. Join leaders across the country who are committed to translating innovation into reliable, systemwide improvement.

Join us