At Nebraska Medicine, Raymond Leverages Specially Created Unit to Pilot Innovations Without Disrupting Operations

As Chief Innovation & Information Officer at Nebraska Medicine, Scott Raymond is driving a forward-thinking approach to healthcare technology and operational efficiency. Nebraska Medicine, a major academic medical center affiliated with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), serves as a hub for research, education, and clinical care. At the core of its strategy is a commitment to pragmatic innovation—one that prioritizes solving real-world challenges over adopting new technology for its own sake.

“Innovation is a novel approach to solving a problem—whether it’s combining existing technologies, eliminating inefficiencies, or introducing a new methodology,” Raymond said. “At Nebraska Medicine, we ensure every initiative is rooted in addressing a specific clinical or operational need.”

Rather than chasing assorted emerging technologies, the health system employs a structured, methodical approach to innovation. This mindset extends to its approach to clinical transformation, where Nebraska Medicine integrates innovative care models and technologies to enhance efficiency and improve patient outcomes. One example is IV pump integration, where Nebraska Medicine provided technical and project management support to ensure seamless implementation.

“We focus on structured collaboration—ensuring innovations developed at an academic center can be shared effectively and thoughtfully integrated into healthcare delivery,” Raymond said. “That way, we avoid unnecessary complexity while maximizing the benefits of innovation.”



Defining and Implementing Innovation in Health Systems

Healthcare innovation varies widely in definition, but Raymond emphasizes the importance of a focused approach. “Everyone wants to be innovative, but the definition varies,” he said. “Some think it means developing brand-new technologies, while others see it as improving existing processes. At Nebraska Medicine, we look at it as solving real-world problems in a way that enhances efficiency and patient care.”

“We first identify the problem we’re trying to solve. If an existing system can be optimized, we start there before looking externally for new solutions,” Raymond explained. “Too often, health systems bring in new tools that ultimately go unused because they don’t address a pressing need.”

Raymond also noted that not all innovation comes from within the health system. “A lot of vendors bring us ideas, and our own clinicians identify problems they’d like to solve. The challenge is managing those inputs in a way that aligns with our strategic goals rather than chasing every new piece of technology that comes our way.”

One example of Nebraska Medicine’s pragmatic approach is its work with eVideon, a company that provides advanced patient engagement tools. By leveraging eVideon’s Vibe Health Smart Room technology, Nebraska Medicine has enhanced the inpatient experience. “Patients can control their environment, communicate with their care teams, and even connect with family members remotely—all within a single, integrated system,” Raymond said. “This level of engagement improves both the patient experience and the efficiency of care delivery.”

The Innovation Design Unit: A Living Laboratory for Future Care

A cornerstone of Nebraska Medicine’s strategy is the Innovation Design Unit (IDU), a 17-bed facility designed to test and refine new care delivery models. The IDU serves as a bridge between theoretical research and real-world application, providing a space where frontline clinicians can trial new technologies in a controlled, live-patient environment.

“We hired staff who embrace change and see this as an opportunity to shape the future of healthcare,” Raymond said. “Rather than conducting pilots within operational units and disrupt...