The annual Cayman Islands Healthcare Conference will take place from 26 to 28 October at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman under the theme Bridging the Gap Between Patient and Practitioner; Pathways to Optimal Health. As usual, attendees can expect relevant and compelling presentations and panels featuring both local and international healthcare professionals as well as exhibitors from healthcare related organisations and various charities. Organisers have also indicated that there are still a few speaker spots available for anyone who is interested in presenting on the theme.

Topics at this year’s conference will include evidence-based practice (EBP); collaborative care pathways; the transition between primary and secondary care; opportunities to expand (i.e., other professions undertaking clinical pathways); infrastructure, training and information sharing; personalised healthcare; wearable devices, the expansion into artificial intelligence (AI) and the expansion of telemedicine; and audits of clinical outcomes. 

“The Ministry of Health and Wellness understands the importance of hosting this conference annually, and we are grateful for yet another opportunity to bring this important information to professionals and lay persons alike,” Minister for Health and Wellness, Hon Sabrina Turner, MP said. 

This year’s topic is not only relevant, but also directly impacted by our Ministry’s data-driven approach to decision making.  Data is an essential tool to bridge gaps in knowledge, access, services and policies, all of which help to mitigate the gap between individual patients and their practitioners, the focus of this year’s conference.  It is all interconnected, and we are looking forward to seeing how presenters connect the dots so that everyone can benefit from this information,” she concluded.

“Once again, the annual Healthcare Conference will deliver timely and valuable information to this community that will positively impact our country’s collective health,” said Lizzette Yearwood, Co-Chair of the Conference Planning Committee and CEO of the Cayman Islands Health Services Authority. “The doctor-patient relationship dynamic is an important one that is always evolving because of the continuous development of new technologies and innovations in the healthcare sector; the increase in remote healthcare services such as telemedicine; and the rise in patients who are empowering themselves with information relating to their health and, in turn, demanding a more collaborative partnership with their providers. 

“Effective communication between patient and physician is the key to improved patient health outcomes. It is our hope that this conference will help both healthcare providers and patients better understand how to manage this vital bond and appreciate each other’s role and responsibility in the journey to improved health.” 

The Healthcare Conference continues to attract attendees and sponsors from various sectors of the community, including healthcare, small business enterprises, caregivers, human resources, insurance, fitness and wellness and the general public. Health City is the major sponsor of the event for the fifth year. 

“Health City’s team of experts has consistently delivered the highest level of health care in the region, employing research, technology, and clinical expertise to save thousands of lives. We share the Ministry’s commitment to exploring various interventions and taking necessary actions to significantly improve the quality of local healthcare and optimise patient outcomes,” said Shomari Scott, Health City’s Chief Business Officer. “Our sponsorship of the Cayman Islands Healthcare Conference facilitates gathering the most brilliant minds in the field, deepening the understanding of a range of health issues, and developing effective solutions to improve the well-being and quality of life for our future generations.”

Registration for the conference will open in September and is free to the public through the generosity of sponsors who help to cover the event costs. Continuing Medical Education (CME) certificates will be available for each presentation.

The 14^th annual Cayman Islands Healthcare Conference is sponsored by Health City Cayman Islands; Cayman Islands Health Services Authority; Ministry of Health & Wellness; Doctors Hospital/Integra; Kelly Holding Ltd.; Compass Media; Ironshore Pharmaceuticals Inc.; Infinite Mindcare; Aetna; Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute; KPMG; Healthy Futures Ltd.; The Wellness Centre; and Dana Farber Cancer Institute.