VISION

The HIT Lab's goals are grounded in the inequalities of current living conditions around the world. We believe that technological progress, fueled by dissatisfaction with present conditions, can help alleviate fundamental human inequalities, improving the quality of care to those who already receive it, and providing access where none may exist beforehand. To accomplish this, the HIT Lab balances a rigorous, scientific exploration of what is, with an ethical commitment to what should be.

The extreme level of inequality at which health care is dispensed around the world is a source of concern for our organization. Only a small fraction of the world's population has access to adequate treatment, and often it is those who need care the most that are denied access.

Facilitating access to care, of course, must be complemented with improved quality of care. Even those that do have access to the best treatment in the world are occasionally victims of misdiagnosis, maltreatment, and unintentional neglect. The practices of the most knowledgeable doctors can be easily impeded by clerical error, administrative restrictions, lack of funding, or any other number of barriers that constantly effect caregivers around the world. We believe that fully integrating technology into medical systems can improve communication and thus optimize care.

Prolonged conditions of poor health care take a toll on both individuals and nations. Developing countries that have to struggle to provide basic amenities are frequently burdened by natural disaster, or epidemic outbreaks of AIDS or malaria. International funds can sometimes provide momentary relief, but the development of sustainable infrastructures requires more than money.

The vision that HIT Lab is working towards is not utopian. We recognize that the struggle to provide more accessible, higher quality health care is an ongoing battle that requires unceasing dedication. We also, however, know that technology is capable of making massive contributions to this undertaking. Ultimately, our vision is of a world wherein the problems of today are history and the problems of tomorrow are being prevented. We hope to continue to play a significant role in realizing that dream.