Using Technology to Support Patients with Complex Needs

At Health Technology Forum Innovation Conference http://www.healthtechnologyforum.com, titled “Platforms for the Underserved”, one of the panels discussed how technology can be utilized to serve and engage patients with complex needs.  Below are some highlights from the panel.

Introducing the panel, Suneel Ratan, CEO of Care Architecture and panel moderator, said, 90% of people over the age of 65, have a chronic condition; typically they have more than one chronic condition and are often lonely and depressed.  Further, lonely people are more likely to develop dementia.  According to Lisa Mangiante, Director of Pacific Business Group on Health, patients must be observed in their full context, which includes, decreasing independence, social isolation, loss of familial relationships, lack of social support, depression, and existence of serious mental illness.  Appropriate use of technology along with care managers, leads to lessening feelings of isolation and reduction in cost and hospital use, said, Mangiante.

Telehealth demonstration (Photo credit: CiscoANZ)

Dr. David Lindeman, Director of Center for Technology and Aging, agreed that “with appropriate use of technology, we can move the needle in complex patient care”.  Quoting the example of VA’s patient centered, team care model, Lindeman said, data driven, evidence based care, with whole person orientation, leads to improved communication, where patients become partners with the care team, for their health.  Dr. Douglas Trauner, Entrepreneur in Residence at Veterans Administration Center for Innovation, said, the VA TeleHealth has provided care to 500K patients, for 1.4 million episodes, across 44 clinical specialties, and supports 120K patients in their homes.  Innovative telehealth care model has led to reduced utilization of services, annual savings of about $2000 per patient, per year, and more engaged patients.  VA innovation center has funded over 130 innnovations.

Technology Making Quality Healthcare Accessible to Those Most in Need – HealthTech Forum Conference – April 19, 2013 – Preview

Access to quality healthcare across the world is not consistent and to many it is simply not available.  Many of these people live shorter and highly constrained lives.  In fact, unavailability of adequate health care is presumed to be the primary cause of premature deaths of 100 million women, reported missing, worldwide.  Statistics are equally staggering regarding higher mortality among infants and children, on account of lack of medical care.  This is true even in more developed countries.  Health Technology Forum Innovation Conference, www.HealthTechForum.com on April 19th, 2013 at UCSF, Mission Bay Conference Center, will explore innovations in healthcare technology that is making healthcare more accessible to those in need of quality care.  Here is a preview of some of some of the panels and speakers.

Social media is offering a whole new platform that is enabling communities and patients to be actively engaged in their own health.  The access to information makes the patients feel more empowered and knowledgeable.  However, participation on social platforms also raises HIPAA issues and other legal challenges.  Representatives from Bay Area’s prominent law firms will join in, on a panel, moderated by Renne Berry, Founder and CEO of goBeMoRe, about current issues relevant to digital media law and healthcare.

A panel moderated by Suneel Ratan, CEO and Founder of Care Architecture will explore the concept of using technology in caring for dual eligibles.  Plans often called “dual” or “dual eligible” are designed for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid at the same time. These plans include all Medicare Part A (hospital stay) and Part B (doctor visit) benefits and Part D prescription drug coverage. For people with limited incomes, these plans may offer better health care coverage than Original Medicare and a separate Part D plan.  Those who are dually eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid have a higher probability of complex chronic conditions, as well as mental health issues.  They have a higher probability of being institutionalized or are at a risk of being so.  They also account for a larger share of Medicare and Medicaid spending.  The panelists will discuss the role that “connected health” technology might play in healthcare programs for dual eligible individuals.  All such initiatives will need to begin with understanding the lifestyle, challenges, and characteristics of these individuals.  Additionally, the panel will discuss the recent successful model that has been pioneered by the VA and how it can be scaled.

I will be sharing information on other panels and excellent keynotes.  To register for the conference, go to www.healthtechnologyforum.com Early bird price is available if you register before tomorrow, March, 15.