DECEMBER 20238In My OpinionTECHNOLOGY PLAYS A PROMISING ROLE IN LEVERAGING PATIENT REPORTED OUTCOMESJennifer Glusti, System Vice President of Clinical Outcomes, Wellstar Health SystemByI recently struck up a conversation with Sophie at my local Farmers Market. When she learned about my professional background, she chatted about her health. I estimated her to be in her 70s. Despite using a cane, she seemed in generally good health, judging by her appearance and armful of fresh veggies. But as we talked, Sophie expressed a disconnect between her perception of her health and that of her doctor: "I've tried to explain how sick I feel, but my doctor says my tests look fine," "The medications he has me on make me so tired," and "I'm worried I won't be able to take the trip to see my grandchildren this summer." As our conversation continued, I saw that Sophie was frustrated and eager for someone to listen to the health goals, that were of most concern to her and her clinicians may be missing vital information predictive of her health outcomes for the next year. In the medical profession, we traditionally judge an individual's health based on physical examinations, laboratory results, and radiologic diagnostics. We prescribe treatments based on what scientific evidence tells us about outcomes, like mortality rates. We measure a diabetic's management in terms of A1C levels. A surgery patient's recovery is judged on surviving the surgery, and the absence of hospital-acquired infections. It is less common to consider an individual's health in a broader and holistic context. How do the side effects of the diabetic's medication impact their energy and ability to participate in daily Jennifer Giusti
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