OCTOBER 20238In My OpinionWILL TECHNOLOGY SOLVE HEALTHCARE'S WOES? Jennifer Giusti, Vice President, Clinical Outcomes,WellStar Health SystemByIf you have wondered why data algorithms on your smart phone anticipate so many of your needs, but your hospital and doctor struggle to leverage technology in effective ways, you are not alone. Some might say there are too many variables in a human's body and behaviors, or constraints within the healthcare industry, to gain the same benefit other businesses have garnered from advanced technology. On the contrary, success is possible but depends on how well we develop the right technology, integrate it in a way clinicians can trust, and change outdated processes to leverage technology and deliver patient-centered care. Many devices and applications enable monitoring and data analysis with the promise to improve outcomes. At the individual patient level, this can mean smart watches, glasses, clothing, medical wearables, or biosensors to manage care using frequent data points under "every day" living conditions. It is reasonable to assume this ability to monitor will translate into more effective management of behaviors and medical intervention. For example, early identification of fluid overload via the use of smart scales and connected blood pressure cuffs should reduce a heart failure patient's need for hospitalization, while respecting her autonomy and preference to be cared for at home. However, the potential is only realized when the patient buys into the value of participating, and the care team adopts a 21st century approach to utilizing the data. When coordinated well, we can identify deterioration and offer the right care at the right time and in the most appropriate setting. This may require significant recruitment and enablement of patients and their care givers. It also requires healthcare to redesign how we operate, rather than making small incremental concessions to how we've always done things before these innovative technologies existed. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is most effective when matched with knowledgeable clinicians and integrated into an overall plan of care that matches a patient's health goals. Tech can allow us to monitor a diabetic person's status daily or even hourly, watching for early signs of acute distress. Trends overtime can predict long term outcomes such as organ failure. Hurdles to overcome include the diabetic patient who does not have internet, or highly values a food culture that does not align with controlled blood sugars. Barriers also include a healthcare delivery system hesitant to rethink traditional roles and redesign antiquated processes. These challenges are accentuated under the strain of post pandemic staffing shortages and outdated reimbursement models. In the best scenario, these challenges are overcome to pair pragmatic technology with innovative care delivery. Virtual visits with physicians, nurses, care coordinators, behavioral health specialists and others can enable timely & tailored intervention or health coaching. Offering options respects a patient's time and personal choice, shifting the expectation to travel distances and conform to "office hours". By leveraging the expertise of varied healthcare disciplines and expanding access to all hours and vast locations, disease prevention and chronic condition management becomes more tailored and manageable. Patients gain choice and convenience, while ED visits, hospitalizations and dire Jennifer Giusti
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