Patient Engagement

Dr. Afzal Chaudhry, CCIO of Cambridge University Hospitals Trust, says the new government strategy document is pivotal in changing the balance of healthcare by focusing on patient engagement and open standards and ensuring greater data transparency.

Wellth’s apps employ various behavioral economics strategies to engage patients and help them achieve optimal outcomes, says Neha Gavai, head of business development.

Charlotte Yeh, chief medical officer at AARP, discusses the assets of age and which technologies could help address isolation and loneliness.

The companies will use Azure to expand and develop new platforms and networks for digital health, care management and patient engagement – and compete against companies such as Amazon.

A new app unveiled in Adelaide promises to significantly improve the assessment and subsequent treatment of scars by giving clinicians access to a huge range of reference resources. The app, ClinMAPS PRO, was developed by AusHealth and the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) Burns Unit. The app houses data based on a traditional scar reference book called MAPS, widely used in hospitals around Australia, giving the user instant assessment of how active the scar is and clear photographic references that clinicians can use when assessing scar progress. The original MAPS reference book was developed in 2005 by Margot Masters and Margaret McMahon, who were therapists working with burn patients at the RAH. But while revolutionary at the time, AusHealth CEO Greg Johansen said that its useability is now limited by requirements for paper and manual assessment forms, which is why ClinMAPS PRO was created. “ClinMAPS is a great example of the outstanding talent we have in developing digital healthcare here in South Australia and we believe it will be a great asset to help all serious burns patients and their clinicians identify appropriate treatments for healing,” he said. The app is expected to initially be used by the RAH and its various clinics before being rolled out to other healthcare organisations nationally and internationally. “The app includes improved and updated photos superior to the original tool that was used, further assisting researchers who examine the effects of different scar treatments. It will be a great asset to help all serious burns patients and their clinicians to identify appropriate treatments for healing,” Johansen added. [Read more: New app for the blind uses 3D audio to help them create a mental map of their surroundings | St John WA offers virtual reality for emergency training] In addition to the MAPS scar assessment, the app also includes the Modified Vancouver Scar Scale, another common scar assessment, aimed at improving usability and variety. AusHealth has also negotiated the addition of the Japan Scar Workshop’s scale (called the Japan Scar Scale) to include another kind of scar assessment measure to a planned second version of the app.

HIMSS and the Cleveland Clinic are now accepting speaking proposals for the 10th annual Empathy & Innovation Summit, the world’s largest, independent conference devoted to improving the patient experience. This year the clinic is partnering with HIMSS to explore more deeply how healthcare is extending empathy into an increasingly digital environment. The deadline to submit a presentation proposal is 5 p.m. EST on January 25. Priority is given to peer-to-peer, experiential learning and case studies from healthcare payer and provider organizations. The summit will take place in Cleveland on May 13-15. As the Empathy & Innovation Summit moves into its 10th year, the Cleveland Clinic and HIMSS are proud to announce an exciting new partnership around this annual event. This year’s theme, "Looking Back, Leaping Forward," will explore the evolution of the patient experience movement, examining how major influencers from the past decade will incite big innovations in the future of care. The 10th anniversary sets the stage for the new partnership and offers a valuable opportunity to enhance the focus on technology and more deeply explore how healthcare is extending empathy in an increasingly digital environment.   In addition to the main conference on May 14-15, HIMSS will present two preconference symposium on May 13. One will address the consumerism of healthcare; the other will explore “smarter care” or to how to maximize your existing technology more effectively to provide a better experience to underserved and high-risk populations.   Click here for more information and to submit a proposal for the main conference and the pre-conference symposiums.

While accountable care may be shifting some spending priorities, too few health systems of any type are thinking enough about how future changes will decide their IT needs, says Deloitte.

AAPTIV's digital health service is keeping people moving with instruction, guidance and music all mixed together, says CEO Ethan Agarwal.

Livongo is using machine learning to offer patients chronic condition care options that they’re likely to choose because of personalization and relevance, says Chief Product Officer Amar Kendale.

Everything from AI to wearables and voice tech will be on display for hands-on interactions and live demonstrations.