A View From the Consumer: Progressing Through the Current System. Can We Use Technology to Improve the Consumer's Experience?

Advocate

Abstract: As a mother of twelve-week premature twins, one of which now has special needs, I have learned to navigate and advocate within the web of insurance, pharma, doctors, government services and agencies. Advocating for yourself and your family in the current system can become a full-time job. Premiums for healthcare, costs of provider visits and prescription price points keep increasing, as the requirements to receive coverage, medications, and services become more strict. It is evident that many parents do not have the emotional reserves to keep advocating for their children and managing their circumstances.

In theory, the proliferation and advancement of mobile technology should both enhance and strengthen the connection between providers, insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies and the consumers that use them and need them.

While advancements in technology have provided for better operations and systems on the business side, it seems that the same advancements have not been made on the consumer side. Instead of improving quality of care, technology can become a crutch that causes inconveniences, on-going frustrations, and even life-threatening events.

My passion is to inspire a grassroots effort that will encourage developers, providers, and payors to include the consumer perspective when creating new economic models. Ideally, these models would take advantage of technological advancements to develop new products and market strategies that can break down the barriers in the market, create new ecosystems, and provide quality services at an affordable cost. Ultimately, we have an opportunity to move from a dehumanized system to a system that bridges social dignity and compassionate care.

Implementing mHealth Solutions Across the Healthcare Ecosystem

Andago

Abstract: The promise of mHealth has been touted for over a decade, yet the adoption has been painfully slow.

There are three key challenges that must be overcome to speed the adoption of mHealth systems. The first is technical - myriad operating systems, phone models, capabilities and carrier requirements. Finally, the systems have tended to be stand-alone programs that worked alongside but were not integrated with other care delivery platforms. The second is the technical capacity (or lack thereof) of the users. Historically, mHealth systems have been designed to address the needs of individuals with one or more chronic conditions, which is disproportionately the elderly.

This presentation will focus on how integrated mHealth technologies can be deployed within the healthcare ecosystem (in the US and elsewhere), what these technologies might look like, and where they might be best deployed.

Telemedicine, Mobile Devices, and the Story of LISA MDs

Care Technology LLC

Abstract: Telemedicine has created a new dimension for healthcare delivery. The use of mobile devices in telemedicine profoundly changes our approach to providing care at home, in public, and at medical care facilities. Wearable, medical devices, that can be embedded into our clothing are nonintrusive; the user can be comfortable wearing such devices, while receiving real-time healthcare intervention; now, a user’s vital signs can be monitored anywhere, around the clock. Such technology offers patients much more freedom and choice in how they may receive medical services, enhancing a patient’s lifestyle, social activities, and comfort. More than ever before, possibilities abound that offer people opportunities to receive safe care at home. Home care offers patients a number of benefits; one such benefit is a minimized risk of hospital acquired infections, which cause 100,000 deaths and cost over $5Bn annually in the U.S.

Mobile health devices demand a different set of design rules and approaches. They must be smaller, lighter, easier to use, and able to communicate bidirectionally with a mobile call center. Device sensors must have different form factors. Protocols must be put in place for real-time medical intervention, so as to alert patients when they are in any danger, or their body functions deviate from the norm.

The LISA MDs’ design story provides a glimpse into an evolutionary, innovative approach to meet these challenges.

Text in the City' - a Text Messaging Program to Educate and Inform Adolescents.

Assistant Professor at Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center

Abstract: PURPOSE: Adolescence is a complex time with multiple issues to address. 'Text in the City' is a text messaging service established to address additional questions youth may have, allowing them to feel a closer connection with their 'health home'. We address the feasibility of instituting such a program, the use of the service & what types of questions are being asked; highlighting the gaps in patient knowledge and so informing health care Providers how they can manage patients more successfully during a clinic visit. METHOD: MSAHC partnered with a mobile marketing company, to create an SMS on-line platform. 'Text in the City' provides 3 functions: 1. 'Chat' - allowing patients to send in a question & have it answered by a Provider. 2. 'Healthbyte' - patients can opt in for a snippet of health education weekly. 3. 'Birth Control reminders' - patients can opt in for reminders. Questions sent via text come to a password protected on-line platform. At 6 months we analyzed the number and topic of questions, numbers opting for 'healthbytes' and opting for birth control reminders and overall the number of unique users. We carried out a 'text message survey' assessing demographics of users, frequency of use & how helpful the information given is. RESULTS: At the 6 month evaluation there were 291 unique users of the service. 493 questions were sent to the 'chat' function. 72 patients opted for 'Healthbytes' and 49 patients requested birth control reminders. The majority of the 'chat' questions (30%) were concerning birth control; over 40% of these questions being about proper use of a method. The 2nd most common 'chat' subject was STIs, 35% of these questions concerning correct treatment & treatment counseling. The text message survey had a 7.5% response rate. 70% found the service extremely useful & extremely easy to use. 36% had used the service more than 6 times. CONCLUSION: 'Text in the City' has proved to be a well used and feasible service; the 'Chat' function being the most popular, with most users sending in more than one question. Analysis of the 'chat' messages has shown that many patients have questions regarding correct use of a birth control method. As teenage pregnancies are often the result of failed birth control methods, these results suggest that Text in the City is an invaluable resource.

mHealth and Mobile Computing Technology - a Prescription for America's Healthcare System

Co-owner and Managing Member at Reflection Solutions, LLC.

Abstract: Reflection co-founder and owner, David Kovach, started with a vision of extending meaningful healthcare to anyone, anywhere, by integrating modern technology advances and wireless healthcare devices into commercially available product solutions, readily available across the Globe for healthcare providers and patients alike. Working collaboratively with healthcare device-makers and network carriers to wirelessly link these healthcare devices with mobile computing devices, this vision became reality in 2010 when Sprint and Reflection launched their co-marketed wireless telehealth solution, called 'Reflection, powered by AFrame Digital.' The solution integrates a wireless telehealth device designed to be worn and function like a wristwatch, while remotely monitoring a patient's health and activity. The solution works in conjunction with the caregivers' mobile phones and PDAs, so they remain in touch and will be alerted even when they are on-the-go. With the success of this product launch, Sprint conferred 'Partner' status upon Reflection at Sprint's newly launched M2M Collaboration Center, offering a hand-selected group of technology companies a state-of-the art engineering laboratory, where they will work collaboratively to incubate and launch next-generation product innovations; and where Reflection is already engaged in developing collaborative solutions to further extend meaningful healthcare. For more on the Sprint M2M Collaboration Center and its exclusive list of technology companies, including Reflection, please see: http://m2m.sprint.com/engage-with-us/sprint-m2m-collaboration-center-.aspx; http://newsroom.sprint.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=1700

ePatient Mobile Health Education Media Strategies to Achieve Health Care Quality of Life

President of Fortech International Ltd

Abstract: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act (known together as the Affordable Care Act 2010) mandate the creation of the National Prevention, Health Promotion and Public Health Council (Council) and the development of the National Prevention and Health Promotion Strategy (Strategy), Furthermore The Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion prior to Act, put together National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy in meeting literacy objectives and describes what is required to create and sustain a health literate Nation.Clearly the national focus is patient education that meets the mission: 1) Providing health and safety education, unbiased, up-to-date, and accessible to the population. 2) Assisting organizations and providers that provide health and safety information to meet their needs through cost-effective and evidence-based health informatics solutions.3) Integrating multi-media solutions that meet the mission critical needs of patients from prevention to health promotion and treatment that results in affordable quality of life.

This presentation will highlight enhanced mobile–health patient media education tools, techniques and strategies present and future as well as barriers that needs to be overcome if health provider and patient information can achieve a healthy society.

Bridging The Gap Between Healthcare and the Fitness Industry In A Mobile World, To Battle Obesity

Founder of Absolute Fitness & Weight Management PLLC

Abstract: As the number of individuals that fall outside the definition of 'healthy population' continues to rise, Fitness and Medical professionals must recognize and annotate the contributing factors driving this credence. While some factors dispense more impact than others, obesity might be designated as one of the forerunners relative to our time, this 21st century. To comprehend the magnitude of these consequences, we have to consider each as an individual case and how it relates back to obesity, without relating obesity to a cause first. By eliminating the causes as predominate, we give the control back to the individual, thereby empowering self- awareness and responsibility (or ownership) for the effect. Fitness and Health industries must join forces in a genderless marriage, and focus on abandoning 'strength' as an indicator of fitness and 'health' as a limitation to fitness, respectively. Effects of obesity may be the one commonality the draws upon both industries for results, therefore exemplifying the need for unity in the resolve. It is with this premise that the fitness professional plays an important role in healthcare management, providing to both preventative and rehabilitation services. The following content will be presented: World Health Organization indicates 1.6 billion people over the age of 15 years are overweight, and 400 of those are obese. (source: ACE Advanced Fitness Specialist Manual pg 219; 2009) Effects of Obesity (source: ACSM 2006) Known causes of obesity detached from the effects of, to empower total ownership. The one known cause of obesity that educates self-awareness and endorses freedom of choice. How Health Care integrates with the Fitness industry, and its effect on the economy. Balancing just one 'Equation' may be all that is required to prevent the onset and/or reverse the ill effects of obesity. Long gone are the days of the Iron Man Gym. Conclusion: Narrowing the margin between health care, fitness and total well being for all populations.

Mobile Health Can Help Take Some Weight Off Your Shoulders

President, CEO & Founder at Tactio Software

Abstract: Weight is a new, recognized and widely spread healthcare issue, also a social cost and behavioural paradigm where the cure is not obvious given our society, its current healthcare system and profit driven economy. As we are moving heavily into the information age, the service driven era and the brain focused future, the obesity problem inflates. In his presentation, Michel Nadeau, CEO and Founder of Tactio Software, will share his latest research findings on mobile health systems and how the mobility aspect of the technology can provide a new solution to the lifestyle changes that are commanded by the obesity issues for millions of people.