FIVE TAKEAWAYS
COLLABORATING TO IMPROVE HEALTH BEYOND THE HOSPITAL
After investing considerable effort managing throughput, many health systems have created a more coordinated inpatient experience. But as hard as it is to create a harmonious environment within a hospital’s walls, unifying patient care outside those walls is exponentially more difficult.
During a January 24th webinar, experts from Philips and NewYork-Presbyterian discussed how telehealth can support hospitals and enable a strong population health strategy. The entire webinar can be accessed at modernhealthcare.com/HealthBeyondHospital.
Leading telehealth providers are leveraging technology to improve existing care processes
While virtual visits and second opinions are an important part of NYP OnDemand, telehealth also plays a critical role in improving care for NewYorkPresbyterian patients who present in person. Mobile Stroke Unit ambulances equipped with telehealth and imaging equipment have allowed patients to be treated under the supervision of a neurologist before they even get to the hospital, saving time and brain cells. In the ED, the system now offers low acuity patients a video visit on-site right away rather than waiting to be assigned a bed, which helps clinicians prioritize patients and more quickly and effectively deliver care.
Providers should make use of data generated in virtual visits
Telehealth visits generate a massive amount of data that providers can analyze to better understand their patient population. By analyzing claims and clinical data, providers can gain information on medication adherence, comorbid conditions and other key touchpoints that can help them organize their patients into appropriate cohorts. Equipped with this information, providers will be better able to identify care gaps and design more effective care pathways.
Telehealth technology has come a long way, but dedicated people remain at the core of a strong telehealth strategy
Equipment, infrastructure and broadband have improved to enable a more advanced telehealth experience, but to effectively adopt a strong telehealth strategy, providers must focus on their people, enabling them with a clear strategy that provides training and processes for success. In the smartphone era, providers need to think about how they embrace the future and change their processes to adapt to new technologies.
While physical expansion can be arduous, telehealth allows for scale at an exponential rate
The NYP OnDemand telehealth program started in 2016, finishing the year with about 1,000 visits and completing 10,000 visits in 2017. In 2018, the system completed 125,000 visits, and this year leaders expect between 500,000 and 1 million visits. NYP OnDemand has allowed the system to quickly add new services and perform thousands of visits a day throughout the country and even the world.
A strong remote patient monitoring program supports major population health initiatives
By allowing for continuous monitoring of vital signs, remote patient monitoring programs can help health systems tackle major population health priorities and ensure positive outcomes once patients return home. Working with Philips, NewYork-Presbyterian is offering an extra level of monitoring to high-risk patients, first focusing on heart failure, COPD and maternal care. The NYP platform not only allows for vitals monitoring, but also allows for direct video visits with providers.