Srinivas Vivek, Co- Founder, Resolute explains about the digital first strategies that are shaping the future of healthcare
The pandemic had strained our healthcare ecosystem to the limits. The silver lining is that both provider and patient adoption of virtual care accelerated during these times. It had dramatically improved the access for many of us along with the added convenience and safety of home. It is inevitable that virtual care will become the front door for healthcare ecosystem. The care location and model are getting shifted to anywhere and anytime.
Most part of the patient journey can now be digital including triaging, consultation, self-care treatments and also health monitoring. Smart technology combined with a great care delivery team can make this transition possible for the new settings of care including home, workplace, communities etc.
We will explore few digital first strategies that are shaping the future of care
Care bots:
During the peak of pandemic, clinically validated bots are deployed by hospitals, central and local governments across the world. Consumers adopted it for checking symptoms, triaging and also connecting to schedule diagnostics and doctor consults. This strategy has really reduced the load on front desk staff and clinical resources which includes nurses and doctors. It created instant access when the COVID infected cases are at peak. Also the patients who needed immediate care was elevated for the attention of the care team.
Remote health monitoring:
This is a digital first strategy which has the potential to dramatically improve health outcomes as well as shape the future of care. Remote health monitoring has really taken off for condition management including diabetes, hypertension and cardiac care. During the pandemic, remote health monitoring is used for COVID care at home for mild and moderate cases. Remote health monitoring technologies are being deployed for post operative and discharge care. This strategy can really shift the care from hospital to home for low acuity conditions.
Mental health tools:
The COVID-19 pandemic has bolstered the demand for virtual mental health tools. Hybrid approach which includes self-help digital tools along with practitioners has increased access of care. This approach is going to stay for the years to come as a predominant approach to mental health. Digital tools have a great adoption rate due to inherent privacy, instant access and personalisation.
The future of digital-first care:
There are full stack solutions being developed for different condition and disease areas which are digital first. These solutions have the potential to achieve personalised care and at scale. Some of the exciting developments are in the area of sexual health, post operative care, rehabilitation etc. These solutions also bend the traditional cost curve and provide access to millions. The future is really exciting for digital first care.
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