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April 15, 2019 Experts Corner

Key lessons from the digital-health revolution

By Stephen Farrell

The promise of the digital-health revolution is tantalizing: A multitude of connected devices providing personalized feedback to help people improve their health.

Yet, some recent studies have called into question the effectiveness of these resources.

While still evolving, many compelling use-cases are starting to emerge for digital health, including a set of best practices that can help guide the maturation of this emerging field.

In the near future, many people may gain access to individual health records, a modern medical record that curates information from multiple sources, including electronic health records, pharmacies and medical claims, to help support physicians in care delivery through data sharing and evidence-based guidelines.

As these advances become a reality, here are several digital-health strategies consumers, employers and healthcare innovators in New England should consider:   

Micro-behavior change: Part of the power of digital health is the ability to provide people with actionable information about their health status and behavior patterns.

As part of that, some of the most successful digital-health programs are demonstrating an ability to encourage daily “micro-behavior change” that, over time, may contribute to improved health outcomes and lower costs.

For instance, wearable device walking programs can remind people to move consistently throughout the day, while offering objective metrics showcasing actual activity patterns and, ideally, reinforcing positive habits to support sustained change. Technology that encourages seemingly small healthy habits — each day — can eventually translate to meaningful improvements.

Clinical interventions: Big data is a buzzword often associated with digital health, but the use of analytics and technology is only meaningful as part of a holistic approach to care.

Through programs that incorporate clinical intervention and support by care providers, the true value of digital health can be unlocked to help make meaningful differences in people's well-being.

For instance, new programs are featuring connected asthma inhalers that use wirelessly enabled sensors to track adherence rates, including frequency and dosage, and relay that information to healthcare professionals.

Armed with this tangible data, care providers can counsel patients more effectively on following recommended treatments. Rather than simply giving consumers the latest technologies and sending them along, these innovations can be most effective when integrated with a holistic care plan.  

Real-time information: One key advantage of digital resources, such as apps or websites, is the ability to provide real-time information, both to consumers and healthcare professionals.

This can help improve how physicians treat people, enabling more customized recommendations based on personal health histories and a patient's specific health plan.

For instance, new apps are enabling physicians to know which medications are covered by a person's health plan and recommend lower-cost alternatives (if available) before the patient actually leaves the office. The ability to access real-time information — and act on it — can be crucial in the effort to use technology to empower healthcare providers and patients.

Financial incentives: Nearly everyone wants to be healthy, but sometimes people need a nudge to take that first step toward wellness.

To help drive that engagement, the use of financial incentives is becoming more widespread by employers and health plans, with targeted and structured rewards proving most effective.

From using mobile apps and comparison shopping for healthcare services to encouraging expectant women to use a website to follow recommended prenatal and post-partum appointments, financial incentives can range from nominal amounts (such as gift cards) to hundreds of dollars per year.

Coupling digital-health resources with financial rewards can be an important step in getting — and keeping — people engaged.

The digital-health market will continue to grow, with some studies estimating that the industry will exceed $379 billion by 2024. To make the most of these resources, healthcare innovators will be well served to take note of these initial concepts.

Stephen Farrell is the CEO of UnitedHealthcare of New England.

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