How do you use technology to transform the hospital bedside? This is a major question for hospitals and health systems that four systems have mastered, according to UC San Diego.
1. New Orleans-based Ochsner Health System has deployed a digital medicine program that combines patient-reported blood pressure data, clinical data and coaching to treat patients with hypertension. Patient medication adherence has improved 14 percent, and 79 percent of patients have seen greater blood pressure control. Using the program, the health system has reduced clinic visits by 29 percent.
2. Sacramento, Calif.-based Sutter Health providers is using its patient portal to allow patients to self-manage their diabetes. With the program, patients with uncontrolled diabetes have significantly reduced their hemoglobin A1c levels within six months.
3. Standford (Calif.) Health Care has focused on helping cancer patients manage stress. Patients are surveyed before visiting the clinic, with 40 percent reporting distress. Providers have been able to refer more than 6,000 patients to psychotherapy, nutrition and other services to help with their treatment.
4. UC San Diego installed Apple tablets in every patient room in 2016. The iPads allow patients to control their room temperature, lighting and entertainment options while giving them access to personal medical information. Patients also can look up photographs and biographies of their care team through the tablets.
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