Connected Care
How can Connected Care be used in healthcare?
The connected care movement is afoot, and it’s poised to change healthcare as we know it. So what is connected care? Simply put, it’s the use of technology to connect patients, providers, and payers in a way that improves care coordination and leads to better outcomes.
There are a number of ways that connected care can be used in healthcare. One is through the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can help providers keep track of a patient’s medical history, medications, and allergies. They can also be used to share information with other providers, which can help to ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to a patient’s care.
Another way that connected care can be used in healthcare is through the use of telemedicine. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their providers remotely, using video conferencing, phone calls, or even text messages. This can be a great way to get care for minor issues without having to come into the office, and it can also be used to connect with specialists who may not be available in your area.
Finally, connected care can also be used to improve care coordination. Care coordination is the process of making sure that all of the different providers involved in a patient’s care are working together. This can be a challenge, but there are a number of different technology-based solutions that can help. For example, some providers are using care coordination software to keep track of referrals, appointments, and test results. This can help to make sure that everyone is on the same page and that nothing falls through the cracks.
The connected care movement is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to transform healthcare. By connecting patients, providers, and payers, we can improve care coordination and lead to better outcomes.
What is Connected Care?
The term “connected care” is used to describe a variety of different types of care that are connected, or coordinated, in some way. Connected care can involve different types of providers working together to coordinate care for a patient, or it can refer to the use of technology to connect patients with their care providers.
There are many different types of connected care, but some of the most common include:
1. Care coordination: This type of connected care involves different types of providers working together to coordinate care for a patient. This can include things like making sure that all of the patient’s providers are aware of their current medications and health status, and that appointments and tests are scheduled in a way that minimizes duplication and wasted time.
2. Patient portals: Patient portals are websites or apps that patients can use to access their health information and communicate with their care providers. Portal features can vary, but they often include the ability to view test results, schedule appointments, and message your care team.
3. Remote patient monitoring: Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is the use of technology to collect patient health data from a distance. This data can be used to track a patient’s health status and trends over time, and can be shared with the patient’s care team to help inform decision-making.
4. Telehealth: Telehealth is the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely. This can include things like video visits with providers, remote monitoring of patients, and the use of mobile apps to track health data.
5. mHealth: mHealth, or mobile health, is the use of mobile devices and apps to collect, track, and manage health data. This data can be used by patients to track their own health, or it can be shared with care providers to help inform decision-making.
There are many potential benefits of connected care, including improved coordination of care, increased access to care, and improved health outcomes. Connected care can also help to reduce healthcare costs by reducing duplication of services and unnecessary tests and procedures.
If you’re interested in learning more about connected care, there are a number of resources available, including the Connected Care Resource Center from the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC).
What are the benefits of Connected Care?
The benefits of Connected Care are many and varied, but all center around the idea of improved communication and collaboration between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. When everyone is on the same page, working together towards common goals, better health outcomes are the natural result.
Some of the specific benefits of Connected Care include:
• Increased patient engagement. When patients are more involved in their own care, they tend to be more compliant with treatment plans and more engaged in their overall health.
• Improved communication between patients and providers. When everyone is using the same platform to communicate, there are fewer misunderstandings and miscommunications.
• Greater transparency and accountability. When patients have access to their own health data, they can hold providers accountable for the quality of care they receive.
• Enhanced coordination of care. When all members of the care team are able to see the same information, it’s easier to coordinate care and avoid duplication of services.
• Reduced costs. When care is more efficient and effective, overall healthcare costs go down.
Connected Care is still in its early stages, but the potential benefits are already clear. As more and more healthcare organizations adopt this approach, the hope is that the positive impact on patient care will only continue to grow.