Transforming healthcare with technology-enabled care

Transforming healthcare with technology-enabled care

by | Jun 17, 2020 | Blog

Connected health or technology-enabled care (TEC) is the collective term used for telecare, telehealth, telemedicine, mHealth, digital health, and eHealth services. TEC is now seen as a fundamental part of the solution to solve many healthcare challenges.

TEC helps people self-manage their health and wellbeing, alert healthcare professionals in case of any changes in an individual’s condition and support medication adherence.

It also helps clinicians and care providers deliver more efficient and cost-effective care.

Digital technology is advancing exponentially, and its cost is becoming more affordable. The need for more cost-effective healthcare is rising. Now more than ever, healthcare authorities need to adopt new technologies to help meet this demand.

Key trends

An aging population

The population is increasing, and people are living longer. These two factors, in addition to a rise in chronic conditions, present new healthcare challenges.

In the United States, population projection reports that older adults currently make up about 15% of the population, and by the year 2060 is estimated to amount to 23.5%.

There are similar numbers reported for Europe, where the group of 65-year old or older make up 19% of the population and is predicted to amount to 29% of the total population by the year 2080.

Use of mobile devices is increasing amongst all age groups

A 2019 report conducted by Provision Living, a senior living community in the U.S.,  revealed that on average, Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) and millennials (born between 1981 and 1995) spend on average, five hours a day on their smartphones.

Smartphone adoption among Americans:

  • Aged 50 to 59 is 86%
  • Aged 60 to 69 is 81%
  • Aged 70+ is 62%

Other market drivers

The demand for apps and wearable devices is also being driven by an increased focus on personalised care. Large pharmaceutical companies are now using apps and wearables to gather valuable health-related patient data, support their research, and provide an holistic service to patients.

In 2014, the leading pharmaceutical companies had an increase of 63 % in unique apps compared to 2013. In just one year, the total number of downloads of pharmaceutical apps increased by 197% as shown in Figure 1. These apps deliver education and training, can titrate medication and monitor compliance.

Figure 1. The number of apps published by leading pharmaceutical companies, 2013 and 2014.

There has also been an increase in online patient communities, using social media as a platform to exchange experiences with patients and carers.

Increasing patient trust in health apps

There is strong evidence that patients are now more than ever concerned about self-care, and they are interested in boosting their health and wellbeing. In addition to this, health technology companies are working to improve the quality of apps, increase user confidence and trust, and launch informed decision-making in app selection for health professionals, patients and the public.

Agencies like the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or NHS Choices and its NHS Health Apps Library have developed criteria that judge apps for safety and technical proficiency. For example, for apps to be included on the NHS Choices search website, which in early 2015 lists around 150 apps, they must be reviewed by a technical team (testing relevance, legal compliance and data protection), then by a clinical team (to test scientific rigour).

PatientView is an independent organisation that has developed a systematic method of appraising health apps. Until April 2015, there were 363 apps recommended for the Apple platform and 236 for Android, with smaller numbers recommended for use on other platforms.

In 2014, PatientView undertook a survey of 1,130 patient group members to identify what people want from health apps as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. What do patients and carers want from health apps?

References:

Connected Health: How Digital technology is transforming health and social care. Deloitte Health.

Forget Generational Stereotypes, Baby Boomers Are Just As Addicted To Smart Phones As Millennials. 

Older Adults Keep Pace on Tech Usage.

An Aging Population, Larger Chronic Disease Burden, and Reliance on Digital Self-Management Tools Require Contributions from Nurse Informaticians.

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mHealth tools can increase patient engagement

mHealth tools can increase patient engagement

by | Jun 10, 2020 | Blog, mHealth

There are now 318,000 mHealth apps available in the market, that number has nearly doubled since 2015 driven by increased smartphone adoption and ongoing heavy investment in the digital health market. The global mobile health (mHealth) app market was estimated at $28.5 billion dollars in 2018 and is expected to reach $102.35 billion dollars by 2023. Health-related mobile applications and technologies are often known as mHealth and manage patient experiences.

A survey conducted every year from 2017 to 2019 by Rock Health revealed that:

  • 44% of the respondents tracked a health indicator using a digital tool in 2019, an increase from only 33% in 2017
  • 56% of the respondents shared health tracking data with their physicians in 2019, in comparison to only 46% on 2017

This integration of patient-collected data into patient-provider discussions represents an opportunity to use mobile technology to increase patient engagement and patient empowerment.

The impact of digital tracking tools is the greatest when such tools drive a positive behavioural change, incentivising the user to change the habits that impact their health outcomes, such as in the case with mental illness. This is called a “trackable condition, ” a situation in which a person is diagnosed with a condition that improves by tracking and altering relevant behaviours such as sleep, exercise, mood and medication compliance.

Recent research conducted by McMaster University revealed that cognitive behavioural therapy that connected therapists and patients through such modes as web-based applications, video-conferencing, email and texting, improved patients’ symptoms better than face to face.

A different survey conducted by Technology Advice stated that patient engagement through mHealth tools is one of the defining trends in U.S. healthcare.

The survey disclosed that:

  • 80% of patients say that digital services play an important role when choosing a physician
  • 60% of patients feel it’s important for a physician to follow up with them after an appointment
  • 80% of all patients would like to view their results and diagnosis online

Not surprisingly, 60% of millennials support the use of telehealth and 71% would like for their doctor to use mobile applications. However, young people are not the only ones embracing this type of technology. A senior health and technology survey revealed that over 90% of seniors have a health improvement goal and want to use mHealth tools to achieve it.

In spite of this growing trend, many healthcare providers have not yet fully embraced this technology, even though it is very important for patient engagement, and it is now seen as a vital part of the solution to solve many healthcare challenges. MHealth tools can help people self-manage their health and well-being, alert healthcare professionals in case of any changes in an individual’s condition, and support medication adherence. This technology also helps care providers deliver more efficient and cost-effective care. Now more than ever, healthcare authorities need to adopt new technologies to help meet these challenges and to keep up with their patients’ demands.

MHealth technology is here to stay, and healthcare providers can reap the benefits and build a better relationship with their patients sooner rather than later if they take the time to learn more about the different solutions available out there. For example, a good way of selecting an mHealth solution provider is by taking into consideration a manufacturer’s technical and clinical evaluation studies, randomised clinical trials. It is also important to look out for quality stamps such as CE Mark, ISO certifications and medical device certifications.

The Monsenso solution is a clinically-validated, CE Class I Marked mHealth solution classified as a Medical Device, consisting of a smartphone app for patients and web portal for healthcare providers that is widely used in the prevention and treatment of common behavioural disorders such as depression and anxiety. It can also be configured to prevent and treat severe mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, PTSD and schizophrenia. It is currently being used by over 1,000 patients across the globe and is highly valued by patients and healthcare providers.

References:
Mobile Health (mHealth) App Market – Industry Trends, Opportunities and Forecasts to 2023
Rock Health Survey 2017-2019

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What Is the difference between a health app and an mhealth solution?

What Is the difference between a health app and an mhealth solution?

by | Jun 3, 2020 | Blog, mHealth

Over the past few years, mHealth solutions have begun to solve some of the problems that are ailing healthcare. MHealth is paving the way for better data management, doctor-patient communication, reduced hospital admissions, medication adherence, and remote patient monitoring. 

MHealth solutions are improving outcomes in measurable, repeatable ways by connecting patients with their doctors.

In 2017 mHealth captured $23 billion in revenues, with an estimated growth rate of 35% annually over the next several years.

What is the difference between a health app and an mHealth solution?

Health apps are application programmes that offer health-related services for smartphones, tablets, PCs, and other communication devices.

The most popular categories of health/wellness apps are: 

  • Sports and fitness activity tracking
  • Diet and nutrition
  • Weight loss coaching
  • Medication tracking
  • Sleep cycle
  • Stress and relaxation
  • Meditation
  • Menstrual period tracking
  • Pregnancy
  • Hospital selection and appointment tracking

Health apps can provide valuable information to users. However, it may be hard to determine the accuracy of the information provided and may not be easy to share this data with the user’s doctor.

MHealth or mobile health refers to the practice of medicine and public health supported by mobile devices such as mobile phones, tablets, personal digital assistants and wireless infrastructure. It encompasses all applications of telecommunications and multimedia technologies for the delivery of healthcare and health information.

Why is mHealth used?

  • Provides education and awareness
  • Assists with diagnostic and treatment support
  • Enables remote data collection
  • Facilitates remote monitoring
  • Enables telemedicine
  • Supports chronic disease management
  • Support medication compliance

Numerous mHealth initiatives across the world have demonstrated the efficacy of using mobile devices to deliver better care in a cost-effective manner.

Many mHealth solutions offer different types of information sharing, such as data collection through patient self-assessments, electronic questionnaires, and sensor data. They can also offer emergency action plans and an encrypted messaging system that allows direct communication with the clinic.

Besides, many mHealth solutions are considered certified medical devices that have a proven record of helping healthcare professionals in the monitoring and treatment of their patients.

Both, health apps and mHealth solutions can both be used on-the-go. However, the main difference is that health apps are for consumers-only and mHealth solutions improve the collaboration between patients and healthcare professionals.

References:

mHealth (Mobile Healthcare) Ecosystem Market: 2017-2030 – $23 Billion Opportunities, Challenges, Strategies & Forecasts.

Health apps definition.

What is mHealth?

 

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Monsenso updates quality management system with new 2016 revision of ISO 13485 & annual audit of ISO 27001

Monsenso updates quality management system with new 2016 revision of ISO 13485 & annual audit of ISO 27001

by | Sep 18, 2018 | News

ISO 13485 is an internationally agreed standard by ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) that sets out the requirements for a Quality Management System (QMS) specific to the medical devices industry. Monsenso mHealth solution first achieved DS/EN ISO 13485:2012 in July 11, 2016.

Developing our QMS is a continuous process. Recently, Monsenso has upgraded its QMS to the latest version of the standard EN ISO 13485 to the new revision: DS/EN ISO 13485:2016. Monsenso was audited by Bureau Veritas Certification Denmark A/S in June 2018 and found to be following the established procedures and the requirements of the standard DS/EN ISO 13485:2016.

So, what has Monsenso implemented in QMS to reflect the new standard and how does this affect users?

Quality management system with expanded risk management approach

According to the new version of the ISO standard, a risk based approach needs to be implemented in all the processes connected with the manufacturing of the medical device. This approach also include Monsenso’s suppliers.

In order to accommodate for this risk-based approach, Monsenso has implemented an extra layer of data security to our existing processes. This ensures that the evaluation / monitoring of our suppliers is proportionate to the risk associated with the purchased product. Monsenso’s critical suppliers are now placed on a risk level from I-IV, this ranking reflects the importance of the provided product relative to the medical device.

This implementation has helped to strengthen the control process of the suppliers, and helps to reduce risks that could potentially affect our customers and users of the product.

Closer to compliance with the requirements of the US market

Additionally, the new update of EN ISO 13845:2016 is in more alignment with US legislation and standards (FDA 21 CFR Part 820). Therefore, Monsenso is closer to meeting regulatory requirements of the FDA. FDA was a contributor to the new version and a lot of its regulation requirements are covered by this revision.

By upgrading their quality and security standards to become compliant with EN ISO 13845:2016, Monsenso has obtained an improved position to be aligned with worldwide requirements, including future compliance with FDA requirements on the US market.

Annual audit of ISO 27001 Information Security Management System

At the same time, Monsenso went through annual audition of ISO 27001. Compliance with this certification validates that Monsenso’s comprehensive information security practices protect its users and their information in accordance with internationally recognised standards.

The ISO 27001 standard ensures the secure management of customers’ information, intellectual property, and third party information by establishing methodologies and meeting key objectives for implementing information security.


Can mHealth technology be used to save costs ?

Can mHealth technology be used to save costs ?

by | Jan 10, 2017 | Blog, mHealth

According to an article published on Harvard Business Review, digital health tools have the potential to provide effective, low-cost ways to prevent and treat chronic illnesses. The article states that these technology-based solutions that have a clinical impact on disease are comparable to the effectiveness of a drug, and they use consumer-grade technology such as mobile devices and big data analytics that can be deployed in real-time and at scale, which is critical for the management of chronic diseases.

From the chronic diseases, mental illnesses account for five of the ten leading causes of disability worldwide [1]. Therefore, prevention as well as the the early identification and treatment of mental illness represents a high priority since it promotes recovery, independence, self-sufficiency, as well as facilitating social activities and employment opportunities [2].

In fact, in the UK alone, depression and anxiety accounted for 11.7 million lost working days last year [3].  Moreover, according to the American Medical Association, stress accounts for 60% of all human illness and disease [4], which means that clinically-tested health apps can help government authorities, corporations and insurance companies reduce their costs by monitoring individuals remotely and intervening at an early stage.

Nowadays, the majority of large employers that offer health benefits also offer a wellness programme in an effort to promote employee health and productivity as well as to reduce health-related costs.

We live in an era where certified and clinically-tested health apps, or mobile health solutions (as they are widely known), are readily available, or are being developed for most chronic diseases.

Most of these digital tools are extremely easy to use, and can be obtained by downloading an application from iOS or Google Play, signing-up, and sharing your information with a coach. The clear advantages of this technology are scalability and low-cost, since an effective health app bundled up with a telehealth can provide affordable support to either 50 or 5 million users.

The Monsenso mHealth solution can be used by insurance companies and large corporations to reduce costs by offering a preventive mental wellness programme. Individuals can use the Monsenso smartphone app to enter their daily levels of stress, anxiety, irritability, physical activity and number of hours they slept. This information is gathered and stored electronically so it can be accessed by a healthcare professional anytime, anywhere. However, the coach only needs to take action when the web portal indicates that certain individuals present any triggers or warning signs. For example, the coach will be notified when anyone in the system indicates a high level of stress, anxiety and irritability for more than five consecutive days or when someone sleeps less than six hours for more than three consecutive days. These two actions would be considered indicators that the individual needs to be contacted for a “wellness check” and implement the necessary measures to prevent the person from going on stress-leave or from becoming affected by other physical conditions such as heart disease.

References:

[1] Prevention of Mental Disorders. Effective Interventions and policy options. World Health Organisation in collaboration with the Prevention Research Centre of the Universities of Nimegen and Maastricht. http://www.who.int/mental_health/evidence/en/prevention_of_mental_disorders_sr.pdf

[2] Early intervention and recovery for young people with early psychosis: consensus statement. J. Bertolote and P. McGorry. British Journal of Psychiatry (2005). http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/bjprcpsych/187/48/s116.full.pdf

[3] Stress in the City: ‘At first, I thought my depression was a heart attack’. The Telegraph. Peter Stanford. (2017, January 7)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/health/stress-city-first-thought-depression-heart-attack/

[4] How Stress Affects the Body (INFOGRAPHIC). Huffington Post. (2013, January 10)
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/heartmath-llc/how-stress-affects-the-body_b_2422522.html

Simple Digital Technologies Can Reduce Health Care Costs. Harvard Business Review. Alexander L. Fogel, Joseph C. Kvedar. (2016, November 14).
https://hbr.org/2016/11/simple-digital-technologies-can-reduce-health-care-costs