In the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, technology is pivotal in empowering patients along their health journey. From digital platforms to wearable devices, these diverse tools have the potential to revolutionise patient care and enhance the overall healthcare experience.
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At the Florida International Medical Expo taking place this week, from June 21 to 23, in Miami, Florida, Dr. Garth Graham, Director and Global Head of Healthcare and Public Health at Google/YouTube will shed light on how technology is used to help patients along their health journey. “We need to think about how we view information as a driver for healthcare and how technology can be leveraged as a tool in giving patients health information to help improve their health outcomes and for better clinical decision making,” he says in an exclusive interview with Omnia Health.
Mapping out the patient journey
When considering a patient's journey, it becomes apparent that their interaction with a clinician typically spans just a few minutes or a few hours within a healthcare setting. However, the majority of their time is spent engaging with information outside of that specific context. They make important health decisions from this vast array of information. “In this context, we can explore the various tools available to patients, such as information resources, online platforms, artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies, and other components. These tools serve as means to provide patients with information that can assist them in making informed decisions about their own health. As individuals involved in healthcare technology, it is crucial for us to understand and navigate the patient journey, comprehending how patients use health information. By leveraging this knowledge, we can effectively guide and support their decision-making process in healthcare,” he emphasises.
Technology as a tool
Dr. Graham also spoke about how perceiving technology as a positive force and a valuable tool for patients is essential. “The reality is that all of us already incorporate these tools into our healthcare journeys. The critical question arises: How can we develop these tools to be engaging, evidence-based, and user-friendly for patients?”
In healthcare organisations, it is crucial to view empowering patients as achieving both individual health outcomes and meeting broader population health goals. By taking patients along their healthcare journey, organisations can contribute to making communities healthier.
“For healthcare organisations, including large health systems and other entities within the healthcare ecosystem, these tools should be seen as valuable resources in our efforts to improve patients' health. Like diagnostic tests or interventions, these tools serve as different interventions along the patient journey, guiding them towards improved health outcomes,” says Dr. Graham.
By incorporating these tools into strategies, healthcare organisations can leverage them as powerful arrows in their arsenal. Just as each arrow serves a specific purpose, these tools are essential components in the quest to enhance patients' well-being and contribute to the overall health of communities.
“It is essential for us to meet patients and consumers where they are, becoming a part of their world rather than expecting them to adapt to ours. When considering the tools available to us in technology, we must focus on integrating ourselves into the patient journey and driving positive mental health outcomes,” he explains.
Solutions to create accessibility
To be an integral part of the patient journey, solutions need to be developed that align with patients' needs, preferences, and behaviours. These tools should be accessible, user-friendly, and patient-centric, empowering individuals to take control of their mental health.
Creating a collaborative and supportive environment where patients feel empowered and connected is necessary. Engaging with patients on their terms allows them to drive meaningful and impactful mental health outcomes, positively influencing their overall well-being.
“We must think through the patient journey and how technology access and engagement help to drive patients to make the best next decision. That's really what we should be involved in. How do we help patients make the best next decision for them individually? And how do we ensure we can do that on a population level scale?” concludes Dr. Graham.
Dr. Garth Graham will be speaking live at FIME on Wednesday, 21 June 2023, at the Transformation Talks
In-person dates: June 21 to 23, Online: June 7 to July 7, Venue: Miami Beach Convention Center. For more information and the latest updates, visit www.fimeshow.com
