Use Technology to Improve Patient Adherence
We are also using new technology to educate not only present but also potential patients. For example, we encourage patients to use a mobile software application called HealthLoop. If you've had an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, for instance, you enter your postsurgical data into the program, and at the appropriate time, a prompt comes up saying, "Your range of motion should be 0-90°. Your wound should be closed. It's time to do these exercises. If you have problems, please let us know." Such reminders should improve adherence.
I'm optimistic that with a CEO and a physician in charge of healthcare reform, physicians will be empowered on behalf of their patients. But regardless of how the system changes, what really matters is what's best for our patients.
When I'm confronted with policy decisions and decisions about patients, I always put my hands close to my eyes and ask myself what's best for the patient. What do the kids with sprained ankles in Peoria, Illinois, truly need? What does a young fullback with a concussion truly need? If you can answer such questions as these, then you'll have the best plan.
If you take care of your patients, your patients will take care of you.
Medscape Orthopedics © 2016 WebMD, LLC
Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: A Pragmatic Approach to Healthcare Changes in 2017 - Medscape - Dec 22, 2016.
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