3 Things every tech-enabled senior-based healthcare organization should know
As our healthcare system constantly evolves to meet the demand for more convenient, and accessible care solutions, Guardiant Health has found that the use of tech-enabled services in the care of older adults can be better gauged and optimized when considering the three following “A’s”:
AWARENESS:
The understanding of all the communication options available, including the ability to transmit one’s health information accurately, and the awareness of how virtual solutions positively impact a patient’s everyday life.
Oftentimes, patients don’t fully comprehend how virtual solutions such as live video, biometric data transmission, apps, and tracking devices can provide essential knowledge to the care team such as understanding when issues might be emerging, aiding in prevention, and even eliminating the need for regular in-person visits.
ACUMEN:
The knowledge needed to apply digital and technological tools as essential parts of one’s care and understand their roles in one’s interactions with the care team.
Empowering patients in their care requires each patient to understand the specific technological solutions being used for their individual treatment. When patients understand how to apply these solutions and how effective they can be, they are less likely to revert to outdated care regimens that are more time- and resource-consuming. With proper training and education, senior patients can become tech-savvy and effectively implement solutions that make them feel empowered in their care.
ACCESSIBILITY:
A patient’s ability to access tech devices and services from a cost and usability standpoint.
Gauging the accessibility of tech devices and services requires individually assessing each patient and their specific capabilities. Taking into consideration that access to devices and the internet also has to be overcome with some patients’ additional cognitive and physical limitations.
Conclusion
Partnering with the patient that will be living with technological devices in advance is required for their understanding of how deploying technology can help them feel safer and more comfortable, and lead more empowered lives. Overall, assessing a patient’s or caregiver’s technological capabilities and understanding is essential to meeting them where they are in these areas of the three A's. As such, we find that with our senior and chronic care patients, our solutions must be adaptive, intuitive, affordable, and personalized to individual needs.
By keeping in mind the three A’s, health professionals and caregivers can better address the needs of their older patients and take full advantage of innovative care solutions.
