Speaking to a crowd of patients, health care providers and technologists at Health 2.0, Moore Foundation president, Harvey V. Fineberg, M.D., Ph.D., discussed the need for “serious solutions for serious illness.” Recognizing the obvious and important role technology can play in health care, Dr. Fineberg reminded the audience that any technology must be designed with the user in mind and that the patient always comes first. He cautioned the group that one fundamental driver often overlooked are demographic and epidemiologic trends.
The foundation, through its Patient Care Program, looks to improve the experience and outcomes of patient care, and is currently exploring how best to do this for the millions of Americans who are living with multiple chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes, and who also experience functional limitations. The majority of this group have long-lasting conditions that are not curable and that changes, in an important, way how they function and their ability to live the kind of life they want.
Currently 71 percent of Americans choose enhancing the quality of their life over receiving medical interventions. Yet only 30 percent of the care people receive aligns with their goals and preferences. Additionally, with more Americans living longer – people over the age of 65 is expected to nearly double by 2050 – the cost to manage and adequately support those with chronic conditions will dramatically increase. To get a sense of what people are struggling with, read this New York Times article.
Serving the needs of this population will require new, innovative models of care that address fragmentation. When speaking to the significant promise technology holds for these populations, Dr. Fineberg noted that, if done well, and with an understanding of the complex needs, advances in telehealth, medical devices and mobile apps could make a meaningful difference. In addressing what health tech entrepreneurs can do, he said to remember the user experience, avoid freestanding apps, adapt to the evolving needs of the patient, and connect families and clinicians.
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