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I am delighted to announce the publication of our latest open-access article on digital innovation in healthcare, with a special focus on rehabilitation services. Huynh, T.; Kroh, J. & Schultz, C.: Overcoming the not-invented-here syndrome in healthcare: The case of German ambulatory physiotherapists’ adoption of digital health innovations.“ PLoS ONE 18(12): e0293550 doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293550 https://lnkd.in/ed9fynub Our research reveals insightful findings from an online experiment: Physiotherapists tend to resist digital innovations introduced by orthopedic physicians, yet show more acceptance when these innovations are developed by fellow physiotherapists. This tendency is more pronounced among physiotherapists who have previously experienced low-quality professional relationships with physicians. Conversely, physiotherapists with strong innovation capabilities are less likely to exhibit this bias. These insights are particularly relevant as numerous digital innovations emerge in similar healthcare value chains. Our study offers valuable guidance for innovators seeking to enhance the adoption of e-health solutions. Thomas Huynh Julia Kroh

World Class Health is the ideal solution for companies with: - Large global workforces spread across multiple countries. - Employees in the manufacturing sector, particularly lower-wage workers. - Any employer that wants to provide access to top-tier medical procedures to their workforce. Our solution provides employers and their employees access to the highest quality of care for surgery across the globe. We connect them with world-renowned surgeons at JCI-accredited facilities, ensuring the highest quality care and outcomes. From orthopedic surgeries in the Cayman Islands to cancer treatments back home, we provide comprehensive support, facilitating medical travel and ensuring outstanding outcomes—all at no out-of-pocket cost to the employee, while saving employers significantly. Watch the video to hear from Dave Guilmette, Co-founder of World Class Health, about how we're making high-quality healthcare accessible globally

Check out this insightful piece in the ACS Bulletin on how surgeons are keeping patient care their top priority, even as healthcare becomes more corporate. It's an eye-opener on the challenges they face and the innovative ways they're staying true to their mission. An excellent read for anyone passionate about healthcare and patient advocacy! #healthcareinnovation #patientfirst #acs #healthcareequity

This article spoke to me...Healthcare is not in the business of building widgets. There is a strong desire to increase access to care. Prioritizing profit margins over patient safety is leading to adverse outcomes. Additionally, the lack of standardized education and training for non-physician practitioners is increasing costs for both patients and the system overall - and expediting their training or increasing their scope of practice will not fill the gaps. Perhaps we can focus on more balanced reforms like helping NPPs be better prepared with more standardization of their education and training, and on the other hand, start to grow more physicians with increasing residency positions. Access should be expanded while prioritizing the delivery of quality care.

Is Consumerism Good for Physical Therapy? Something that is brought up more and more in healthcare is consumerism. Consumerism is changing outpatient PT, offering more choices. But is it good for the field? Here are my thoughts. I would love to hear yours! Pros 1. Accessibility & Convenience - Digitial Health: Makes PT accessible to remote areas. Studies show similar outcomes to in-person visits. - Flexible scheduling: More clinics offer scheduling to meet their patient's needs. 2. Patient Empowerment - Choice: Patients pick services that fit their needs, boosting satisfaction and engagement. - Transparency: Clear pricing and service info help informed decisions. 3. Innovation & Competition - Better Services: Competition drives improvements and the adoption of new tech. - Specialized Programs: Tailored programs for sports, orthopedics and many other conditions. Cons 1. Unproven Modalities - Trendy treatments often lack strong evidence and offer nothing more than a placebo, possibly leading to wasted money. 2. Higher Costs - Premium services can lead to higher out-of-pocket expenses without proven better outcomes. 3. Fragmented Care - More practitioners can make inconsistent care plans and less effective rehab. 4. Marketable Services Over Essentials - Focus may shift to popular treatments over effective ones. Consumerism in PT has pros and cons. It offers more access and innovation but can also mean higher costs and unproven treatments. As an evidence-based PT, it’s vital to guide patients towards effective, research-backed care amidst the choices. At the end of the day, results matter and excellence is rewarded. Choose wisely and prioritize models that deliver proven outcomes. #PhysicalTherapy

This American College of Surgeons article presents a compelling examination of the critical issue of healthcare corporatization in the United States, focusing specifically on its profound implications for surgical equity and workforce empowerment. By dissecting the intricate interplay between physicians, patients, and corporate interests, it underscores the urgent need to safeguard the sanctity of the physician-patient relationship, a cornerstone of effective medical care. Highlighting the alarming trends of increased adverse events and diminished job satisfaction among healthcare professionals, the article delivers a stark warning against the unchecked pursuit of profit at the expense of patient well-being. Through advocacy and QI initiatives, organizations like the #ACS stand as crucial defenders against this encroaching tide, tirelessly advocating for patient-centered values and the preservation of surgical expertise. In an era where the very essence of healthcare is under threat, this article serves as a rallying cry, compelling readers to join the fight to reclaim the soul of medicine and ensure that compassion, not corporate interests, remains at its core. Please share and spread this vital message to ignite meaningful change in our healthcare system and uphold the principles of patient care and physician autonomy! #surgicalequity #UHC #surgicalworkforce #healthequity #physicianrights #medicalethics #humanrightsdefenders #surgeonsforhealthequity #justice

Great post John! 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝘆 𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 "𝗢𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿" 𝗼𝗻 𝗻𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 Consumerism in physical therapy has the potential to enhance patient engagement, equitable access to care, and foster clinical and technical innovation. However, I agree with John that it also introduces challenges related to the proliferation of unproven treatments, higher costs, and the potential for fragmented care. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘆 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝟭. 𝗘𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲: It’s important for the profession to maintain a strong focus on evidence-based practices, whether providing traditional care or wellness services. I agree with Okon's view also, it’s crucial to differentiate between evidence-based physical therapy and wellness services. This distinction will set clear expectations for patients. And, it helps protect the integrity of the profession and ensures that patients receive proven, effective care. 𝟮. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: A therapeutic alliance primarily builds on trust and transparency. Clear communication about the efficacy, costs, and nature of treatments is vital. Patients should be fully informed about what they are paying for and the evidence supporting it. With more information available, patients can better understand their diagnoses and the rationale behind their treatment plans, leading to more informed discussions and better adherence to recovery plans. Moreover, accessing reviews, ratings, and outcome data encourages physical therapists to maintain high standards of care. 𝟯. 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Consumer choices are often constrained by what insurance plans will cover, which can limit access to desired treatments or providers. Out-of-pocket providers play an essential role in bridging this gap, offering services to patients who can afford them. 𝟰. 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲 >= 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲: While it's important to meet market demand, patient outcome should always be the priority. Similarly, embracing innovation and competition is virtuous, but in healthcare, the stakes are higher because patient health and wellbeing are at risk. Therefore, new treatments and technologies must be rigorously evaluated and evidence-based. The actual value of the treatment should align with or exceed its perceived value to ensure ethical and effective care delivery. Ultimately, consumerism can be beneficial for physical therapy if managed thoughtfully. It will require a continued commitment to evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.

Solving for cost is just one part of the equation. Learn how employer solutions can drive ROI, while driving a better Member experience. Take part in the conversation and join us for a webinar on Nov. 2 at 1 PM ET as Ron Goetzel, Senior Scientist from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, joins the Transcarent team for a fireside chat to explore how employers can measure value when it comes to COE solutions.

In healthcare, there are gold standard, high value interventions (antibiotics before surgery), low value interventions not supported by the evidence (routine postop ultrasound), and gray areas in between where the evidence is conflicting or ambiguous. The tendency is to overestimate the number of treatments that fall into the first two categories and underestimate the number that fall into the last. We must also accept that the evidence upon which we want to base our decisions isn't as strong or cut-and-dried as we would like. Low value care isn't necessarily no value care. Look hard enough, and you can find studies (of varying strength and quality) to support just about anything. But we mostly lack the sophistication to offer personalized treatment. There are a few reasons for this. First, difficulty in tailoring treatment comes from our inability to consistently gather complete, accurate information. This is largely a failure of poorly designed EMRs and a remuneration system that incentivizes billing over clinically useful documentation. Lack of interoperability, compressed office visits, and the erosion of the doctor-patient relationship are contributing factors. Technology can help here. Ambient scribes will eventually allow for better data capture and hopefully decompress clinical interactions. Generative, Predictive, and Causal AI will support better, more informed decision making. But getting there will require process and system level changes. Otherwise, tech implementation will remain a struggle. Thinking episodically instead of longitudinally promotes short-term thinking at the expense of long-term outcomes. Some of this is driven by an actuarial view of healthcare (Happy Open Enrollment Season!) and some of it is driven by silos, limited care coordination, and lack of ownership. Again, these are system level problems that even the fanciest alternative payment models will struggle to fix. The greenfield, blue ocean, (insert MBA cliché here) opportunity in healthcare is to drive value by solving these shortcomings -- something that's difficult to do from within the traditional system. #medicine #healthcare #health #healthcareinnovation

Earnings calls in the second quarter of 2023 focused on emerging utilization trends impacting providers and payors. The higher utilization experienced in the first quarter continued in the second quarter of 2023 and was discussed in detail on many of the earnings calls. This contributed to stronger volumes, particularly on the outpatient side, as well as higher medical loss ratios for the payors. Based on commentary from the companies, these trends are expected to continue over the next several quarters. In addition to utilization trends, investors and operators remain focused on staffing pressures, which continued to show signs of improvement but remain challenging. This article also discusses recent trends in ambulatory surgery centers and outpatient imaging centers. Learn more by reading our latest FMVantage Point™. #healthcare #quarterlyinsights