JMIR Publications: A Novel Digital Health Platform With Health Coaches to Optimize Surgical Patients A digital health platform that combines human health coaches and personalized recovery care plans was able to engage surgery patients in their perioperative journey and reduce their hospital length of stay (LOS). The study examines the efficacy of Pip Care, a platform that provides a surgical recovery plan with daily tasks and advice, among others. Overall, the platform demonstrated an 82 percent weekly engagement rate, defined as repeat attendance at health coaching sessions. Results from 95 survey submissions showed high satisfaction with the platform. Patients [...]

Harvard Medical School: For Controlling Blood Pressure, Telemedicine May Beat Clinic Visits Telemedicine visits combined with self-measured blood pressure readings may help people control high blood pressure better than traditional office visits. Researchers reviewed data from 31 trials lasting between six and 12 months that compared telemedicine to clinic visits for managing blood pressure. The telemedicine visits relied on blood pressure readings taken by patients at home, along with remote contact with health care providers via phone, video, or email.  

Cureus: Telehealth Transformation: A Mixed-Methods Study on Organizational Change Processes and Outcomes in a Private Medical Practice This mixed-methods case study investigated the impacts, costs, barriers, and facilitators associated with implementing telehealth services across a private pediatric clinic system. The research examined the effects of telehealth on provider engagement and financial performance. Results showed significantly increased costs (44%) and revenues (47%) at clinics following virtual care expansion. The findings suggest catalyzed financial and productivity transformations. Researchers recommended updating coordination protocols, enhancing training and support resources, incentivizing provider usage, and modulating implementation pacing responding to user feedback during large-scale organizational [...]

JAMA Network Open: Patient Characteristics and Telemedicine Use in the US, 2022 A study found that 43 percent of people opted for telemedicine (also known as telehealth) in 2022, even when in-person visits were available. Of them, 70 percent chose video visits and 30 percent had audio-only, or phone, visits with their doctors. Video visits were less likely among older adults and people without internet access. People who were uninsured, older and didn’t use the internet were more likely to use audio telehealth, or phone calls. Researchers noted that audio-only calls may give people a greater sense of privacy, [...]