Breakthroughs in health tech and patient care are irrelevant if patients can’t use them. We must enhance care access and relevance for all communities.

Attending ViVE 2024 was enlightening, providing a glimpse into the cutting-edge advancements reshaping healthcare. The array of innovative solutions, many driven by AI, showcased by vendors underscored the transformative potential of technology in patient care. However, amidst the excitement, it became apparent that our journey towards equitable healthcare access is far from over.

While breakthroughs in health tech promise remarkable improvements, their actual value lies in ensuring universal access and benefit for all patients. Despite the strides made, various barriers persist, hindering widespread adoption and utilization of these advancements. Economic disparities, inadequate infrastructure, and limited digital literacy are just a few challenges impeding access to healthcare innovations.

SOME OF THE ACCESS OBSTACLES...

• The CEO of bitewell (a digital food pharmacy), Sam Alexander Citro, was told that keeping patients on their current diet pills was cheaper than switching them to bitewell’s healthy food-as-medicine plan.
• In the “Patients Spill the Tea on Tech, Trust, and Data” session, a vision-impaired patient shared that she cannot use app-based solutions.
• Multiple presenters mentioned that pulse oximeter readings are significantly more likely to be wrong for Black patients than non-Black patients. They referred to the lack of women and people of color represented in clinical trials, resulting in data biases and the failure of modern-day tech and treatments for these overlooked audiences.
• A speaker shared that some doctors have hesitated to implement new tech systems when working with patients.
• Yet, another speaker pointed out that lower-income patients cannot benefit from existing technology, medications, and other valuable tools due to insufficient funds, resource centers, or the necessary underlying technologies.

These are only a few examples of barriers to care that keep patients from benefiting from today’s health advancements. If we genuinely want to improve overall patient health outcomes, we need to find a way to extend access to care to everyone and address these gaps in care. 

Susan Rawlings, Co-Founder and CEO of GroundGame.Health defined a gap in care as “anything that blocks someone from having better well-being.” She also shared the innovative way her team is helping patients get access to the care they need. Connecting individuals struggling to get the care they need with local resources can address patient challenges and improve individual well-being one case at a time.

Dr. Neel Shah, MD, MPP, FACOG, Chief Medical Officer at Maven Clinic (the world's largest digital clinic for women's and family health), also shared how the clinic is leveraging its virtual care model to deliver women’s health services to women in places where their state governments have significantly restricted access to this essential healthcare. 

There exists a multitude of avenues through which we can and must confront the current disparities in care. It is imperative that we thoroughly examine and address potential barriers to access as we introduce new products and services into the market.

TOGETHER

WE WILL TACKLE

YOUR TOUGHEST

PROBLEMS 

Enterey's holistic approach to consulting is a multifaceted strategy designed to address every aspect of your needs, ensuring you are well-equipped to navigate and excel in a constantly evolving and highly competitive environment. We provide tailored solutions that meet immediate challenges and foster long-term resilience and sustainable success by considering various factors such as market dynamics, industry trends, organizational culture, and individual client goals. If you would like to discuss your patient access strategy, use the link here to schedule a time with our Enterey consultants.

You can find more blogs here.