June 29, 2020
As we slide into wave 2 of COVID-19 infections across the country, we are beginning to recognize the importance of increased collaboration between the private sector and public health agencies, especially at the state and local level. In my 50th podcast episode, Aaron Miri, CIO of The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School, and UT Health Austin, describes the partnership between the city’s health officials and UT Health in identifying, isolating, and tracing the spread of infections with the help of technology tools. I also include an interesting case study from the state of Tamil Nadu, India (home to 70 million, including the family I come from) where the state health agency has had remarkable success in keeping the pandemic under control.
Many of us are wondering what the long-term outlook for pandemic preparedness looks like. This long-form article in the Economist lays out the framework for global pandemic surveillance (“pandemic-proofing”) that could prevent and quickly address global virus outbreaks by identifying and closely monitoring virus hotspots and making changes to environmental policies, among other things. In the meantime, many Americans have chosen to remain at home and postpone routine care needs, and they seem to doing just fine. One prominent cardiologist argues that maybe we don’t need that much healthcare, and never did in the first place.
Digital health investments have been on a tear for many years. The pandemic has presented an unprecedented growth opportunity for many digital health companies who find themselves fortuitously at the “scene of the accident.” For others, the story is a bit more mixed. CNBC’s Christina Farr provides a quick overview of what the investor community is betting on.
Digital health programs require robust data interoperability to be effective. The CMS announced its final ruling earlier this year which we believe will accelerate digital health adoption. Read our latest paper that discusses what the ruling is, who gets impacted, and how to plan for the future.
Digital transformation in healthcare: our picks for the week
5 Lessons from Penn Medicine’s Crisis Response
Penn Medicine’s early response to the pandemic offers interesting lessons on leadership in crisis.
New diseases are inevitable. Ensuing global calamities are not.
Investors predict the winners and losers in America’s shift to digital health during the pandemic
Startups specializing in healthcare services requiring in-person interaction will face an uphill battle staying afloat.
How Tamil Nadu Used Technology to Tackle the Coronavirus Crisis
Insightful interview with the head of a state agency that oversees some 70 million residents in Tamil Nadu, India (where I come from). It’s a story of technology adaptation, public-private partnership, and administrative efficiency in keeping Coronavirus in check.
People Have Stopped Going to the Doctor. Most Seem Just Fine
Maybe we don’t need that much healthcare. The pandemic reveals more and more about ourselves and the health care economy.
Pandemic management – room for improvement at ground control?
Infection surveillance and infection control are part of what makes countries successful that manage to keep the SarsCoV2 pandemic in check. Striking the right balance between meeting public health requirements and upholding privacy is not easy though.
Patients on board with health trackers but don’t trust consumer wearables, survey finds
Patients who manage chronic conditions are eager to use a monitoring device to manage their health. But consumer smartwatches might not be the answer.
Telehealth privacy and security: Investment and education are key, attorney says
As virtual health deployments scale up and become routine, everyone – vendors, clinicians, patients and compliance officers have a role to play in keeping video and streaming remote monitoring data secure.
The latest from Damo Consulting
“Post-COVID, virtual care will be about stability, quality of service, and agility.”
White paper: The CMS Final Rule on Interoperability and Patient Access
This paper contains a detailed summary of the Interoperability and Patient Access Final Rule and the 21st Century Cures Act, along with technical and implementation standards.
‘A Model for Digital Transformation.’
Press Release: Damo Consulting Expands Board of Advisors
Damo Consulting announced the addition of Harry D. Fox as the Advisory Board member.
The WITCH Report: Annual Review
A review of the financial and market performance of global technology consulting firms in healthcare.
eBook: COVID-19 Telehealth Program – Highlights of the CARES Act
A complimentary e-book on highlights of the COVID-19 CARES Telehealth Program by FCC.
White paper: What health systems must do to accelerate digital transformation
Our latest white paper explores how health systems can accelerate digital transformation.
The WITCH Monthly Monitor (May) – Our monthly update on major global IT consulting and services firms in healthcare provides latest financial and market performance updates on WITCH companies along with other global IT consulting firms.
* The WITCH Monthly Monitor is now available as free 1-year subscription with every purchase of The WITCH Report – Annual Review.
