December 10, 2020 | Patients willing to switch providers over COVID
INDUSTRY NEWS
Patients willing to switch providers over COVID
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of U.S. patients are likely to switch to a new health care provider if their current one doesn’t meet their expectations for managing COVID-19 concerns, according to a new report from Accenture entitled, “Elevating the Patient Experience to Fuel Growth.” Those who believe their health care providers handled COVID-19 poorly are three times more likely than satisfied patients to say they will either delay seeking services—or never return. The report includes four ways to improve the patient experience. (Managed Healthcare Executive; report)
INNOVATION & TRANSFORMATION
“Gossip bots” may prolong independence for seniors
Social robots—dubbed “gossip bots”—may soon interact with and monitor assisted living residents. One of them is Pepper. Using human-like behaviors, Pepper can maintain eye contact and encourage residents to be more active. One day, he may be a personal caregiver assistant for people with certain early-stage dementias; the goal is to prolong independence. Pepper can, among other things, detect facial expressions; monitor pulse, body temperature and sleep habits; and watch for balance and gait issues. Pepper works with Arshia Khan, PhD, of the University of Minnesota-Duluth. (McKnight's Senior Living)
Churches playing a larger role in mental health
Predominantly Black churches play a crucial role in addressing the mental health of their members and the larger community. Some are preaching about mental health from the pulpit for the first time. Others are inviting mental health professionals to speak to their congregations, undergoing mental health training themselves or adding more therapists to the staff. According to the CDC, 15% of non-Hispanic Black adults had seriously considered suicide in the past 30 days and 18% had started or increased their use of substances to cope with pandemic-related stress. Yet Blacks are less likely to receive mental health treatment than the overall population. (Kaiser Health News)
CONSUMERS & PROVIDERS
Fear keeps people from needed care
Patients continue to ignore symptoms and put off needed care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The long-term implications are serious: Conditions such as stroke, heart attack and diabetes can lead to lasting negative outcomes—even death. “It’s a shame when people who are eligible for these treatments don’t come into the hospital to get them because they are scared of contracting COVID,” Dr. Charles Matouk, associate professor of neurosurgery at Yale New Haven Health, tells Modern Healthcare. (Modern Healthcare*)
Lead the horses to water that want to drink
Where care is delivered heavily influences the cost of care. Realizing the potential savings requires convincing physicians to alter their referral practices. The Clinician Behavior Change Model addresses that challenge. A recent Harvard Business Review article looks at the model. Among the lessons: “By identifying clinicians who are more and less amenable to changing their referrals to certain sites of service, the model allows payers to focus efforts on those most likely to change, which may produce a higher return on investment in the behavior change program.” (Harvard Business Review)
NEW & NOTED
Five things, sir: The American Academy of Family Physicians sent a letter to President-elect Joe Biden outlining its five top priorities: Building on and, if needed, redesigning aspects of the Affordable Care Act; strengthening the primary care workforce; promoting health equity; expanding value-based payment reforms and “thoughtful integration of telehealth as part of a coordinated health care ecosystem.” (AAFP News)
Skeptical health care workers: Health systems, medical societies and the government are working to persuade providers to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Recent surveys show that many are hesitant. AMA President Susan Bailey, MD, told The Washington Post pharma companies need to publish full trial results ASAP to get physician buy-in. (The Washington Post)
Countdown: Six events between now and Jan. 20 will set the agenda for the Biden administration, writes health policy analyst Paul Keckley, PhD. Among them are the Georgia senate runoffs, vaccine distribution, the potential shutdown and appointments to health care positions. (The Keckley Report)
MULTI-MEDIA
In this episode of Impact Factor, Dr F. Perry Wilson from the Yale School of Medicine discusses a new study that looks at the impact of marijuana on driving. (Medscape*)
MARKETVOICES...QUOTES WORTH READING
“Nevertheless, for now, DUI is still DUI, regardless of which influence you are under. If you live in one of the several states that have now legalized recreational marijuana, and if you partake, stay home with some snacks and a rug that really ties the room together.” —F. Perry Wilson, MD, MSCE, an associate professor of medicine and director of Yale's Clinical and Translational Research Accelerator, discussing the impact of Marijuana on driving in Medscape’s Impact Factor.