Patient Access

Dr. Sipra Laddha, a physician expert in women's health and virtual care, says telehealth and AI can work in tandem to help women – and all patients – who need mental healthcare, even in a time of limited access.

Dr. Ajlan Al Zaki of Abu Dhabi's Burjeel Hospital says the UAE can build an ecosystem for advanced cancer care by decentralizing cell therapy production and training healthcare workers locally.

Also, Western Australia has expanded access to its virtual emergency department.

A partnership that aims to provide culturally sensitive care is reducing hospital stays by leveraging digital tools that improve access to treatment, says Renee Broadbent, SoNE Health's chief information officer.

In-hospital nurses can focus on more critical tasks and direct patient care while virtual nurses handle the routine monitoring and documentation tasks. Patients appreciate more personalized support and the overall hospital experience.

The state's MOTHeRS Project has helped virtually connect high-risk pregnant women in rural areas to OB-GYN, mental health and diabetes care. Dr. Sy Saeed of the North Carolina Statewide Telepsychiatry Program explains how.

Compared with patients not using virtual care, patients using telehealth for knee replacement rehabilitation recover faster, report significantly less pain, show greater improvements in range of motion – and incur $2,460 less in total care costs.

The announcement comes less than a year after Dexcom announced a strategic partnership and $75 million investment in the health-tracking ring maker.

It improves efficiency too, says Scott Wilson, AVP of HHS enterprise care solutions. Amid labor shortages, health systems can optimize staffing and manage costs through nursing telehealth and hospital at home programs.  

The artificial intelligence agent texts patients to schedule their follow-ups – presenting options for provider availability, booking their choice and then confirming appointment details.