Empowered Patient Podcast

Dr. Barnaby Balmforth, Co-Founder and CEO of Biofidelity, has a mission to make genomic analysis simpler, faster, and more reliable for treatment decisions. Biofidelity addresses genome sequencing challenges by using a targeted approach and unique technology that allows for local testing using PCR rather than DNA sequencers. Thanks to COVID, an existing global infrastructure of PCR equipment provides an opportunity to target specific biomarkers and deliver actionable information to physicians and patients.

Barnaby explains, "The challenge as we see it is that in this modern oncology era, there is now a wide need for multi-gene genomic profiling of patients. The only solution that has been available to enable that is DNA sequencing. The media has quite widely covered how the genomics market is growing, and the cost of sequencing is shrinking. But sadly, in the clinical space, oncologists and patients are still failing to fully experience the benefits of this technology."

"It is not a simple process to perform clinical diagnostics using DNA sequencing. That has resulted in the centralization of sequencing tests in very large laboratories with all of the associated logistical challenges of getting samples to those laboratories, processing them through these complex workflows, and then returning results to the clinicians."

"We focus on delivering the clinically actionable information to physicians as quickly as possible. So, we are not forming very large whole genome sequencing tests. We are focused on what information is associated with approved therapies, what information is recommended for testing in the treatment guidelines, and what is needed to make these treatment decisions. So, we take a more focused and targeted approach."

#Biofidelity #GenomicTesting #GenomeSequencing #Biomarkers #PCRInstruments

biofidelity com

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Dr. Barnaby Balmforth, Co-Founder and CEO of Biofidelity, has a mission to make genomic analysis simpler, faster, and more reliable for treatment decisions. Biofidelity addresses genome sequencing challenges by using a targeted approach and unique technology that allows for local testing using PCR rather than DNA sequencers. Thanks to COVID, an existing global infrastructure of PCR equipment provides an opportunity to target specific biomarkers and deliver actionable information to physicians and patients.

Barnaby explains, "The challenge as we see it is that in this modern oncology era, there is now a wide need for multi-gene genomic profiling of patients. The only solution that has been available to enable that is DNA sequencing. The media has quite widely covered how the genomics market is growing, and the cost of sequencing is shrinking. But sadly, in the clinical space, oncologists and patients are still failing to fully experience the benefits of this technology."

"It is not a simple process to perform clinical diagnostics using DNA sequencing. That has resulted in the centralization of sequencing tests in very large laboratories with all of the associated logistical challenges of getting samples to those laboratories, processing them through these complex workflows, and then returning results to the clinicians."

"We focus on delivering the clinically actionable information to physicians as quickly as possible. So, we are not forming very large whole genome sequencing tests. We are focused on what information is associated with approved therapies, what information is recommended for testing in the treatment guidelines, and what is needed to make these treatment decisions. So, we take a more focused and targeted approach."

#Biofidelity #GenomicTesting #GenomeSequencing #Biomarkers #PCRInstruments

biofidelity.com

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Devra Densmore, principal consultant at Elevate Advocacy, explains the FDA has released guidance to drive Diversity Action Plans to ensure that clinical trials are representative of affected patients. Emphasizing the need for a thoughtful and strategic approach to diversity, Devra highlights inclusivity includes accessibility and listening to patient advocates to meet the needs of marginalized communities.

Devra explains, "This is a very exciting time where, by releasing these guidance documents, the FDA is setting a standard for the expectation that industry and study sponsors have a very intentional approach to ensuring that their studies are representative. That the therapies or devices that are created are beneficial for all people affected by the conditions that those medications and devices are supposed to solve for."

"So, for me, these Diversity Action Plans are a really exciting opportunity for industry to think about what it wants to do in this space. How can it contribute to making sure that health equity is realized within the clinical development space? Are studies actually reflective of the communities that are most impacted by disease? Are medications or devices that are created actually safe and effective for the people who need to use them, especially the people who need to use them the most?"

#ElevateAdvocacy #HealthEquity #PatientFocusedDrugDevelopment #PFDD #PatientsFirst #ClinicalTrials #ClinicalResearch #DiversityActionPlan

ElevateAdvocacy.com

Listen to the podcast here

Devra Densmore, principal consultant at Elevate Advocacy, explains the FDA has released guidance to drive Diversity Action Plans to ensure that clinical trials are representative of affected patients. Emphasizing the need for a thoughtful and strategic approach to diversity, Devra highlights inclusivity includes accessibility and listening to patient advocates to meet the needs of marginalized communities.

Devra explains, "This is a very exciting time where, by releasing these guidance documents, the FDA is setting a standard for the expectation that industry and study sponsors have a very intentional approach to ensuring that their studies are representative. That the therapies or devices that are created are beneficial for all people affected by the conditions that those medications and devices are supposed to solve for."

"So, for me, these Diversity Action Plans are a really exciting opportunity for industry to think about what it wants to do in this space. How can it contribute to making sure that health equity is realized within the clinical development space? Are studies actually reflective of the communities that are most impacted by disease? Are medications or devices that are created actually safe and effective for the people who need to use them, especially the people who need to use them the most?"

#ElevateAdvocacy #HealthEquity #PatientFocusedDrugDevelopment #PFDD #PatientsFirst #ClinicalTrials #ClinicalResearch #DiversityActionPlan

ElevateAdvocacy.com

Download the transcript here

Arthur Bretschneider, CEO and Co-Founder of Seniorly, a discovery platform and marketplace providing essential information to make informed decisions about senior housing options. The website brings transparency to the search process, including information about price, amenities, and care options, which have traditionally been challenging to determine. A network of senior living advisors, an AI-powered virtual advisor, and a recommendation engine all support finding the right senior housing community.

Arthur explains, "One of the things about senior living that is so complicated is frankly understanding pricing. And so, why is it complicated? There are a few factors. One is that often, people don't understand the nuances in senior housing, the sort of segmentation of different properties. So you might hear assisted living, you might hear independent living, memory care, and Alzheimer's care. There are all sorts of nuances of the different types of care that these communities can support."

"But the other piece, which is pretty challenging in this industry, is that very few senior living operators actually put their pricing online. If you are a consumer just browsing, maybe you're early researching, or maybe later on, you just want to do more on your own. For most senior living communities, you're going to have to call to get pricing, and we thought that was not a good experience. In our research, the majority of families, as they're going through this process, the number one thing that's a factor in their decision is, frankly, their budget. And if you think about any other shopping experience today, just imagine going on Amazon or Expedia or anything and being unable to see pricing unless you call. It's not a way that people are used to searching these days."

#Seniorly #SeniorLiving #HealthTechnology #SeniorLivingTechnology #SeniorCare #PricingEstimate #AI

Seniorly.com

Listen to the podcast here

Arthur Bretschneider, CEO and Co-Founder of Seniorly, a discovery platform and marketplace providing essential information to make informed decisions about senior housing options. The website brings transparency to the search process, including information about price, amenities, and care options, which have traditionally been challenging to determine. A network of senior living advisors, an AI-powered virtual advisor, and a recommendation engine all support finding the right senior housing community.

Arthur explains, "One of the things about senior living that is so complicated is frankly understanding pricing. And so, why is it complicated? There are a few factors. One is that often, people don't understand the nuances in senior housing, the sort of segmentation of different properties. So you might hear assisted living, you might hear independent living, memory care, and Alzheimer's care. There are all sorts of nuances of the different types of care that these communities can support."

"But the other piece, which is pretty challenging in this industry, is that very few senior living operators actually put their pricing online. If you are a consumer just browsing, maybe you're early researching, or maybe later on, you just want to do more on your own. For most senior living communities, you're going to have to call to get pricing, and we thought that was not a good experience. In our research, the majority of families, as they're going through this process, the number one thing that's a factor in their decision is, frankly, their budget. And if you think about any other shopping experience today, just imagine going on Amazon or Expedia or anything and being unable to see pricing unless you call. It's not a way that people are used to searching these days."

#Seniorly #SeniorLiving #HealthTechnology #SeniorLivingTechnology #SeniorCare #PricingEstimate #AI

Seniorly.com

Download the transcript here

Pablo Pantaleoni, Chief Digital Officer of LifeStance Health, aims to improve access to affordable mental health services by providing digital tools to support patients throughout their treatment journey. LifeStance also focuses on supporting clinicians by streamlining administrative tasks, facilitating booking, and providing ongoing care virtually and in person. Pablo sees AI as a co-pilot tool to streamline some processes for patients and providers while emphasizing the key role of clinicians.

Pablo explains, "On top of this, we want to ensure you can meet people where they are. This means certain people, especially after COVID, prefer to visit a clinician online, and others prefer to see somebody in person. And you'll be surprised. There's a significant number of people that like to jump from one channel to the other. Our unique hybrid model allows us to meet people where they are so people can choose if they want to see somebody in person or virtually."

"I'm glad you're asking about the clinician experience because clinician and patient experience are equally as important for us. Whenever we design a solution, we co-design with clinicians and patients, but we want to ensure that we're not just throwing new tools at them. We just map their whole workflows, understand the pain points, and prototype solutions with them. Their goal is to focus on treating patients so we can help with all the admin tasks. This is the goal. And co-designing with them, I love to work closely with them when they're very open. They share their feedback. This is working for me, this is not, or this has to be integrated with this tool. And that's our day-to-day."

#LifeStanceHealth #MentalHealthMatters #LFST #MentalHealth

lifestance.com

Listen to the podcast here

Pablo Pantaleoni, Chief Digital Officer of LifeStance Health, aims to improve access to affordable mental health services by providing digital tools to support patients throughout their treatment journey. LifeStance also focuses on supporting clinicians by streamlining administrative tasks, facilitating booking, and providing ongoing care virtually and in person. Pablo sees AI as a co-pilot tool to streamline some processes for patients and providers while emphasizing the key role of clinicians.

Pablo explains, "On top of this, we want to ensure you can meet people where they are. This means certain people, especially after COVID, prefer to visit a clinician online, and others prefer to see somebody in person. And you'll be surprised. There's a significant number of people that like to jump from one channel to the other. Our unique hybrid model allows us to meet people where they are so people can choose if they want to see somebody in person or virtually."

"I'm glad you're asking about the clinician experience because clinician and patient experience are equally as important for us. Whenever we design a solution, we co-design with clinicians and patients, but we want to ensure that we're not just throwing new tools at them. We just map their whole workflows, understand the pain points, and prototype solutions with them. Their goal is to focus on treating patients so we can help with all the admin tasks. This is the goal. And co-designing with them, I love to work closely with them when they're very open. They share their feedback. This is working for me, this is not, or this has to be integrated with this tool. And that's our day-to-day."

#LifeStanceHealth #MentalHealthMatters #LFST #MentalHealth

lifestance.com

Download the transcript here

Jay Ackerman is the CEO of Reveleer, a data and analytics company that works with payers and providers to support them in quality improvement and risk adjustment in a value-based care environment. Using AI, natural language processing, and integration of diverse databases, Reveleer is reducing administrative burdens and supporting providers to make more informed decisions for patient care.

Jay explains, "In the AI world, a lot is being done to drive productivity and efficiency for payers and providers to anticipate how someone's health is shifting and changing. But for us, in the world of AI, what we're focused on and how we're trying to use AI, when we talk about quality improvement and risk adjustments, we ingest massive clinical data on each of these members, on each of these patients, we could capture thousands of pages."

"We use AI to quickly digest, organize, and mine that data to understand what has happened over time for that member and what we think could be happening as they go forward. What we're aiming to do, and what we're doing, is mining that data and presenting a very concise set of recommendations to the provider. So when that patient walks into their office, they know what gaps in care they should be paying attention to. Gaps in care that might be tied to quality scores. Gaps in care that might be tied to validating overall risk score. "

#Reveleer #ValueBasedCare #QualityImprovement #RiskAdjustment

Reveleer.com

Listen to the podcast here

Jay Ackerman is the CEO of Reveleer, a data and analytics company that works with payers and providers to support them in quality improvement and risk adjustment in a value-based care environment. Using AI, natural language processing, and integration of diverse databases, Reveleer is reducing administrative burdens and supporting providers to make more informed decisions for patient care.

Jay explains, "In the AI world, a lot is being done to drive productivity and efficiency for payers and providers to anticipate how someone's health is shifting and changing. But for us, in the world of AI, what we're focused on and how we're trying to use AI, when we talk about quality improvement and risk adjustments, we ingest massive clinical data on each of these members, on each of these patients, we could capture thousands of pages."

"We use AI to quickly digest, organize, and mine that data to understand what has happened over time for that member and what we think could be happening as they go forward. What we're aiming to do, and what we're doing, is mining that data and presenting a very concise set of recommendations to the provider. So when that patient walks into their office, they know what gaps in care they should be paying attention to. Gaps in care that might be tied to quality scores. Gaps in care that might be tied to validating overall risk score. "

#Reveleer #ValueBasedCare #QualityImprovement #RiskAdjustment

Reveleer.com

Download the transcript here