Healthcare Pitstop

While many of us object to pharma's efforts to manipulate us, there is something to be learned. How messaging could improve compliance would ultimately allow better healthcare outcomes. Dr. Michael Mackert discusses the issue and opportunity.

The last 25 years has been all about moving from paper to digital. While there have been many gains in terms, there has also been an erosion in the doctor-patient relationship. More tech, AI may ironically offer an opportunity to reverse the process.

Behavioral economics offers a way to learn why we make what can seem to be irrational decisions, particularly when it comes to our health. This applies to choices about whether or not to procedure with surgery as well as the end of life.

Traditional economics assumes we are rational. However, we aren't. Behavioral Economics (BE) is a relatively new field of study looking at human decision making, how we are influenced by the framing of questions, our history, and aversion to loss. All of these factors play into how we make (what often seem like irrational) healthcare decisions.

Rational irrationality, decisions that make no sense, are at the core of our healthcare communications- and frankly, our ability to move the needle towards better health. Behavioral economics offers a framework to study why we do what we do.

Telemedicine is now a tool, less a technology, Healthcare tends change slowly. Particularly when we think about spaces- clinics, hospitals and other places care is delivered need to be considered as an opportunity to rethink technology and how we interact with each other.

Many Americans, including American physicians, believe the FDA is a safety watchdog. However, the agencies focuses on evaluation and labeling of products, not the use at in the wild, medical practice. Unfortunately, patients need to check on their providers experience rather rely on expert outcomes.

What's possible is not always what's allowed. As Stanford moves to newer models of care delivery, effort should be split between tech and education. Legislative efforts are equally important. Chris O'Dell, Stanford's Director of Digital Strategy offers some of his insights.

Earlier this week #Avizia and #AmWell merged. This marks a transition from technology to care delivery for the telehealth industry.

Janae Sharp's physician spouse committed suicide. This lead her on a quest to try and figure out why physician suicides are up, way up. Though technology may play a role, there are other factors at work.