[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAznfF1-Bmg]
Friday on MedHeads, Neil Versel, Chris Seper and I were joined by Sharecare Vice President Toni Pashley for a discussion on patient engagement. Some interesting conclusions were drawn — including that people are more motivated to be engaged in healthcare when acting for loved ones, rather than for themselves. The whole movement is still grassroots, and simple solutions like text messages often matter more than complex tools.
You can watch the broadcast above. Also, here are five important stories we covered this week:
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
1. Oscar Health snags Google Capital. Will healthcare’s billion-dollar unicorn win by attrition?
It probably wasn’t a coincidence that on the same day as Oscar’s announcement The New York Times published an in-depth look at the roadkill of non-profit co-ops, for-profit companies and traditional healthcare players that have tried to make headway in the same space Oscar occupies.
2. ONC policy director Jodi Daniel leaving next month
Jodi Daniel, currently director of ONC’s Office of Policy, confirmed to MedCity News that she is stepping down Oct. 9. Daniel has been with ONC since 2005 and an employee of the Department of Health and Human Services for 15 years; she served as counsel to ONC at the time of the office’s establishment in 2004.
A Personalized Approach to Medication Nonadherence
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
3. Google’s NIH steal Tom Insel on the ‘major paradigm shift’ of digitizing mental health care
Insel spoke with MedCity News about the promise – and challenges – of making digital tools effective in treating mental illness. He addressed Silicon Valley idealism in using technology for the greater good – but added that it’s important to address the privacy concerns associated with using technology to manage mental illness. Insel explained the rationale for shifting to Google:
4. 5 questions raised by the FBI’s Internet of Things warning
The FBI recently released a public service announcement warning about the threat that Internet of Things (IoT) poses to businesses and consumers when it comes to cyber crime involving objects and devices, which clearly includes medical devices. Things like wireless heart monitors, insulin dispensers and wearables or subject to privacy breaches.
5. Fitbit adds HIPAA compliance to wellness platform
Fitbit users will have to consent for their data to be used, and program managers will only get a subset of that data, such as steps taken, distance walked or minutes of activity. More personal information, including sleep patterns and heart rate will not be shared with employers, McDonough said.
