Why technology is the answer to the mental health crisis

The process of accessing mental health support can often pose a huge barrier to those seeking help. “People struggling with mental health issues often have to fill out forms and stick to strict appointment timetables that the system requires, for example. This can lead those in need of support to fall through the safety net, something that creates inefficiencies in the system and that ultimately leads to poor outcomes for patients,” says Morrill. “Technology can provide simple fixes. For example, scheduling software can be implemented to remind a patient of their appointment with a ‘day-of’ text. Other innovations within the space include a HIPAA-compliant Zoom service which grants practices compliant video technology, and treatment monitoring capabilities that can help patients to keep track of their medication and next steps in their care plan.

“Even incorporating basic infrastructure such as online appointment bookings and electronic patient record systems will create higher quality data and greater efficiencies in the system, allowing healthcare professionals to service more patients and meet the growing demand for mental health services.”

RxBenefits: pharmacy benefits optimiser (PBO) & diabetes

Bradley Nelson is the Senior Director of Clinical Services at RxBenefits, the employee benefits industry’s first technology-enabled pharmacy benefits optimiser (PBO). He is an experienced pharmacoeconomics strategist with more than 15 years as part of the pharmacy industry. 

“In my role at RxBenefits, I focus on helping clients address their pharmacy concerns and developing strategies to manage drug costs.”

To help improve patient care and combat rising healthcare costs related to diabetes, RxBenefits recently launched its Optimize MyCare Diabetes Support Program. “Recognising that each patient’s healthcare journey is different, this programme aims to promote pharmacist-patient-provider engagement to purposefully improve health outcomes while simultaneously working to reduce total healthcare costs,” said Nelson. “I have been privileged to work with and develop a collaborative approach with Tria Health, our partners in delivering a more personal touch to chronic disease management to our clients.”

Lucienne Marie Ide, Rimidi CEO, on diabetes awareness

Lucienne Marie Ide, M.D., PH.D. is the founder and CEO of Rimidi, a leading clinical management platform designed to optimise clinical workflows, enhance patient experiences and achieve quality objectives. 

“I’m motivated by my overall belief that we can do so much better as individuals, an industry and a society,” says Ide. “I left clinical medicine to join the ranks of healthcare entrepreneurs who are trying to revolutionise an industry.”

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month and Ide has worked hard to raise awareness and enable clinicians to support patients. Here, she tells us more.