Medtech saves on staffing, improves outcomes

FORT WORTH, Texas - Now is the time for HME providers to start looking at artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to improve quality of care without increasing costs, says Anna Elliott, a new managing director and partner at Vertess. 

Here’s what Elliott, who specializes in high-growth, health care technologies, had to say about how medtech can be used and why you need it. 

HME News: How much is machine learning and AI driving the growth in health care right now? 

Anna Elliott: The growing senior citizen population—it will grow from 50 million to 100 million by 2060— is driving the need for more staff to cater to home care. Overall, 70% of health care institutions say they expect to have an AI initiative in place within the next couple of years. 

HME: How does AI fit into quality of care at home? 

Elliott: Virtual nurse assistance devices; remote patient care and intelligence AI-based alerts; innovations that bring health care providers in at the right time; predictive early detection of disease and other conditions to avoid it becoming critical; and improved loneliness using AI companions. 

HME: What are some of the major trends you’re seeing? 

Elliott: Technologies such as AI, wearables and new telehealth systems will play a significant role and have since the pandemic started. I’m also seeing more life-sciences companies say they intend to enter into a partnership with data science companies in the coming year. 

HME: For providers who have yet to dip their toe in the AI pool, where should they start? 

Elliott: A lot of the challenges these days are in staffing. I (recommend) telehealth platforms to be able to keep track of their patients remotely. I think that will be very valuable.