European Society of Cardiology
Bern, Switzerland
I had the pleasure of participating at the European Congress on e-Cardiology & e-Health in Bern, Switzerland. It was probably one of the best conferences on the topic I ever attended. This is due to the "clever" mix of clinical and technical topics in cardiology. Some of the presentations were outstanding, and quite a few ideas were new to me - like the application of telemonitoring in the prevention of cardiac events in heatwaves created by climate change (needless to say that we enjoyed fantastic weather in Bern, around 20 degrees, at the beginning of November). Here is the pick-up of ideas from the most interesting presentations.
Medgate found out that telemonitoring is not for everyone. Some patients need coaching only, and Medgate has five modules: telemonitoring, alarms, basic services, training and coaching for chronic patients. However, telemedical advice is not integrated into Swiss reimbursement schemes. In the beginning, as shared during the presentation, neither GPs nor hospitals liked them (which is a familiar story). A patient pays if insured, participation of 100-500 CHF a month, depending on the modules chosen (for instance obesity is telephone coached). Tarification of services is identical to existing services in the Swiss health care system. Membership at Medgate is possible without insurance.
Emminens eConecta is a modular and customizable web-based platform from Roche that enables personalized management of diabetes mellitus. It provides the tools to go beyond traditional data collection by translating the data into actionable information – supporting the interaction between healthcare professionals and patients while also helping to organize effective delivery of care (video explanation of eConecta: http://vimeo.com/86762506)
Five pitfalls to avoid when implementing telemonitoring for diabetes:
In a conclusion - European Congress on e-Cardiology & e-Health was a great event, professionally organized with some cutting-edge presentations. It was supported by a supplement (volume 21, supplement 2) of the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Prof. Hugo Saner and his team did a great job in Bern.
I had the pleasure of participating at the European Congress on e-Cardiology & e-Health in Bern, Switzerland. It was probably one of the best conferences on the topic I ever attended. This is due to the "clever" mix of clinical and technical topics in cardiology. Some of the presentations were outstanding, and quite a few ideas were new to me - like the application of telemonitoring in the prevention of cardiac events in heatwaves created by climate change (needless to say that we enjoyed fantastic weather in Bern, around 20 degrees, at the beginning of November). Here is the pick-up of ideas from the most interesting presentations.
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| FIVE MODULES OF THE MEDGATE TELEHEALTH CENTER |
Medgate is a leading provider of integrated out-patient care in Switzerland. The Medgate Telemedicine Center, Medgate Health Centers and the Medgate Partner Network integrate their work closely to guarantee comprehensive health care for the patient. It is the largest telemedicine center in Europe. Created in 2000, it has "seen" more than 4500 patients so far. Usually, the patient stays for 247±78 days on the telemonitoring service. Compliance is reportedly good with older patients, although some like only the telephone follow-up (no emails). Also, their devices look dated.
Medgate found out that telemonitoring is not for everyone. Some patients need coaching only, and Medgate has five modules: telemonitoring, alarms, basic services, training and coaching for chronic patients. However, telemedical advice is not integrated into Swiss reimbursement schemes. In the beginning, as shared during the presentation, neither GPs nor hospitals liked them (which is a familiar story). A patient pays if insured, participation of 100-500 CHF a month, depending on the modules chosen (for instance obesity is telephone coached). Tarification of services is identical to existing services in the Swiss health care system. Membership at Medgate is possible without insurance.
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| ROCHE IS MOVING INTO THE E-HEALTH ARENA |
Emminens eConecta is a modular and customizable web-based platform from Roche that enables personalized management of diabetes mellitus. It provides the tools to go beyond traditional data collection by translating the data into actionable information – supporting the interaction between healthcare professionals and patients while also helping to organize effective delivery of care (video explanation of eConecta: http://vimeo.com/86762506)
Five pitfalls to avoid when implementing telemonitoring for diabetes:
- Lack of motivation and compliance (It is a change management project - tell a story, communicate, find change agent to facilitate, define change with the team, see the technology, define the structure, take culture into consideration)
- Limitation to a data transfer projects (Additional channel for communication needed)
- Leave it to the Nerd Doctor (It is not a lone ranger activity - the whole team has to back it up)
- Just do it patiently (Change is a mutual agreement between the doctor and the patient. What is the reaction time? When to expect the response? It all needs to be predefined)
- Let's do it all at once (Nope, modest approach. Step by step).
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| SPECTACULAR VIEW OF BERN FROM KURSAAL |
In a conclusion - European Congress on e-Cardiology & e-Health was a great event, professionally organized with some cutting-edge presentations. It was supported by a supplement (volume 21, supplement 2) of the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Prof. Hugo Saner and his team did a great job in Bern.
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