Telehealth Innovations: National Awards and New Programs
Pennsylvania twins win national award for connected telehealth invention
Emma and Sarah Simmons, twins from Adams County, Pennsylvania, have been awarded first place in the national eCYBERMISSION competition for their innovative telehealth invention, Respitronics. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they observed their parents, both chronic asthma sufferers, struggling to get optimal healthcare through telehealth appointments. This inspired the twins, then in sixth grade, to create Respitronics, a belt made of conductive fabric that can measure a patient's breathing rate and transmit the data to doctors during virtual visits. Now entering 10th grade, the girls demonstrated their invention at the competition, showcasing how it could improve remote patient care, particularly for those in rural areas.
Respitronics not only impressed the judges at the national level but also sparked interest in potential patents and further development. The twins, homeschooled in Carroll Valley Borough, aim to enhance their device for greater comfort and utility. Emma is considering a future in either biomedical engineering or large-animal veterinary medicine, while Sarah is focused on biomedical engineering. Their mother, Lisa McLeod-Simmons, praised their creativity and determination, emphasizing that their success came from their willingness to explore and innovate without barriers. Read more.
Telehealth, home spirometry help manage CF in children: Study
A Swedish study has shown that combining telehealth with home spirometry, alongside occasional in-person doctor visits, is just as effective as in-person visits alone for managing cystic fibrosis (CF) in children. The study, conducted from May 2020 to December 2021, involved 59 children with CF, demonstrating that telemedicine and home spirometry can be safely integrated into pediatric CF care. The findings, published in Pediatric Pulmonology, revealed no significant differences in lung function or body mass index between the pre-pandemic period and the study period, despite patients replacing at least two in-person visits with telehealth sessions.
Participants reported numerous benefits from the use of telehealth and home spirometry. The study showed a significant reduction in new infections by Haemophilus influenza bacteria, and adherence to at-home testing increased with reminders. Both patients and caregivers expressed a strong preference for continuing telehealth and home spirometry, citing advantages such as reduced time off work and school, less time spent in hospitals, and the ability to share health data anytime. These findings highlight the positive impact of telemedicine on the daily lives of children with CF and their families. Read more.
Bicycle Health launches virtual MOUD program for teens in Maine to meet demand
Bicycle Health, a virtual provider of opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment, is launching a first-of-its-kind program for teens in Maine. The new initiative will allow 16- and 17-year-olds to access medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) via telehealth, addressing a significant need as 12% of Maine high school students reported misusing prescription pain medications in 2019. This is Bicycle Health’s first venture into treating teens, spurred by demand from a payer partner seeking care solutions for younger patients. While Maine law does not require parental consent for treatment, Bicycle Health mandates a parent or guardian's presence at the initial visit to ensure they are informed about the treatment plan.
The program includes support groups and recovery coaches, addressing co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety, with referrals to psychotherapy when needed. Bicycle Health primarily utilizes buprenorphine, its injectable form Sublocade, and naltrexone for treatment, following the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations for severe OUD in teens. The program is accessible through insurance, including MaineCare, and a self-pay option at $139 per month. Despite the challenges of legal and compliance reviews, Bicycle Health is committed to meeting the urgent needs of this vulnerable population, planning to expand the program as regulations permit. Read more.
What’s happening in Digital Health this week?
Grab your coffee (or tea, we like both too) and take a deep dive into what’s happening in our market this week.
InfoVision Partners with iDocsWeb to Launch ‘Doctors Anytime’
InfoVision has partnered with iDocsWeb to launch "Doctors Anytime," a platform providing 24/7 telemedicine services, including overnight coverage and Specialist Clinics, to regional hospitals and LTACHs across the United States. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare accessibility and efficiency, particularly for rural and underserved communities. Read more.
Digital Twins in Healthcare Market to Hit USD 28.88 Billion by 2032, Owing to Innovations in Personalized Medicine and Predictive Care
The Digital Twins in Healthcare Market is projected to grow from USD 1.41 billion in 2023 to USD 28.88 billion by 2032, driven by advancements in personalized medicine and predictive care models. These virtual models enhance patient outcomes and streamline healthcare operations, making healthcare more efficient and effective. Read more.