Weekly Digital Health: AI Therapy, Orchid's Scribe, Rural Telehealth, Baptist Expansion, GE & AWS

Breakthrough study shows AI digital program as effective as human therapy for anxiety

A groundbreaking study by ieso Digital Health, in collaboration with the NHS and NIHR BioResource, has shown that their AI-driven digital program for treating generalized anxiety is as effective as traditional human-led therapy. This AI-driven solution, which integrates AI technology with human support, is designed to alleviate the strain on NHS mental health services, where approximately 1.2 million people are on waiting lists. The program combines real-time, tailored interactions based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles with a human support service, offering a scalable mental healthcare solution for the 301 million people globally suffering from anxiety disorders. Developed with the latest AI advancements and expertise from clinicians, the six-module course helps users manage their anxiety effectively, reducing the demand on therapists' time by up to eightfold per patient.

The study involved 300 volunteers with varying degrees of anxiety and demonstrated that 82% experienced a clinically meaningful decrease in symptoms, with significant improvements seen even in those with severe anxiety. Participants noted improvements in their day-to-day functioning and sustained benefits one month after completing the program. A notable aspect of the program is its flexibility, allowing participants to engage at their convenience, while a human support service monitored their progress and provided motivation. Only 15% of participants required human support, but 94% appreciated its availability. This innovative approach underscores the potential for AI-driven therapy to significantly reduce the mental health burden on individuals, healthcare systems, and the economy, providing timely and personalized care to those in need. Read more.

Orchid announces new HIPAA-compliant AI scribe for mental health

Orchid, a behavioral health electronic health record (EHR) vendor, has introduced an innovative AI-powered scribe designed to alleviate the administrative burden on mental health providers. This HIPAA-compliant tool integrates with any EHR through a Chrome extension, streamlining clinical note-taking and allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care. Developed to address the significant amount of time mental health professionals spend on documentation, the AI scribe saves hours of administrative work, thereby enabling providers to see more patients or reduce burnout. The AI technology is enhanced with encryption standards and strict access controls, ensuring patient data privacy and security. With the ability to draft clinical notes, summarize medical histories, suggest billing codes, and provide after-visit summaries, the scribe significantly reduces the time spent on note-taking, from up to 20 minutes per session to just a few seconds.

Launched in 2022 Orchid aims to eliminate barriers to mental healthcare. The AI scribe can be used in Orchid’s EHR, as a standalone tool, or on top of any EHR by recording patient sessions with consent or by dictating notes. This technology has already shown promising results, with clinicians reporting significant reductions in the time spent on documentation and improved patient retention. The AI’s ability to adapt to individual clinician styles and use past notes ensures continuity of care. By easing the documentation load, Orchid’s AI scribe addresses the shortage of mental health professionals and the long wait times for care, ultimately enhancing the overall efficiency and accessibility of mental health services. Read more.

Telehealth booths help connect patients, providers in rural Oklahoma libraries

Rural libraries in Oklahoma, including those in Atoka, Broken Bow, Hinton, and Okemah, are now offering telehealth booths to improve healthcare access for residents. This initiative, led by the Oklahoma State University Department of Agricultural Economics, addresses significant barriers faced by rural communities, such as long travel distances and healthcare provider shortages. Many rural residents also struggle with unreliable internet, which the libraries can provide. These telehealth booths enable residents to connect with healthcare specialists without the need for lengthy travel or long wait times. The project received grant funding, and a team of extension specialists trained library officials on telehealth systems and installed accessible Talk Box studio booths.

The telehealth booths, which opened almost a year ago in some locations, are soundproof and equipped with UV sanitation and lights, ensuring privacy and safety. They allow residents to conduct mental health appointments, prescription consultations, and wellness checks, such as blood pressure readings. The initiative also aims to make older adults more comfortable with digital health services by providing digital assistance and reassuring them about the booths' privacy features. Additionally, libraries in Sulphur and Tishomingo have created similar telehealth spaces using grant money from AARP Oklahoma, further expanding access to healthcare in rural areas. 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.

Baptist Expands Telehealth Services in West Tennessee with $3.6 Million Grant

Baptist Memorial Health Care is expanding telehealth services in West Tennessee with a $3.6 million grant from the Tennessee Department of Health’s Health Care Resiliency Program. The grant will enhance wireless network capabilities and telehealth equipment at Baptist Memorial hospitals in Carroll County, Tipton, and Union City, providing access to specialty and subspecialty care through initiatives like virtual intensive care units, centralized cardiac monitoring, and virtual nurses. Read more.

GE Healthcare Taps Amazon Web Services to Build Generative AI for Medical Use

GE HealthCare is partnering with Amazon Web Services to develop generative AI models for efficiently analyzing complex medical data, improving healthcare operations like screenings, diagnoses, and scheduling. The collaboration aims to make vast amounts of previously inaccessible medical data usable, enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. Read more.