Orlando Health is rolling out a wearable technology pilot program with the goal of improving patient care and experience as well as reducing readmissions.
The pilots will begin at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital in Clermont and will focus on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). At discharge, patients will receive wristbands with sensors that measure up to 50 metrics, including heart rate activity and variability, oxygen saturation, temperature and even on-demand clinical-grade electrocardiograms (ECGs). The data will be viewed by an outpatient care management team so they can monitor patients’ progress and intervene as necessary.
“This program will be an incredible asset to our providers since we’ll be able to see patients’ sleep patterns, movement, stress levels and more as they recover at home,” said Stephanie Dietz, MD, medical director, Orlando Health Value-Based Care and Population Health. “This way, we can ensure we see critical changes in real-time and can arrange next steps for our patients right away, promoting a safe and speedier recovery.”
For the initiative, Orlando Health is partnering with leading wearable technology and software brands BSecur, WHOOP, and Sensr as part of its Orlando Health Ventures arm. The system has plans to expand the program in the future.
“We see the tremendous potential in utilizing wearable technology and advanced sensory data when it comes to patient care,” said Bobby Helmedag, vice president, Orlando Health Ventures. “Together with our technology partners, we’re exploring a new way to observe and monitor those with chronic conditions and therefore gain a deeper insight into our patients and how to best care for them.”
Orlando Health Ventures is a collaborative effort with clinicians and leaders that sources, evaluates, and invests in innovative companies that demonstrate potential for a strong return on investment, high growth opportunity and that align with the mission of Orlando Health.