This week in Orlando, Florida the Department of Defense’s Defense Health Agency (DHA) hosted its annual Defense Health IT Symposium (DHITS 2018). DHITS 2018 was a time for DHA leaders to share their vision for the future of healthcare for the warfighter.
Vice Admiral, Raquel C. Bono, DHA Director highlighted the importance of medical care to force readiness. She shared during the event that medical reasons account for “50% of the reason for non-deployability” of America’s warfighters. Improving health outcomes for the warfighter is a key priority for the DHA.
“Medical reasons are 50% of the reason for non-deployability” Vice Adm. Bono discusses how a modern electronic health record helps increase readiness at #DHITS2018 pic.twitter.com/LQq2bY25pk
— DefenseHealthAgency (@DoD_DHA) July 24, 2018
What was clear from the start of the DHITS 2018 is that healthcare IT (HIT) is integral to finding solutions for the DHA. In particular, virtual care, including telehealth and telemedicine solutions, can bring healthcare to the warfighter and remove barriers to improving health outcomes for the warfighter and bolstering force readiness.
Dr. John M. Cho on virtual care: It enables us to engage with our patients 24/7 to change their behavior and improve health outcomes. It will transform our health care delivery model and bring the entire patient care team to each patient throughout their lifetime. #DHITS2018 pic.twitter.com/kCzBxLNRBw
— DefenseHealthAgency (@DoD_DHA) July 26, 2018
As Servio Medina, Chief, Cybersecurity Oversight, Governance, & Strategy at the DHA shared, to be effective care has to be delivered seamlessly between the physical and digital worlds.
By 2020: 30% primary care in US delivered virtually. By 2025: 20% of all care in US delivered virtually. Gartner prediction at #DHITS2018
— Servio Medina (@SecurityServio) July 26, 2018
However, while the technology behind telehealth and telemedicine is undoubtedly important, it’s not about technology, in the end. Rather, it’s about being able to build a culture that prioritizes patient-centered care and adopt technology that doesn’t fail, disrupt physician-paitent encounters, and can keep ePHI secure.
“This isn’t about metrics, it’s about creating a culture where it’s all about delivering safe, trusted care.” Maj. Gen. Robert Miller emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care. #DHITS2018 pic.twitter.com/SnCnRKB3Xa
— DefenseHealthAgency (@DoD_DHA) July 24, 2018
What kind of healthcare IT should the DHA consider investing in to deliver the high standard of care needed by the warfighter? You can learn more about digital transformation here and find out more about telehealth and telemedicine here.
