Healthcare providers face an increasing demand for care that will require a fresh, collaborative approach when treating progressively complex patient populations. As a result, many organizations are adopting unique care delivery models and innovative technology to improve patient care and optimize performance.
Vizient's latest Medical Device Tech Watch explores a variety of topics including how enhanced care pathways plus modern technology adoption leads to earlier detection for lung cancer and better treatment for diabetic neuropathy. Tech Watch empowers providers to make informed decisions and leverage the latest technology by delivering data-driven and clinical insights affecting healthcare.
Featured articles include:
Enhanced care pathways plus modern technology adoption leads to earlier detection and treatment for lung cancer—Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in U.S. adults and most deadly, accounting for one in five cancer deaths. Earlier diagnosis and shortening the timeline between incidental findings and treatment by implementing disease-specific programs, such as a lung health clinic, improve survivorship and quality of life outcomes, which have been stagnant for the last few decades despite improvements in treatment. Leaning into innovative technologies such as AI to help diagnose and treat lung cancer in earlier stages could improve outcomes and reduce the total cost of care.
Diabetic neuropathy prevalence and treatment—An estimated 20 million individuals currently suffer from peripheral neuropathy, a number likely to escalate. While medications and topical treatments for pain management are available, their efficacy varies. Opioids are increasingly avoided due to their addictive properties, leading providers and patients to seek alternative pain management therapies — an ongoing challenge for these patients. Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has been shown to reduce chronic pain, and adoption rates will likely grow with increased Food and Drug Administration approvals. Healthcare providers can evaluate local market demand for SCS, identify appropriate collaborations between subspecialties that treat this condition and improve the standard of care.
Other articles in this edition:
- Strategies to retain musculoskeletal volume in the face of shifting sites of care
- Technology advancements and innovations in orthopedics
- The future of sutures: reducing infections, localized drug delivery, patient monitoring and more
Watch a recording of the expert-led panel webinar for more insights from this edition of Tech Watch.