Joyce Chow

October 25, 2007

HealthConnect

34.6 million people aged 65+ (2000 Census) Projected populations ages 65+: 54 million in 2020 and 79 million in 2050

(Kiel, 2005) Medicare covers doctor’s visits and hospitalization, but not one hundred

percent. Elderly expenses increased 35% since 1990 (Kiel, 2005) Elderly Americans spend average 19% of total income and lowest-fifth

income level spend 32% on out-of-pocket medical expenses. (Medscape, 2000)

Medicare covers about 65% of payments Medicaid available only to the poorest elderly. (Medscape, 2000) Ages 55+ who use computers

5.5% away from home 11% at home 14.4% at any location

Burt Swersey, age 71, worries about money issues. “Will we have enough to last our lifetimes and provide for our needs, including any health or nursing homes?” (Burt Swersey, 2007)

Needs Analysis

Needs Analysis (continued)

Graph: http://www.epinet.org/content.cfm/webfeatures_snapshots_archive_07092003

Problem: The elderly population is growing rapidly and health care expenses are rising exponentially. Elderly health care costs need to be reduced.

Vision: Provide an assistive tool that allows elderly to monitor their health when living at home, therefore reducing the amount of services the elderly pay for.

Problem and Vision

Improvement DataHealthConnect

Electronic health care compliance assistance

Remote health monitoring and maintenance system

Monitor medication X XReminders to attend health matters X X

Appointment reminders X X

Health Care Provider monitors patient

X X

Reminders if no response X X

Voice Messages X X

Personalization depending on patient X Limited

Updates X X X

Blood pressure X

Emergency Help X

Text-To-Speech and Voice Recognition X

Email Dialogue X

Medical Journal Log X

Decrease in health care costs Increase in jobs to monitor patients virtuallyIncrease in number of elderly using internetIncrease in number of elderly living at home

Measurable Objectives

Incorporate the machine to an easy-use computer with the HealthConnect system as one of its feature

Not just for elderly, but familiesBenefits for people who use this machine,

such as subsidized prescription coverage and dental care

Plan for Sustainability

Picture: http://www.gaschler-law.com/images/family_grandparents.JPG

FeasibilityElderly can learn to use computers and are

looking for methods to stay connected and be informed (Kiel, 2005)

We are in the Information Age where technology ceases to spur

Elderly Population is increasing and life expectancy is longer (Kiel, 2005)

Health Care costs too much

Picture: http://search.msn.com/images/results.aspx?q=elderly&go=Search+Images&form=QBIR

Brown, Stephen J. "Remote Health Monitoring and Maintenance System." Google Patent Search. 17 Mar. 1999. 24 Oct. 2007 <http://www.google.com/patents?id=1K4CAAAAEBAJ&dq=health+care+monitors>.

“Interview with Swersey.” 16 Oct. 2007 Kiel, Joan M. "The Digital Divide: Internet and Email Use by the Elderly." Medical

Informatics and the Internet in Medicine 30 (2005): 19-23. 23 Oct. 2007 <http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdf?vid=2&hid=2&sid=13f5f4a9-584e-48e0-8837-e8fa16ebf624%40sessionmgr8>.

Letzt, Alan M., and Lester M. Spandorfer. "Electronic Health Care Compliance Assistance." Google Patent Search. 21 Jan. 1994. 24 Oct. 2007 <http://www.google.com/patents?id=o30kAAAAEBAJ&dq=health+care+monitors>.

“Study Finds Elderly Americans Spend 19% of Income on Healthcare.” Medscape Medical News. 2000. 22 Oct. 2007 <http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/411678>.

Weller, Christian E. "Economic Snapshots." Medicating the Elderly Into Poverty? 9 July 2003. Economic Policy Institute. 23 Oct. 2007 <http://www.epinet.org/content.cfm/webfeatures_snapshots_archive_07092003 >.

References