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