It is challenging to avoid cynicism about the groundswell of support for patient-centricity and equity as change drivers, when we continue to see open racism, and discrimination for those that inconveniently lie outside "the average patient," in policy and practice. For those who are investing time, money and energy: seek authenticity in your potential partners. Committees and initiatives are a laudable step, but do policies align with patient needs and clear support for equity? Are community individuals represented in the design and governance of such efforts? Are identified problems addressed with both timeliness and humility? Are corporate investment and PAC contributions aligned with these same themes? Resource needs to really achieve a patient-centered, equitable health system are high. Wherever you sit, make sure every dollar, hour of expertise, and ounce of sweat counts for those who may not have a place at the table.

“It looks like your back is a bit tight today. Let’s modify your workout.” The voice is gentle yet commanding, the instructions rolled out in the signature cadence of a physiotherapist. It is also unmistakably robotic.

‘Patient engagement’, as a concept, has evolved considerably since I joined the industry over two decades ago. As the end users of our products, patients have always been at the heart of this industry, but back then they didn’t hold the same ‘key stakeholder’ status they do today.

Getting a patient's often fragmented health care data organized into one complete record is the dream for many in the health care industry. But achieving that ability to seamlessly collect, share, and collaborate on data across different systems is challenging—and health care executives are increasingly thinking about how to make data collaboration more functional for patients' and the broader public's good.

Andrew Bade, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes nearly two decades ago, is accustomed to all the medical gear he needs to keep his blood sugar under control. His insulin pump contains a disposable insulin cartridge, and a plastic tubing system with an adhesive patch keeps in place the cannula that delivers insulin under his skin. He wears a continuous glucose monitor on his arm.

A trove of documents published as part of a legal settlement offers an unvarnished look inside the financial relationships between pharmaceutical companies and the medical community — from the perspective of drug companies themselves.

Most people have at least a vague sense that someone somewhere is doing mischief with the data footprints created by their online activities: Maybe their use of an app is allowing that company to build a profile of their habits, or maybe they keep getting followed by creepy ads.

Business relationships, no matter what industry you operate in, represent an opportunity to accomplish more goals. Nonprofits especially can benefit from partnering with other organizations, allowing both organizations to increase the scope of the work they do.

Momentum Health Strategies

Jennifer L Bright, MPA

(703) 628 - 0534

jennifer@momentumhealthstrategies.com

www.momentumhealthstrategies.com

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