Deon Bührs, CEO of Genie Health South Africa looks at the role virtual recovery programmes are playing in re-shaping healthcare
I have written before, in editorials for IJSPT, regarding the fact that a significant body of literature has demonstrated that a ‘physical therapy first’ approach to the majority of musculoskeletal (MSK) problems in our patient populations, is the most effective way to reduce the total MSK spend by employers and payors.
Healthcare is an ever-evolving landscape. Unfortunately, so are the costs associated with modern medicine, which also continue to rise, and running parallel to this, are the demands from patient and practitioner alike, for effective interventions. It is within this ambit that physical therapy and virtual recovery have a role to play in effectively mitigating musculoskeletal (MSK) problems.
Over the years, a growing body of evidence has underscored the efficacy of a ‘physical therapy first’ approach in managing MSK issues, presenting a compelling case for its widespread adoption. However, the challenge lies not only in convincing payors of its value but also in standardizing diagnostic assessments and treatment protocols across the healthcare spectrum.
Recent data reinforces the staggering costs associated with MSK conditions, even rivalling those of pharmaceuticals and cancer treatments. This unsustainable trend necessitates a paradigm shift towards more efficient and accessible solutions. Without timely and effective interventions, the long-term repercussions on individuals and healthcare systems alike, are dire. Thus, the imperative for change looms large, prompting a re-evaluation of traditional approaches to MSK care.
Central to this transformation is the need for robust data demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of a ‘therapy first’ model. To achieve this, the healthcare community must strive for greater standardization in diagnostic assessments and treatment methodologies. While Functional Movement Systems (FMS) represent a gold standard in movement screening, their widespread adoption faces challenges due to the complexities involved.
Herein lies the potential of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), to revolutionise MSK care delivery. By leveraging AI algorithms to deploy functional movement screens at scale and with ease, providers can streamline the evaluation process and generate actionable insights. This not only enhances the quality of care but also empowers providers to produce the data that payors seek, thereby reinforcing the value proposition of physical therapy services.
Genie Health, in collaboration with FMS, is at the forefront of this technological revolution, developing a platform that enables virtual or in-person deployment of FMS assessments through smart devices. By seamlessly integrating data analytics and prescriptive corrective exercises, this platform heralds a significant advancement in MSK care delivery. Moreover, it represents a pivotal step towards predictive care, wherein individuals’ MSK disorders can be diagnosed, and treatment outcomes predicted with unprecedented accuracy.
The implication of this technological innovation extends far beyond individual patient care. By strengthening the position of therapy providers, trainers, and chiropractors in the MSK healthcare marketplace, Genie Health is catalysing a transformative shift towards value-based care. With predictive analytics driving decision-making processes, the potential for cost savings and improved patient outcomes becomes increasingly tangible.
For the patient, it represents a new era in self-health-care. So many patients forgo doing their exercises at home – for many reasons – but with an app/programme that gives them the confidence and encouragement to perform their exercises and correctly, and which their practitioner can check, there is an accountability and motivation to get moving.
Genie Health’s platform is also a shift forward into preventative healthcare, with patients and practitioners able to monitor progress, maintain it and even improve on their original status. Because it is a recovery programme that combines the best of both world – virtual and in-person – the patient can perform the exercises when and where that is most convenient to them. In this manner, we have seen a 60% increase in patients completing their programmes.
There is no doubt that the world over, a more efficient and sustainable healthcare system is needed. Most countries find their healthcare systems – whether public or private – overburdened. It is here that AI and machine learning can play a vital role in enhancing overall wellbeing. Virtual Physical Recovery Programmes are poised to lead the way.
By harnessing the power of technology, we can reshape the future of MSK care, ushering in an era of personalised, data-driven interventions that prioritise both efficacy and accessibility. Indeed, the promise of AI in healthcare has never been more profound, and with each technological leap, we inch closer to realising its full potential. Stay tuned for the next chapter in this ground-breaking evolution.
