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Digital EditionEfficiency in Motion: Transforming MSK Care with Tech
Jeff Vari is a seasoned healthcare partnerships professional with extensive experience in both provider and payer sectors. Known for driving growth and creating value-driven collaborations, Jeff has a proven track record of fostering impactful relationships that benefit all stakeholders. A University of Delaware and Widener University alumnus, his expertise and strategic vision make him a vital force in advancing healthcare solutions. Currently with FIGUR8, Jeff is dedicated to transforming musculoskeletal care through innovative partnerships.
When it comes to caring for patients with musculoskeletal injuries, the traditional approach can often feel like a game of telephone. Whether it’s the primary care physician, physiotherapist, or specialist, each healthcare provider in the chain of communication gets their piece of the patient’s journey and clarity on their story through a mix of paper records, emails, and sometimes plain old verbal updates. It is a process rooted in silos, with each professional working in a proverbial bubble, often unaware of the full scope of the patient’s journey.
While this method has been around for decades, it has become increasingly clear that it has significant limitations and can even drive inefficiencies that compromise quality of care.
Paper-based processes are slow, prone to errors, and lack the seamless integration needed to ensure that patients receive the most effective, timely care. And when these silos are in place, they create additional barriers to communication, which can lead to duplicated efforts, missed information, and ultimately, suboptimal outcomes for patients.
Imagine a patient recovering from a lower back injury. They might start with a visit to their family doctor, who then refers them to a physical therapist. The physical therapist might advise they request further imaging or a referral to a specialist from their primary care provider. In a paper-based, siloed system, each of these steps could involve separate records, separate assessments, and separate plans of care. The result? A fragmented approach where no one has a full view of the patient’s condition or the treatments already in place.
This fragmentation doesn’t just slow down the process; it can also negatively impact the patient’s recovery. For instance, if the physiotherapist doesn’t have immediate access to the patient’s imaging results, they might delay or alter their treatment plan. Or if a specialist doesn’t see the progress notes from the physiotherapist, they might recommend an unnecessary procedure. These gaps in communication are more than just inconveniences—they are missed opportunities to deliver optimal care.
Now, let’s consider the impact of digital technologies in scenarios like this. When care providers have access to a shared digital platform that houses objective, easy-to-read clinical information, the entire process changes. Instead of relying on paper records or standalone systems, all patient data is available in real-time and can be accessed by every member of the care team. This means the physiotherapist can see the imaging results as soon as they’re available, and the specialist can review the physiotherapist’s notes before making any recommendations.
Beyond just sharing information, digital technologies can also support more sophisticated care models that are proactive rather than reactive. For instance, a digital platform could use data analytics to flag patients who are at risk of delayed recovery based on their injury type, treatment progress, and other factors. This would allow care teams to intervene early, perhaps adjusting the treatment plan or involving additional specialists to ensure the patient stays on track.
Moreover, digital tools can enhance patient engagement—a critical component in managing musculoskeletal injuries. With the right app or portal, patients can access their treatment plans, track their progress, and even communicate with their care team directly. This empowers them to take an active role in their recovery, which is often linked to better outcomes. For example, a patient who can easily access home exercise programs and log their efforts is more likely to stick with their regimen and recover faster.
The transition from siloed, paper-based processes to integrated digital care models isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about creating a more connected, patient-centered approach to healthcare. When all members of the care team have access to the same information, they can work together more effectively, make better decisions, and ultimately, improve patient outcomes.
For patients with musculoskeletal injuries, this can mean faster recovery times, fewer unnecessary procedures, and a more seamless experience as they navigate the often complex healthcare system. And for healthcare providers, it’s an opportunity to break down the barriers that have traditionally hindered collaboration and innovation.
In the end, embracing digital technologies in care delivery isn’t just a technological upgrade—it’s a step towards a more integrated, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare system. And that’s a win for everyone involved. &
