By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA A Go-To Health Care System for Innovation and Digital Technology “It’s something our members wanted, they have it and they love it,” said Kaiser Permanente’s Incoming Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Bernard J. Tyson, in a recent telephone interview. The “it” Mr. Tyson is referring to is the digital technology that allows Kaiser Permanente members to email their physicians. To date, there are “14 million e-visits,” he said, and…
Read More...Mobile Health-The Kaiser Way-An Interview with Bernard Tyson
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA A Candid Interview with Bernard Tyson “It’s something our members wanted, they have it and they love it,” said Kaiser Permanente’s President and CEO Bernard J. Tyson, in a recent telephone interview. The “it” Mr. Tyson is referring to is the digital technology that allows Kaiser Permanente members to email their physicians. To date, there are “14 million e-visits,” he said, and members gain access via a free Smartphone…
Read More...Connected Health Care: How Technology is Driving Transformation
Guest post by Bernard J. Tyson The age of mobile has arrived. A recent Pew Research Center report found that more than four in 10 American adults now own a smartphone, and one in five owns a tablet. People are connected to the Web wherever they are and whenever they want information. They are using their mobile devices to manage their workload and family calendars, pay their bills, and find the nearest Starbucks. It doesn’t…
Read More...3 Best Health Care Tips – mHealth to Social Media Networking
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA As a registered nurse, here are three of my top health tips for taking charge of your health. These aren’t the typical how-to-tips; rather, they help empower you by getting you involved in a hi-tech and social world. 1. Get involved. You are the most important member of your health care team. You are the biggest stakeholder in your health care, and you have the choice to live a…
Read More...5 Buckets to Patient Engagement and the Role of HIT
By Barbara Ficarra, RN, BSN, MPA What is patient engagement? Patient engagement is a connection between patient, caregiver and health care provider. A trusted relationship forms and mutual respect is fostered. Patients and their families are empowered and they are active in health care decisions. However, patient engagement begins before the initial interaction with health care providers. When patients and consumers recognize the need to be in charge of their health, patient engagement evolves. Patients…
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