Health Tech Against COVID-19 & More News

Health Tech Responds to COVID-19

Catalyst @ Health 2.0 has created an inventory of information on 140+ innovators and their active efforts to support the response to COVID-19. Through this new initiative, Health Tech Responds to COVID-19, Catalyst is committed to informing the public with thoughtful, curated content on digital health innovations tackling COVID-19. The website also features interviews and blog posts that capture the expert insights from leaders in the health care, information technology, and digital health space. 
 
If your company is working to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, or you have expert insights regarding the pandemic, we want to hear from you! Respond HERE. 

Apple Launches Screening and Resources Tool for COVID-19

Apple has announced the launch of a COVID-19 website and corresponding app. The tech giant is collaborating with the CDC, White House Coronavirus Task Force, and FEMA on the new screening and informational platform. Users are directed to next steps after answering questions designed to assess symptoms, risk, and exposure. Users can also tap into resources like Siri to ask questions regarding coronavirus symptoms, view resources from the CDC, and access directions to telehealth apps. As coronavirus cases top 700,000 worldwide, organizations like Apple are mobilizing to offer help at point-of-care. 

FDA Gives Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to Malaria Drugs for COVID-19

Despite current limited evidence to support their efficacy, the FDA has granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) for two oral formulations of closely related malaria drugs to treat COVID-19. The EUA includes restrictions regarding prescription requirements and the governing bodies in charge of issuing the drug supply. The agency issued the EUA to facilitate the drugs’ availability for patients for whom clinical trials are unavailable or for whom participation is not feasible.

Open Call: COVID-19 Tools & More News

Open Call For Solutions

There’s a real-time urgent need for tools that can assist frontline clinicians battling COVID-19. Brigham and Women's Emergency Department is calling for text based platforms to help healthcare professionals (clinicians, receptionists, technicians, and others) monitor symptoms of coronavirus, report burnout, and access helpful resources. If selected, it would roll out in the Brigham Emergency Department first. 

Do you have a response? Submit your solution HERE. 

Health Tech Responds to COVID-19

On March 18th, Catalyst @ Health 2.0 launched Health Tech Responds to COVID-19. With the knowledge that digital health can facilitate efficient responses to COVID-19, Catalyst is actively tracking and categorizing health tech tools in fields like telehealth, artificial intelligence, and mental/behavioral health. On this platform, Catalyst is also featuring urgent calls to the public to submit technologies that can assist diverse populations in the fight against COVID-19. 

Catalyst @ Health 2.0 stands with the entire health community as we respond to our times.

Best Buy Eyes Senior Care & More News...

Best Buy Launches Medical Alert Device & App for Seniors

Best Buy has announced the release of Lively by Great Call, an app that when used in conjunction with the Lively Wearable2, provides older adults with one-touch access to emergency response services via Bluetooth to their smartphones. The Lively app also features access to nurses and doctors, alerts to inform loved ones, and motivational behavioral tracking to aid seniors in living active and independent lives. The app and wearable combination is the latest addition to the Best Buy Health product line, and the retail giant’s latest foray into the $3.5 trillion U.S. health care market. 

Teladoc Anticipates Rapid Telehealth Adoption Amidst Flu and COVID-19 Threats

Virtual care provider, Teladoc Health, aims to accelerate its virtual care deployment in anticipation of growing demand for telehealth. This year, Teladoc saw an increased number of telehealth visits due to a particularly severe flu season, and is expecting those numbers to rise as diseases like COVID-19 continue to threaten the U.S.’ health care infrastructure. Teladoc is not alone—stakeholders like the Alliance for Connected Care are petitioning policymakers in Congress to include provisions that would allow telehealth visits to be covered in traditional Medicare during public health emergencies. If policies are amended, telehealth providers across the nation can anticipate a sharp rise in demand and profit(s).

Upcoming Interoperability Event

Are you attending HIMSS in Orlando next week? If so, Catalyst invites you to join us at the 2020 Health Dev Jam on March 9th, 2020 at the Rosen College of Hospitality Management—just a few minutes from the Orlando Convention Center. Register today to learn about data access, consumer APIs, and patient empowerment as it relates to the future of health data interoperability.

Space is limited—register today! Use discount code “CatalystVIP” at checkout for more than half-off the rate at the door. 

Sanofi, HHS to Collaborate on Coronavirus Vaccine & More News...

Global biopharmaceutical company, Sanofi, will leverage previous vaccine development for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) to inform the development of a novel COVID-19 vaccine. Pasteur, Sanofi’s vaccines global business unit, and the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), will spearhead the development of the vaccine. Sanofi aims to utilize its recombinant DNA platform to further investigate an advanced pre-clinical SARS vaccine candidate that could protect against COVID-19, a coronavirus which can cause respiratory disease. 

Digital Health Platform to Target Tobacco Addiction

Sharecare, a health and wellness engagement platform that provides users with personalized health information, is integrating Mindsciences’ Craving to Quit by Dr. Jud program into its digital health platform. The tobacco cessation program utilizes the neuroscience of mindfulness to help people overcome smoking and other forms of tobacco addiction. Tobacco use is the largest preventable cause of death and disease in the U.S. The platform supports users in their recovery journey through interactive daily modules, mindfulness exercises, in-app coaching, and behavior tracking. Craving to Quit by Dr. Jud marks the first collaboration between Sharecare and Mindsciences, and is the latest addition to Sharecare’s suite of digital health and behavioral tracking applications.

Drug Price and Scarcity Influence Black Market Boom

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reveals the selling of insulin and albuterol on Craigslist. The researchers combed through the classified ad website and found 432 advertisements for insulin and 105 advertisements for albuterol. Both drugs have the potential to rapidly stabilize patients who may be in life-threatening physical states, but are notoriously expensive and often inaccessible. Unregulated prescription drug sales are not only illegal, but can also be potentially harmful. For example, improper storage or handling of the medication can lead to contamination and loss of potency. The findings point to a dire systemic public health problem that requires substantive policy reform. 

FDA Approves Landmark Allergy Drug & More News

FDA Approves First Peanut Allergy Drug

Palforzia becomes the first FDA-approved medicine designed to lower the likelihood of severe allergic reactions to peanut products. Developed by California-based Aimmune Therapeutics, the oral immunotherapy can reduce life-threatening allergic reactions in children and is intended to be used in conjunction with strict peanut avoidance. An estimated 1.6mm children and teenagers in the United States have a peanut allergy. Even with mindful avoidance, unintentional exposure occurs. While the vote in favor of approving the drug was 7-2, the dissenting members of the FDA advisory voiced concerns regarding the drug’s efficacy and safety. 

Digital Platform for Musculoskeletal Pain Raises $90mm

Hinge Health, a digital health startup that targets musculoskeletal disorders (MSK), has raised $90mm in a Series C round. The company’s solution uses wearable sensors to track a person’s physical therapy progress, and connects them with health coaches through an app. The company aims to help users improve their chronic joint and back pain from the comfort of their homes. Hinge Health currently sells directly to employers and has already inked partnerships with retailers like Walgreens and health plans like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. The company plans to use the influx of funding to continue to scale the company. 

$600mm Humana Venture to Focus on Development of Senior Care Centers

Humana and private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (WCAS) have partnered in a $600mm joint venture to develop senior-focused primary care centers for Medicare patients. WCAS’ General Partner cites a “significant, unmet need for value-based, senior-focused primary care” as a major reason for the venture. The development of the care centers will fall under Humana’s senior-focused care subsidiary, Partners in Primary Care, which currently has 47 centers across the United States. This new venture would effectively double the number of their clinics over the next three years and has  a special focus on developing senior care centers in underserved communities where access to quality care is limited.

Announcing the Finalists of GuideWell's Caring for Caregivers Challenge

GuideWell, in collaboration with Catalyst @ Health 2.0, is excited to announce the finalists of the Caring for Caregivers Challenge! GuideWell sought organizations with programs, platforms, technology systems or services that enable family caregivers to provide in-home care of adult family members and improve the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients.

$50,000 was awarded to the Caring for Caregivers Challenge finalists:

Carallel, LLC (Lake Forest, Ill.): Through the use of a digital platform, Carallel provides tools and personal guidance to help caregivers manage their caregiving responsibilities in one place. “MyCareDesk” is a fully-integrated support system that assists caregivers with planning and coordinating tasks and accessing resources across a range of topics including senior living, in-home care, health, wealth and lifestyle.

Embodied Labs (Los Angeles): Using a virtual reality (VR) training platform designed for family caregivers, care partners or anyone providing support to care recipients, Embodied Labs simulates what it is like to live with certain health conditions. The immersive technology provides a unique learning experience that allows caregivers to experience life from the perspective of someone in need of caregiving.

LifePod Solutions, Inc (Boston): LifePod is a proactive voice caregiving service that monitors and supports older adults in their homes and provides real-time alerts, daily reports and peace of mind to caregivers. Through the use of a smart speaker, LifePod can be set up and controlled by a remote caregiver using an intuitive, online portal to configure and schedule check-ins, reminders and virtual companionship.

TCARE, Inc (St. Louis): The evidence-based IT software system is designed to delay nursing home placement, reduce caregiver burnout and help family caregivers keep their loved ones at home longer. Through a cloud-based management system, TCare provides care planning tools, assessments, community resource links and decision-making software to support informal caregivers and help reduce caregiving stress.

These amazing teams successfully completed the competition’s “testing phase” and will now proceed to the three month “validation phase” where they will work with GuideWell to conduct external market testing or validation of their approaches. Participants that successfully demonstrate the capability to scale their solution with a large population of caregivers will be awarded an additional $50,000 and up to two finalists may have the opportunity to pilot their solution with GuideWell.

Congratulations to the GuideWell Caring for Caregivers Challenge finalists and best of luck as you continue with the competition!

J.P. Morgan Highlights & More News

Digital Health Experts Needed for Transnational Forum

The IDIH Project (International Digital Health Cooperation for Preventive, Integrated, Independent and Inclusive Living) is setting up an expert-driven “Digital Health Transformation Forum” with five strategic partner countries: Canada, China, Japan, South Korea and the USA. At workshops held all over the world, experts will be placed into groups that will collaborate on a roadmap for sustainable, international cooperation in digital health. The Expert Groups will undertake collaborative actions in four focus areas: preventative care, integrated care, independent and connected living, and inclusive living for the rapidly growing aging population. 

Who can apply? The IDIH Project is looking for individuals whose expertise is in alignment with the aforementioned focus areas, have a proven track record in their field, and are able to contribute towards the objectives of the expert group. Please note the candidate must be from the EU, USA, Canada, China, Japan or South Korea to be considered. 

To apply, please send your CV with a short explanation on why you are interested in becoming an Expert Group member or Chair, to experts@idih-global.eu  

Act fast—the call for experts closes on January 31st, 2020! 

Key Themes at J.P. Morgan Health Conference

Last week, health care executives, innovators, and thought leaders came together for The 38th Annual J.P. Morgan Health Conference. Christina Farr of CNBC highlighted key themes she observed from the panel discussions and guests’ conversations, such as the need for narrowing the scope of digital health’s definition. The all-encompassing term that relates to the intersection of digital health and technology often creates confusion for patients and health care providers due to its breadth. Another key topic of discussion was the surge of big tech in the health care space. Google’s Project Nightingale served as the prime example of the conflict between data-sharing and privacy. Farr also noted a lack of racial, gender and patient advocate representation, whose presence add important voices often missing from the health tech conversation.

Fitbit Could Help Track the Flu

A study published by the Scripps Research Translational Institute suggests that resting heart rate and sleep duration data collected from Fitbit devices can inform models of population-level influenza trends. Typically, Centers for Disease Control influenza-like illness (ILI) data are reported one - three weeks late, and often revised. Wearable devices provide real-time estimates of ILI markers. The study obtained over 13 million resting heart rate and sleep duration measurements that denoted periods of illness, and combined the data points with three-week lagged CDC ILI incidence data. The real-time wearables estimates improved the correlational accuracy of their models by as much as 32.9%. The study’s results point to continuous monitoring technology’s capacity to inform and support efficient responses to potential outbreaks of large-scale diseases. 

AI, DTx at the Forefront in 2020 & More News

Digital Health Experts Needed for International Forum

The IDIH Project (International Digital Health Cooperation for Preventive, Integrated, Independent and Inclusive Living) is seeking digital health experts who are interested in collaborating on a sustainable platform for international cooperation in digital health. IDIH is a project funded under the European Union Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme, bringing together prominent organizations from EU and five Strategic Partner Countries (Canada, China, Japan, South Korea and the USA) to promote and increase international collaboration, advance digital health, and support active and healthy aging through innovation. 

IDIH is looking for individuals whose expertise is in alignment with the following focus areas: preventative care, integrated care, independent and connected living, and inclusive living. 

If you would like to be a part of our expert driven Digital Health Transformation Forum, please send your CV with a short explanation on why you are interested in becoming an Expert Group member or Chair to experts@idih-global.eu by January 31st, 2020. 

Act fast—experts are chosen on a rolling basis!

Digital Therapeutics Expected to Advance Despite Recent Losses 

Despite the recent string of failed collaborations between digital therapeutics (DTx) and pharmaceutical companies, the DTx sector is predicted to grow in the coming year. Richard Close, an analyst at Canaccord Genuity, suggests that key players in the health care arena are attuned to the benefits of DTx solutions for treating patients. One such player is Express Scripts, the largest independent manager of pharmacy benefits in the U.S., whose formulary highlights vetted DTx offerings from companies like Livongo, WellDoc, SilverCloud Health, and Learn to Live. Though consumers are still waiting for clinical validation of DTx through the pharma partnerships, both DTx developers and key care management stakeholders remain optimistic about the value of DTx for clinical uses. 

“Re-Humanization” of Medicine through AI

A report from the social-listening platform Digimind reveals that adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) will continue to be a priority for health care and technology sectors in 2020. The boom of value-based care and patient centric models of operation showcase a desire to “re-humanize” medicine—allowing practitioners to spend more time with the patient and less with paperwork. In recent years, the development of AI and ML has been focused on their ability to make accurate interpretations of diagnostic screenings and to extract key data from patient records. The digital health space can expect to see further development of AI’s medical sensitivity and accuracy to maximize output at the lowest cost. 

Proteus Digital Health's Uncertain Future & More News

Proteus Digital Health’s Uncertain Future in Digital Therapeutics

Proteus Digital Health, a promising digital therapeutics (DTx) company targeting prescription adherence, was once valued at $1.5B. Now, the company faces an uncertain future as it failed to close a $100mm funding round. The company's renowned product, “smart pills,” pairs digestible pills with a smartphone app that alerts patients to take their medication. In 2017, Proteus landed a partnership with Otsuka to develop a digital medicine system named Abilify MyCite to target mental health disorders. The landmark product gained FDA clearance the same year. Despite the excitement over the digital pill, Proteus struggled with patient adoption and has limited data to corroborate the solution’s efficacy—prompting funding partners and potential investors to drop out. Such a downturn has become common for DTx companies, who have been struggling with clinical adoption and may be at risk of losing crucial funding. 

Telehealth Expansion to Close Crucial Health Care Gap

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced plans to allocate nearly half of its $42.5mm in grant funding toward the development and expansion of telehealth services for rural Americans. This endeavor is the latest federally-funded push to utilize digital health services to improve rural health care.The grants will cover various areas of focus including: providing quality telehealth services to rural populations, expediting the delivery of opioid treatment, increasing access to behavioral health services, and installing telemedicine equipment across various primary care offices and hospitals. Other federal entities like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are also targeting rural Americans and will allocate upwards of $90mm toward a pilot program to incentivize providers to develop broadband-based telehealth programs. 

VA Optimizing Health Outcomes Through AI

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the launch of the National Artificial Intelligence Institute, which aims to improve health outcomes for veterans through research and development of advanced AI and machine learning technologies. The VA is currently utilizing AI to better inform treatment decisions, identify at-risk or high risk patients, and improve clinicians' ability to interpret lab results. From the development of telehealth pods that serve veterans in remote areas to partnering with Verizon to maximize telehealth services, the launch of the institute is the agency's most recent effort in addressing veterans' unmet needs through health innovation. 

Applications for GuideWell’s Scale Up Accelerator Closing Soon!

There are only a few days remaining to apply for GuideWell’s 2020 Accelerator: Aging in Place! The program is seeking innovative, easy-to-use solutions that enable seniors to improve overall physical and emotional wellness, connect seniors to their communities, and increase the affordability and accessibility of health care for seniors that are economically challenged or cared for by a working family member.

10 health technology companies or innovators will have the incredible opportunity to participate in an eight week accelerator program that consists of a two-day kickoff boot camp, followed by weekly mentoring sessions and a series of virtual workshops that focus on challenges in the health care industry (e.g. customer acquisition, regulatory compliance, etc.).The program begins January 23rd, 2020 and will culminate in a curated Investor Matchmaking Showcase at GuideWell’s Innovation Center in Orlando, FL., on March 9th, 2020.

Cohort Company Criteria:

Eligible companies must meet GuideWell’s minimum “Scale Up” requirements. A Scale Up is a growing technology startup that has clear traction in its chosen marketplace. Traction can be demonstrated by one or more of the following:

• A minimum of $500,000 in revenues

• $500,000 in seed capital raised

• Verifiable (reference required) customer pilots

• Accelerating product adoption (especially for consumer-focused solutions)

If you are an innovator with a next-generation solution, apply today! https://guidewellinnovation.com/guidewell-scale-up-accelerator/

VA Expands Use of Telehealth and Digital Sensors & More News

VA’s Modernized Approach with Telehealth and Sensors

Since the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) launched the “Anywhere to Anywhere” initiative in May 2018, VA health care teams have been able to treat veterans regardless of their location-- which has contributed to a surge in telehealth adoption. In a recent announcement, the VA reported a 17% increase in telehealth visits from the previous fiscal year. More than 900,000 veterans adopted virtual care. With studies supporting telehealth’s ability to reach vets in rural areas, expand mental health care services, and improve clinical efficiency, the VA hopes to further telehealth’s reach. The agency is looking to expand the Accessing Telehealth through Local Area Stations (ATLAS) program, which provides care for veterans who live long distances from VA medical centers or have poor internet connections. The program will now pilot at American Legion Posts, Veterans of Foreign War posts, and Walmart stores across America.

The VA is also turning to digital sensors to tackle the problem of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). Currently, 15 VA Medical Center use Podimetrics, a smart sensor mat designed for a patient’s home. It analyzes foot temperature variations to predict/prevent the occurence of potential ulcers. The user stands on the mat for 20 seconds, then the data is analyzed and sent to the Podimetrics care team. The team examines and triages the data and works with the patient’s physician on preventative treatments and coaching. In a study led by the VA, Podimetrics detected 97% of developing ulcers on average 5 weeks before it would be clinically detected. With more than 75,000 vets suffering from DFU last year, the VA hopes the regional rollout of Podimetrics will help more diabetic vets.

Singapore’s AI Strategy: National Retina-based Screening

Singapore is counting on Artificial Intelligence (AI) to catalyze the nation’s economy and its citizens’ well-being. During the SFF X SWITCH (Singapore Fintech Festival and Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology) Conference, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Heng Swee Keat, announced the country’s national AI strategy for five priority areas: transport/logistics, smart cities, health care, education, and safety/security.

For health, Singapore’s AI strategy will focus on chronic disease management and prevention. In three years, it hopes to launch Selena+, a system that analyzes retinal photographs across the nation for diabetes screening. By 2025, it aims to develop a retina-based risk score for high glucose, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol (3H) related cardiovascular disease. By 2030, the nation hopes to collaborate with industry partners to develop AI models for 3H.

Grow Your Senior Care Solution with GuideWell’s Scale Up Accelerator Program!

GuideWell is hosting an exciting eight week health and wellness technology accelerator program for innovators who have solutions that provide affordable, accessible health care or holistic solutions for diverse aging populations. With the number of Americans over 65 projected to hit 71 million by 2030, GuideWell is seeking solutions that address critical problems faced by America’s rapidly growing senior population. 

GuideWell is particularly interested in solutions in the following areas:

• Novel approaches to increase the affordability and accessibility of health care for seniors that are economically challenged, or that are cared for by a working family member

• Easy-to-use solutions that enable seniors to improve overall physical and emotional wellness

• Solutions that connect seniors into their communities

The program begins January 23rd, 2020 and will consist of a two-day kickoff boot camp, followed by weekly mentoring sessions and a series of virtual workshops that focus on challenges in the health care industry (e.g. customer acquisition, regulatory compliance, etc.). It will culminate in a curated Investor Matchmaking Showcase at GuideWell’s Innovation Center in Orlando, FL on March 9th, 2020, where companies will have the amazing opportunity to present their innovative technologies to investors. 

If you have a solution that can empowers seniors across the nation, apply today! Applications close December 8th, 2019. 

https://guidewellinnovation.com/guidewell-scale-up-accelerator

Google Under Fire for Use of Health Data & More News

Google Collected Personal Health Data for R&D

This week, it was revealed that Google has been working with Ascension, the second largest health system in the country, on a program dubbed “Project Nightingale” since early 2018. The tech giant has been collecting and analyzing Ascension patients’ personal health data across 21 states. Google and Ascension undertook the project to develop a tool that uses machine learning and AI to aggregate health data in one place, streamlining one of the main hassles of EHRs. While Google Cloud’s President Tariq Shaukat assured the public that patient data will not be combined with Google consumer data, Project Nightingale adds to growing concerns surrounding privacy and data sharing in digital health -- concerns that have prompted a federal inquiry into the project by The Office for Civil Rights in the Department of Health and Human Services.

AI May Accurately Predict Risk of Death in AFib Patients

Researchers from Geisinger Health System have found that artificial intelligence technology was able to accurately identify patients at risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib) and predict risk of death. The AI was trained through analysis of 30 years of electrocardiogram results and was able to identify at-risk patients more accurately than doctors interpreting test results normally. The results join a larger trend of technologies being developed to monitor heart arrhythmias such as AFib, with the hope that early intervention will lessen the risk of clotting, stroke, and heart failure for patients.

Announcing GuideWell’s 2020 Scale Up Accelerator: Aging in Place

GuideWell is proud to announce the 2020 Scale Up Accelerator: Aging in Place. With research suggesting that seniors are happier and healthier when they remain in their homes instead of assisted care facilities, GuideWell is sourcing solutions that empower seniors to maintain active and healthy lifestyles, while reducing the burden on their family members and caregivers.

10 health tech companies focused on senior care initiatives will be chosen to participate in an eight week accelerator program that will run from January 23rd, 2020 - March 9th, 2020, culminating in an invaluable Investor Matchmaking Showcase. 

If you have a solution that improves the overall physical and emotional wellness of seniors across the nation, here’s why you should participate:

• Access to GuideWell’s national network of experienced health/wellness experts and technology entrepreneurs as mentors

• Access to health care organizations within Orlando’s Lake Nona medical city and other health care organizations as customer prospects

• Curated 2-day boot camp followed by a series of virtual workshops that focus on challenges in health care industry customer acquisition, regulatory compliance and other health care specific business topics

• Opportunity to present at GuideWell’s curated heath tech investor matchmaking event

Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! Applications close December 8th, 2019. https://guidewellinnovation.com/guidewell-scale-up-accelerator

Announcing GuideWell’s 2020 Scale Up Accelerator: Aging in Place

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of American seniors will grow to over 71 million by 2030. To address critical problems that the growing elder population faces, GuideWell is hosting a health and wellness accelerator program for companies and innovators focused on senior care. GuideWell’s Scale Up Accelerator: Aging in Place is seeking solutions that provide affordable, accessible health care or holistic solutions for diverse aging populations.

10 companies will be selected to participate in an exciting eight week program that consists of a two-day kickoff boot camp, followed by weekly mentoring sessions and a series of virtual workshops that focus on challenges in the health care industry (e.g. customer acquisition, regulatory compliance, etc.).

Cohort Company Criteria:

Eligible companies must meet GuideWell’s minimum “Scale Up” requirements. A Scale Up is a growing technology startup that has clear traction in its chosen marketplace. Traction can be demonstrated by one or more of the following:

• A minimum of $500,000 in revenues

• $500,000 in seed capital raised

• Verifiable (reference required) customer pilots

• Accelerating product adoption (especially for consumer-focused solutions)

The program will run from January 23rd, 2019-March 9th, 2020, culminating in a curated Investor Matchmaking Showcase in Orlando, FL., where companies have the opportunity to showcase their innovative technologies to potential investors.

If you have a health technology that can enable seniors to “Age in Place,” apply today! The deadline to apply for this amazing opportunity is December 8th, 2019.

https://guidewellinnovation.com/guidewell-scale-up-accelerator

Prehab Tool and AI Win Big at the 2019 RWJF Live Pitch

Six finalists competed in an exciting live pitch for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s 2019 Innovation Challenges at the 2019 Health 2.0 Annual Conference. They demoed their technologies in front of an audience of health care professionals, investors, provider organizations, and members of the media. The Home and Community Based Care Challenge sought technologies that support the advancement of at-home or community based care. The Social Determinants of Health Innovation Challenge called for solutions that increase access to services related to social determinants of health.

During the 3-day Conference, Jessica DaMassa, Executive Producer & Host of @WTF_Health, spoke with the finalists about their experience competing in the RWJF Innovation Challenges, their personal highlights, and what’s next!

Home and Community Based Care Innovation Challenge Finalists

First Place:

Ooney’s home-based web-app for older adults, Prehab Pal, delivers individualized prehabilitation to accelerate postoperative functional recovery and return to independence after surgery.

Second Place:

Wizeview uses artificial intelligence to automate and organize information collected during home visits, supporting the management of medically complex populations at the lowest cost per encounter.

Third Place:

Heal doctor house calls, paired with Heal Hub remote patient monitoring and telemedicine, offer a complete connected care solution for patients with chronic conditions.

Social Determinants of Health Innovation Challenge Finalists

First Place:

Social Impact AI Lab is a consortium of nonprofit social services agencies and technology providers with artificial intelligence solutions to address social disconnection in child welfare.

Second Place:

Community Resource Network’s Social Determinants of Health Client Profile creates a whole-person picture across physical, behavioral, and social domains to expedite help for those most at risk, fill in the gaps in care, and optimize well-being.

Third Place:

Open City Labs matches patients with community services and government benefits that address SDoH seamlessly. The platform will integrate with HIEs to automate referral, eligibility screening & benefits enrollment.

Congratulations to the six winners and thank you to all of the participants involved in both Innovation Challenges. To learn more about these efforts, you can visit the Home and Community Based Care and Social Determinants of Health Challenge websites.

Mastercard, Apple Target Health Care Product Offerings & More News

Mastercard Announces Health Cybersecurity Venture

Mastercard is the latest services giant to dive into the health care industry. At the 2019 HLTH Conference in Las Vegas, NV, the firm announced that it will be launching Mastercard Healthcare Solutions, a product suite of data security offerings aimed at payers and providers. In an effort to protect valuable health and financial information from data breaches, an issue that has severely crippled health systems in recent years, this collection of software products aims to integrate AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics to help payers curb fraud and enable providers to use more effective billing strategies to improve revenue cycle management.

Baby Boomers Targeted by Big Tech and Startups

In anticipation of the silver tsunami, Silicon Valley’s key players are offering products and services that fit the needs of the largest consumers of health services: baby boomers. Companies like Apple and Eargo are tackling hearing loss, a condition that research has shown to be a major barrier to the adoption of tech in older populations. This past June, Apple announced a feature that would alert Apple Watch users if environmental noise or smart technology audio is too loud, and Eargo now integrates their hearing aids with a companion app to provide a comprehensive auditory and social network. Efforts such as these are aiming to close the digital divide between generations as well as targeting a sector that is in need of innovation.

Applications for GuideWell’s Caring for Caregivers Challenge Close Nov. 15 - Act Fast!

There is only one month left to apply to GuideWell’s Caring for Caregivers Challenge, a competition that seeks team-based approaches that have the potential to improve the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients. GuideWell believes it “takes a village” to sustainably support family caregivers and that single point solutions are typically not broad enough to provide necessary relief. The challenge seeks comprehensive approaches that connect caregivers to resources, technologies, corporate benefits, and community networks to help them with their unique health/wellness needs. 

If you are an organization or non-profit with a novel approach that promotes healthy and happy lifestyles for caregivers and their families, apply today for the chance to win up to $100,000! https://guidewellinnovation.com/health-innovation-challenge/

Medication Adherence Facilitated by Smartphones & More News

Study Shows Wireless Tech Effective for Medication Adherence

A recent study explored the effects of wirelessly observed therapy (WOT) on medication adherence in tuberculosis (TB) patients. WOT includes an ingestible sensor and external wearable patch paired with a mobile device that detects and records the ingestion of medication. Researchers found WOT was as accurate as in-person observations and better at supporting confirmed daily adherence. In addition, patients preferred WOT over in-person observation. Medication adherence is crucial to treat TB and prevent its spread; thus, WOT may be an impactful method to facilitate patients’ self-management of their medications and ensure they complete their treatment.

Amazon's Textract Innovates Simple Optical Character Recognition

Amazon has made its next leap into the digital health market. Textract is the latest of Amazon’s AI and Cloud tools to become HIPAA eligible. The technology reduces labour intensive work like manual data entry by accurately and effectively analyzing documents using machine learning-- bypassing the need for human intervention or customization. Textract is already being explored by companies such as Cambia Health Solutions and Change Healthcare to optimize care coordination and streamline administrative processes. The ability to customize Textract and utilize it in HIPAA compliant ways, will expand how health care providers can use the tool.

Smartphone-based Interventions Can Positively Impact Behavior

A study conducted by researchers at Stanford University found that behavioral interventions, delivered through a smartphone, significantly increased daily short-term physical activity. The trial was run through the MyHeart Counts App. Following a baseline period, participants were assigned one of four different smartphone-based interventions such as hourly prompts and personalized coaching messages. Results indicated that all four interventions significantly increased mean step count when compared to baseline, suggesting that digital interventions delivered via mobile apps can impact behavior. In addition, the medium through which the study itself was conducted, an iPhone, illustrates how technology can reduce barriers to entry for individuals to participate in research. This study is the latest to examine the intersection between research and health tech, highlighting the interest in digital behavioral tracking and optimization.

Amazon Looks to Disrupt the Health Care Market & More News

Amazon Looks to Disrupt the Health Care Market with Launch of AmazonCare

Amazon is continuing to deepen its reach into the health care market. This September, Amazon announced the launch of the pilot program AmazonCare, a service for their Seattle-based employees to have virtual doctor appointments, schedule house calls, and refill prescriptions. The program is made possible by a collaboration with Oasis Medical Group, who is providing the physicians for the program (distancing Amazon from access to its employees’ medical information). AmazonCare hopes to cut costs and streamline access to care. It follows on the heels of a partnership with JPMorgan Chase and Berkshire Hathaway, which created Haven Healthcare, a medical insurance for employees. In addition, Amazon recently acquired Pillpack, an online pharmacy that directly competes with giants like CVS and Walgreens. If AmazonCare proves to be successful, Amazon may choose to expand the program to help improve patient care for their employees across the country.

Deadline for Pilot Opportunity is October 7th!

CalMHSA is seeking technological solutions that address a county-shared need of increasing access to mental health services to a variety of target populations. Apply now to be part of a multi-year innovation project that will assess and pilot virtual mental health care solutions. A RFSQ (Request for Statement of Qualifications) will need to be completed by interested companies that have the capacity to meet one of more of the following criteria:

• Implement technology-based mental health solutions accessed through multiple platforms (for example, computer, smartphone, etc.) to identify and engage individuals

• Provide automated screening and assessments

• Improve access to mental health and supportive services focused on prevention, early intervention, family support, social connectedness peer support

• Decreased use of psychiatric hospitals and emergency services

The multi-year innovation project will consist of an open application period (September 12th – October 7th, 2019) and a subsequent pilot period that allows the opportunity for vendors to be added to the Help@Hand Product Portfolio. If you have a digital technology that has the potential to save lives and serve the mental health needs of Californians, you have less than 5 days to apply!

Showcase Your Health Approach and Apply to GuideWell's Caring for Caregivers Challenge

According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there were more than 43 million adults in the United States who provided unpaid care to a family member in 2015. People or families who actively provide long-term care for aging, chronically ill or disabled adult family members face a broad array of challenges within their daily lives. These challenges include stress, burnout, financial burdens, career sacrifices, sleep deprivation, depression, isolation and lack of privacy.

GuideWell is diligently tackling these issues with help from health innovators through the new Caring for Caregivers Challenge. The challenge is open to for-profit and non-profit organizations that demonstrate the ability to develop and sustainably deploy innovative, scalable approaches that support family caregivers and improve their ability to care for loved ones. Applications close on Nov. 15, 2019.

For more details, see: https://guidewellinnovation.com/health-innovation-challenge

Calling All Superheroes: Apply to the Life Summit 2019

The AI LA Community (AI LA), a California non-profit comprised of 5,000+ cross-disciplinary stakeholders is hosting their inaugural invite-only Life Summit on October 17th with Innovate Pasadena (IP) at Caltech during Connect Week. This invitation-only Summit at Caltech has been designed for health system leaders—including health care experts, data scientists, med-tech startups, civic service providers and researchers—to work together with successful, passionate professionals from a variety of industries.

The Summit will include facilitated breakout sessions, during which Pasadena ArtCenter students will help visualize and align insights, questions and conversations using design-methodologies.The goal is to develop actionable recommendations in a short period of time while also developing a plethora of new ideas and insights individuals can bring back to their own organization.

This is an opportunity for you to learn how health care systems are thinking about their problems, add value with your expertise while participating in a working group, and meet other like-minded professionals.

Apply here by October 10th!

Indu Subaiya’s Vision for the Future of Health Care

Indu Subaiya, co-founder of Catalyst and Health 2.0, discussed her journey to becoming the visionary health care leader she is today with Maya De La Rosa Cohen, a contributor for Capsule’s “Dear Doctor” series.

Indu began her career at a biotech and life sciences consulting firm, where she combined her clinical background with her burgeoning interest in the adaptation of new technologies. After receiving her MBA from UC Berkeley, she worked to start her own health technology company. In 2006, her dream blossomed into Health 2.0, which she established with co-founder Matthew Holt. Health 2.0 has grown into a global movement of over 100,000 entrepreneurs, developers, and health care stakeholders, who come together for innovative conferences across the world. Through her engagement with the conference attendees and speakers, Indu recognized the dire need for open data that allows entrepreneurs to access the resources necessary to improve the health economy. Hence, Indu began Catalyst @ Health 2.0 or “Catalyst,” an industry leader that powers the health innovation ecosystem through digital health strategic partnering. Since its beginning in 2010, Catalyst has hosted 90+ innovation challenges with $9mm in awards, coordinated over 175 pilot programs to test new tech, and created connections for more than 1,500 firms via matchmaking events. 

Indu believes the future of digital health lies in transformation of the traditional health care delivery systems. For example, Virta, a diabetes management company, began as a remote monitoring platform. However, it has now developed into a fully functional health care delivery system that fuses technology with service. As digital tools and technology advance in the health care space, Indu predicts that the traditional model of health care will face massive threats and will need to reinvent its services to keep up with the speed at which innovations are happening.

To hear more about Indu’s thoughts on the future of health care and digital innovation, click here.

Announcing GuideWell's Caring for Caregivers Challenge

Caregivers who  care for aging, ill and disabled adult family members face a broad array of challenges within their daily lives. These challenges include stress, burnout, financial burdens, career sacrifices, sleep deprivation, depression, isolation, and lack of privacy. GuideWell believes it “takes a village” to sustainably support family caregivers, and that single point solutions are typically not broad enough to provide comprehensive relief to family caregivers.

GuideWell, in collaboration with Catalyst @ Health 2.0, is excited to announce the Caring for Caregivers Challenge -- a Health Innovation Challenge that seeks companies or non-profits with programs, platforms, technology systems or services that have the potential to eliminate critical challenges family caregivers face. Comprehensive approaches should connect caregivers to resources, technologies, corporate benefits, and community networks to help them with their unique personal health and wellness needs. Approaches should serve:

1. Family caregivers caring for family members over the age of 65

2. Family caregivers caring for partners or adult children under the age of 65 who  are mentally disabled, permanently homebound due to a physical disability, terminally ill or who suffer from Alzheimer’s, congestive heart & pulmonary disease, cancer, and/or stroke.

The Caring for Caregivers Challenge is open to for-profit and non-profit organizations that earned a minimum of $250,000 in 2018 revenues. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their ability to develop and sustainably deploy innovative, scalable approaches that support the mental, social and economic health of family caregivers and improve their ability to care for loved ones.

In order to increase the scope and scale of support resources for family caregivers, applicants may consist of a team of diverse organizations that come together to jointly develop novel, scalable approaches. Team-based applicants must include at least two established corporate/non-profit entities on a team that jointly earned a minimum of $500,000 in 2018 revenues.

Key Benefits for Participants

●     Potential to win up to $100,000 in non-dilutive funding to further expand your solution

●     Ability to form strategic partnerships that result in a comprehensive approach that addresses multiple facets of family-based caregiving

●     Opportunity to pilot your solution in partnership with GuideWell

●     Access to mentors and subject matter experts in the health care industry

●     No cost or equity requirements to participate (other than travel to program activities)

●     Opportunity for potential industry PR and exposure in print, TV and digital marketing outlets

Applications are open! To learn more and apply, see: https://guidewellinnovation.com/health-innovation-challenge/

Announcing the Winners of the RWJF Innovation Challenges & More News

Announcing the Winners for the RWJF Innovation Challenges

The three finalists for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Home and Community Based Care and Social Determinants of Health Innovation Challenges competed live at Health 2.0 on Monday, September 16th! They demoed their technology in front of a captivated audience of health care professionals, investors, provider organizations, and members of the media. Catalyst is proud to announce the first, second and third place winners.

Home and Community Based Care Innovation Challenge Winners
First Place: Ooney
Second Place: WizeView
Third Place: Heal

Social Determinants of Health Innovation Challenge Winners
First Place: Social Impact AI Lab New York
Second Place: Community Resource Network
Third Place: Open City Labs

To learn more about the Home and Community Based Care Innovation Challenge, click here.
To learn more about the Social Determinants of Health Innovation Challenge, click here.

CalMHSA's Help@Hand Project

Applications are open for an exciting pilot program hosted by The California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA). The Help@Hand Project is pursuing technological solutions that address a county-shared need to increase access to mental health services for a variety of target populations. CalMHSA is seeking prospective vendors to be part of a multi-year innovation project that will assess and pilot virtual mental health care services. A RFSQ (Request for Statement of Qualifications) will need to be completed by interested companies that have the capacity to meet one of more of the following criteria:

• Implement technology-based mental health solutions accessed through multiple platforms (for example, computer, smartphone, etc.) to identify and engage individuals

• Provide automated screening and assessments

• Improve access to mental health and supportive services focused on prevention, early intervention, family support, social connectedness peer support

• Decreased use of psychiatric hospitals and emergency services

This exciting multi-year innovation project will consist of an open application period (September 12th – October 7th, 2019) and a subsequent pilot period that allows the opportunity for vendors to be added to the Help@Hand Product Portfolio. After a vendor is included in the portfolio, all counties participating in the project can view company and product profiles and may choose to implement technologies at a larger scale.

If you have a digital technology that has the potential to save lives and empower the mental well-being of Californians, apply today!

Applications will close on October 7th, 2019.

Announcing the GuideWell Caring for Caregivers Challenge

Applications are now open for GuideWell’s Caring for Caregivers Challenge! The competition will award up to $100,000 to companies or non-profits with innovative digital solutions that have the potential to provide a comprehensive resource network for family caregivers. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their ability to develop and sustainably deploy innovative, scalable approaches that support the mental, social and economic health of family caregivers and improve their ability to care for loved ones.

If you are an organization or non-profit that focuses on improving the quality of life for family caregivers, apply today! For more details on eligibility criteria and the application process, please click here.

RECAP: The 13th Annual Health 2.0 Conference in Santa Clara, CA

This year's Health 2.0 Conference saw industry experts, thought leaders, and change drivers discuss complex and fascinating topics including challenges and areas of growth in health tech. The first day kicked-off with opening remarks by Catalyst's co-founders Matthew Holt and Indu Subaiya. It was followed by a keynote from Poppy Crum, Chief Scientist at Dolby Laboratories, who took the audience on a journey through people's natural processing and the surprising convergences it has with artificial intelligence. For example, Dr. Crum likened "technology-targeted neuroplasticity" to the regenerative capabilities of nuerons. Cris Ross, Chief Information Officer of Mayo Clinic, explored the need for data liberation in technological advancements. He shared his personal battle with cancer and the role of Mayo Clinic's advanced EHR system in combating the disease. The Conference concluded with Launch!, where attendees saw innovative companies debut their market-ready innovations and voted for their favorite company. The winner, OMNY, was awarded $5,000 and HIMSS mentorship to support their efforts to activate supply chain and billing data.