This has been a life-changing option for some patients, allowing them to hold a glass of water, write their name or even hit the golf course again without debilitating hand tremor.
During a Becker’s CEO + CFO Virtual Forum session sponsored by Insightec, the pioneer of focused ultrasound, JJ Desai, MD, chief strategic innovation officer at Insightec, discussed with two experts how a focused ultrasound program is helping transform patient care at their health systems. The panelists were:
- Joy Greear, president, Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C.
- Paul Camarata, MD, clinical service chief of neurosurgery, University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City
Five key takeaways:
1. Adopting innovative solutions is about more than just financials; it focuses on patients. At both health systems, while the capital acquisition committee and financially astute personnel played an important role in the decision to implement the Insightec solution, the potential benefits to patients played an equally critical role. “We are looking for technologies that are going to improve the lives of our patients,” Ms. Greear said. “We’re looking for a safe product, we’re looking for a technology that will bring better outcomes.”
2. Patients with movement disorders see immediate benefits from focused ultrasound. In the first 10 months of offering the focused ultrasound procedure to their patients, Novant Health helped more than 130 patients; within four months, the University of Kansas has treated 30 patients. Both health systems only offer the magnetic resonance-guided incisionless surgery one or two days a week, but are planning to grow the program, adding more days and treating more patients. “One of the things you don’t understand is how many people can benefit from this,” Dr. Camarata said. “It’s really been a rewarding experience. We’re looking forward to expanding the program.”
3. The Insightec platform provides healthcare systems a foundation for a growing program. For these hospitals, the focused ultrasound technology is an innovation they can grow and build upon. Similar to how highly focused radiation procedures became standards of care within five to 10 years of being introduced, both panelists expect focused ultrasound to become standard at top hospitals. “As more and more clinicians want to learn how to use this technology, it will become the standard of care,” Ms. Greear predicted.
4. Patient successes, and the excitement to share their experience, is driving interest in focused ultrasound. Both Novant Healthand the University of Kansas have marketed the focused ultrasound program and have seen increased patient interest in the procedure as patients and staff share positive experiences. Dr. Camarata noted that “word of mouth, not only from patients, but from providers and nurses,” is increasing patient interest.
5. Success metrics are focused on patient outcomes, as well as financial goals. Both programs look at the financial viability and ROI of their programs when determining success and how to move forward, but they also look closely at patient outcomes and impact. This includes how patient satisfaction is driving new business into other areas of the hospital, as patients come to see the hospital as a center of excellence. “Having focused ultrasound brings a lot of downstream effects and revenue,” Dr. Camarata said.
To learn more about the event, click here.
