In a retrospective review of total knee arthroplasty patients, patients who utilized self-directed, web-based physical therapy experienced no differences in postoperative outcomes compared to those who completed outpatient physical therapy. As the number of logins to the web-based physical therapy platform increased, the cost and number of outpatient physical therapy visits decreased.

Driving a more holistic patient experience
By implementing an intelligent, personalized care plan for every patient in recovery, a digital care management platform can help healthcare organizations reduce treatment variability for MSK patients. Standardized treatment protocols provide patients with step-by-step guidance throughout the episode of care, strengthening the provider-patient relationship and building the kind of valuable patient experience that creates lasting brand loyalty.
Engagement data shows providers exactly which patients are using the platform, and which are not, enabling care teams to focus their energy on the patients who require the most assistance. Instead of spending time on in-person appointments for the 90% of patients who are taking an active role in their own recovery, care teams can use these actionable insights to effectively intervene with at-risk patients. By automating the brunt of the administrative work of care coordination, digital care management platforms allow nurse navigators and physicians to spend more time on patient care—which in turn improves productivity and patient flow.

Digital care management platforms can also drive additional performance improvements via high postoperative PROMs collection rates. Patients who engage with a care management platform tend to view it as essential to their recovery process, and are thus more likely to respond to a quick PROMs request six months or even a year after their surgeries. When providers have access to long-term outcomes data, they can continue to refine their protocols and make notable improvements in care quality and delivery.

In addition to saving health systems up to $2,630 per patient, digital care management systems also serve as a market differentiator, driving increased volume via word of mouth and peer referrals. When providers deliver nurturing support throughout a patient’s recovery, their patients are far more likely to enthusiastically recommend the practice for others who need a hip or knee replacement. In the age of consumerism, healthcare systems that elevate the patient experience with personalized remote care will ultimately grow their market shares.

About the author: Mark Lieberman is president of Force Therapeutics.

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