of genetic testing and its widespread utilization , the shortage of genetic counselors that previously existed has been further exacerbated . To help mitigate the effects of the shortage , our organization sought to develop programs to provide and support genetic counseling services in innovative , efficient ways nationwide .
Methods : Our organization has worked with a variety of medical organizations to help bridge gaps in genetic counseling services , and has also developed an independent telehealth service to provide nationwide reach to patients in need . While the specifics of the telehealth models vary from site to site , there are three categories that describe our programs : 1 ) permanent integration of a telehealth genetic counselor into a system that previously employed an in-person genetic counselor , 2 ) temporary program support with utilization of a telehealth genetic counselor while a site awaits recruitment of an in-person genetic counselor , and 3 ) an independent nationwide genetic counseling service which patients can access via telehealth from their homes .
Results : Although each model has had its unique benefits and challenges , we have been able to increase access to genetic counseling through all of these programs . The first two models have been successful in providing continuous genetic counseling coverage for clinics that experience significant gaps in coverage due to employee turnover . By having multiple genetic counselors credentialed at each site we cover , we have established an infrastructure that further limits lapses in coverage due to provider turnover , illness , or time off . Furthermore , with the longevity of dedicated providers supporting specific sites , relationships with the remote genetic counselors and the clinic providers and staff is strengthened . The second model has been successful to ensure patients are still being seen while recruitment efforts are underway , helping to make a notoriously challenging transition less negatively impactful to patient care . The third model provides services to areas that do not regularly have access to genetic counseling , and facilitates genetic counseling and cascade screening for family members of patients who live in an area that does not have genetic counseling available .
Conclusion : Genetic counselors are in short supply , and genetic counseling is an important element of comprehensive genetic evaluation . Although genetics is playing an increasing role in all areas of medicine , genetic counselors have historically been located in population-dense , urban settings . Technological advances have allowed telehealth to be more widely available to all communities , including those in rural areas that would not otherwise have access . Being innovative and flexible have been essential to tailoring our genetic counseling services to be able to best serve our clients and patients .
18 ) Telemedicine and SMS Screening for Dengue Population
Linh Nguyen , MD MD24 iHealth
Background : Dengue is a public health issue impacting half of the world ’ s population with approximately 60-100 million infections annually . The Philippines is suffering a controversy over its Dengue vaccination program , where it is estimated that 800,000 Filipino children were vaccinated , and in the last three months 75 have died . The Philippines is experiencing a decrease in immunization rates and an increase in Dengue cases after the program . With the current situation of vaccine dilemma , MD24 is working with the Department of Health of the Philippines ( DOH ) to apply our expertise in health technology and population health to monitor their influenced patients and coordinate care to them .
Method : MD24 , the Philippine Red Cross , and the DOH are partnering together to deliver an approach to reach those vaccinated in the program to closely monitor their symptoms and provide the proper channel of care on a nationwide scale . The Red Cross and the DOH are collecting recipient information and utilizing MD24 ’ s technology to send text messages with programmed algorithms to all recipients and screen them for early assessment . When high risk is determined , patients are alerted immediately to connect with health coaches and doctors for telemedicine consultations .
Results : MD24 and the DOH aim to use SMS screening , telemedicine , and disease reporting data to determine impact of the program . By applying SMS with programmed Artificial Intelligence , and telemedicine access to high risk patients . MD24 wants to raise the healthcare access and quality ( HAQ ) measure , and health-seeking behavior for the Philippine population . Telemedicine with text message technologies will , at the same time , reduce the time and cost burdens on hospitals and clinics , while maintaining proper resource allocation for the government .
Conclusion : With the successful proof of this model in the Philippines within one year , MD24 wants to apply this high quality low cost method to other countries experiencing similar situations .
44 | Telemedicine Telehealth Service Provider Summit