1 of 21

Learn more at playbook.dimesociety.org

The Playbook�

Fundamentals for clinicians

Defining value to patients, clinicians, and systems

Learning objective:

Smit Patel

Director of Digital Medicine

Digital Medicine Society

2 of 21

Learning Objectives

  1. Define digital clinical measures
  2. Determine whether digital sensing products are fit-for-purpose
  3. Define the potential value to patients, clinicians, and systems when fit-for-purpose digital clinical measures are successfully deployed
  4. Evaluate the utility of digital clinical measures in different clinical settings and in different patient populations
  5. Recognize the new safety risks associated with the use of digital sensing products
  6. Describe the workflow considerations associated with successfully introducing remote monitoring into care
  7. Examine the ways in which the deployment of digital clinical measures may affect health equity

2

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

2

3 of 21

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

Source: Add source

3

The value cycle of how the digital clinical measures act as an integral part of broader digital measurement system improving human health and outcomes

3

3

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

4 of 21

Value considerations for three separate entities:

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

System

Patient

Clinician

Clinics/sites may consider workflow considerations:

“Software-integration perspective,” refers to considerations related to the needs to transfer, visualize, and/or analyze of data, e.g,:

  • Use of standard data models (e.g., FHIR or OMOP Common Data Model)
  • Open application programming interfaces (APIs) to facilitate analysis of digital specimens
  • Revenue cycle, Operational taskforce, Population level management

For the person wearing the technology may consider:

  • Form factor (e.g., how does it feel, what does it look like)
  • Battery life
  • Water resistance
  • Materials used (e.g., does it cause a rash or irritation?)
  • Availability of technical support
  • If product is hard to use, data may not be suitable b/c of high rates of data missingness or participant dropout

Provider taking care of the patients may consider:

  • Useful data collection and action-oriented insights
  • Level and ease-to-integration in the clinical workflow
  • Clinician training and protocols
  • Statistical analysis and reporting
  • Clinical actions needed in response to the data, and how alerts to guide these actions are designed
  • Level of monitoring or technical support

4

4

4

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

5 of 21

What’s is the reimbursement framework? What is risk/benefit budget impact model? Is cost a one-time or subscription model?

Any support for upfront capital?

What’s is the reimbursement framework? What is risk/benefit budget impact model? Is cost a one-time or subscription model?

Any support for upfront capital?

Where, how long and how often is the tool worn? What’s the battery life? Technical support available? What’s tool compatibility? Easy to use and track?

Does it aim for value-based care for all patients? How does it manage & compile patient health data from tools?

What kind of outcomes does the tool measure? What are clinical outcome assessments. Need human intermediary to collect digital measures?

Defining Clinical Value

Defining Outcomes Value

Defining Economic Value

Defining Patient Experience Value

Defining Population health Value

Source: DiMe team analysis

5

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

Crafting the value framework for the fit-for-purpose digital sensing products

5

5

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

6 of 21

What’s is the reimbursement framework? What is risk/benefit budget impact model? Is cost a one-time or subscription model?

Any support for upfront capital?

What’s is the reimbursement framework? What is risk/benefit budget impact model? Is cost a one-time or subscription model?

Any support for upfront capital?

Where, how long and how often is the tool worn? What’s the battery life? Technical support available? What’s tool compatibility? Easy to use and track?

Does it aim for value-based care for all patients? How does it manage & compile patient health data from tools?

What kind of outcomes does the tool measure? What are clinical outcome assessments. Need human intermediary to collect digital measures?

Defining Clinical Value

Defining Outcomes Value

Defining Economic Value

Defining Patient Experience Value

Defining Population health Value

Source: DiMe team analysis

6

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

Crafting the value framework for the fit-for-purpose digital sensing products

6

6

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

7 of 21

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

Without patient-focused measurement, stakeholders risk entrenching digital versions of poor traditional assessments and proliferating low-value tools that are ineffective, burdensome, and reduce both quality and efficiency in clinical care and research.

For more resources on how to incorporate patient engagement in the measurement selection process, please read the cited paper below.

SPOTLIGHT

Patient engagement is vital to the success of this process

7

7

7

8 of 21

Source: Playbook team analysis

CASE STUDY: Clinical Care

Screening for asymptomatic atrial fibrillation at home

8

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

Dr. Steve Steinhubl

Scripps Research

Dr. Steve Steinhubl is a cardiologist whose clinical practice is in Alaska - with a population density of 1.2 people/square mile and where 75% of the communities are not connected by road to a city with a hospital.

The mHealth Screening to Prevent Strokes trial (mSToPS) was the first-direct to-participant, fully digital clinical trial that to participate only required internet access and mail service.

Due to its pragmatic design, the lessons learned in mSToPS can be seamlessly applied into clinical care - not only for screening for atrial fibrillation, but really for any heart rhythm diagnostic or management clinical program.

Steve would like to know:

How can he identify what digital clinical measures - and what connected sensor products - could help create new systems of care in Alaska, and everywhere else?

8

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

8

9 of 21

Source: Playbook team analysis

Ed Ramos, PhD

Director, Digital Clinical Trials

Principal Science Officer, CareEvolution

Ed is helping lay the groundwork for a new center focused on implementing digital health strategies applicable across a broad range of biomedical and public health interests.

In a public-private effort, one of the center’s initial projects is towards developing new methodologies for tackling chronic conditions such as diabetes and its impact on the nation’s health. The PRediction Of Glycemic RESponse Study (PROGRESS) is aimed at developing a predictive model of individual glycemic response by leveraging data collection from an ever-growing collection of digital health and personal technologies.

Ed would like to know:

“How do we shift the paradigm on clinical studies and implement a strategy for remote, continuous capture of comprehensive, individual-level health data? Can we build models that allow for prediction of how glycemic response differs across individuals, especially for persons with diabetes? How do we build an experience that promotes broad participation with lasting, meaningful engagement of participants?

9

CASE STUDY: Research

Individualized Prediction of Glycemic Response

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

9

9

10 of 21

This manuscript in BMJ presents some guiding principles on how to choose between telephone and video appointments and also considerations for when and how to collect digital clinical measures using connected sensors a virtual visit.

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

SPOTLIGHT

Covid-19: a remote assessment in primary care

Source: https://www.bmj.com/content/368/bmj.m1182, Playbook team analysis

10

10

10

11 of 21

What’s is the reimbursement framework? What is risk/benefit budget impact model? Is cost a one-time or subscription model?

Any support for upfront capital?

What’s is the reimbursement framework? What is risk/benefit budget impact model? Is cost a one-time or subscription model?

Any support for upfront capital?

Where, how long and how often is the tool worn? What’s the battery life? Technical support available? What’s tool compatibility? Easy to use and track?

Does it aim for value-based care for all patients? How does it manage & compile patient health data from tools?

What kind of outcomes does the tool measure? What are clinical outcome assessments. Need human intermediary to collect digital measures?

Defining Clinical Value

Defining Outcomes Value

Defining Economic Value

Defining Patient Experience Value

Defining Population health Value

Source: DiMe team analysis

11

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

Crafting the value framework for the fit-for-purpose digital sensing products

11

11

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

12 of 21

Remote monitoring is only valuable if the information is used to drive patient outcomes

  • Appropriate operational procedures are required to ensure that healthcare providers are able to respond to the data and information generated by remote monitoring.
  • Patients should be educated on interpreting the data to empower them to respond to the information and avoid potential harms.
  • In addition to clinical workflows, clinical practice guidelines and care pathways must quickly be updated to include optimized responses to data from digital measures products captured by remote monitoring.

Source: Playbook team analysis, Figure: Coravos, Andrea & Goldsack, Jennifer C & Karlin, Daniel & Nebeker, Camille & Perakslis, Eric & Zimmerman, Noah & Erb, M. Kelley. (2019). Digital Medicine: A Primer on Measurement. Digital Biomarkers. 3. 31-71. 10.1159/000500413.

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

12

13 of 21

What’s is the reimbursement framework? What is risk/benefit budget impact model? Is cost a one-time or subscription model?

Any support for upfront capital?

What’s is the reimbursement framework? What is risk/benefit budget impact model? Is cost a one-time or subscription model?

Any support for upfront capital?

Where, how long and how often is the tool worn? What’s the battery life? Technical support available? What’s tool compatibility? Easy to use and track?

Does it aim for value-based care for all patients? How does it manage & compile patient health data from tools?

What kind of outcomes does the tool measure? What are clinical outcome assessments. Need human intermediary to collect digital measures?

Defining Clinical Value

Defining Outcomes Value

Defining Economic Value

Defining Patient Experience Value

Defining Population health Value

Source: DiMe team analysis

13

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

Crafting the value framework for the fit-for-purpose digital sensing products

13

13

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

14 of 21

The costs are associated by the resources consumed as a result of the intervention in the health sector, other sectors, for the patient, their families and any losses of productivity.

Health economics considerations

Health economics is the study of the allocation of resources within the health economy to optimize productivity and outcomes.

Economic evaluation analysis can include:

  • Budget impact
  • Cost-consequence
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Cost-utility
  • Cost-benefit

The likely costs and consequences of different interventions can be assessed with varying degrees of confidence.

Intervention

Consequences

The assessment of consequences mirrors the resources map but looks for savings and also includes changes to the state of health - often in Quality Adjusted Life Years (QUALYs).

Costs

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

14

14

15 of 21

There are currently four reimbursable CPT codes that QHPs can use to bill for services related to clinical digital measures

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

15

Collection and interpretation of physiologic data (e.g. ECG, blood pressure, glucose monitoring) digitally stored and/or transmitted by the patient and/or caregiver to the physician or other qualified healthcare professional, qualified by education, training, licensure/regulation (when applicable) requiring a minimum of 30 minutes of time, each 30 days.”

CPT code 99091:

Remote monitoring of physiologic parameter(s) (e.g, weight, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, respiratory flow rate), initial; set-up and patient education on use of equipment.”

CPT code 99453:

Device(s) supply with daily recording(s) or programmed alert(s) transmission, each �30 days.”

CPT code 99454:

“Remote physiologic monitoring treatment management services, 20 minutes or more of clinical staff/physician/other qualified healthcare professional time in a calendar month requiring interactive communication with the patient/caregiver during the month.”

CPT code 99457:

15

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

15

16 of 21

What’s is the reimbursement framework? What is risk/benefit budget impact model? Is cost a one-time or subscription model?

Any support for upfront capital?

What’s is the reimbursement framework? What is risk/benefit budget impact model? Is cost a one-time or subscription model?

Any support for upfront capital?

Where, how long and how often is the tool worn? What’s the battery life? Technical support available? What’s tool compatibility? Easy to use and track?

Does it aim for value-based care for all patients? How does it manage & compile patient health data from tools?

What kind of outcomes does the tool measure? What are clinical outcome assessments. Need human intermediary to collect digital measures?

Defining Clinical Value

Defining Outcomes Value

Defining Economic Value

Defining Patient Experience Value

Defining Population health Value

Source: DiMe team analysis

16

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

Crafting the value framework for the fit-for-purpose digital sensing products

16

16

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

17 of 21

Tools that have better usability and operational features generally have improved adherence / data collection.

Human Factors (e.g., patient experience, acceptability, tolerability, site on body)

Battery life (e.g., length of use, charging break)

Water-resistance (e.g., shower-proof or not)

Interoperability (e.g., APIs, connectivity)

Firmware, operating systems (e.g., iOS, Android)

Patient experience factors

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

17

17

17

18 of 21

What’s is the reimbursement framework? What is risk/benefit budget impact model? Is cost a one-time or subscription model?

Any support for upfront capital?

What’s is the reimbursement framework? What is risk/benefit budget impact model? Is cost a one-time or subscription model?

Any support for upfront capital?

Where, how long and how often is the tool worn? What’s the battery life? Technical support available? What’s tool compatibility? Easy to use and track?

Does it aim for value-based care for all patients? How does it manage & compile patient health data from tools?

What kind of outcomes does the tool measure? What are clinical outcome assessments. Need human intermediary to collect digital measures?

Defining Clinical Value

Defining Outcomes Value

Defining Economic Value

Defining Patient Experience Value

Defining Population health Value

Source: DiMe team analysis

18

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

Crafting the value framework for the fit-for-purpose digital sensing products

18

18

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

19 of 21

Source: Playbook team analysis

Sensor

Person/Patient Data Platform

Person generated data flow

Person generated data flow

Value elements in the digital measurement system

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

Algorithm & Data Science Platform

Digital Measurement

System

This is the combined technologies: the sensor, the algorithms, and the platforms used to manage the system.

Preparing and validating the digital measurement system will include:

  • Authenticating, configuring, and provisioning the technologies
  • Training staff
  • Preparing User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
  • Distributing the technologies to the patients

19

19

20 of 21

20

To optimize remote monitoring, non-traditional care providers must be considered as part of the ecosystem

Future work to optimize remote monitoring in clinical care must consider these non-traditional providers alongside well established healthcare systems and clinics embracing digital clinical measures.

The advent of digital measurement products has coincided with—and in some cases have been driven by—the growth of new approaches to clinical care. For example:

Many primary, preventative and urgent care services are now being delivered at retail locations (e.g., HealthHUB expansion by CVS and Walmart Health's Health Center).

“Virtual first” medical practices exist completely online and are not anchored to a traditional healthcare system or clinic (e.g., Amazon’s Oasis Medical Group, Omada Health, and Remedy) are flourishing.

The Playbook / Fundamentals for clinicians / Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems

20

20

DRAFT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

21 of 21

Now you’ve completed this learning module, “Defining value to patients, clinicians and systems”, what’s next?

Source: Playbook team analysis

The Playbook / Conclusion / Provide feedback

21

Take the quiz!

Test your knowledge of defining value to patients, clinicians and systems using the quiz in this learnlet

Learn more

Access the other learnlets to master the fundamentals of digital clinical measures for physicians

Dive into The Playbook

Access the full suite of resources supporting the successful development and deployment of digital clinical measures

Submit your feedback: Click here