Strategic Shifts
Utilizing New Technologies to Measure Therapy Effectiveness for Mental and Physical Health: A New Look at the Efficacy of Operation Surf - Findings from a Parallel Convergent Design View Digital Media
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Jon Ossie
Mental health is quickly becoming a major policy concern, with recent data reporting worse outcomes, including anxiety and depression. Although several pharmacological approaches have been employed to combat this epidemic, their efficacy is mixed at best. One nonpharmacological approach is Operation Surf, a nonprofit that provides nature-based programs advocating the restorative power of the ocean and surfing for the military community. Although the limited research in this area has shown a positive impact on the health of veterans, these results were based on self-reported survey instruments that suffer from a series of well-known biases. Fortunately, the introduction of wearable technology that unobtrusively gather physiological data, offers an opportunity to validate traditional survey data. This study used surveys to measure changes in depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), together with data generated from Whoop bands, and qualitative data, producing a more robust set of programmatic efficacy inferences for Operation Surf participants between 2021–2022. Paired samples t-tests were used to analyze the data gathered before the intervention, immediately after, and 1 month later. Survey scores before the therapy, as measured by the psychometrically sound PHQ-8 (depression), PCL-5 (PTSD), and GAD-7 (anxiety), were significantly higher than both time points after therapy, revealing statistically significant and clinically significant decreases. Physiological data indicated varying degrees of statistically significant change in HRV, RHR, and sleep, while the qualitative data supported the findings. Taken together, the introduction of physiological data gathered from wearable technology can hopefully further understanding while informing public policy care decisions.
Assuring Whole System Quality in Integrated Care
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Anna F Tresidder
Integrated care, an overdue innovation aimed at delivering comprehensive and patient-centered healthcare services across various providers and settings, has gained prominence to enhance healthcare quality and patient outcomes. Ensuring the quality of the whole integrated care system poses multifaceted challenges that require a holistic and collaborative approach. This paper delves into the key aspects of implementing whole system quality in integrated care. The complexity of integrated care structures is considered, emphasizing the necessity to integrate diverse stakeholders, such as primary care providers, mental health specialists, social services, and community organizations. It highlights the importance of effective communication, care coordination, and information exchange to overcome fragmentation and guarantee seamless patient journeys. The significance of establishing robust governance and performance management mechanisms is also examined. It explores the use of outcome measures, quality indicators, and continuous monitoring to assess and improve the overall system performance, driving evidence-based decision-making. We also address the crucial role of technology in promoting whole system quality. We discuss the implementation of health information systems, interoperability standards, and data analytics to enhance care coordination, reduce errors, and facilitate information-sharing among care providers. Assuring whole system quality in integrated care requires a comprehensive strategy that addresses structural, organizational, and technological challenges. This research can inform policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders on the best practices and evidence-based approaches for realizing the full potential of integrated care in achieving superior patient outcomes and improved healthcare delivery.
