Parents and Transgender Communities on Edge
Parents like Sarah and the transgender community across the US are closely watching as the US Supreme Court hears arguments in US v. Skrmetti. This case could determine whether states can ban certain forms of gender-affirming care for trans children and teens. The Biden administration brought the case on behalf of trans youth families, challenging the constitutionality of Tennessee's ban, which restricts puberty blockers and hormone therapy and imposes penalties on doctors. Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti argues the law ensures minors understand the consequences, but plaintiffs' attorneys point to medical organizations that support the safety and necessity of the treatments.Since the state law was enacted, parents have gone to great lengths to seek out-of-state treatment, sometimes dipping into savings and taking on debt. The court's decision will have a significant impact on both sides and the transgender community nationwide. A win for the plaintiffs could protect trans people under the equal protection clause and combat anti-trans laws. A win for the state could lead to more restrictions on trans health care.What If the Ban Is Struck Down
If the court rules Tennessee's ban unconstitutional, it would be a major victory for transgender rights advocates. Similar state laws would be invalidated, and trans youth would have greater access to gender-affirming care. Dr. Maurice Garcia, director of the Cedars-Sinai Transgender Surgery and Health Program, says gender-affirming care helps transgender people live in accordance with their gender identity and eases anxiety and depression. Currently, 26 states have passed laws restricting this care, but some bans have been blocked. The court's decision would only affect bans similar to Tennessee's, and it could be sent back to the appeals court for "heightened scrutiny."Sarah's son experienced a significant change after receiving testosterone therapy. Before, he was withdrawn and frustrated, but after, he became confident and at peace. However, a ruling in favor of the plaintiffs wouldn't end the fight. Elana Redfield, federal policy director at the Williams Institute, expects states to continue to find ways to ban access to gender-affirming care. In Arkansas, for example, a ban has been blocked, but a new law allows patients to file malpractice lawsuits against their doctors for up to 20 years after turning 18.What If the Ban Is Upheld
A ruling upholding the Tennessee law would strengthen the patchwork of trans health care bans in the country, making it more difficult for minors to access gender-affirming care and potentially opening the door to wider restrictions for trans people. Transgender advocates fear this lack of access could worsen mental illness among trans minors and lead some families to leave the state. Research shows that transgender youth face significant mental health issues, with high rates of considering and attempting suicide.As families grow desperate, they are taking extreme measures. Some are splitting up their households to ensure their trans child can receive care. Nearly half of transgender and nonbinary people surveyed said they or their family have considered moving due to LGBTQ+-related politics and laws. Sarah has already considered uprooting her family to a state where her son can get treatment.Implications Beyond the Case
By ruling that Tennessee is not discriminating against trans youth, the court could give the green light for conservative lawmakers to extend health care restrictions to trans adults. Lawyers for the plaintiffs also worry about the implications for other healthcare issues like abortion, IVF, and birth control. They point to the Dobbs v. Jackson decision, where Justice Samuel Alito wrote that abortion regulations do not require heightened scrutiny. Tennessee has used this argument to defend its ban.However, attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that the law clearly discriminates based on sex. No matter the outcome of Skrmetti, transgender communities will continue to fight for their rights in other legal avenues. "We'll always be here, fighting and surviving," said Shawn Meerkamper.Unlock the Potential of Telehealth for Better Patient Care
Remote Patient Monitoring and Its Impact
Telehealth has opened up new avenues with remote patient monitoring. It allows for continuous tracking of patients' health parameters from a distance. This not only ensures timely intervention but also reduces the need for frequent hospital visits. For instance, patients with chronic conditions can have their vital signs monitored regularly, and healthcare providers can receive alerts in case of any abnormalities. This proactive approach helps in managing diseases more effectively and improving patient outcomes.
Moreover, remote patient monitoring enables healthcare providers to make more informed decisions based on real-time data. They can adjust treatment plans accordingly, providing personalized care to each patient. In some cases, it has even led to a reduction in hospital readmissions as potential issues are detected and addressed early.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound and Its Advantages
Point-of-care ultrasound is another significant aspect of telehealth. It enables doctors to obtain real-time images and diagnose various conditions on-site. In remote or underserved areas, this technology bridges the gap between patients and specialized care. For example, sonographers and patients at satellite locations can connect virtually with doctors to discuss ultrasound findings immediately.
This eliminates the need for patients to travel long distances to reach a specialized center. It saves time and reduces the burden on both patients and healthcare systems. Additionally, the use of point-of-care ultrasound in telehealth settings has shown to improve the accuracy of diagnoses and lead to more timely interventions.
Real-Time Video Consultations and Their Significance
Real-time video consultations have become a vital part of telehealth. They allow patients to have face-to-face interactions with healthcare providers, regardless of their location. This has been particularly beneficial during the pandemic when in-person visits were limited.
Patients can seek medical advice, get prescriptions, and have their concerns addressed through these video consultations. It has made healthcare more accessible and convenient for a large number of people. For instance, elderly patients or those with mobility issues can receive care from the comfort of their homes. This has also helped in reducing the spread of infectious diseases by minimizing in-person interactions.
Telehealth's Role in Improving Access and Equity
Telehealth plays a crucial role in improving access to healthcare, especially in medically underserved communities and regions. It breaks down geographical barriers and allows patients to access specialized care that might otherwise be unavailable to them.
For example, in low-income countries and underserved communities, telemedicine is enabling better access to obstetric care. Digitalization, informatics, and AI are improving the quality and accessibility of this care. Interpretation of images obtained through AI-enabled handheld ultrasound no longer requires extensive operator training, making it easier to provide care in these areas.
Telehealth also promotes equity in healthcare by ensuring that everyone has equal access to quality care. It levels the playing field and reduces the disparities in healthcare access that exist in many parts of the world.
Telehealth's Global Adoption and Impact
Telehealth is now being embraced worldwide. In countries like Indonesia, which faces unique accessibility challenges due to its vast archipelago, digital health transformation is helping to improve healthcare accessibility and quality. Telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and AI are among the tools being used to provide care even in remote areas.
This global adoption of telehealth is having a significant impact on healthcare systems. It is increasing the reach of healthcare, reducing costs, and improving patient outcomes. As technology continues to advance, telehealth is set to play an even more crucial role in the future of healthcare.
Harnessing Healthcare's Clinical Expertise for Health Media Success
Healthcare's Clinical Expertise in Health Media
Healthcare organizations, especially health systems, possess a vast reservoir of clinical knowledge. They can utilize this to create and serve a wide range of health media content. Cleveland Clinic, with its extensive library of disease-specific content published alongside ads on its website, is a prime example. Kaiser Permanente enables members to download self-care apps evaluated by clinicians. Mayo Clinic sells over-the-counter health products and offers advertising-supported content on various topics. These initiatives showcase how healthcare organizations can integrate advertising into their health media offerings without compromising ethical integrity.Northwell Health's announcement to launch a studio to develop scripted and nonscripted content further emphasizes the growing trend. By doing so, they can provide consumers with valuable information and engage them in a meaningful way. This not only benefits consumers by offering them accessible health information but also creates a diversified revenue stream for healthcare organizations.
Consumer Trust and the Importance of Quality Content
Health and wellness content plays a crucial role in building awareness and retention. A 2024 consumer survey revealed that 75 percent of respondents connect with health and wellness content at least once a week across different channels. However, issues such as lack of trust and misinformation persist. Approximately 60 percent of US adults watch health-related videos online, but only about 40 percent trust the information. About 30 to 40 percent of social media posts about diseases contain misinformation.Despite this, savvy consumers still gravitate towards trusted sources. For example, 77 percent of respondents look for clinician-reviewed health and wellness content. This highlights the significance of quality content in attracting and retaining consumers. Increasing engagement with content can lead to consumer loyalty, which is becoming more important as price transparency and out-of-pocket expenses rise. In a 2023 survey, 89 percent of respondents were willing to shop for care in at least one medical service category.
Expanding Consumer Access to Information and Care
A significant portion of consumers already use health and wellness content to find care. About one-third of consumers under 45 used content to find a doctor in the past two years. The percentage of payer members valuing information from payer websites increased from 14 percent in 2020 to 29 percent in 2022. This indicates a substantial opportunity for healthcare organizations to differentiate themselves through content marketing.For example, creating a best-practice digital front door with informative content, online scheduling, and preappointment engagement can drive growth. In a 2024 survey, 42 percent of respondents were more likely to schedule an appointment with a healthcare system if it offered relevant content. This shows that consumers want healthcare organizations to focus on clinically valid content in addition to core clinical operations.
Unlocking a Diversified Revenue Stream through Advertising
Contextual advertising embedded in healthcare content can create a "win-win-win" situation. For consumers, it can stitch together the services they need. Up to 77 percent of surveyed consumers found sponsored content helpful. Advertisements can be relevant based on consumers' healthcare journeys. Consumers are most receptive to information when managing their health at home.Healthcare organizations can use this as an opportunity to diversify their revenue. In a 2024 survey of healthcare organization executives, 34 percent wanted to diversify revenue. However, it poses challenges. They need to adopt a structured approach, drive consumers to their digital properties, engage them with relevant content, build a 360-degree view of consumers, and serve relevant ads. Advertisers also see value in partnering with healthcare organizations to reach specific health-related consumer segments.
Five Steps for Getting Started in Health Media
An effective approach to health media involves five steps. Firstly, develop a health media strategy and build the business case to capture consumer growth. Consider each step of the consumer healthcare journey and where content and advertising can be most beneficial. Establish guardrails to guide the strategy, such as identifying advertising partners and choosing appropriate media channels. Align on creating the minimum viable experience for consumers. Finally, review the organization's current state of consumer-centric capabilities and identify gaps.By following these steps, healthcare organizations can serve the needs of consumers and advertisers, fuel consumer growth, and diversify into a new revenue source. A carefully considered and executed consumer-centric health media strategy can improve consumer experience, brand loyalty, and lead to better outcomes for all.