Joseph Ternullo, JD, MPH
Associate Director, Center for Connected Health

For over a month now the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been holding a series of panel discussions meant to contribute to the national broadband strategy due to Congress early next year. As we think about a comprehensive broadband strategy, no discussion would be complete without emphasizing the role broadband is playing in revolutionizing America’s health care system. So what a worthwhile discussion this week as the FCC focused on this timely issue!

At the Center for Connected Health, which is part of Partners HealthCare in Boston, we believe that America’s broadband networks are intrinsically tied to the kind of health care patients throughout the country deserve. This means opportunity for improved quality, access to 21st century care and reduced cost of care that could be eliminated through early detection and the use of convenient and innovative technologies. Look no further than our Center’s remote monitoring programs. Why, for example, wait for patients to come to a medical facility to learn their blood pressure trends and effect management strategies? Similarly, perhaps a patient is having trouble complying with his/her medication requirements or has slipped on critical nutritional requirements. Better to learn of these early and implement care management strategies to self-correct. Connected health is a care model. Through technology, adverse trends can be identified early. Cost savings and improved quality of life should result. Connected health is the right thing to do.

Technology-enabled care has already proven its potential to bring the kind of treatment to patients that had previously been out of reach, decrease time spent traveling to and from doctor’s visits, and most importantly, improving lives.

The Center for Connected Health is committed to developing innovative and effective solutions outside the traditional medical setting and leading the research that will pave the way for new health technology and innovations. As we strive to meet the challenges ahead, we look forward to the national conversations that will take place surrounding the FCC workshop – and certainly the health care debate as a whole.

This all serves as a preview to our upcoming Connected Health Symposium October 21-22 that will focus on how information technology — cell phones, computers, the Internet and other tools — can help people manage chronic conditions, maintain health and wellness, and age with independence. Among so many other things! For information on our agenda, please click here .

Let’s maintain the momentum that will come from these discussions and work together to be sure the role of America’s broadband networks are part of the discussion.

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.