Wellness Programs in Adult Spina Bifida: Population Health Strategies-Slide Presentation

Pdf Summary

The document presents an overview of wellness programs for individuals with Spina Bifida, particularly focusing on adult care and the use of technology. Dr. Brad E. Dicianno, a key figure in this field, details population health models relevant to Spina Bifida, strategies for improving patient outcomes, and the use of information technology in supplementing health programs.<br /><br />More than 170,000 Americans live with Spina Bifida, a common, permanently disabling birth defect, occurring in 7 out of 10,000 live births. Although originally viewed as a pediatric condition, Spina Bifida now affects individuals well into their 70s and 80s. Statistics show frequent hospital visits and a high rate of potentially preventable conditions, indicating a need for improved care strategies.<br /><br />The document highlights different models of care for adults with Spina Bifida, noting the scarcity of adult clinics in the U.S. and the challenges of transitioning from pediatric to adult care models. A Pennsylvania Clinic Survey indicates varying levels of familiarity and implementation of existing health care guidelines among practitioners.<br /><br />A wellness program developed at the UPMC Adult Spina Bifida Clinic, supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, utilizes a comprehensive care team and resources like the National Spina Bifida Patient Registry to coordinate care and improve outcomes. Key components of the program include setting health goals, mobile health engagement through a platform named iMHere, which supports self-management with reminders, symptom reporting, and secure messaging.<br /><br />The iMHere system's feasibility study demonstrates significant improvements in the health and self-management skills of high utilizers, reduction in preventable medical events, and an increase in self-reliance among patients with Spina Bifida. Future developments include iMHere 2.0, which promises enhanced caregiver support, goal setting, education modules, and a personal health record to improve care delivery further.<br /><br />The document underscores the importance of utilizing technology and structured wellness programs to effectively manage Spina Bifida in adults, aiming to maximize health outcomes, enhance patient experience, and reduce healthcare costs.

Asset Subtitle

Wellness Programs in Adult Spina Bifida: Population Health Strategies

Keywords

Spina Bifida

wellness programs

adult care

technology

Dr. Brad E. Dicianno

population health models

UPMC Adult Spina Bifida Clinic

iMHere platform

self-management

health outcomes