Vital Guard™ Revolutionizes Patient Communication and Incident Findings in Healthcare Systems
Vital Guard™: A Game Changer in Healthcare Communication
In an era where healthcare technology continues to evolve, Vital™ is proud to announce the launch of its groundbreaking solution, Vital Guard™. This innovative system harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline the identification and communication of incidental findings from clinical documentation and radiology reports.
Understanding Incidental Findings
Incidental findings (IF) refer to unexpected results that arise from imaging tests ordered for unrelated medical reasons. These findings can often reveal serious underlying health issues like cancer or cardiovascular diseases. Alarming statistics indicate that almost 31% of acute care imaging studies reveal an incidental finding, yet 83% of patients with such findings fail to undergo necessary follow-ups. This gap in communication can lead to severe health repercussions and missed treatment opportunities.
Vital Guard™: The Solution
Vital Guard™ addresses this pressing issue by providing an EHR-connected solution that simplifies the process for healthcare providers. By employing advanced natural language processing (NLP), the system analyzes radiology reports and clinical notes to generate actionable worklists highlighting critical incidental findings that may have been overlooked. This technology not only facilitates better patient outcomes, but also mitigates risks associated with malpractice and operational inefficiencies.
One of the standout features of Vital Guard™ is its ability to close the communication loop with patients through text messaging. This allows healthcare professionals to inform patients asynchronously, which significantly enhances communication efficiency. Clinicians can now manage multiple sites with a singular user-friendly interface, ensuring timely and effective outreach to patients about their incidental findings.
Real-World Impact and Success Stories
The effectiveness of Vital Guard™ is already evident through several compelling case studies. For instance, a recent example involved a 73-year-old woman whose imaging revealed a thoracic aortic aneurysm that went undetected during her initial consultation. Thanks to the proactive measures of Vital Guard™, she received prompt communication regarding her results and was able to seek timely treatment, potentially saving her life.
In another case, a 54-year-old man, who visited the emergency department due to back pain, had a CT scan that uncovered an incidental left adrenal mass. Following outreach by the clinician through Vital Guard™, the patient was promptly referred to a specialist, ensuring that he could address this critical health issue without delay. Such cases illustrate the pivotal role of Vital Guard™ in enhancing patient care through structured and efficient communications.
Vital Guard™ has already undergone a 10-week pilot program at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, where more than 4,400 imaging studies were assessed. Over 1,000 findings were surfaced, with 259 moderate-to-high-risk cases prompting immediate outreach to patients.
The Vision of Vital®
As an AI-driven patient experience company, Vital™ aims to enhance each phase of the healthcare journey, ensuring that patients feel valued and informed. The incorporation of real-time notifications, simplified discharge instructions, and straightforward explanations of medical results play crucial roles in improving patient satisfaction and reducing anxiety.
Recognized for its excellence, Vital® has consistently earned high ratings in patient experience metrics, achieving results such as 30-50% reductions in patients leaving without being seen and 10-15% increases in Net Promoter Scores (NPS).
In summary, Vital Guard™ is paving the way for a new era in healthcare by ensuring that incidental findings are swiftly identified and communicated. By embracing such innovative technology, healthcare providers can significantly enhance patient safety and care quality, thereby transforming the overall patient experience. With Vital Guard™, the healthcare industry is one step closer to minimizing avoidable medical complications and elevating patient outcomes across the board.