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Integrating Tech for Improved Patient Care

David Samra • September 2, 2024

Why we embrace technology at PSM

Introduction

In the rapidly evolving field of healthcare, embracing technology is no longer an option; it's a necessity. As a Sport and Exercise Physician, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact that integrating the right tools can have on patient outcomes. At Progressive Sports Medicine, our mission is clear: Empower Health through Science and Education. In this blog, I want to share insights into how we can leverage technology and collaboration to build better patient outcomes, cutting out administrative inefficiencies and maximizing the value of our patient interactions

The Last Five Years: Lessons in Adaptation

The journey to establishing my own clinic was catalyzed by a particularly harsh Google review that highlighted system deficiencies. This experience ingrained a crucial lesson: "We rise to the level of our goals, but we fall to the level of our systems." Taking full ownership of the patient experience has empowered me to explore every facet of practice management. This journey of embracing vulnerability and seeking constant improvement has been central to the growth of my practice

Embracing Vulnerability in Healthcare

Being fearless in healthcare isn't about avoiding technology; it's about using it to objectively assess our outcomes. It's about listening to our patients, understanding their needs, and striving for better outcomes. For instance, the high cancellation rates among metabolic patients often stem from their fear of perceived failure. By focusing not just on treatment but on patient education, we can shift them from passive participants to engaged partners in their healthcare journey

Integrating Workflow Technology

Why should we bother with workflow technology? The answer is simple: it makes everything smoother. At Progressive Sports Medicine, we use tools like Google Workspace and 3CX to streamline communication and prioritize tasks. These technologies automate repetitive tasks, answer frequently asked questions, and allow us to focus on solving real problems. The integration of whisper AI transcription software, for example, has enabled us to provide real-time feedback and training to our reception staff, enhancing the overall patient experience

The Power of Patient Portals

A carefully thought-out patient portal is a game-changer in empowering patients. It allows patients to stay informed about their condition and track their progress even before stepping into the clinic. This ongoing engagement not only keeps patients motivated but also ensures that both patients and practitioners get the maximum value from their time together

Empowering Patients with Biofeedback Technology

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) and Continuous Ketone Monitors are powerful tools that provide real-time feedback, helping patients manage their health more effectively. By monitoring glucose levels or ketosis in real-time, patients can make informed decisions about their diet and exercise, leading to better health outcomes. For example, studies have shown that CGMs are effective in improving glucose control in diabetics, reducing the long-term harms of poor glycemic control. Continuous Ketone Monitors are newer on the market and provide some very important insights into metabolic flexibility when harnessed correctly.

Harnessing AI for Better Decision-Making

Generative AI is revolutionizing healthcare, speeding up software development, and enabling smarter, data-driven decisions. Tools like ChatGPT are invaluable in creating policies, answering clinical questions, and providing the latest evidence summaries. For instance, I recently used AI to assess a potential $30,000 investment in laser therapy. By asking the right questions, I made an informed decision, highlighting how AI can help us make better choices in patient care

Advanced Testing and Assessments

At Progressive Sports Medicine, we utilize advanced testing and assessments to provide personalized, data-driven care. Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) testing, VO2 Max assessments, and DEXA scans are just a few of the tools we use to tailor health and fitness strategies for our patients. These tests provide insights into metabolic function, cardiovascular fitness, and body composition, enabling us to develop targeted interventions for each patient.

At PSM, we do testing on ourselves too. You can see that my own VO2 max was grossly underestimated by Apple Watch, and the actual test came in at a much more respectable level. This technology ensures that we as clinicians, are leading by example and practicing what we preach.

These are my recent DEXA scan results indicating improving muscle mass and reducing visceral fat. I know that I need to do more work on my bone mass- that is my main area of deficiency and I wouldn't know this without this technology.

Our purpose built gym allows us to perform advanced strength testing and intervention. Strength measures are an important metric for rehabilitation, but also for overall healthspan and longevity.

The Hawthorne Effect: A Positive Force in Patient Care

The Hawthorne effect, often seen as a bias, can actually be harnessed to improve patient outcomes. When patients know they are being observed, they are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans. This increased engagement not only leads to better outcomes but also provides a clearer picture of the effectiveness of our interventions.

We are affiliated with Sydney University and the data and outcome measures we obtain from our patients not only helps us to help them, but it can contribute to peer reviewed research that assists our overall understanding of real-world clinical problems. After a long and tiresome search, we are glad to have partnered with eCaptis who are the best in class technology in Australia for measurement of outcome measures in clinical practice.

eCaptis allows us to seamlessly integrate patient outcome measures and results into our practice, and to create care pathways that provide educational content to patients along their journey of recovery.

Conclusion

As healthcare providers, our patients expect more from us than ever before. By integrating technology and embracing collaboration, we can enhance patient outcomes and streamline our practices. It's an exciting time to face the future fearlessly, using technology to centralize data and deliver the best care possible. At PSM, this is part of ensuring that we remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation

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PRP in Sports Medicine: Where does it stand in 2024?

By David Samra • March 19, 2024

In the realm of musculoskeletal medicine, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy has been riding a wave of both acclaim and skepticism. We have patients who have heard or read about PRP and want to rush in and have it done. My staff are sometimes inundated by patients who call to book in specifically for PRP, without even considering the appropriate consultation process, or my opinion on their best management. They understandably have usually tried everything else and feel like PRP is their last and final hope. This article aims to address some of the common questions around PRP- particularly the evidence around it’s effectiveness for common problems like tendon pain and osteoarthritis. In doing so, I hope to make it clear that while it may be a useful adjunct to rehabilitation measures, it is naive to think of PRP as a cure-all treatment. Hailed by some as a revolutionary treatment capable of healing and pain relief, especially for osteoarthritis sufferers, it’s been critiqued by others following recent studies that cast shadows on its efficacy, suggesting it might be no better than a placebo. This post delves deep into the evidence, peeling back layers of scientific research to reveal what’s really going on with PRP therapy. Understanding PRP Therapy At its core, PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of a patient’s own platelets directly into the affected area, aiming to kickstart the body’s natural healing processes. The clinical pioneers of PRP were maxillofacial surgeons and dentists treating difficult implants. The theory sounds promising: harnessing the body’s own regenerative powers to treat conditions like osteoarthritis, which affects millions worldwide, causing pain and disability. Much of the basic science research for PRP appeared very promising in terms of generating tissue repair and healing. The Case for PRP Numerous studies have initially painted PRP therapy in a positive light. These pieces of research have documented how PRP injections can lead to improvements in pain relief and joint function, making a compelling argument for its use as a non-surgical option for those grappling with the daily challenges of osteoarthritis. The Case Against PRP However, the plot thickens with the advent of recent, high-quality studies that have put these claims under the microscope. These investigations suggest that when PRP therapy is pitted against placebo treatments, the differences in patient outcomes become negligible for Osteoarthritis of the knee. This revelation has stirred the pot within the medical community, leading to heated discussions about the place of PRP therapy in treating osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Suffice to say- any clinician that claims that PRP (or any other agent as at the time of writing this article) can reverse osteoarthritis or “heal cartilage”, is providing misleading information. Expert Opinions and Patient Experiences I have used PRP in my clinical practice for the last 10 years, but I have been keeping my finger on the pulse of the latest high-quality clinical trials to help understand whether it is truly effective (that is, more effective than placebo, when sources of bias are controlled). As a clinician, I acknowledge that I am not impartial, and therefore I must use quality research as well as our experiences to guide treatment. The recent trials that do not support PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis are extremely well planned and conducted. As the facts change, we must change our minds and our approaches. I published a case series in 2015 with my co-researchers at Sydney University, where we found that Rugby Players with high ankle ligament injuries were able to return to play 3 weeks sooner if they had a single PRP injection within the first 2 weeks after injury. In my clinical experience, PRP has provided good results for patients with ligamentous tears, and as an adjunct to strengthening exercises for a range of tendinopathies.