What is connected care? | Aetna International

The world is more connected than ever.

And yet thinking about health care usually conjures images of a hospital or doctor’s office. In-person appointments can be time-consuming if clinics are far away and inconvenient if they interrupt work routines.

That’s because we’re used to health care being about making us better when we’re sick. But wouldn’t it be great if health care providers could help stop us from getting sick in the first place? If they could save us from inconvenient and potentially unnecessary trips to the doctor’s office? Well, as you’ll discover in this article, that’s what connected care is all about.

By delivering health care in a way that’s relevant to a modern, technologically savvy population, people can make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Rather than treatment, health care then becomes about empowering you to keep well and being there to hold your hand as and when you need it. This is what Aetna International helps employers do for the their international employees around the world.

This article explores the concept of connected care and offers examples of it in action — real results that have changed the lives of real people. You’ll discover how this new approach to health care can benefit YOU and keep YOU healthy.

What is connected care?

Connected care is quality health care that is personalised, accessible through technology (from home rather than a hospital or the doctor’s office) and centred around the person — their needs and goals.

Transcript: It’s clear that today’s health care systems are under increasing pressure. With record numbers of us living longer, and more of us experiencing chronic conditions, we’re putting huge demand on already straining services.

Not only is this driving up health care costs for everyone, but just treating people when they’re sick is simply not sustainable. Instead we need proactive health and wellness services that are focused on keeping us well for longer. And, if we do fall sick, ensure the best possible treatment and health outcomes.

Personalised health care brings together information from many aspects of our lives, from our lifestyle choices all the way through to our personal health goals. We call this connected care and it can have a huge impact at every stage of the health care journey.

For example, Aetna’s virtual health care service, vHealth, gives people anywhere in the world the ability to speak to a doctor through their phone or computer. And, last year, where people engaged with Aetna’s one-nurse-to-one-member care model, hospital admissions were reduced by 60%*. Even simple actions, like text message reminders for seasonal vaccinations, reduced flu incidence by 34%.

Aetna’s international long-term vision is to build a culture of health and wellbeing within its communities that not only transforms how people access and experience health care, but reduces the pressure on health care systems, improving the quality of life for millions of us.

To learn more about Aetna’s international approach to connected care, search online for Aetna’s connected care.

*for those identified at risk of developing a disease or where their health was at risk of deteriorating further.

Here are some examples of connected care action:

Virtual health care

People accessing our virtual health service can speak to a doctor via phone or computer from anywhere in the world. Their needs are addressed quickly and in the comfort of their own home, saving time on what could otherwise have been an unnecessary trip to a clinic or hospital. Those that need further support are referred to the relevant team.

Personal health guidance

Aetna Connected Care graphic and how it helps reduce hospital admissions by 60%

The more engaged a patient is, the less likely they are to need urgent care. In other words, offering people personal health guidance can keep them out of hospital. Our one-nurse-to-one-member care model allows us to work with people from the point of diagnosis, helping them to better manage their condition by:

establishing new habits
making diet changes
exercising
staying motivated.

Our nurses recommend useful reading materials and websites, and check in regularly by phone or email.

Convenient communication

Aetna Connected Care leads to a 34% reduction in flu incidents

Health notifications, information and reminders to mind sent via text message, phone call and email ensures people have a vested interest in their own health. For example, where patients opted in to Aetna’s SMS ‘flu-vaccine reminder service, incidents were reduced, leading to fewer ‘flu-related claims and money saved by providers and individuals.

Workplace schemes

71% of Aetna Connected Care patients quit smoking for good within six weeks

People spend a lot of their life at work, so it’s essential that health and wellness is a priority for employers as much as it is for individuals. Employee assistance services can support people to manage stress and live healthier lifestyles.

One example of this is in the United Arab Emirates. We analysed the well-being of our members there and discovered that there were a large number of smokers. By delivering a advice and guidance through members’ employers, we made a significant reduction in rates of smoking.

What does connected care mean for me?

Care, advice and guidance when you need it, at a convenient time, and delivered in a way that suits you.
Engaging with your own lifestyle choices and having a hand to hold along the way.
Better quality of life by managing potential health concerns before they become a problem.
Communicating with health care professionals in a way that you’re used to communicating in your everyday life.

Pull quote and image of Karen Weinseiss, Senior VP of International Health Management, about Aetna Connected Care

Learn more about how connectivity and access to technology are transforming health care in our virtual health video.

Aetna® is a trademark of Aetna Inc. and is protected throughout the world by trademark registrations and treaties.

The more engaged a patient is, the less likely they are to need urgent care.

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