Frugal Innovation

Innovating on a budget

This year so far, billions of dollars have poured into the digital health space as so-called unicorns become increasingly more commonplace. But this month, we are focusing on frugal innovation – those new developments that are happening with fewer resources.

While the U.S. has largely been the hotbed for digital health, the industry has been expanding into new regions as more new companies and technologies have launched thrifty innovations. In May, we look at how companies all over the world are creating new digital health tools with less funding.

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Intermountain and MDClone pairing saves money as both patients and populations are better understood

by Susan Morse
Two years ago, Intermountain started a venture fund to invest in companies that met its mission.
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Inpatient unit consolidation saves hospitals money

by Susan Morse

Using data and analytics, Berkeley Research Group looks at data around patient movement and empty beds.

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If you are going to raise money, know what it's for, says digital health consultant

by Laura Lovett

Rebecca MacKinnon, founder and CEO of 5D Strategies, will be presenting at HIMSS21 on Aug. 10. 

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How a pair of 'middle school graduates' developed and sold their respiratory health tech company

by Mallory Hackett

The two college students built Spira, a no-code back-end tool for creating smart intake forms that was acquired by Galileo Health in April. 

 

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Mayo Clinic and Kaiser Permanente invest in at-home acute level care

by Susan Morse

Regulations allowing non hospital space to be used for patient care during the COVID-19 emergency gave rise to hospital care in the home setting.

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UnitedHealth launching post-discharge home program for group Medicare Advantage plans

by Jeff Lagasse

Included is post-discharge meal delivery, transportation and up to six hours of in-home personal care.

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Teladoc builds out mental healthcare services with myStrength Complete

by Mallory Hackett

The new offering combines the app-based models of care from myStrength with Teladoc’s on-demand therapists and psychiatrists. 

 

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To build a more equitable health system, experts say start with tech insights

by Laura Lovett

Chelsea Clinton and others at the International Vatican Conference discuss starting to develop healthcare systems around the most vulnerable populations. 

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Want to make healthcare more accessible? Google says tech is the answer

by Laura Lovett

Today at the Vatican Conference on health, Google's Dr. David Feinberg discussed how tech could help address health disparities. 

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Samsung upcycles older phones to diagnose eye diseases in impoverished communities

by Thiru Gunasegaran

The electronics giant has been repurposing older Galaxy model smartphones for medical uses.

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In-depth: Female-led startups make strides, but venture funding lags

by Laura Lovett

Women-led startups only represent 14% of digital health deals closed in 2019, according to Rock Health. 

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Black founders less likely to have a digital health company venture backed than white and Asian peers, Rock Health reports

by Laura Lovett

The Diversity in Digital Health report zeroed in on the funding gap and the barriers that Black founders face in health tech. 

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Australian startups team up to provide telehealth solution for Aboriginal groups

by Thiru Gunasegaran

The companies hope the service will help improve health outcomes for Aboriginal communities in Australia.

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Contributed: Analyzing social determinants of health data to improve patient outcomes

Providers must go beyond just learning about a patient's SDOH to change the game; they must also support changes. 

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Using analytics could be key to curbing medical bias

by Laura Lovett

Today at Cleveland Clinic and HIMSS' Patient Experience Summit, Dr. David Newhouse, formerly of Permanente Medical Group, discussed putting statistics into practice. 

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New tool lets users sign up for leftover COVID-19 vaccines

by Laura Lovett

Dr. B helps connect patients to providers with unused vaccines.