On Friday, Epic and Nebraska Medicine kicked off its use of an Apple Watch app that allows patients to view messages from their care providers, upcoming appointment details, and information on their active medications. The program is one of only five in the nation designed to improve patient engagement using the Apple Watch.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve the satisfaction of our patients. We recognize that as more of our patients use devices like the Apple Watch, we not only have to be able to use that technology to initially provide convenience for them, but we also have to envision how we can also improve patient outcomes via use of the device in the future,” said Michael Ash, MD, chief transformation officer at Nebraska Medicine, in a statement.
Available now on the App Store, Epic’s MyChart app for Apple Watch allows patients to view alerts for new test results, billing statements and health maintenance reminders are accessible on their iPhone. Patients who use the app must create an account with Nebraska Medicine.
“It’s great to see Nebraska Medicine help lead the way on patient engagement with the Apple Watch,” says Sumit Rana, Epic’s senior vice president for research and development. “Wearables such as the Apple Watch have great potential to empower patients as active participants in their own healthcare and wellness while improving the overall care experience.”
Back in April, Ochsner Health System announced the use of the Apple Watch for managing patients suffering from chronic diseases. As part of the Ochsner Hypertension Digital Medicine Program pilot program, the New Orleans-based provider will utilize the Apple Watch to track several hundred patients who are struggling to control their blood pressure.