| | DECEMBER - 20219UTLOOKHealthcare Tech device care and maintenance, or nurse administration of immunotherapies, but Optum works to ensure policies are in place to guide what is acceptable and safe for patients and staff despite how care is administered. Optum's Unique Approach to Virtual CareOptum's approach is simple ­ identify appropriate candidates, get connected with them virtually, and introduce home infusion therapy and any clinical teaching required to be successful at home. Ideal patients have a caregiver, bear the mental capacity and physical dexterity to perform self-infusions, and have access to technology required to participate in a virtual visit session. Once it is verified that a patient can participate in a virtual visit, Optum sends a link for a preset appointment via their smartphone, tablet, or computer. Patients are then guided by a clinician through a supply unboxing and step-by-step demonstration of how to infuse at home, along with written teaching materials in their initial delivery. One of Optum's early referrals was for an elderly COVID-19 positive patient, who was in the hospital with an infection and having difficulty breathing. After a few days of recovery, her doctor ordered IV antibiotics to be administered at home. She had immediate reservations about doing her own infusion at home, especially as her daughter was able to help but couldn't come to the hospital to learn properly. The patient began to think that her only choice was a nursing home until Optum explained that she could be discharged to be at home with her family and have her daughter participate in virtual teaching visits, allowing her to receive home infusion therapy.The teaching sessions were successful. After two virtual visits, the patient's daughter was deemed independent with providing the infusions. The facilitation of the virtual visits made the transition from hospital to home much easier for the patient and her family, and the patient completed her course of antibiotic therapy at home with no complications.Looking AheadWe saw firsthand how a digitally enabled system can deliver the right care at the right time in any location while creating a positive patient experience. From the beginning of 2020 through the third quarter of 2021, we have conducted over 600 virtual infusion visits and 94 percent of patients reported they felt more confident in their therapy after the session.Given positive patient responses and notable cost savings, we recognize there is a significant opportunity to continue to support patients in this new virtual format. As an organization, we're committed to refining and growing our virtual visit offerings to create a more convenient and accessible healthcare experience for all. HTNancy KramerAt Optum, virtual care remains a critical component of our patient engagement strategy and has quickly evolved to meet the changing needs of patients
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