Kent Dicks on Virtual Care's Rise & Challenges

Kent E. Dicks, a pioneer in digital health and CEO of Life365, is at the forefront of transforming healthcare through virtual-first care platforms. Life365, under Dicks' leadership, has secured a significant subcontract with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide remote patient monitoring (RPM) services, showcasing the potential of digital health innovations. Despite the advancements in virtual care and RPM, clinician burnout remains a pressing issue, exacerbated by the increased documentation and data management demands. Patients, while generally supportive of at-home monitoring, face challenges related to the complexity and usability of these technologies, particularly among older adults and rural residents. Dicks advocates for 'invisible' healthcare technology that integrates seamlessly into care processes, minimizing friction for both patients and clinicians. The key to successful virtual care programs lies in starting small, scaling thoughtfully, and ensuring technology enhances rather than complicates care delivery. The benefits of getting virtual care right include reduced hospitalizations, lower costs, and empowered patients, ultimately leading to higher satisfaction and better health outcomes.