🌞 China's Controversial Brain Interfaces

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Welcome to your briefing:

• AI ROUNDUP: Sam Altman says helpful agents are poised to become AI’s killer function

• INDUSTRY ROUNDUP: UnitedHealthcare CEO says maybe a third of US citizens were affected by recent hack

• WELLNESS BYTES: It’s time to treat sugar like cigarettes

• INSIGHTS CORNER: Healthcare consumer insights in Latin America

• TRIVIA: What AI-powered early warning system can predict over 50% of in-hospital cardiac arrests up to 14 hours before they occur?

AI ROUNDUP

WATCH THIS. SOMETHING FUN.

This dog can dance better than me!

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• LLMs are not ready to automate clinical coding, says Mount Sinai study (Read More)

• Google’s Med-Gemini’s lion’s roar (Read More)

• Sam Altman says helpful agents are poised to become AI’s killer function (Read More)

• Cardiologists train large AI model to assess heart structure, function (Read More)

• China has a controversial plan for brain-computer interfaces (Read More)

• 16 surprising ways AI enhances healthcare diagnostics and delivery (Read More)

• AI ultrasounds in hand, midwives are transforming maternal health (Read More)

• Kaiser partners with Innovaccer to roll out AI platform in Washington (Read More)

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INDUSTRY ROUNDUP

• UnitedHealthcare CEO says maybe a third of US citizens were affected by recent hack (Read More)

• Walmart is closing down its health centers. What does that mean for Amazon, Walgreens and CVS? (Read More)

• Fraud, waste and abuse: How some doctors are exploiting Medicare and turning patients into 'cash cows' (Read More)

• CVS Health chops 2024 forecast as cost struggles with Medicare Advantage persist (Read More)

• Hormones for menopause are safe, study finds. Here's what changed (Read More)

• Most Americans say mental health issues get worse treatment than physical ones (Read More)

WELLNESS BYTES

• Mounjaro alternatives reviewed: Best natural OTC Tirzepatide options for weight loss (Read More)

• Don't just track your steps. Here are 4 health metrics to monitor on your smartwatch, according to doctors. (Read More)

• It’s time to treat sugar like cigarettes (Read More)

INSIGHTS CORNER

Healthcare consumer insights in Latin America

A recent survey involving over 4,200 individuals across Latin America provides crucial insights into the healthcare preferences and challenges faced by consumers in the region. This comprehensive analysis highlights the urgent need for more accessible and affordable healthcare solutions.

Key Findings

• Deferred Medical Care: A significant 62% of respondents have postponed medical care due to issues primarily related to accessibility and affordability.

• Digital Adoption: Digital platforms are increasingly becoming a preferred source for healthcare information and services, with 26% of consumers primarily relying on these channels.

• Preference for Convenience: There is a growing demand for healthcare delivery in more convenient settings, such as virtual care or at-home services, especially for low-complexity and follow-up care.

Consumer Healthcare Behaviors

• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Consumers in Latin America spend about 24% of their healthcare costs out-of-pocket, significantly higher than in regions like the European Union and the United States.

• Virtual Care Adoption: For low-complexity issues, 34% of consumers prefer virtual or at-home care. The interest in telemedicine is notably high, with benefits such as easier access and reduced costs cited as major factors.

Technology's Role in Healthcare

• Health Apps: There is a strong interest in health-related applications, with 81% of respondents willing to invest in apps for wellness and preventive care. Features such as virtual consultations, health monitoring, and wellness challenges are particularly appealing.

• Online Medication Purchases: The survey also notes a positive reception towards purchasing medications online, indicating a shift towards more digital engagement in healthcare management.

Barriers to Access

• Insurance Affordability: About 20% of those surveyed expressed a desire to obtain private insurance but are deterred by high costs. The data suggests a potential market for more economically accessible insurance plans with varied coverage options.

• Economic Disparities: Access to healthcare remains inequitable, with significant differences in how consumers across various income levels manage healthcare expenses and access services.

Opportunities for Improvement

• Innovative Business Models: There is an opportunity for healthcare stakeholders to innovate by introducing models that enhance affordability and accessibility, potentially reducing the need to defer care.

• Expansion of Digital Services: By expanding digital service offerings, healthcare providers can meet the growing consumer demand for convenience and efficiency in healthcare delivery.

The insights from the survey underscore a critical transition in healthcare consumer behavior in Latin America towards digital solutions and more accessible care options. Stakeholders in the healthcare industry, including policymakers, providers, and insurers, are positioned to significantly influence the future landscape by investing in digital innovations and rethinking healthcare delivery to address the nuanced needs of Latin American consumers. This approach not only promises to enhance patient experience but also aims to tackle the persistent challenges of affordability and accessibility head-on.

Access the full report here

AI TRIVIA

HEALTHCARE CONFERENCES

• May 14-16: IHI Patient Safety Congress (Orlando)

• May 14-15: Fierce Pharma PR & Communications Summit West (Newport Beach, CA)

• May 21-23: Fierce Digital Pharma Innovation Week (virtual)

• May 21-23: WSJ The Future of Everything (New York City)

• May 29-31: thINc360 – The Healthcare Innovation Congress (Washington, D.C.)

• May 31-June 4: American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting (Chicago)