In their fourth annual competition, “Healthy Kids Healthy Future,” Parkview Health and MATTER, a healthcare incubator, asked innovators to tackle an important health concern: the management and treatment of chronic conditions for pediatric patients.
The why
The focus was selected based on the prevalence of pediatric health concerns. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 40% of U.S. children have at least one chronic condition, and management can be taxing on both children and their parents or guardians. To support kids and teens in Indiana and beyond, Parkview and MATTER asked innovators and industry disruptors to answer the call for solutions.
How the competition worked
The competition accepted entries from around the world, from anyone with an innovative idea for a product or service that supported children 0-15 years old with the management and treatment of chronic conditions such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, obesity, diabetes, mental and behavioral health conditions, developmental disabilities and more.
In late summer 2023, Parkview announced a handful of semifinalists, who moved to the incubator phase of the competition and pitched their solutions to a panel of experts. Select teams then advanced to the accelerator phase, where they built and tested their solutions with mentors and stakeholders from across the healthcare community.
In November, the finalists pitched their solutions to a community of healthcare professionals, including Parkview Health leaders and outside investors for potential pilot opportunities and funding. All teams who participated in the final pitch day received a six-month membership to MATTER, but one finalist moved directly into contracting with the health system to begin using their product: Augment Therapy.
We spoke to key team members at the Parkview Mirro Center for Research & Innovation to learn more about the process and this year’s winner.
How was the winner selected?
The selection of the winner was a meticulous process guided by several key criteria to ensure a seamless alignment with our objectives at Parkview. Our decision was grounded in the identified ability of the selected solution to address unmet needs within pediatric patient care. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the compatibility of the chosen partner's cultural and business values with those of Parkview, ensuring a cohesive and productive collaboration.
Crucial factors contributing to the selection included the presence of a well-defined pilot project plan, underscoring the commitment and strategic approach of the winning solution. Notably, Augment Therapy emerged as the victor in this evaluation process. Their innovative and captivating technology offers a fresh perspective for pediatric patients, proving applicable in outpatient and inpatient settings.
Augment Therapy's platform stands out for its exceptional engagement levels, presenting significant potential to impact patient adherence to physical therapy treatments. Our decision was not solely based on the benefits Parkview could derive from the partnership, but also on the mutual advantages both parties could enjoy, fostering a symbiotic relationship that promises positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
Who were the judges?
All of the judges were leaders or clinicians from within the Parkview health system, including:
- David Storey, chief legal and compliance officer
- Max Maile, senior vice president, Digital Health
- Kathy Detweiler, director, patient navigation, Women’s & Children’s Hospital
- David Segal, MD, PPG – Pediatric Endocrinology
- Rich Church, chief growth and strategy officer
- Andrea Maisonneuve, director, Clinical Research
- Jessica Pater, manager, Health Services and Informatics Research
- Dena Jacquay, chief administrative officer
- Rasheed El-Moslimany, senior vice president, chief business intelligence and analytics officer
- Deborah Abaitey, MD, PPG – Pediatrics
What happens next?
At present, our focus is directed towards the collaborative development of Augment Therapy's upcoming pilot project, scheduled for launch in 2024. In parallel, we are actively engaging with the other finalists from the competition. Parkview's leadership is keenly interested in exploring avenues for collaboration with each finalist, driven by a shared enthusiasm for advancing healthcare solutions.
How does this impact Parkview’s patients and the communities we serve?
The positive implications of participating in these competitions extend directly to our patients and community members within our service region. By engaging in these events, we position ourselves at the forefront of innovation, enabling us to deliver our patients the latest and most advanced solutions. Securing early access not only empowers us to stay ahead of the curve but also provides an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with companies, influencing them to refine and customize their service offerings for optimal patient-centered solutions. Ultimately, our involvement in these competitions directly translates into enhanced care and tailored solutions that positively impact the well-being of our patients and the broader community.
Getting to know Augment Therapy
Augment Therapy is based out of Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Co-founder Lindsay Watson, PT, MPT, serves as chief executive officer, and shared some key points about the company.
Augment Therapy is poised to revolutionize the landscape of public health by introducing a groundbreaking approach to rehabilitative care. By seamlessly integrating immersive, gamified technology into patient engagement, Augment Therapy transcends traditional methods, making rehabilitation more accessible and enjoyable for individuals of all ages. The platform's utilization of ARWell software, coupled with proprietary technology like MOCAST®, not only streamlines the rehabilitative process but also enhances user compliance through interactive and engaging exercises. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly impact the public by democratizing access to effective healthcare solutions, fostering quicker recovery, and promoting overall well-being.
Augment Therapy's user-friendly, body-powered games are poised to redefine the public's perception of rehabilitative care, turning it into a positive and empowering experience for individuals seeking to regain their health and mobility. With the flexibility to motivate and monitor patients from anywhere, Augment Therapy aims to revolutionize patient outcomes through accessible and engaging rehabilitative experiences.
