The Orthopaedic Institute at the Geisinger Health System (Geisinger) has chosen to partner with Universal Research Solutions (OBERD) for innovative patient outcomes data collection. As one of the nation’s largest health service organizations, Geisinger will use OBERD software for outcomes data collection, registries and multi-center studies. They will also be using OBERD’s clinical suite, and unique, customizable education software. Initially OBERD will be used to collect data from orthopaedic patients, with an intention to expand into other specialties in due course.

Geisinger’s commitment to improving the patient experience is central to partnering with a technology provider that can help collect as much meaningful objective and subjective data as possible. This data can be used to research better approaches to care, support better decision-making, and ultimately deliver better health outcomes.

“We are delighted to be partnering with OBERD. OBERD has been at the forefront of technology for outcomes data-collection for many years, just as Geisinger has been at the forefront of integrating outcomes data into decision-making about patient care,” said Michael Suk, MD JD MPH, chairman of Geisinger’s Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. “We expect to work closely with the OBERD team to innovate on the next generation of outcomes data-collection.”

OBERD complements previously groundbreaking work Dr. Suk has done in defining the optimal data-collection instruments and time intervals by procedure. The system makes the collection of complex data-sets for individual patients achievable, and transparent, without disrupting the normal clinical workflow.

OBERD is pioneering research into patient data collection from wearable devices, and adding this to the patient data-set stored in Geisinger’s registries. The objective data captured during patient activities will complement the subjective outcomes data provided by patients, and data from other sources (demographics, patient satisfaction, patient education audits, clinician-recorded and cost data).

“Imagine a Geisinger Orthopaedic patient who, while exercising, answers a question about their level of discomfort – which triggers a query real-time via text message to their provider. And that is accompanied by the vast amount of OBERD-collected information – demographics, procedures, implant data and the question of overall satisfaction – to provide a complete picture of the individual’s care at Geisinger. We may then be able to better understand the factors that influence health outcomes and provide more complete answers to the patient,” said Dr. Ali Hussam, CEO of OBERD. “We believe it will be the new standard for individualized care,” said Michael Suk.

Integrating OBERD into the daily clinic flow will allow seamless data collection. The real-time scoring and reporting of the collected data will enable immediate evaluation of outcomes during patient visits. The software, with interfaces built around the patient, also allows remote data collection from, and reporting to, patients who are unable, or not required, to revisit a Geisinger clinic.

OBERD looks forward to working with Dr. Suk and his team, drawing on his vast experience in outcomes research. The goal of this partnership between Geisinger and OBERD is to enhance the patient experience at Geisinger Health System, promote interaction and the positive experience of care, provide better data for better decision-making, and ultimately improve health outcomes through the smart application of very smart technology.

About Geisinger

Geisinger Health System is an integrated health services organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the electronic health record and the development of innovative care delivery models such as ProvenHealth Navigator® and ProvenCare®. As one of the nation’s largest health service organizations, Geisinger serves more than 3 million residents throughout 45 counties in central, south-central and northeast Pennsylvania, and also in southern New Jersey with the addition of AtlantiCare, a National Malcolm Baldridge Award recipient.

The physician-led system is comprised of approximately 30,000 employees, including nearly 1,600 employed physicians, 12 hospital campuses, two research centers and a 510,000-member health plan, all of which leverage an estimated $8.9 billion positive impact on the Pennsylvania economy. Geisinger has repeatedly garnered national accolades for integration, quality and service. In addition to fulfilling its patient care mission, Geisinger has a long-standing commitment to medical education, research and community service. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org.