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Why Elder Care Needs Strong Computer Vision Technology for MSK

MSK conditions continue to be one of the largest and most costly issues for the US healthcare system, driven largely by older adults. Neither the traditional care delivery mechanism of in-person appointments nor the 1st generation of digital MSK solutions have adequately addressed the core of the issue.

September 23, 2024  2 min reading
KEMTAI BLOG > Blog > Why Elder Care Needs Strong Computer Vision Technology for MSK

Existing MSK care solutions are failing.

MSK care is the largest cost driver for the US healthcare system,  driven primarily by older adults. Nearly 50% of health plan MSK wear and tear expenditure is attributed to those aged 55-64,  and falls among older adults (65+) cost the US healthcare system $80B annually.

When completed with guidance and adherence, PT can significantly reduce cost and improve outcomes for MSK conditions.1 However, the traditional care delivery mechanism of in-person appointments is clearly not scalable, and the 1st generation of digital MSK solutions have also failed to fill the void of poor scalability, accessibility, and adherence. 

Shortcomings of current MSK care solutions.

Traditional physical therapy

Limited scalability. Traditional PT fails to scale because of a dependence on in-person appointments, limited PTs, and passive home exercise protocol solutions that can’t provide live guidance or real-time tracking.
Minimal accessibility. Over 75% of those referred to PT don’t even begin treatment. This lack of accessibility is driven by transportation challenges (especially for the elderly), inconvenient appointments, and long wait times.
Poor accountability. Non-adherence to home exercise protocols (HEPs) is often as high as 70% due to non-engaging solutions (e.g., paper handouts, passive video apps) that inhibit performance and adherence tracking.

1st generation digital MSK

Limited scalability. These solutions lack scalability because they rely upon hardware sensors and wearables and present hidden DME costs or have weak computer vision technology that creates user friction.

Minimal accessibility. Existing solutions can’t support enough conditions, use hardware that lack comprehensive tracking and are difficult for older adults to use, require downloads, and can’t run on all operating systems.

Poor accountability. These technologies are not engaging enough and are too cumbersome to drive necessary adherence, clear in the low utilization rates and lack of onboarding, especially for older adults.

So, how will Kemtai make a difference?

Check it out:

 

We’d love to chat if you want to learn more about Kemtai’s applications in the elder space. Don’t get left behind in last generation’s MSK care. Shoot us a message at info@kemtai.com to learn more.

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