The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health (OASH) is seeking to better inform the direction of efforts to improve access to emerging technologies and healthcare services to improve health outcomes for aging Americans.
In a request for information (RFI), HHS said it is aiming to improve health outcomes for aging Americans by identifying advancements in emerging technologies with the greatest potential to help. Those include artificial intelligence, along with finding opportunities to strengthen the healthcare system via public-private partnerships for data sharing, comprehensive analytics, and other potential mechanisms.
“Identifying how technologies can be used at home and in communities will help our aging populations access care, monitor and maintain healthy activities, and enable as much independent living as possible, especially in underserved areas of our nation,” said Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Brett P. Giroir in a press release.
In addition to improving access to emerging technologies and healthcare services, the RFI also seeks comments on the following:
- “Barriers and opportunities for technology-driven solutions;
- Key indicators and data sources of technology-driven chronic disease management;
- Health promotion activities using technology-driven solutions; and
- Public-private partnerships.”
HHS said that emerging technologies can help improve health outcomes in the aging population, especially in underserved areas “by empowering patients and facilitating integrated healthcare delivery.” COVID-19 has exacerbated inequalities in healthcare delivery and has forced the development of new technological approaches to chronic disease management.
Responses to the RFI are due by December 22, 2020.
