In the latest episode of MGMA’s Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Tom Schwieterman, the Chief Medical Officer and VP of Clinical Affairs at Midmark Corporation. The discussion centers around the critical importance of accurate and consistent blood pressure measurement along with its impact on patient outcomes. With his extensive background spanning software engineering, medicine and business administration, Dr. Tom provides insights into Midmark's innovative approach to enhancing the caregiver-patient experience.
From Computer Science to Medicine
- Dr. Tom's journey began when studying software engineering and computer programming, but he spent the first 11 years of his career practicing medicine in a small town. "I kind of accidentally fell in love with patient care, which I didn't expect," he said.
- His diverse background, including an MBA, allows him to bridge the gap between clinical work, technology and the business of medicine.
The Importance of Accurate Blood Pressure Measurement
- Blood pressure measurement is a fundamental aspect of patient care, often serving as the first diagnosis and treatment for many individuals.
- Dr. Tom emphasizes the dynamic nature of blood pressure, noting that it can fluctuate significantly based on various factors such as physical activity.
- Accurate resting blood pressure measurements are crucial for clinical decision-making and treatment plans.
The Better BP Initiative
- Midmark has developed the Better BP® initiative, a comprehensive approach to ensuring accurate and consistent blood pressure results.
- The initiative is built on three pillars: the use of the right equipment and technology, proper patient positioning and seamless data connectivity to electronic medical records (EMRs).
Positioning: A Critical Factor
- Midmark's research has found that patient positioning is a critical factor in obtaining accurate blood pressure readings.
- The American Heart Association and the SPRINT study have identified seven crucial factors for proper positioning, including having the patient's feet flat on the floor, their back supported, and their arm at heart level.
- Midmark's study found that following these guidelines can lower blood pressure readings by an average of 7 points on the systolic (top number) and 4.5 points on the diastolic (bottom number) scale.
Leveraging Technology for Consistency
- Dr. Tom's background in computer science and systems analysis has been instrumental in Midmark's approach to ensuring consistency in blood pressure measurement.
- The company's hands-on testing and validation protocols involve Dr. Tom personally choosing the test agents and overseeing the process to guarantee the accuracy of the devices.
- Midmark is also exploring the use of AI and large language models to streamline clinical workflows and reduce the burden on healthcare staff.
Integrating with Electronic Medical Records
- Midmark has focused on improving the connectivity between their blood pressure measurement solutions and EMRs, recognizing the importance of seamless data integration.
- Dr. Tom emphasizes the need to minimize workflow disruptions, stating, "We can't do anything to delay or extend some procedural element of the patient visit."
Looking Ahead: Aligning with Value-Based Care
- As the healthcare landscape evolves, Dr. Tom is excited about Midmark's role in supporting value-based care initiatives.
- With the increasing emphasis on cost optimization and improved clinical outcomes, Midmark sees opportunities to leverage its expertise in areas like infection prevention, blood pressure optimization and diagnostic tools to become a true partner in addressing the challenges faced by healthcare providers.
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