Project spotlight series: How COVID-19 pivoted healthcare delivery

May 10, 2021

Providence Digital Innovation Group

Key takeaways:

Simple, accessible and equitable healthcare is the goal of the Digital Innovation Group at Providence.
COVID-19 shone a spotlight on cracks in the healthcare system that affect the overall wellbeing of countless Americans.
Our Project Spotlight series highlights innovations that are changing how care is delivered and accessed.

[2 MIN READ]

Simple, accessible and equitable healthcare for all has always been the goal of the Digital Innovation Group at Providence. But the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic helped define areas in which we could expand our efforts and improve the health of the communities we serve. Our team was up for the challenge.

Since COVID-19 made its first appearance more than a year ago, the leaders at Providence have continued to develop innovative solutions that address the unique health challenges caused by the pandemic.

Since COVID-19 made its first appearance more than a year ago, the leaders at Providence have continued to develop innovative solutions that address the unique health challenges caused by the pandemic. Last month we shared how we’re transforming the patient journey. This month in part 2 of our project spotlight series, we take a look at some of the ways COVID-19 changed the face of healthcare and the innovation and expertise we’re using to provide much-needed care.

My COVID Diary

MyCovidDiary is a clinical research project sponsored by Providence that uses technology to examine and record information about COVID-19. The study collects and analyzes first-person accounts of COVID-19 patients to record their symptoms, their severity and how long they last. The study’s Principal Investigator, Ari Robicsek, M.D., talks about the ongoing research in a recent article published in Modern Healthcare. To date, more than 5,000 COVID-19 positive patients have agreed to participate in MyCovidDiary, with more than 45,000 survey responses.

COVID SMS Outreach

Providence is using text messaging to ensure our patients have the COVID-19 resources they need. We are piloting an outreach campaign that uses the mPulse mobile messaging tool to contact patients who are considered high risk. Text messages in both English and Spanish share vital information about topics such as vaccination, virtual care options and testing. The project began in March and results are expected soon.

COVID Communication Hub and Chatbot

As the leaders at Providence treated the first COVID-19 case in the country, the need for digital technology to support the growing healthcare needs became even more clear. In response, the Providence Digital Innovation Group developed a COVID-19 Consumer Hub and Bot. Their efforts provided a single source for accurate, up-to-date information about COVID-19. Bot technology named “Grace” assists with self-assessment and a virtual triage tool, and an FAQ bot offers information and real time access to testing and vaccine info.

Find a doctor

The technology pioneers at the Digital Innovation Group are dedicated to making healthcare accessible, equitable and available. Through Providence Express Care Virtual, you can access a full range of healthcare services. If you need to find a doctor, you can use our provider directory or search for one in your area.