WO2019136103A1 - Methods for improving patient healthcare experiences - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for improving a patient's health care experience.

Description

METHODS FOR IMPROVING PATIENT HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCES

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/612,907, filed January 2, 2018, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference and relied upon.

BACKGROUND

Recent studies suggest that medical care accounts for only about 10% of a patient’s overall health and well-being. Individual behaviors, genetics, and social/environmental factors are each stronger determinants than conventional medical care. In fact, more than 60% of the total determinants of overall health are either controllable or mitigatable by the patient, yet Western medicine provides virtually no support to patients or their families in these important areas.

Current efforts to address controllable determinants (e.g., individual behaviors) and mitigatable determinants (e.g., social/environmental factors) are fractured, fleeting, and not curated to provide an individual patient with relevant information to his/her diagnosis and prognosis.

In the meantime, low emotional and physical resilience of patients who have not addressed controllable or mitigatable determinants directly leads to higher likelihood of delayed or canceled treatment plans, and/or absences from work or school. Similarly, patients anxious about controllable determinants miss more appointments and surgeries, and are less prepared and able to withstand treatment. For those that are treated, unresolved side effects may also cause delays or cancellations in further treatment, resulting in an overall reduction in treatment efficacy. Even those that complete treatment may be perceived as“survivors,” when issues of recurrence are not even contemplated, let alone addressed proactively.

There remains a need for methods of improving patient experience. The present disclosure describes systems and methods that meet that need.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for improving patient’s health care experience.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of improving a patient’s health care experience, the method comprising registering a subscriber; defining the subscriber’s access level; assessing a patient’s health and wellness profile; and generating personalized content for consumption by the subscriber based at least in part on the patient’s health and wellness profile, wherein the patient is associated with the subscriber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows steps of a method for improving a patient’s health care experience according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows steps of a submethod for defining a subscriber’s access to a system for improving a patient’s health care experience according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows steps of a submethod for assessing a patient’s health according to one

embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 steps of a submethod for updating a patient’s health status according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a submethod for displaying curated content to a subscriber according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict various embodiments of this disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative

embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring generally to FIGs. 1 -5, the present disclosure provides systems and methods of using same to improve a patient’s (e.g., a long-term patient’s) health care experience. The patient may have any disease or disorder that requires long-term care. For example and without limitation, the patient may have a diagnosis of any one or more of: Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, dementia, chronic pain, coronary artery disease, hypertension, COPD, asthma, depression, autism, diabetes, epilepsy, hepatitis, HIV/AIDS, irritable bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, migraine, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s disease, cystic fibrosis, eating disorders, fibromyalgia, gout, lung fibrosis, lupus, malaria, muscular dystrophy, obesity, sleep apnea, osteoporosis, a personality disorder, polycystic ovary disease, PTSD, psoriasis, sickle cell disease, deafness, blindness, spina bifida, tuberculosis, infertility, medical plastic surgery, or a degenerative neurological condition.

Generally, systems and methods of the present disclosure comprise curated lists of

recommendations that are personalized for each subscriber (e.g., user) based on various factors related to the patient’s diagnosis, the patient’s treatment plan, the patient’s current progress along the treatment plan, the patient’s prioritizations, and the patient’s current physical and mental health. In some embodiments, the subscriber is the patient receiving health care.

In other embodiments, the subscriber is a caregiver of the patient receiving health care. In some embodiments, the subscriber is a family member or friend of the patient receiving health care.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , the present disclosure provides a method 10 of improving patient health care experience. The method 10 comprises registering a subscriber 100, performing an access submethod 200, performing a health and wellness intake submethod 300, enabling subscriber login 399, performing a quick check-in submethod 400, and generating personalized content for each subscriber 500.

The step of registering a subscriber 100 establishes a unique profile for each subscriber. For example, the step of registering a subscriber 100 may comprise prompting the subscriber to enter an e-mail address or mobile phone number, and to create a password. The step of registering a subscriber 100 may further comprise sending a message to the e-mail address or mobile phone number requiring the subscriber to confirm registration.

The step of performing an access submethod 200 establishes a subscription level and payment method(s). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the access submethod 200 in some embodiments comprises steps of selecting a subscription level 202, selecting payment or funding methods 204, and creating a crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account 206.

In some embodiments, the step of selecting a subscription level 202 requires the subscriber to select from more than one subscription level. In some embodiments, the subscriber selects from two subscription levels, wherein one of the subscription levels is optionally a free subscription level. In other embodiments, the subscriber selects from three subscription levels, wherein one of the subscription levels is optionally a free subscription level. In other embodiments, the subscriber selects from four subscription levels, wherein one of the subscription levels is optionally a free subscription level. In other embodiments, the subscriber selects from five subscription levels, wherein one of the subscription levels is optionally a free subscription level. In other embodiments, the subscriber selects from more than five

subscription levels, wherein one of the subscription levels is optionally a free subscription level.

In some embodiments, the step of selecting payment or funding methods 204 requires the subscriber to provide payment information to be charged by the system for, for example, subscription fees, one-time content access fees, third party service fees, retail fees, or any other fee generated by the system and authorized by the subscriber. In some embodiments, the step of selecting payment or funding methods 204 enables the subscriber to designate a

crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account, such as the crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account created in step 206 and described in further detail below, to be used as a payment method.

In some embodiments, the step of creating a crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account 206 enables the subscriber to create an account to which third parties can donate funds. In some

embodiments, the step of creating the crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account 206 prompts the subscriber to invite third parties to contribute to the account through e-mail and/or social media posts. In some embodiments, the system allocates funds received from corporate, private, or governmental donors to the subscriber’s crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account 206.

The step of performing a health and wellness intake submethod 300 establishes the patient’s initial health and wellness profile. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the step of performing a health and wellness intake submethod 300 in some embodiments comprises steps of prompting the subscriber to define the subscriber type 302, prompting the subscriber to input the patient’s diagnosis and predefined treatment plan 304, assessing the patient’s health and wellness across multiple dimensions 306, generating a health and wellness assessment report 308, inviting the patient or subscriber to prioritize areas of need 310, assessing the patient’s personality 312, and generating a weekly treatment plan 314.

In some embodiments, the step of prompting the subscriber to define the subscriber type 302 requires the subscriber to indicate whether he/she is the patient, the patient’s caregiver, or the patient’s friend or family member.

In some embodiments, the step of prompting the subscriber to input the patient’s diagnosis and predefined treatment plan 304 requires the subscriber to select one or more medical diagnoses associated with the patient. For example, step 304 may prompt the subscriber to select one or more medical diagnoses from a list of diagnoses. Step 304 also requires the subscriber to input the patient’s treatment plan. In some embodiments, step 304 enables the subscriber to input treatment plan information in a template associated with the medical diagnosis selected by the subscriber. For example and without limitation, step 304 may prompt the subscriber to enter a prescribed chemotherapeutic agent, surgery date, and/or a radiation schedule when the medical diagnosis selected is a type of cancer. In some embodiments, the step of assessing the patient’s health and wellness across multiple dimensions 306 requires the subscriber to provide information about the patient’s health and wellness in at least two of the following areas of holistic care, including but not limited to:

emotional, environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical, occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic. In some embodiments, step 306 requires the subscriber to provide information about the patient’s health and wellness in at least three of the following areas of holistic care, including but not limited to: emotional, environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical, occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic. In some embodiments, step 306 requires the subscriber to provide information about the patient’s health and wellness in at least four of the following areas of holistic care, including but not limited to: emotional, environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical, occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic. In some embodiments, step 306 requires the subscriber to provide information about the patient’s health and wellness in at least five of the following areas of holistic care, including but not limited to: emotional, environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical, occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic. In some embodiments, step 306 requires the subscriber to provide information about the patient’s health and wellness in at least six of the following areas of holistic care, including but not limited to: emotional, environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical, occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic. In some embodiments, step 306 requires the subscriber to provide information about the patient’s health and wellness in at least seven of the following areas of holistic care, including but not limited to: emotional, environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical, occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic. In some embodiments, step 306 requires the subscriber to provide information about the patient’s health and wellness in at least eight of the following areas of holistic care, including but not limited to: emotional, environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical, occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic. In some embodiments, step 306 requires the subscriber to provide information about the patient’s health and wellness in at least nine of the following areas of holistic care, including but not limited to: emotional, environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical, occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic. In some embodiments, step 306 requires the subscriber to provide information about the patient’s health and wellness in at least ten of the following areas of holistic care, including but not limited to: emotional, environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical, occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic. In some embodiments, step 306 requires the subscriber to provide information about the patient’s health and wellness in at least eleven of the following areas of holistic care, including but not limited to: emotional, environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical, occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic. In some embodiments, step 306 requires the subscriber to provide information about the patient’s health and wellness in at least twelve of the following areas of holistic care, including but not limited to: emotional,

environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical,

occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic. In some embodiments, step 306 requires the subscriber to provide information about the patient’s health and wellness in at least thirteen of the following areas of holistic care, including but not limited to: emotional, environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical, occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic. In some embodiments, step 306 requires the subscriber to provide information about the patient’s health and wellness in each of the following fourteen areas of holistic care, including but not limited to: emotional, environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical, occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic.

Although certain embodiments described herein include fourteen areas of holistic health, other embodiments may include fewer than fourteen areas of holistic health, or more than fourteen areas of holistic health.

In some embodiments, the step of generating a health and wellness report 308 comprises processing the subscriber’s inputs about the patient’s diagnosis, treatment plan, and health and wellness from steps 304, 306 and 308, respectively, to generate a report. The report highlights areas of need, such as symptoms or likely symptomatic developments that are unlikely to be corrected by the patient’s treatment plan. For example, the report for a patient diagnosed with breast cancer and prescribed radiology on a schedule who reports symptoms consistent with the criteria for minor depression may highlight those symptoms and include a statement that the patient’s symptoms are unlikely to be corrected by the treatment plan described in step 304 or can be further alleviated by using integrative therapies in addition to conventional treatment.

In some embodiments, the step of inviting the subscriber to prioritize areas of need 310 requires the subscriber to rank the areas of need highlighted in the report generated in step 308. For example, if the report generated in step 308 highlights three areas of need, the subscriber will be prompted to rank those three areas of need in step 310 from most important to least important (or vice versa). The step of assessing the patient’s personality 312 in some embodiments requires the subscriber to answer questions derived from professionally recognized psychiatric profile surveys. Inputs from step 312 are used to determine types and formats of content to be delivered to the subscriber. For example, content that is in video or audio format will be prioritized over content that is in written form if the inputs from step 312 reveal that the patient is an auditory versus visual learner.

In some embodiments, the step of generating a weekly treatment plan 314 generates a treatment plan in weekly format based at least in part on inputs from step 304, step 308, and step 310.

The step of performing a quick check-in submethod 400 enables the subscriber to provide up- to-date information, such as changes in diagnosis, treatment plan, symptoms or side effects, or the patient’s mood, after step 300. In some embodiments, the step of performing a quick check in 400 may occur each time the subscriber logs into the system 399. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the step of performing a quick check-in 400 in some embodiments comprises steps of assessing the patient’s emotional resilience and stress level 402, assessing changes in the patient’s treatment plan 404, assessing the patient’s current physical health (e.g., pain level) 406, and adjusting generated personalized content based on inputs to steps 402, 404, and/or 406.

In some embodiments, the step of assessing the patient’s emotional resilience and stress level 402 comprises prompting the subscriber to answer one or more questions about the patient’s current characteristics and/or behaviors. For example and without limitation, step 402 may prompt the subscriber to answer a question such as "Flow is the patient feeling emotionally right now?"

In some embodiments, the step of assessing changes in the patient’s treatment plan 404 comprises prompting the subscriber to answer one or more questions about the patient’s prescribed treatment plan. For example and without limitation, step 404 may prompt the subscriber to answer a question such as“Flow has the patient’s treatment plan changed since the last time we connected?"

In some embodiments, the step of assessing the patient’s physical health 406 comprises prompting the subscriber to answer one or more questions about the patient’s current physical health, optionally including the patient’s pain level, side effects of the treatment plan, etc. For example and without limitation, step 406 may prompt the subscriber to answer a question such as "How is the patient feeling physically right now?"

In some embodiments, the step of performing a quick check-in 400 further comprises prompting the subscriber to answer other questions. For example and without limitation, step 400 may further comprise prompting the subscriber to answer a question like "Is there anything specifically I can help you find today?"

In some embodiments, the system may transmit a notice to one or more third parties that have been designated to receive medical information by the subscriber if the subscriber’s update (e.g., in step 406) includes information associated with an urgent or imminent medical crisis.

For example and without limitation, a subscriber that inputs“chest pain” for the first time in response to a system prompt (e.g., a“quick check-in” prompt) may cause the system to send a notice of the subscriber’s input to a physician that has been designated by the subscriber to receive alerts when the patient reports new concerning symptoms.

In some embodiments, the step of adjusting generated personalized content 408 comprises re prioritizing generated content, removing previously offered generated content, adding new generated content, etc. In some embodiments, the adjustments are made at least in part based on the subscriber’s inputs in steps 402, 404 and/or 406.

The step of generating personalized content 500 prioritizes content stored in the system’s database to provide relevant, individualized information to each subscriber. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the step of generating personalized content 500 in some embodiments comprises steps of generating a list of holistic health recommendations 502, removing temporally irrelevant entries from the list of holistic health recommendations 504, displaying a prioritized list of the remaining entries to the subscriber 506, prompting the subscriber to select a listed entry 508, prompting the subscriber to upgrade his/her subscription level if necessary 514, prompting the subscriber to pay for access to the selected entry if necessary 518, prompting the subscriber to add the selected entry to his/her crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account 524, optionally adding the selected entry to the subscriber’s crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account 528, displaying the selected entry to the subscriber if warranted 522, and optionally sending an alert to the subscriber’s stored contacts or followers 530 if the subscriber elects 526 to add the selected entry to the subscriber’s crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account 528.

In some embodiments, the step of generating a list of holistic health recommendations 502 comprises generating a list of content from the system’s database based at least in part on the health and wellness intake (step 300) and optionally further on the most recent quick check-in (step 400). For example, if the health and wellness intake (step 300) indicates that the patient has been diagnosed with a brain tumor, then the list of holistic health recommendations generated in step 502 will include holistic health recommendations specific to that patient’s diagnosis, stage of treatment, healing needs and desires, and personal priorities.

In some embodiments, the step of removing temporally irrelevant entries from the list of holistic health recommendations 504 comprises comparing the patient’s current state of progression through the treatment plan to temporal descriptors associated with each holistic health recommendation, and removing any holistic health recommendations that are most relevant to stages of the patient’s treatment plan that have already occurred. For example, health recommendations that are most relevant to patients that have not yet started chemotherapy may be removed in step 504 for a cancer patient who has already completed the chemotherapy portion of his/her treatment plan.

In some embodiments, the step of displaying a prioritized list of the remaining entries to the subscriber 506 comprises prioritizing the refined list of holistic health recommendations from step 504 based on one or more criteria. The one or more criteria may be selected from the group consisting of: (1 ) the holistic health recommendation’s fee level indicator, (2) relevancy of the holistic health recommendation to an upcoming key date in the patient’s treatment plan, (3) relevancy of the holistic health recommendation to an upcoming milestone in the patient’s treatment plan, (4) the patient’s prioritization ranking from step 310, (5) association of the holistic health recommendation with a sponsor, (6) average user ranking of the holistic health recommendation, and (7) average expert ranking of the holistic health recommendation.

The holistic health recommendation fee level indicator may be assigned by a system

administrator, and may designate a holistic health recommendation as a free resource, a paid resource, or a sponsored resource. If the holistic health recommendation fee level indicator is a paid resource, the system administrator may designate a fee level for the holistic health recommendation. For example, if the system includes two levels of paid subscriptions, the system administrator may designate the holistic health recommendation as a first level resource or a second level resource. Subscribers having the first level of paid subscription will be able to access holistic health recommendations having a first fee level designation (and free

recommendations), but will be prompted to pay an additional fee to access holistic health recommendations having a second level resource designation. Subscribers having the second level of paid subscription will be able to access holistic health recommendations having a first or second fee level designation (and free recommendations). Holistic health recommendations having a sponsored fee level indicator may be made available to subscribers for free, for a fee, or in exchange for additional subscriber input (e.g., a completed survey) as agreed upon by the system administrator and the sponsor.

Holistic health recommendations that are highly relevant to an upcoming key date in the patient’s treatment plan may be prioritized higher than holistic health recommendations that are highly relevant to key dates that occur later in the patient’s treatment plan. The term“key date” as used herein refers generally to a scheduled medical appointment, such as a doctor appointment. For example, holistic health recommendations that are highly relevant to proper preparations for a cancer screening blood draw may be prioritized higher than other holistic health recommendations immediately before a patient’s scheduled cancer screening blood draw.

Holistic health recommendations that are highly relevant to an upcoming milestone in the patient’s treatment plan may be prioritized higher than holistic health recommendations that are highly relevant to milestones that occur later in the patient’s treatment plan. The term “milestone” as used herein refers generally the beginning or ending of a segment or component of the patient’s treatment plan, such as the beginning of a cancer patient’s radiation therapy.

For example, holistic health recommendations that are highly relevant to best practices to which cancer patients should adhere after the last chemotherapy dose may be prioritized higher than other holistic health recommendations as the patient’s last scheduled chemotherapy dose approaches.

Holistic health recommendations that are highly relevant to needs highlighted in the patient’s health and wellness report (step 308) but are prioritized low by the patient (step 310) may be prioritized lower than holistic health recommendations that are highly relevant to needs highlighted in the patient’s health and wellness report (step 308) and are prioritized high by the patient (step 310). For example, if the patient’s health and wellness report generated in step 308 highlights a need to address weight loss and minor depression, and the patient prioritizes minor depression over weight loss in step 310, then holistic health recommendations that are highly relevant to weight loss may be prioritized in step 506 lower than holistic health recommendations that are highly relevant to depression.

Holistic health recommendations may be sponsored by a third-party entity, such as a pharmaceutical company, a mental health agency, a health insurance organization, a hospital organization, a patient advocacy group, etc. The term“sponsor” is used broadly here, and does not require a financial transaction or trade-in-kind. Rather, sponsorship of holistic health recommendations may in some embodiments indicate an endorsement. In some embodiments, sponsored holistic health recommendations may be prioritized higher than other holistic health recommendations at the discretion of a system administrator. For example and without limitation, a holistic health recommendation sponsored by a cancer patient advocacy group and describing an event for cancer patients and their families may be prioritized over other holistic health recommendations, such as when the event is approaching.

In some embodiments, the system allows subscribers to rate each consumed holistic health recommendation, for example using a Likert scale. Holistic health recommendations that have a high average subscriber rating may be prioritized over holistic health recommendations that have lower average subscriber ratings.

In some embodiments, the system allows experts to rate holistic health recommendations within their fields of expertise. For example, an expert in nutrition may be invited to rate holistic health recommendations that include nutrition advice. Holistic health recommendations rated higher by the nutrition expert may be prioritized higher than holistic health recommendations rated lower by the nutrition expert.

In some embodiments, the step of prompting the subscriber to select a listed entry 508 comprises receiving a selection of a holistic health recommendation from the subscriber. If the selected holistic health recommendation is free (step 510), then the system displays the selected holistic health recommendation to the subscriber in step 522. If the selected holistic health recommendation is not free (step 510), then the system compares the fee level designation associated with the holistic health recommendation. If the subscriber’s subscription level matches or exceeds the fee level designation associated with the holistic health recommendation (step 512), then the system displays the holistic health recommendation to the subscriber in step 522. If the fee level designation associated with the holistic health

recommendation exceeds the subscriber’s subscription level (step 512), then the system may prompt the subscriber to upgrade his/her subscription to the level matching the fee level designation associated with the selected holistic health recommendation in step 514. If the subscriber upgrades his/her subscription level (step 516), then the system displays the selected holistic health recommendation to the subscriber in step 522. If the subscriber declines the prompt to upgrade his/her subscription level (step 516), then the system may prompt the subscriber to pay for access to the selected holistic health recommendation, for example using funds collected in the subscriber’s crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account, in step 518. If the subscriber elects to pay for access to the selected holistic health recommendation (step 520), then the system displays the selected holistic health recommendation to the subscriber in step 522. If the subscriber declines the prompt to pay for access to the selected holistic health recommendation, then the system may prompt the subscriber to add the selected holistic health recommendation to the subscriber’s crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account as a“wish list”

(“Healing Registry”) item in step 524. If the subscriber accepts this prompt (step 526), the system adds the selected holistic health recommendation to the subscriber’s crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account as a“wish list” (“Healing Registry”) item in step 528. In some

embodiments, the system may send a notice to each of the subscriber’s crowdfunding

(“TrueFund”) account contacts or followers that the subscriber has added a“wish list” (“Healing Registry”) item to his/her crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account and inviting a donation to the crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account to pay for the“wish list” (“Healing Registry”) item in step 530. If the subscriber declines the prompt to add the selected holistic health recommendation to his/her crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account, then the system re-displays the list of prioritized holistic health recommendations generated in step 506 and prompts the subscriber for another selection (step 508).

In some embodiments, the method 10 further comprises a step of monitoring a subscriber’s consumption of holistic health recommendations 600. In some embodiments, the method 10 further comprises a step 700 of reminding the subscriber (e.g., through an e-mail message or text message) to consume holistic health recommendations that are at or near the top of the patient’s prioritized list of holistic health recommendations in step 506. For example and without limitation, the system may send a notice in step 700 when a subscriber has not viewed a highly prioritized holistic health recommendation that is highly relevant to an upcoming key date or milestone associated with the patient’s treatment plan. In some embodiments, step 700 comprises notifying the subscriber that new holistic health recommendations are available for consumption if the subscriber’s consumption of generated content wanes over time.

In any embodiment disclosed herein, the holistic health recommendations may include articles; videos; audio recordings; podcasts; interactive surveys, assessments or quizzes; sponsored messages; services provided by third parties; inspirational quotes or stories; and wellness products.

In some embodiments, a method consistent with the present disclosure further comprises prompting the subscriber to answer one or more survey questions. The step of prompting the subscriber to answer one or more survey questions may occur before or after any key date or milestone associated with the patient’s health and wellness intake information (e.g., step 300).

In some embodiments, the one or more survey questions inquire about the patient’s anxiety level. In some embodiments, the one or more survey questions inquire about the patient’s pain level. In some embodiments, the one or more survey questions inquire about the patient’s emotional resiliency. In some embodiments, the one or more survey questions inquire about the patient’s physical resiliency. In some embodiments, the one or more survey questions inquire about outcome(s) of the patient’s most recent treatment or clinician interaction. In some embodiments, the one or more survey questions inquire about symptoms (e.g., side effects) the patient is experiencing. In some embodiments, the one or more survey questions inquire about the patient’s adherence to behavioral expectations (e.g., fasting before scheduled surgery or blood draw, complying with a prescribed drug regimen, etc.) before or after an intervention or clinician interaction associated with the patient’s health and wellness intake information (e.g., step 300).

In some embodiments, the system interfaces with third party vendor internet sites to, inter alia, enable system subscribers access to the third party’s services and products. For example, in some embodiments, the step of a subscriber logging into the system 399 also provides the subscriber access to healthcare-related professional services and healthcare-related products offered by one or more third party vendors, optionally without requiring the subscriber to enter additional login information specific to the third-party vendor. In some embodiments, the subscriber can use funds in the subscriber’s crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account to purchase the third-party vendor healthcare-related professional services and/or the third-party vendor healthcare-related products.

In some embodiments, the system enables a subscriber to upload information about healthcare- related third-party products and services to be considered for addition to the system’s offerings of third-party vendor services and products. In some embodiments, a system administrator reviews the subscriber-uploaded information to determine whether it should be offered to additional subscribers through the system.

In some embodiments, a method consistent with the present disclosure further comprises a step of prompting a subscriber to rate personalized content that the subscriber has consumed. For example, in an embodiment including step 500, the additional step of prompting a subscriber to rate personalized content that the subscriber has consumed may occur any time after the entry selected in step 508 is displayed to the subscriber in step 522. In some embodiments, the system assigns a rating value to each personalized content entry displayed in step 506. For example, in some embodiments, a displayed content entry is associated with a top-ranking value (e.g., a green color indicator) if the content entry receives strong endorsement from subscribers, strong endorsement from relevant healthcare

organization(s), strong endorsement from doctors and/or clinicians, strong endorsement from patient advisors, and approval from a system administrator. In some embodiments, a displayed content entry is associated with a second-tier rating (e.g., a yellow color indicator) if the content entry receives strong endorsement from subscribers, strong endorsement from relevant healthcare organization(s), and strong endorsement from patient advisors. In some

embodiments, a displayed content entry is associated with a third-tier rating (e.g., an orange color indicator) if the content entry receives strong endorsement from subscribers. In some embodiments, a displayed content entry is associated with a fourth-tier rating (e.g., a red color indicator) if the content entry receives low endorsement from subscribers, little or no

endorsement from relevant healthcare organization(s), and/or little or no endorsement from doctors and/or clinicians.

In some embodiments, the system enables a subscriber to save and organize personalized content entries (whether consumed or not) into one or more categories (“TrueList(s)”). For example and without limitation, subscribers may be provided one or more pre-labeled TrueList categories for storing content, such as“calendar,”“articles to read,”“medical information,” “questions to ask my clinician,”“inspiration,”“relevant resources,”“contact info,” and/or“friends.” In some embodiments, the system enables a subscriber to create additional TrueList content categories with labels chosen or assigned by the subscriber.

In some embodiments, a method consistent with the present disclosure provides the subscriber with an avatar that guides the subscriber through the process. For example, the avatar may show the subscriber where to input data into the system, may explain what type of data is being requested, and/or may explain how inputted information might be used by the system to provide a better experience.

In some embodiments, a method consistent with the present disclosure includes voice activated functionality that enables a subscriber to consume content, provide data, and otherwise interact with the system without the need for the subscriber to type information. In some embodiments, the system is accessible to the subscriber through a voice activated home system, such as Google Flome, Amazon Echo, Microsoft Cortana, and/or Apple Siri. In some embodiments, a system and/or method consistent with the present disclosure enables a subscriber to store one or more electronic medical records, lab results, treatment care plans, and/or survivorship care plans within the subscriber’s private account of the system. In some embodiments, the subscriber may designate one or more additional users of the system (e.g., a family member, a friend, a care giver, etc.) to have access to the subscriber’s medical records, or a portion thereof.

EXAMPLES

Example 1.

In one example embodiment, a method consistent with the present disclosure comprises performing a health and wellness intake screening of a subscriber to identify the subscriber’s role (e.g., patient, caregiver, friend/family member of a patient, or healthy individual) and the subscriber’s language preference. Once the subscriber creates unique login information (e.g., a username and a password), the system automatically permits the subscriber to securely log into third-party vendor content without requiring the subscriber to provide login credentials specific to the third-party vendor. Services and/or products offered by third-party vendors may be purchased by the subscriber through the system, for example using a credit card, electronic payment methods (e.g., PayPal), bank funds, cryptocurrency, crowdsourced funds, or any other payment means. The subscriber is presented with an option to engage with a particular service recommended by the system for which there is no additional cost to the subscriber. The subscriber is also presented with options to engage with particular services recommended by the system for which there is an additional cost to the subscriber.

Content and third-party vendor services/products will be curated by system administrators. For example, each piece of content to be offered to a subscriber will be screened by a system administrator for its relevancy for one or more disease states, its basis (if any) in scientific evidence, the reputation of its source/author(s), and its comparative value to other similar content already offered to subscribers of the system. Content approved by the system administrators will be tagged with keywords, and/or categorized, in order to offer each one to relevant subscribers.

Each piece of content will be associated with a rating indicator. A green colored indicator is associated with content entries that have received strong endorsement from subscribers, strong endorsement from relevant healthcare organization(s), strong endorsement from doctors and/or clinicians, strong endorsement from patient advisors, and approval from a system administrator. A yellow color indicator is associated with content entries that have received strong endorsement from subscribers, strong endorsement from relevant healthcare organization(s), and strong endorsement from patient advisors. An orange color indicator is associated with content entries that have received strong endorsement from subscribers. A red color indicator is associated with content entries that have received low endorsement from subscribers, little or no endorsement from relevant healthcare organization(s), and/or little or no endorsement from doctors and/or clinicians.

Subscribers are enabled to nominate third-party content to be considered for offering to other subscribers. The nominated third-party content will be curated by system administrators as described above.

Example 2.

In another example embodiment, a method consistent with the present disclosure includes the features of Example 1 , and further includes a submethod for enabling a subscriber to register for a personal account by creating unique login information, such as a username and password. After registration, the subscriber chooses a subscription level from a list of options, such as Free, Silver, and Gold; and optionally a subscription term from a list of options, such as 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 6 months, or 1 year.

Once registered, the subscriber is prompted to input information about the patient’s chosen treatment plan, including key dates and milestones. The system converts the patient’s chosen treatment plan information into consistent time blocks, such as weekly, monthly, etc.

The subscriber additionally provides information about the current status of the patient’s health and wellness across multiple dimensions, such as emotional, family, financial, logistical, medical, nutritional, and physical.

The results of the health and wellness screening are presented to the subscriber, who provides input from the patient. For example, the system may highlight areas of need based on the health and wellness intake screening. The patient may provide input about his/her priorities and preferences, in response to which the system may adjust timing and/or availability of

recommended content.

The system presents the subscriber with recommended content based on the patient’s health and wellness intake, the patient’s priorities, and the patient’s chosen treatment plan. The recommended content is presented to the subscriber along with additional information about each piece of content, such as a rating indicator, a fee level indicator, and optionally a free preview of a portion of content that is indicated at a fee level greater than the subscriber’s subscription level.

The subscriber is provided storage areas into which pieces of content may be placed. For example, the storage areas may include predetermined labels such as“calendar,”“articles to read,”“medical information,”“questions to ask my clinician,”“inspiration,”“relevant resources,” “contact info,” and/or“friends.” The system may also enable a subscriber to create additional content categories with labels chosen or assigned by the subscriber.

Example 3.

In another example embodiment, a method consistent with the present disclosure includes the features of Examples 1 and 2, and further includes an option for the subscriber to establish a crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account. Funds can be donated to the crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account by the subscriber and/or the patient’s friends, family, acquaintances, co-workers, corporations, agencies, advocacy groups, etc. The crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account funds may be used by the subscriber to pay for system subscription fees (e.g., to upgrade the subscriber’s account), for system-generated content (e.g., access to content not included in the subscriber’s subscription), third-party vendor services offered through the system, and/or third- party vendor products offered through the system.

The subscriber additionally provides information about the current status of the patient’s health and wellness across multiple dimensions, such as emotional, environmental, family, financial, intellectual, logistical, medical, nutritional, physical, occupational, sexual, social, spiritual, and genetic.

In this example embodiment, the health and wellness intake screening may optionally further include a personality assessment component. The personality data provided by the subscriber may be used to adjust the timing and/or content recommended to the subscriber in order to improve the chances that the patient’s behavior changes in response to the content

recommended to the subscriber.

The system prompts the subscriber to input updates on the patient’s progress, chosen treatment protocol, and/or current health and wellness status through a“quick check-in” prompt. For example, the system may prompt the subscriber to provide updated information each time the subscriber logs into the system. Alternatively, the system may prompt the subscriber to provide updated information periodically (e.g., weekly, monthly, etc.) upon the subscriber’s logging into the system. Content outside of the subscriber’s subscription level (e.g., content designated at a higher fee level than the subscriber’s paid subscription level) may be placed into the subscriber’s crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) account. The system may then notify the subscriber’s crowdfunding (“TrueFund”) followers (e.g., friends, family, acquaintances, etc.) that the subscriber needs funds to access the requested content.

In view of the foregoing, this example embodiment may provide two subscribers with identical disease states and chosen therapeutic plans different recommended content based on differences in the patients’ priorities and preferences and personality assessments.

In this example embodiment, the system monitors each subscriber’s consumed content, for example compared to the content recommended for consumption by the system. When recommended content is not consumed for a period of time (e.g., for one week, for one month, or over multiple login events by the subscriber), the system presents new recommended content to increase subscriber engagement.

In this example embodiment, a subscriber may nominate third-party vendor services to be considered for recommendation to other subscribers. A system administrator may review the nominated third-party vendor services, based on criteria that may be similar to those outlined in Example 1 , before the system recommends the nominated third-party vendor services to other subscribers.

Example 4.

In another example embodiment, a method consistent with the present disclosure includes the features of Examples 1 , 2 and 3, and further includes predictive analytics to recommend content, services and/or products to subscribers.

In this example embodiment, the system may also survey subscribers on behalf of a third party, for example in order to better understand key health and wellness issues.

CONCLUSION

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing descriptions are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the methods and devices described herein. In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. Also, the use of“or” means“and/or” unless stated otherwise. Similarly,“comprise,”“comprises,”“comprising,” “include,”“includes” and“including” are not intended to be limiting.

All patents, patent applications, publications, and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method of improving a patient’s health care experience, the method comprising: registering a subscriber; defining the subscriber’s access level; assessing a patient’s health and wellness profile; and generating personalized content for consumption by the subscriber based at least in part on the patient’s health and wellness profile, wherein the patient is associated with the subscriber.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the patient is the subscriber.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subscriber is the patient’s caregiver.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subscriber is the patient’s family member or friend.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 -4 further comprising monitoring the subscriber’s consumption of the generated personalized content.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising sending a notice to the subscriber if a rate by which the subscriber’s consumption of the generated personalized content wanes.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 -7, wherein a prognosis associated with the patient improves compared to a patient having the same diagnosis but is not associated with a subscriber.