Announcing the SOCAP24 Agenda — Going Deeper: Catalyzing Systems Change!

Invisible in the Health System: How Health Tech Can Scale the Emerging Field of Patient Advocates to Combat Health Inequities

Frances Onyimba Mekori LLC

In today’s world, approximately 30% of patients report encountering medical errors or treatment disparities, while millions struggle to navigate the complex healthcare landscape. Too often, individuals feel unseen, unheard, or overlooked within the health system. These challenges not only jeopardize patient experiences and outcomes but also emphasize the need for patient advocates, a growing field reshaping the way patients interact with healthcare systems by bridging gaps and providing critical support.

The patient advocate industry has experienced exponential growth, with an annual growth rate of approximately 10% over the past decade, culminating in over $1.2 billion spent on patient advocacy services in the United States alone. These figures highlight not only the immense scope of individuals requiring advocacy support but also the burgeoning market opportunity for innovative health tech solutions to scale patient advocates and address the pressing needs of millions navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.

But how can we amplify their impact for equitable health experiences for all? This Ted-style talk highlights real stories and case studies of digital platforms for patient advocacy, like Mekori and Solace, to explore how we can harness the power of health tech to scale the growing field of patient advocacy, improve health experiences, and combat health inequities. Together, let’s make the invisible visible and pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future.

Track

Transforming Health Systems

Format

Brief and Bold (1 Speaker, keynote style)

Speakers

  • NameFrances Onyimba
  • TitleFounder and CEO
  • OrganizationMekori LLC

Description

In today’s world, approximately 30% of patients report encountering medical errors or treatment disparities, while millions struggle to navigate the complex healthcare landscape. Too often, individuals feel unseen, unheard, or overlooked within the health system. These challenges not only jeopardize patient experiences and outcomes but also emphasize the need for patient advocates, a growing field reshaping the way patients interact with healthcare systems by bridging gaps and providing critical support.

The patient advocate industry has experienced exponential growth, with an annual growth rate of approximately 10% over the past decade, culminating in over $1.2 billion spent on patient advocacy services in the United States alone. These figures highlight not only the immense scope of individuals requiring advocacy support but also the burgeoning market opportunity for innovative health tech solutions to scale patient advocates and address the pressing needs of millions navigating the complexities of the healthcare system.

But how can we amplify their impact for equitable health experiences for all? This Ted-style talk highlights real stories and case studies of digital platforms for patient advocacy, like Mekori and Solace, to explore how we can harness the power of health tech to scale the growing field of patient advocacy, improve health experiences, and combat health inequities. Together, let’s make the invisible visible and pave the way for a healthier, more equitable future.

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