A Novel Use of IVR

Medical science has made tremendous strides in developing treatments to chronic illnesses that, in the past, were usually terminal. Many treatments to such illnesses require vigilant monitoring of a patient's blood chemistry. These can range from routine home monitoring of blood sugar levels for diabetics to regularly scheduled blood tests for patients suffering from blood clotting disorders.

A study published in the April 28th issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal tested the use of IVR in communicating with patients undergoing anticoagulation therapy. The rigorous treatment involves periodic blood testing and medication to maintain normalized levels of clotting factors in the blood. For the study, an IVR system was implemented that contacted the patients to communicate medication reminders, blood testing appointment times and notifications when appointments were missed. At the conclusion of the study, the authors found that the workload on the staff was reduced by 33% and some patients asked to continue the service as a way to manage their treatments. More research is certainly required, but this study indicates the potential of IVR as a part of medical therapy.