Clinical software company Laguna Health has introduced Caregiver Companion, a mobile app that aims to give caregivers greater insight into patients' care after they are discharged from hospital.
Many caregivers face challenges in coordinating with patients in the post-acute care process as patients can experience physical limitations, mental fog and various lifestyle adjustments, which can then lead to anxiety and depression.
Due to limited access to resources such as mental health services and medications, many caregivers find it difficult to support patients at home.
By using AI and natural language processing (NLP) tools, Laguna can scale a patient's hyper-personalised social determinants of health, also known as contextual care, and adjust the patient’s care plan accordingly.
Initially launched for patients, the Laguna Health app brings together a clinical treatment model that can be adjusted in real time with a digital-first care team.
It also enables the provision of personalised care plans, coaching and data-driven interventions, as well as offers 'expansive' behavioural health resources to support patients' post-hospitalisation care needs.
By downloading the app, caregivers can view to-do items, schedule appointments and check other details related to the patient's care journey, including medication information.
They can also talk directly with the patient's care manager to address any queries and share updates about the care if required.
Laguna Health co-founder and CEO Yoni Shtein said: "Patients increasingly require assistance with at-home caregivers to ensure a safe transition from hospitals and complex care settings to the home to improve outcomes and decrease readmissions.
“However, caregivers need more support in navigating care journeys since most lack medical and long-term care management experience.
“The Caregiver Companion app streamlines communication and provides helpful information and instructions to empower caregivers so they can focus on providing the best care possible to patients.”
