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In an era where international travel and remote work are becoming increasingly common, the healthcare needs of globally mobile employees are evolving.
Dr Shoba Subramanian, medical director for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions at UnitedHealthcare Global, provides her insights on how technology is transforming healthcare delivery for these populations.
With a background as a GP and extensive experience in travel health, aviation medicine, and occupational health, Dr Subramanian highlights the importance of leveraging data and technology to ensure that employees receive high-quality care, no matter where they are in the world.
Looking ahead to the future of health care, in what ways is technology transforming care delivery for international patients?
International travellers want a simplified and better experience that lets them have the freedom to access care and support on their terms.
We need to be where they are, using data and technology to deliver relevant services for their lifestyle.
To meet this need, UnitedHealthcare Global is leveraging data and technology to create a digital front door for healthcare that makes it easier for individuals and families to get care when they need it.
This includes integrating international, local and appropriate in-person and virtual care technology solutions into consumer-facing apps and websites.
We also leverage another UnitedHealth Group company, Optum, to expand our healthcare technology offerings.
Optum’s advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) help us find the right care for the right person.
Mental health is an area where an increasing number of health insurers are recognising the link between behavioural and physical health, particularly in relation to employees who have been placed overseas for work or are suffering from an increase in work-related stress.
From an employer’s perspective, the adoption of mental health technology solutions within an international benefit plan may help address the complex and multifaceted needs of employees wherever they are in their personal health care journeys.
To serve our members, we offer a series of tools to help support employees in their professional and personal lives including:
- My Wellbeing – an online tool that focuses on seven key areas to help individuals create and sustain positive change right from the palm of their hand.
- LiveWell – resources for members designed to help improve their wellbeing and create the life they want. On-demand articles and tools, like self-assessments and mental health screeners, are available 24/7 in multiple languages.
- The Calm app – giving members free and unlimited access to digital content for sleep, stress, and mindfulness.
- With financial stress on the rise, our financial health programme from BrightPlan helps individuals build a budget, reach their savings goals, reduce debt, or plan for retirement. It also includes a financial stress assessment, calculators, and articles.
Within the context of travel, employers have a duty of care obligation to assess and mitigate the risks involved for employees travelling for business.
To help our clients fulfil this obligation, we use technology to make it easier for an organisation to prepare, plan and respond to risk.
WorldWatch Monitor, our traveller and asset tracking tool, is a digital safety and security platform that keeps assets close, even when they are miles away.
With destination-specific interactive maps that populate with intelligence alerts, travellers receive detailed advisories, itineraries and more.
How has technology transformed your interactions with patients as a physician?
As a GP in the UK, I have observed that the shift towards telephonic consultations, as opposed to face-to-face visits, has improved access to care, particularly for working-age patients who may have faced difficulties reaching the clinic.
Additionally, the widespread adoption of secure, two-way text communication during consultations has significantly enhanced our ability to exchange information with patients.
While the ongoing evolution of technology in medicine continues to impress and astonish, there are situations where it can never replace the expertise and support of a human professional, especially when someone is in distress or simply in need of assistance.
As humans, we are inherently wired for connection, making community interaction an essential component of health and overall wellbeing.
About Dr Shoba Subramanian, BMBS, BMedsci, MRCGP, DRCOG, DipTropMed, DipLM, medical director, EMEA
Dr Shoba Subramanian is UnitedHealthcare Global medical director for the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions. She leads clinical teams in the UK, Europe, US and Philippines to help deliver safe medical transportation for assistance and insurance members. Shoba holds diplomas in tropical medicine, lifestyle medicine, and obstetrics and gynaecology, and has considerable knowledge of global healthcare systems – with expertise in travel health, aviation medicine and occupational health.
She is a former GP and advanced life support-certified doctor who has provided remote clinical care for 10 years.
Dr Subramanian is also a member of the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Health Management, the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine, the International Society of Travel Medicine and the European Aero-Medical Institute.