Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1260323
34 Executive Briefing Sponsored by: C ontinuous Passive Motion devices (CPMs) were first used in the hospital setting to promote range of motion, pain control and mobility immediately following a Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) procedure. Over time, the use of CPMs shifted from the hospital setting to the home setting to help in Phase 1 recovery following the surgical procedure. Roughly five years ago, Kinex Medical Company saw an opportunity to take a traditional CPM machine, a device that has been around for over 40 years, and update it to be more relevant than ever in the care of patients undergoing TKA and other lower and upper extremity elective procedures. Recent literature suggests that using CPM in conjunction with physical therapy has the potential to increase post-acute costs. However, as surgical techniques and technology improve, the use of rehabilitation apps and other innovative products as a substitution for some traditional physical therapy visits are not only getting equivalent outcomes, but significantly improving patient satisfaction, lowering post-acute care costs, and allowing patients to practice social distancing and rehabilitate in the safety of their own homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, without sacrificing outcomes. In most cases, the KinexCONNECT is saving a minimum of $800-$1,000 per case compared to traditional physical therapy and home health care. Over the last three years, patients are reporting that the device helps them relax more, sleep better and enjoy the rehabilitation process. Many patients point out that the convenience of rehabilitating in their own home is a significant convenience compared to having to drive, or have a friend or family drive them to their physical therapy appointment, especially in the winter months. Kinex Medical's new device, the KinexCONNECT, is a tablet-powered home rehabilitation system that combines range of motion through a CPM, along with patient compliance monitoring, customized exercises for the specific procedure, along with daily survey questions to prevent or recognize complications or readmission. One of the biggest issues in the past was a CPM's inability to capture utilization and compliance data. We had to rely on patient self-reporting to determine if they used the CPM as prescribed. Through the KinexCONNECT, we are able to monitor patient's total time and progress on the device in real time, interact with the patient to ensure post-op instructions are being followed, verify that the prescribed exercises are being completed, and ensure that all goals are being met. When a patient has an issue, Kinex can quickly intervene and get them back on track. Over the last three years, we have prevented multiple manipulations. We have also prevented ER visits due to pain control, constipation, and have even identified signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening complication. Although there are many rehabilitation apps that are entering the market, the KinexCONNECT has a number of key features that make the product truly unique. The KinexCONNECT comes "batteries included" with its own Internet connection. Where some solutions require the patient to own a smartphone or tablet as well as know how to download an app, the KinexCONNECT comes with a tablet that is set to a kiosk mode and ready to use. Each tablet is connected to a cellular network, avoiding the need for a patient to have Wi-Fi. It also allows the KinexCONNECT to connect in remote areas where connectivity is limited. The KinexCONNECT platform can decrease the touchpoint barrier and allow for more interaction between the patient and the provider. It allows for a high degree of connectivity with a patient, while still maintaining "safer at home" guidelines. The unique patient portal allows staff to securely monitor patient progress through dashboard reporting, progression graphs, alerts, and team notes. The KinexCONNECT minimizes the need for post-op clinical visits in the office. Each doctor who prescribes the KinexCONNECT customizes his or her preferences. The doctor and his or her team select which video-based exercises are most appropriate from a comprehensive video library, and customize a specific list of questions that are asked daily. Once the doctor's preferences are determined, a fully customized post-operative protocol is established and the protocol populates on the tablet upon initiation of treatment. The types of questions asked are asked for a number of reasons. Questions are asked to prevent readmission, reinforce discharge instructions, measure compliance, or act as a reminder for frequently asked questions. The patient data is gathered by Kinex and communicated back to the doctor through a number of ways. Kinex is able to push reports directly into an EMR, through a secure portal, or even hand delivered. Unlike many platforms, the KinexCONNECT does not require physicians and their staff to install a program or app. The Innovation in total knee replacement rehab: The tech for virtual PT in value-based healthcare