Jan 27, 2025
Prioritizing Patient-Centric Solutions: Insights from LSI USA ’24
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Panelist at LSI USA 2024 explore the theme of patient centric solutions in the medtech industry

As medtech innovations evolve, the emphasis has shifted from creating technology for technology’s sake to designing solutions that meet patients where they are. At LSI USA ’24, a diverse panel of medtech leaders, surgeons, and venture capitalists explored the theme of patient-centric solutions. The conversation highlighted how startups and established companies alike can reimagine their approaches to improve patient outcomes, enhance accessibility, and integrate seamlessly into the modern healthcare ecosystem.

Lisa Carmel of Veranex moderated the panel, which included insights from Dr. Janani Reisenauer (Mayo Clinic), Amanda DePalma (Siemens Healthineers), Ashley Seehusen (Sante Ventures), and Dr. Maria Artunduaga (Samay). Together, they tackled the challenges and opportunities of building solutions that put the patient first.

The Evolution Toward Patient-Centric Solutions

Dr. Janani Reisenauer opened the discussion by reflecting on the cultural and technological shifts in healthcare delivery, particularly in the wake of COVID-19. “We’ve seen a rapid resurgence of telemedicine and remote monitoring devices, which are now delivering information directly to patients as consumers rather than routing it through healthcare institutions,” she explained. This shift places patients at the center of care, enabling greater autonomy and access.

However, this patient-first model introduces new complexities. “Who helps patients navigate this sea of technology?” Reisenauer asked. “How do we ensure that solutions are not just accessible but also meaningful?” The panel agreed that these questions lie at the heart of designing patient-centric solutions.

Overcoming Barriers to Patient Engagement

Building patient-centric solutions requires addressing both technological and behavioral hurdles. Dr. Artunduaga shared her inspiration for founding Samay: “I lost my grandmother due to poor respiratory care. Most technologies in this space rely on subjective data, and patients are asked to perform difficult maneuvers to monitor their health. That experience drove me to create a better solution.”

Yet even the most innovative solutions can struggle with patient adherence. Reisenauer highlighted a study where 50% of patients declined to use wearable devices post-surgery. “Patients told us, ‘If you think I’m healthy enough to go home, I shouldn’t have to wear all this.’ It’s a cultural mindset we have to address,” she said.

Reimbursement Challenges: A Roadblock to Innovation

Funding and reimbursement were recurring themes throughout the panel. Carmel pointed out that startups often struggle to secure investment without clear paths to reimbursement. Seehusen emphasized the importance of planning for sustainability: “Investors want to know: Who’s going to pay for this? Without a reimbursement model, it’s hard to fund and scale.”

Artunduaga shared her experience leveraging federal grants to fund Samay’s early development. “We raised nearly $2 million from SBIR grants. It was a long journey, but it taught me how to validate our technology and prepare for investor discussions,” she said.

Redefining Innovation for Patients and Providers

The panel explored how medtech companies can design solutions that serve both patients and providers. Amanda DePalma stressed the importance of usability: “If clinicians can’t easily adopt the technology, it doesn’t matter how innovative it is. We need to design tools that make their workflows smoother.”

She cited an example from Siemens Healthineers: “We’re working on an AI algorithm to reduce false negatives in breast cancer screenings. It minimizes patient anxiety while enabling clinicians to focus on the cases that matter most.” This dual focus on patient outcomes and clinical efficiency exemplifies patient-centric medtech innovation.

The Role of AI in Patient-Centric Care

Artificial intelligence was a hot topic, with panelists debating its potential to transform healthcare. While Seehusen acknowledged the promise and growing adoption of AI in healthcare, she cautioned against its overuse. “AI for the sake of AI isn’t going to help our clinicians or patients. It needs to solve a real problem,” she said.’

Reisenauer agreed, noting that AI must complement—not replace—clinical decision-making. “I think of AI as a virtual assistant,” she explained. “It can help predict a patient’s recovery needs or optimize surgical planning, but it will never replace a physician’s judgment.”

Opportunities in Patient-Centric Innovation

The panel also spotlighted promising areas for innovation—particularly in hospital-at-home models and remote patient monitoring. Artunduaga expressed enthusiasm for these advancements: “I’m really bullish about hospital-at-home programs; they are cost-effective, reduce infections, and improve patient satisfaction. But they rely on robust remote diagnostics and data interoperability to succeed.”

However, Reisnauer reminded the audience of the challenges inherent in managing vast amounts of patient data. “Who sifts through all this data to identify red flags? Without a robust backend, even the most advanced monitoring technology can become a burden,” she warned.

Advice for Startups: Focus on Value and Partnerships

The session concluded with practical advice for startups. Seehusen emphasized clarity in pitches: “You need to very clearly articulate the problem you’re solving, who you’re solving it for, and who’s going to pay for it—ideally within the first few slides.”

DePalma encouraged startups to research potential strategic partners thoroughly: “Understand their focus areas and priorities before approaching them. If you can align with their goals, you’re more likely to succeed.”

Reisenauer highlighted the importance of early collaboration with clinical experts: “Don’t just ask a clinician to test your product. Engage them as partners in development—they’ll be more invested in your success.”

Conclusion: The Future of Patient-Centric Solutions

Patient-centric solutions are redefining medtech, but success requires a careful balance of innovation, usability, and collaboration. As Carmel aptly summarized, “It’s not just about creating technology—it’s about creating technology that patients and providers truly need.”

By addressing reimbursement challenges, fostering partnerships, and designing with both patients and providers in mind, the medtech industry can deliver solutions that transform healthcare for the better.

Want to hear more insights like this? Join us for our next medtech conference from March 17th-21st in Dana Point, CA.

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