Interconnected Health Systems Migrate to Value-Based Models

Q: How does Mural Med’s offering support the migration to a value-based healthcare model?

A: With the pandemic, the sector understood the value of interconnected health systems with digitalized processes that improve management and reduce time and costs. This interconnection has been Mural Med’s bet for years now, given the opportunities it offers to transform the health system into a value-based healthcare model. This is only possible through the careful collection of clinical and operational data, which represents a challenge given the fragmented nature of systems like the one we have today, in which a patient’s journey is split between many health entities.

We have experienced growth outside Mexico with our interconnection solution but within the country, companies have taken longer to adapt. This goes beyond health systems because it is also linked to the general uncertainty in the country. Despite this scenario, the dynamism around digitalization is growing, which is positive. We improved our system and added telemedicine services, which was organic given the changes brought by the pandemic.

Q: With the amount of data managed by your solutions, how do you ensure data protection for both patients and companies?

A: Privacy by design is one our differentiators. From the development stage, we prioritize data privacy, which allows us to have asymmetric ciphers and access management protection. Norm compliance regarding data property is another factor to consider in terms of safety. Mural Med follows US and European standards to provide certainty.

Q: What is the status of Mural Med’s base-of-the-pyramid project?

A: We developed a product called COVIDOC, which sought to approach people with limited technology access. We created a COVID-19 triage that, through algorithms, would categorize the population based on risk of contagion. For certain risk groups, COVIDOC would automatically offer a teleconsultation. Once this is accepted by the user, a medical professional would intervene. The system works through a WhatsApp chatbot that registers a person’s symptoms. Based on the responses, the chat determines if a consultation is needed, supported by scientific data. We reached 80,000 users in three Latin American countries: Mexico, Nicaragua and Bolivia. To expand this service, we collaborated with an international NGO to access volunteer doctors for the consultations. This later grew to include nursing services and specialists.

Q: How does your interconnection platform support patient empowerment?

A: Patient empowerment comes from having control over the entire process, from booking a consultation to having access to clinical records. Generally, technology offers transparency throughout the entire health system, which is the most valuable asset of digitalization in healthcare.

Q: How does the company turn the information it collects from clients into better solutions?

A: We find trends and patterns that can improve our solutions. From mistakes on prescriptions to alarming trends regarding a patient’s vital signs, we use our metrics to support clients in managing their relationship with the patient. In fact, we are working to partner with diabetes clinics to determine the right number of consultations and interactions with diabetic patients needed to offer a correct follow-up. With this, we are trying to minimize monetary losses on extra consultations while maintaining an appropriate service for the patient.

Q: What strategies have helped Mural Med to strengthen its presence in the market?

A: Alliances in the healthcare sector have been key. Many health areas have been neglected by both the public and the private sector. Through collaboration, we can close those gaps and grow as companies.

Mural Med developed a digital platform of the same name to provide tools to manage health populations and to support patient navigation. Mural Med registers patients’ clinical information over the course of their treatment.