Parkland’s Innovation Bridge Takes ‘Genius Bar’ Approach to Digital Health Apps

Taking inspiration from the Apple Genius Bar and Ochsner Health System’s O Bar, the Dallas-based Parkland Center for Clinical Innovation (PCCI) in collaboration with Parkland Health & Hospital System has opened an “Innovation Bridge” to assist patients with health-related apps.

Located at the Hatcher Station Health Center, one of 12 Community Oriented Primary Care centers operated by Parkland throughout Dallas County, the Innovation Bridge is designed to bridge the technology divide for patients and caregivers.

PCCI noted tat although there are dozens of mobile apps that claim to help patients manage different health conditions, many are not vetted by clinicians or targeted for vulnerable patients.

At the Innovation Bridge, a bilingual Community Technology Liaison will offer assistance in selection and setup of the right app for each patient’s needs. The person will help guide patients to digital technologies such as Epic's MyChart that improve patient engagement, real-time access to personal clinical information, and connections to relevant community resources. An initial list of apps in the following categories has been vetted by PCCI’s team of experts: Asthma, Diabetes, Hypertension, Women’s Health (Pregnancy and Breastfeeding), Mental Health, Pediatric Milestones, Obesity Management, Fitness Tracking and Back Exercises.

“We are very excited to launch and test the impact of this innovative concept,” said Steve Miff, Ph.D., president and CEO of PCCI, in a prepared statement. “New technology can be intimidating, so we aim to use a physical space to bridge the technology adoption gap. Linking individuals to relevant digital information is a key step towards personal activation and participation in self-management of health. We are very appreciative for the support and partnership of all our funding partners and our clinical colleagues who helped make this initiative possible.”