Geisinger, Merck partner on patient engagement

 Geisinger Health System and Merck have embarked on a multi-year collaboration to develop new methods and technology to spur shared decision making between patients and physicians and to improve adherence to treatment plans and clinical care processes.First up is the development of an interactive Web application designed to help primary care clinicians assess and engage patients at risk for cardiometabolic syndrome. Cardiometabolic syndrome is a clustering of various risk factors that put an individual at risk of developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

“We believe that healthcare is most effective when patients are active partners in their care,” said Glenn Steele Jr., MD, president and chief executive officer of Geisinger Health System. “Our collaboration with Merck will allow both organizations to leverage our individual expertise and joint resources to improve patient engagement, including finding new interventions to increase the likelihood that patients will adhere to their treatment plans.”