Research Review

AI-Assisted Video Assessments Help Improve Long-Term Outcomes for Behavioral Health Patients

Digital health software platform Videra Health recently announced a partnership with California-based behavioral health system Signature Healthcare Services to improve patient postdischarge follow-up using artificial intelligence (AI)–assisted video assessments.

The partnership combines cutting-edge technology with a trusted, well established behavioral health system. Signature Healthcare Services’ 19 acute care facilities offer a full spectrum of programs including acute inpatient care for children, adolescents, adults, geriatric patients, and residential patients; partial hospitalization; and intensive outpatient programs.

When patients leave treatment, they are especially vulnerable. Videra Health’s technology utilizes video and voice analytics to predict when a patient is in distress and may need support or intervention. The technology allows Signature Healthcare to automatically check-in with at-risk patients at regular intervals and drive adherence to required postdischarge follow-up milestones for each patient. Not only will more patients be helped who otherwise wouldn’t have been identified but also these rich, automated touchpoints will allow Signature to keep patients connected to the same facility and providers that originally provided their vital treatment.

“With a national shortage in providers and a dramatic increase in the need for behavioral health treatment, we’re thrilled to help Signature bring an innovative approach to caring for patients after their discharge,” says Mike Henneman, vice president of revenue and strategic partnerships at Videra Health.

The two companies have already begun implementing the automated video postdischarge programs at one of Signature’s flagship facilities, Houston Behavioral Healthcare Hospital. They’ve seen notable preliminary success in a short period of time, and are exploring the possibility of expanding the service to the remaining 18 Signature Healthcare locations.

“Staffing shortages and the dramatic need for mental health care during the pandemic made it critical to utilize technology to improve follow-up care, achieve better outcomes, and meet our vitally important quality metrics," says Jean Scallon, regional vice president at Signature Healthcare Services. "Videra's technology has already identified patients who need help and alerted our team to immediately follow up with these patients. These crucial interventions would never have happened without the insight and automation of the Videra technology.”

Source: Videra Health