Blog

By Sandi Bowen

Dr. Dason McKenzie returned home to Guyana in 2017 after graduating from Huazhong University of Science and Technology – Tongji Medical College in Wuhan, China, with a Bachelor of Surgery. He has been practicing medicine for the past two years at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) where he is attached to the Nephrology Department. A problem solver at heart, Dr. McKenzie tends to patients with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

During his time at the Nephrology Department, Dr. McKenzie has made several observations regarding patient attitudes towards healthcare. According to the young medical practitioner, patients have a tendency to seek medical care when it is too late: “I noticed that many of the patients who came to the hospital would Google their symptoms before seeking medical care, and quite often, the information they received online was inaccurate.” This trend is particularly dangerous for people with diabetes and hypertension who are often hospitalized and rehospitalized due to lack of communication and transparency about their condition. In addition, Dr. McKenzie noticed that patients who self-diagnose eventually avoid seeking medical care altogether due to fear and anxiety. Based on similar experiences with his own patients, Dr. McKenzie says that he became intrigued with the idea of creating a tool that could make healthcare more accessible and convenient. It was under these circumstances that the concept of Home Care Guyana, a subscription-based telehealth app, was born.

Recalling how Home Care Guyana quickly evolved from a simple idea into a feasible business plan that is now in the process of being materialized, Dr. McKenzie says that his attendance at the GCCI’s Second Annual Business Development Forum (BDF) was the catalyst. “It [Home Care Guyana] was an idea that I had for some time and I saw potential in it, but I didn’t realize how good it was until attending the forum and subsequently winning the grant. The GCCI gave me an opportunity to share my ideas with the public.” Dr. McKenzie is the recipient of the Georgetown Chamber’s $300,000 Vision Fund Grant which was targeted towards up-and-coming entrepreneurs with unique business ideas. Attendees of the BDF 2019 were given the opportunity to submit a business plan on the last day of the forum. Business plans were judged against a given set of criteria inclusive of business capability, potential for growth, profitability and environmental benefits. Home Care Guyana emerged as the winner.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the term “telehealth” refers to the use of telecommunications and virtual technology to deliver health care outside of traditional health-care facilities. Explaining the concept behind the Home Care Guyana app, Dr. McKenzie says that his primary objective is to provide an alternative, non-traditional method of healthcare delivery which offers patients the benefits of flexibility, convenience and a reduction in healthcare costs. Once subscribed to the app, patients will be able to remotely consult and check-in with their providers, access qualified second opinions in real time, receive on-the-spot care in the event of an emergency, and obtain health insurance coverage with a trusted company.

How it Works

To combat the harmful habit of self-diagnosis, Dr. McKenzie notes that an important function of the app is to improve patient engagement and satisfaction by providing a means through which patients can access sound medical advice from trusted healthcare professionals. Engaged patients, he says, are receptive to receiving care much sooner than those who are disengaged and ill informed. Well timed care is critical to avoiding the escalation of illness which is not only beneficial to one’s health, but also helps to reduce costs in the long run.

Dr. McKenzie says that the Home Care Guyana app will also include instructive videos for patients, especially those who are chronically ill or elderly, who may benefit from guidance in certain procedures while remaining at home. Once such procedure is Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). “Patients will be guided, step by step, on how to conduct CPR and the instructions will be in layman’s terms for ease of understanding. The intent is for the patient to be informed and as a result, at ease. People really appreciate step-by-step guidance in the midst of an emergency” says Dr. McKenzie. In addition, in the event of a medical emergency, the patient can receive on-the-spot medical care from a provider who will visit and attend to them wherever they are.

The final aspect of the Home Care Guyana app deals with the provision of health insurance coverage. “We intend to partner with insurance providers so that persons using the app can have access to various insurance packages from the company of their choice,” says Dr. McKenzie. Having access to quality healthcare without having to worry about high medical costs will be a major selling point of the Home Care Guyana brand. Dr. McKenzie intends for the app to function as a one-stop-shop for those seeking comprehensive healthcare solutions.

Dr. McKenzie says that a subscription business model will be used for the Home Care Guyana app. In addition to covering the business’ operation costs, he also intends to fund various health awareness and education programs which will target a wider cross section of persons who may opt for traditional healthcare as opposed to a telehealth service.

Adapting to Technology in the Healthcare Industry

The concept of virtual healthcare is relatively new to the healthcare industry and nearly unheard of in Guyana given the slow rate of adoption of technology. However, in a digital age, with an increasingly tech-savvy population, the use of technology in healthcare is not as far-fetched as it once seemed. Dr. McKenzie is optimistic that Guyanese will be receptive to the concept of telehealth due to its convenient and cost saving features: “Not many people know about Home Care Guyana, but I have had discussions with fellow providers and they are excited about the app and are ready to come on board. There is a clear need for an alternative form of healthcare, especially for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.”

Acknowledging the fact that some people will always gravitate towards traditional healthcare options such as physical health facilities or even “bush doctors”, Dr. McKenzie believes that people will be open to using the app once they recognize that the providers available are well known local experts. Familiarity between patient and practitioner often dispels any lingering fear or doubt, he says. Dr. McKenzie also notes that he intends to enlist the services of young doctors who are active in their communities.

Barriers to Entry

With regards to potential barriers that may be encountered upon launching the Home Care app, Dr. McKenzie says that reliable internet connection is a major concern as the app is heavily dependent on broadband access. There is also the issue of navigation and transportation as it relates to providing prompt, emergency medical care. Dr. McKenzie notes that while house calls will initially be limited to Georgetown, there are intentions for the service to be extended to other regions once logistically feasible.

The Way Forward

At present, Dr. McKenzie is finalizing the Home Care Guyana business plan, and once complete, he intends to seek investments. While he hasn’t revealed a launch date, Dr. McKenzie notes that he is working assiduously behind the scenes with app developers, and learning the ins and outs of app development in the process.

With enthusiasm in his voice, Dr. McKenzie says that he is excited and hopeful about the outcomes of his newfound partnership with the GCCI. In addition to $300,000 in start-up capital, he will also receive technical support from the GCCI, as well as one year of free membership with the Chamber, which yields a number of valuable benefits such as networking and marketing opportunities, and access to professional development events.

Dr. Dason McKenzie is on a quest to improve patient care in Guyana by giving Guyanese more non-traditional healthcare options which will allow them to take an active and engaged role in their healthcare journey. With the introduction of the Home Care Guyana app, he hopes to positively influence the quality of life for all Guyanese, one patient at a time.