An "Empathy First" Approach to Chronic Illness Among Vulnerable Populations

An "Empathy First" Approach to Chronic Illness Among Vulnerable Populations

Author: John Lynn April 27, 2026 Duration: 12:56

You always know an interview is special when it gives you the chills as you listen to the stories.  That was my experience when I met with 86Borders at the recent HIMSS conference.  86Borders counsels people in vulnerable populations who disproportionately suffer from chronic health conditions. These people face multiple barriers, such as in cost, transportation, and time commitments. Furthermore, they often have an "inherent distrust of the health care system," according to Co-Founder and CEO Dan McDonald.

A vivid example of the impact 86Borders can have was offered by VP of Quality Lauren Barca, who summed up their approach as "empathy first." A 51-year-old woman had missed her mammograms for nine years, burdened by working multiple jobs and taking care of children and grandchildren. An 86Borders care coordinator engaged with her, explained the importance of mamm0grams, and set her up to take one that turned up a treatable cancer. 86Borders then helped her navigate the health care system and go into remission.

Learn more about 86Borders: https://www.86borders.com/

Healthcare IT Community: https://www.healthcareittoday.com/


For anyone navigating the complex and ever-evolving world of healthcare technology, Healthcare IT Today Interviews offers a direct line to the people shaping its future. Host John Lynn sits down with leading experts, moving beyond theory to explore the real-world applications and challenges they face every day. This isn't about surface-level news; it’s a series of deep, conversational explorations. You’ll hear firsthand accounts about implementing and optimizing electronic health records, the critical balance between data security and patient privacy, and how analytics are transforming patient care. The discussions naturally cover the practicalities of telehealth, the nuances of healthcare communication systems, and the many other technologies redefining clinical and administrative workflows. Each episode of this podcast pulls back the curtain on the front lines, providing clarity and insight that’s both substantive and accessible. Tune in for honest perspectives on where healthcare IT has been, the problems being solved right now, and what’s coming next.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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