AIA Australia has launched a unique, digital health management program enabling cancer patients to receive care as soon as their claim is lodged.
The CancerAid Health Coach Program is provided to AIA Australia Group customers while they are receiving cancer treatment and is run in conjunction with CancerAid’s award winning app. In addition to the app, customers have access to healthcare professionals who provide personalised health coaching over the telephone to support them through their cancer treatment.
In October 2018, AIA Australia was the first life insurer to partner with CancerAid to assist customers undergoing cancer treatment to achieve better health outcomes.
The pilot program consisted of 50 customers, educating them on how to better manage their care while empowering them to actively participate in decisions around their health management. This evidence-based program was developed by cancer specialists and is delivered by health professionals via tele-health. This unique service utilises the best digital offering available in conjunction with face-to-face care.
Damien Mu, Chief Executive of AIA Australia and New Zealand, said: “The CancerAid Health Coaching program is now being rolled out to all of our customers with cancer. It enables those who have been affected by cancer to achieve better health outcomes.”
“At AIA we not only pay claims, we want to support our customers and aim to make a difference in their lives. Partnering with CancerAid provides an opportunity to do that and help our customers live healthier, longer, better lives,” Mr Mu said.
AIA Australia Group Strategy Manager, Rehabilitation and Claims, Simonie Fox, said: “We recognise that better health outcomes can be achieved if we offer services early. We have customers who are able to start the CancerAid Health Coach Program before they have even commenced their chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We are able to truly make a difference in the lives of these cancer patients at a time when they are extremely vulnerable.”
The program educates AIA Australia customers about other wellness and occupational rehabilitation service offerings such as CaRe Movement™ -- a specifically designed exercise physiology program for cancer patients who are still receiving treatment.
Around 35 per cent of customers who completed the CancerAid program then progressed into an AIA Australia wellness program which further assists with occupational rehabilitation. After completion of the pilot, there was a 39 per cent improvement in the number of patients actively managing their health by tracking their symptoms via the app.
The program covers:
- Symptom tracking
- The importance of activity and exercise
- Diet and nutrition
- Sleep
- Techniques to improve mental health
CancerAid Co-Founder, Dr Raghav Murali-Ganesh, said: “We are extremely excited to partner with AIA to be able to bring our innovative program to even more patients. The program is based on the concept of participatory health, whereby we empower patients and caregivers to make behavioural changes to drive improved clinical outcomes with access to evidence-based tools and support for patients who are in need of this.”
Testimonial:
A participant of the pilot program said: “I still remember being told I have cancer. I had never felt more alone in my life. Nothing prepares you for that moment. After my initial shock and weeks of appointments I wanted to educate myself. As they say, knowledge is power and I wanted and needed that. I was so fortunate to be introduced to Dr Raghav, one of the founders of the CancerAid program. The program is broken down into modules with coaching calls that give you up-to-date research and evidence-based information. I had my own coach who was genuine, supportive and informative. Just another piece in the puzzle. At the end of program I felt empowered and had another tool in my belt, ready to tackle this cancer to the ground.”
Contact:
Sarah Phillips
Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs
Phone: +61 498 494 791
Email: Sarah.Phillips@aia.com
About AIA Australia:
AIA Australia is a leading life insurance specialist with over 46 years’ experience. With a unique customer value proposition focused on life, health and wellbeing, our purpose is to make a difference in people’s lives.
AIA Australia offers a range of products that protect and enhance the lives of more than 3.5 million Australians. Our vision is to embrace shared value in championing Australia and New Zealand to be the healthiest and most protected nations in the world. With AIA Vitality – the world’s leading science- based health and wellbeing program – we help members to live healthier, longer, better lives.
AIA Australia has been recognised with multiple awards, including being named ANZIIF Life Insurance Company of the Year (2017, 2015, 2013, 2012).
About CancerAid:
CancerAid has fast become the number one cancer app on the Apple Store in Australia, the UK and The USA with a growing community of more than 20,000 cancer patients and their caregivers worldwide. A first-of-its-kind app, CancerAid helps cancer patients and their caregivers navigate through each stage of their cancer experience, receive care remotely and reduce the isolation that comes with a diagnosis. CancerAid gives cancer patients greater structure in their lives by providing them with an easy to use organisational platform and a medically reliable, peer-reviewed source of information.
CancerAid was named a flagship app by Apple in a media release whilst being recognised and as a standout health app. In 2017 the company brought home awards for the Best Global Startup judged by Steve Wozniak, Co-Founder of Apple and Best Startup Creating Social Impact judged by Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Group. CancerAid has received one of the largest investments in Shark Tank Australia’s history adding Andrew Banks to their advisory board.
Co-Founded by Dr Raghav Murali-Ganesh from the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse Hospital in Sydney, CancerAid was developed in collaboration with cancer patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals and is endorsed by hospitals, doctors, peak bodies, leading charities, insurance providers and most importantly by patients and their caregivers in Australia and worldwide.
Further information at https://canceraid.com/
