Manulife has announced five pilot programs aimed at finding new ways to deliver treatment to its group plan members in the areas of mental health and musculoskeletal disorders, announced the insurer Nov. 30.

“By exploring innovative treatments in these areas, Manulife hopes to improve quality of life and shorten recovery times for plan members,” states the company.

Rapid and personalized treatment

The pilot programs are being conducted in collaboration with leading providers in their respective fields, including CBT Associates and UHN Altum Health in partnership with Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).  The pilot programs provide different combinations of rapid and more personalized treatment.

For mental health conditions, the pilot programs are: direct access to virtual cognitive behavioural therapy; in-person and digitally-delivered therapy; earlier, specialized and collaborative care for plan members suffering from major depression and pharmacogenetic testing to speed up plan member treatment.

Musculoskeletal disorders

For musculoskeletal disorders, the pilot program will provide earlier, intensive treatment to help plan members with their recovery.

“Manulife is working with some of Canada's top healthcare providers to make best-in-class technology and treatment options accessible to our plan members, so they can return to health faster, and bring their best to work each day,” said Cori Lawson-Roberts, Assistant Vice-President, National Disability Services at Manulife.

The pilot programs will last 12 months and results are expected to be released in winter 2019.