California Launches Nation's Largest Telehealth Network

Link: http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/california-launches-nations-largest-telehealth-network

This article talks about how California has developed the nation's largest Telehealth network. This  network can connect 800 California healthcare facilities to a statewide medical-grade network of healthcare and emergency services. The technology enables providers to share X-rays and other diagnostic tests instantaneously,view treatments and procedures from afar in distant emergency rooms or surgical centers as they happen. Telehealth comprises all the communication and information technology that allows care professionals to manage patients remotely. This allows patients to receive healthcare at home and reduce patient wait times and hospitals' costs. Telehealth is still relatively new but with this progress it will probably be considered around the world as a way to decrease healthcare system costs and a way to further help our patients.

Wireless Patient Monitors are the Fastest Growing Medical Device

Link: http://www.healthcare-informatics.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=880FA3D34EBC48F3A750D9D0B7E9EA46


This article talks about the doubling of wireless patient monitoring device revenue in the last four years and how these numbers are expected to double in the next four years. The demand is expected to increase due to the fact that the 65 years old and over population is expected to reach 20.7 percent by 2050 and due to the increased cases of COPD and diabetes. These wireless monitoring devices provide alternatives like transmitting a patient’s vital signs across a hospital building or connecting a patient’s home with a provider’s office. This technology can help healthcare professionals provide better timely service and can help with the proper usage of the healthcare system. Patient monitoring technology will help reduce personnel costs, provide increased coverage by existing personnel, and reduce errors. Most of these devices provide  the option to direct the information to an EMR system to make it useful in patient's health records.

ePrescribing Boosts Medication Adherence

Link: http://www.healthcare-informatics.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=FF0A0097BE6248D19B94158F62BC47BD


This study talks about how people who receive medical care with an integrated health care system with electronic health records in the pharmacy are more likely to collect new prescriptions for their comorbidities (diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure medications) than people who receive care in a non-integrated system according to Kaiser Permanente.

Primary non-adherence research conducted in non-integrated systems likely overestimates the percentage of patients who do not have their prescriptions filled. This is because, in a non-integrated system, medication orders from one organization must be linked with pharmacy claims from a different organization. Pharmacy claims databases do not include information on patients who never pick up their first prescription, nor do they contain information on patients who paid cash for their prescription.

I think that these electronic health records benefit both the healthcare professionals and patients. Pharmacists would have a complete and accurate patient record that would include all medications used including over the counter medications. This would also help patients who do not recall all the medications being used including supplements and OTC medication and this in return will help decrease medication errors and drug interactions. Pharmacists can create a more complete Medication Action Plan which can help the patient have an increased medication adherence.

iPods to Educate Bariatric Patients

Link: http://www.informaticsnurse.com/forums/healthcare-healthcare-informatics-news/13980-ipods-educate-bariatric-patients.html

I couldn't find the complete article but it talks about how the use of the iPod provides education about the bariatric program. The iPod is loaded with audio and video clips, procedures, pre/post-operative preparation follow-up. Patients will have access to patient testimonials and surgeons answering frequently asked questions. The iPods feature diet and grocery shopping tips, recipes, exercise routines and motivational
messages. I think that with this program the patient will be better informed and will know more about the surgery. It also provides the opportunity of hearing testimonials about people going through the same situation and tips, routines and recipes that may help them accomplish maximum benefits. The article mentions that with success this type of program can be used in cancer, transplant and women's health program
patients. I think that is a great application for a device that you always have with you and that many people don't even know exists. Imagine what your iPod could do for you!

Here is a link with more information on Health Pods: http://www.telehealthltd.com/?page_id=30

80 Percent of Doctors Use Smartphone Apps Everyday

Link: http://www.healthcare-informatics.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=A036DBF4FB164D24B889643E5213CD4E

The "Apps, Doctors and Digital Devices" report looks at several studies in which they concluded that four out of five practicing physicians use smartphones, computer tablets, various medical devices and numerous apps in their  medical practice. As discussed in class we can see how the value of integrating the latest digital hardware and software into health care delivery has increased. Technology has now become a daily used tool in all branches of the health care system and facilitates physician's access to patient's medical information. I would prefer using this technology because it helps health care providers and may decrease errors, like trying to memorize all the dosage forms of medication, with the provided security and privacy protocols. Are you aware of how much your physician uses technology in his daily practice?

Wake Up Refreshed With A Brain-Monitoring Alarm Clock

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/236376.php

I found the above mentioned article and just wanted to share with you! The article talks about a novel idea of using a sort of headband with wireless electrodes that can monitor brain activity and will trigger its alarm during a specified time range but only when the patient's brain is in a more easily aroused state (Stage 1,2) rather than in deep sleep (Stage 3,4). They mention how they use the concept of that a person is woken from a night's sleep during an arousable period cycle, they will feel more refreshed than if they are woken during a deeper part of the sleep cycle. We all know that sleep is important for normal motor and cognitive functions as well as growth and rejuvenation of the immune, nervous, skeletal and muscular systems. If you have ever woken up naturally you can probably recognize that you feel more rested and alert. I think that that this technology helps us integrate what we know and what we have experienced to help us have a better, gentler and more refreshed awakening. What do the students who have problems waking up with alarm clocks think? 

Consumer Health Informatics and Patient Decisionmaking Study

http://www.ahrq.gov/research/rtisumm.htm

Here is a link that I found about a Consumer Health Informatics and Patient Decision-making Study. The study tries to identify, evaluate, and synthesize research on the effects of informatics tools and decision aids on patient decisions about medical screening and treatment. Some studies suggest that the use of information tools can increase patient knowledge of treatment alternatives and it has been shown that patients respond positively to these tools. Health information and medical care organizations are investing in the development and dissemination of health informatics tools to help patients and consumers make decisions about screening and treatment.                                                               

I believe that this study can help us better understand the effects that Consumer Health Informatics has on the healthcare system and in our patients. Many of the mentioned information tools are aimed towards patients to help provide choices about different ways to treat and manage health conditions.