C:\Healthcare\Technology\Plus91

Choosing the Right Laptop for using a Cloud-Based EMR at your clinic: A Practical Guide (Updated November 2025)

2025-11-03T09:04:00.000+05:30

Healthcare professionals need reliable laptops to access cloud-based medical software such as Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems efficiently. As clinics in India have accelerated their adoption of EMR's and clinic management software, there have also been a ton of questions that several keep asking us with regards to the right laptop, tablet, phones and PC's to procure.

This guide will help you select the right device for your clinic's needs in the Indian market.

Essential Hardware Requirements

Processing Power

Minimum: Intel Core i5 (12th Gen or later) / Intel Core Ultra 5 / AMD Ryzen 5 (2.5 GHz or higher)

Recommended: Intel Core i7 (13th Gen or later) / Intel Core Ultra 7 / AMD Ryzen 7/9 for optimal performance

Why it matters:

The Intel Core i5/Ryzen 5 minimum requirement ensures your laptop can handle basic EMR tasks without lag
Intel has introduced the "Core Ultra" series (Series 1 and Series 2) in 2025, which offers improved AI capabilities and power efficiency
The i7/i9, Core Ultra 7/9, or Ryzen 7/9 recommendation is for clinics where providers:
- Need to run multiple programs alongside EMR
- Handle medical imaging
- Use resource-intensive features like video consultations
- See many patients daily and need faster performance

2025 Update: Intel Core Ultra processors are now widely available in India, ranging from ₹55,000-₹1,20,000 depending on configuration. These processors offer better battery life and integrated AI features that can benefit healthcare applications.

Memory (RAM)

Minimum: 8 GB RAM (DDR4)

Recommended: 16 GB RAM (DDR5 preferred)

Why it matters:

8GB is the minimum because EMR systems often need to:
- Keep multiple patient charts open
- Run background processes
- Handle browser-based applications
16GB is recommended if you:
- Use medical imaging software
- Keep many browser tabs open
- Run multiple applications simultaneously
- Want future-proof performance

2025 Update: DDR5 RAM is now standard in most new laptops and offers better performance than DDR4. Prices have stabilized, making 16GB DDR5 configurations widely available in the ₹60,000-₹90,000 range.

Storage

Type: Solid State Drive (SSD) required

Minimum: 256 GB SSD

Recommended: 512 GB SSD or larger

Why it matters:

SSDs are required (not optional) because they:
- Load patient records 4-5 times faster than traditional hard drives
- Improve overall system responsiveness
- Are more reliable with fewer moving parts
- Use less battery power
256GB minimum allows for:
- Operating system
- EMR software
- Basic office applications
512GB recommended for:
- Local cache of frequently accessed records
- Additional medical software
- Room for future updates and data

2025 Update: SSD storage is now standard across all price segments in India. NVMe SSDs (faster than SATA SSDs) are common even in budget laptops.

Connectivity Requirements

Network Capabilities

Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) minimum, Wi-Fi 6E or Wi-Fi 7 preferred

Ethernet: Built-in port or adapter option for backup connectivity

Why it matters:

Wi-Fi 6/6E is recommended because it:

Handles more connected devices without slowdown
Provides faster data transfer speeds
Has better performance in crowded clinic environments

2025 Update - Critical for India:

Wi-Fi 6E: India officially opened the 6 GHz band (5925-6425 MHz) for Wi-Fi 6E in May 2025. This provides significantly less congestion and faster speeds.
Wi-Fi 7: While Wi-Fi 7 is available globally, it is NOT yet officially approved for commercial use in India as of November 2025. However, trials are underway and approval is expected soon.
Recommendation for India: Choose Wi-Fi 6E capable laptops (widely available from ₹65,000+) rather than paying premium for Wi-Fi 7, which cannot be legally used in India yet.

Ethernet backup is crucial because:

Cloud EMRs require constant internet access
Wired connections are more stable
Provides redundancy if Wi-Fi fails

Ports

USB 3.0 or higher for peripheral devices
USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 recommended for future-proofing
HDMI or DisplayPort for external monitors
Docking station compatibility recommended

2025 Update: USB-C is now standard on most laptops. Thunderbolt 4 and the newer USB4 Version 2.0 offer exceptional speeds (up to 40-120 Gbps) and are available on mid to high-end models.

Display and Input

Screen

Size: 14" to 15.6" recommended for portability and readability

Resolution: Minimum 1920 x 1080 (Full HD)

Type: Anti-glare recommended for reduced eye strain

2025 Update: OLED displays are now available in the ₹70,000+ segment and offer superior color accuracy and reduced eye strain - beneficial for reviewing medical images.

Keyboard and Input

Backlit keyboard for low-light environments
Comfortable key travel for extended typing
Precision touchpad for accurate navigation
Optional: Touchscreen for quick navigation (available on many 2025 models)

Security and Durability

Security Features

Built-in fingerprint reader or facial recognition

Quick, secure access during emergencies
Compliance with healthcare privacy regulations
Protection against unauthorized access

TPM 2.0 for data encryption

Hardware-level encryption
Secure storage of encryption keys
Protection against firmware-level attacks

2025 Update - CRITICAL: TPM 2.0 is now MANDATORY for Windows 11, which is the standard operating system. Windows 10 support officially ended in October 2025. All new laptops in India come with TPM 2.0 built-in, but verify this before purchase for any older stock.

Physical security lock slot

Build Quality

Military-grade durability testing (MIL-STD-810H) preferred
Spill-resistant keyboard
Robust hinges and chassis

Battery Life and Portability

Minimum: 8 hours of real-world usage

Recommended: 10+ hours for full-day reliability

Weight: Under 1.8 kg (4 pounds) for easy mobility

Why these requirements matter:

8-10 hours covers a full clinic day, emergency situations, and times when charging isn't convenient
Weight under 1.8 kg ensures providers can carry laptops between exam rooms, respond to emergencies quickly, and reduces physical strain during long shifts

2025 Update: Modern Intel Core Ultra and AMD Ryzen processors offer significantly better battery efficiency. Many thin-and-light business laptops now achieve 12-15 hours of real-world usage.

Additional Considerations

Software Compatibility

Verify EMR system requirements
Check compatibility with third-party medical software
Ensure operating system supports required security features
2025 Update: Windows 11 is now the standard. Ensure compatibility with your EMR system.

Support and Warranty

Same day or Next-business-day support recommended

EMR access is critical for patient care
Downtime directly impacts patient safety
Quick resolution of technical issues is essential

Minimum 3-year warranty

Matches typical refresh cycles in healthcare
Provides predictable IT budgeting
Ensures reliability during the device's lifetime

On-site service options for critical situations

Best Practices for EMR Usage

Data Security

Regular system updates
Automated cloud backups
Strong password policies
Two-factor authentication
2025 Update: Enable BitLocker encryption (requires TPM 2.0) on all healthcare laptops

Performance Optimization

Regular temporary file cleanup
Background app management
System maintenance schedule
Regular performance monitoring

Cost Considerations (Updated for India in November 2025 )

Initial Investment

Budget Segment (₹50,000 - ₹70,000):

Intel Core i5 (12th/13th Gen) or Core Ultra 5
8GB RAM, 512GB SSD
Wi-Fi 6
Suitable for: Small clinics, single-user setups, basic EMR access
Examples: HP 15, Lenovo IdeaPad Slim, ASUS VivoBook

Mid-Range Segment (₹70,000 - ₹1,00,000):

Intel Core i7 (13th Gen) or Core Ultra 7
16GB DDR5 RAM, 512GB-1TB SSD
Wi-Fi 6E
Better build quality, longer warranty options
Suitable for: Multi-provider clinics, medical imaging, telehealth
Examples: Dell Inspiron, HP Pavilion, ASUS ZenBook, Lenovo ThinkPad E series

Professional Segment (₹1,00,000 - ₹1,50,000):

Intel Core Ultra 7/9 or equivalent
16-32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD
Wi-Fi 6E, premium build quality
Enhanced security features, better warranty
Suitable for: Large clinics, hospitals, intensive use
Examples: HP EliteBook, Dell Latitude, Lenovo ThinkPad T/X series, ASUS ExpertBook

Additional Costs to Consider

Extended warranty (typically ₹5,000-₹15,000 for 3 years)
Docking station (₹3,000-₹15,000)
External monitor (₹8,000-₹25,000)
UPS/Battery backup (₹3,000-₹10,000)
Laptop bag and accessories (₹2,000-₹5,000)

Long-term Value

Higher initial investment often reduces long-term costs
Quality hardware lasts longer and requires fewer repairs
Better performance increases productivity and reduces frustration
Lower total cost of ownership over 3-5 years

Where to Buy in India (2025)

Online Retailers:

Amazon India (competitive pricing, frequent sales)
Flipkart (Great Indian Festival sales)
Official brand websites (Dell, HP, Lenovo) - often have exclusive models

Offline Retailers:

Croma, Reliance Digital (demo units available)
Local IT vendors (may offer customization and after-sales support)

Financing Options:

Bajaj Finserv EMI (0% interest options available)
Credit card EMI (check with your bank)
Bank loans for healthcare equipment

Pro Tip: Contact Plus91's Healthcare IT Team for assistance. We offer High quality assessments and consulting on IT setups for clinics and hospitals.

Summary of Key Changes from February 2025 to November 2025

Processor Technology

Intel Core Ultra series is now mainstream in India
Better AI capabilities and battery life
Prices have stabilized in the ₹55,000+ segment

Connectivity

Wi-Fi 6E is now available in India (6 GHz band opened in May 2025)
Wi-Fi 7 is NOT yet approved for commercial use in India
Recommend Wi-Fi 6E over Wi-Fi 7 for Indian market

Operating System

Windows 10 support ended October 2025
Windows 11 is now mandatory for new purchases
All new windows laptops come with TPM 2.0 as required for Windows 11

Memory

DDR5 RAM is now standard
Prices more affordable than in February 2025

Display Technology

OLED displays more common in mid-range segment
Better for medical imaging review

Pricing

Overall laptop prices have remained stable
Better specifications available at similar price points
Frequent sales offer 15-30% discounts

Conclusion

Investing in the right laptop for your cloud-based medical software system (HIMS, LIMS, RIS, or an EMR) is crucial for efficient patient care. Focus on reliable performance, security features, and long-term durability.

For the Indian market in November 2025, prioritize:

Windows 11 with TPM 2.0 (mandatory)
Intel Core Ultra 5/7 or 13th Gen Intel Core i5/i7
16GB DDR5 RAM for future-proofing
512GB+ SSD storage
Wi-Fi 6E (NOT Wi-Fi 7, as it's not approved in India yet)
3-year warranty with on-site support
Budget of ₹70,000-₹1,00,000 for optimal specifications

Regular maintenance and updates will ensure optimal system performance and data security.

Prepared by the Healthcare IT Team at Plus91 Technologies

Document Updated: November 2025

Applicable For: India Market Only
Next Review: May 2026

Note: Prices and specifications are subject to change. Always verify current prices and availability before purchase.

For enterprise deployments or bulk purchases, consult with your Healthcare IT vendor for volume discounts and customized support packages.

The Evolution of AI in Personalized Skincare: A Future-Forward Analysis

2025-02-19T21:17:00.005+05:30

In an era where the global skincare industry exceeds $189 billion, artificial intelligence is catalyzing an unprecedented transformation in how we approach skin health and beauty. This revolution extends far beyond simple product recommendations, representing a fundamental shift in how we understand, analyze, and care for our skin.

The Current Landscape: AI-Driven Diagnostics and Analysis

Modern AI systems employ sophisticated computer vision algorithms that analyze skin at a microscopic level, achieving up to 95% accuracy in detecting various skin concerns. These systems integrate multiple data streams:

High-resolution imaging for surface analysis
Subsurface scanning for deeper skin structure assessment
Environmental data integration
Lifestyle and behavioral pattern analysis
Dietary and nutritional impact assessment

Available platforms today can identify distinct skin traits within seconds, while advanced systems are beginning to incorporate real-time monitoring through smart devices and wearables.

The Convergence of AI and Biological Sciences

The integration of AI with biological research is opening new frontiers in skincare:

Microbiome Analysis

AI algorithms now process complex microbiome data to understand the relationship between skin health and its bacterial ecosystem. This enables:

Personalized probiotic skincare recommendations
Prevention of microbiome disruption
Enhanced treatment of conditions like acne and eczema

Genetic Integration

Machine learning models are increasingly incorporating genetic data to:

Predict individual aging patterns
Identify genetic predispositions to specific skin conditions
Customize treatments based on genetic markers
Develop targeted solutions for genetic skin concerns

Advanced Formulation and Product Development

AI's role in product development has evolved significantly:

Intelligent Formulation

Analysis of over 20,000 ingredients against 100,000+ user reviews
Processing of 4,000+ scientific publications
Real-time formulation adjustments based on environmental factors
Development of adaptive formulations that respond to skin changes

Pharmaceutical Integration

AI is bridging the gap between cosmetic and pharmaceutical research:

Accelerated testing of active ingredients
Identification of novel drug delivery systems
Development of hybrid treatments for complex skin conditions
Integration with prescription medication data for safer recommendations

The Human Element in an AI-Driven Future

While AI capabilities continue to expand, the role of human expertise is evolving rather than diminishing:

Evolving Professional Roles

Traditional beauty advisors transitioning to tech-enabled consultants
Dermatologists utilizing AI as a diagnostic and monitoring tool
Development of new specializations in AI-assisted skincare
Integration of psychological support with technical expertise

Consumer Psychology and Experience

AI-enabled systems addressing skin anxiety and dysmorphia
Personalized education and emotional support
Building trust through transparency in AI recommendations
Balancing automation with human connection

Global Market Evolution and Cultural Integration

The impact of AI in skincare varies significantly across global markets:

Regional Adaptations

Customization of AI systems for different ethnic skin types
Integration of traditional skincare practices with AI technology
Adaptation to various cultural beauty standards
Market-specific regulatory compliance solutions

Retail Transformation

Evolution of brick-and-mortar experiences through AR/VR
Integration of online and offline skincare consultations
Development of smart stores with AI-driven diagnostics
Personalized in-store formulation capabilities

Emerging Technologies and Future Directions

The future of AI in skincare is being shaped by several emerging technologies:

Smart Monitoring

Continuous skin condition tracking through wearable devices
Real-time environmental impact assessment
Integration with health monitoring systems
Predictive analytics for skin changes

Sustainable Innovation

AI-driven sustainable ingredient discovery
Optimization of production processes
Waste reduction through precise formulation
Carbon footprint tracking and reduction

Challenges and Considerations

Several critical challenges require ongoing attention:

Technical Challenges

Data privacy and security concerns
Need for more diverse training datasets
Integration costs and accessibility
Regulatory compliance across jurisdictions

Social and Ethical Considerations

Ensuring equitable access to AI-driven skincare
Maintaining transparency in AI decision-making
Addressing potential biases in AI systems
Balancing automation with human expertise

The Path Forward

The future of skincare lies in the sophisticated integration of AI technology with human expertise. This combination is creating a new paradigm where skincare is:

Highly personalized yet accessible
Scientifically advanced yet user-friendly
Technologically driven yet emotionally intelligent
Globally scalable yet culturally sensitive

As we move toward 2030, industry projections suggest that over 50% of skincare solutions will incorporate AI-driven personalization. This evolution represents not just a technological advancement but a fundamental reimagining of how we approach skin health and beauty. The success of this transformation will depend on our ability to balance innovation with inclusivity, efficiency with empathy, and technological advancement with human wisdom.

The ultimate goal remains constant: to provide each individual with the most effective, personalized skincare solutions while maintaining the human connection that makes beauty and wellness truly meaningful. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can anticipate even more sophisticated approaches to skincare, always guided by the irreplaceable combination of artificial intelligence and human expertise.

To learn how AI and advanced technology can help your dermatology practice or brand, comment below, or visit the Plus91 website at www.plus91.in, or send us a message on X(twitter) @plus91

Digital Technologies Reshaping Healthcare in 2025

2025-01-17T00:54:00.003+05:30

As we begin 2025, healthcare technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. From AI-powered diagnostics to virtual reality training, these innovations are fundamentally transforming patient care and medical practice. Here's an in-depth look at the technologies leading this revolution.

1. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT): Connecting the Future of Healthcare

The Internet of Medical Things represents a quantum leap in healthcare delivery, creating an interconnected ecosystem of medical devices that share and analyze health data in real time. With the IoT market projected to reach $6.2 trillion this year, healthcare organizations are rapidly adopting these transformative technologies.

Recent Industry Developments

The latter half of 2024 saw several groundbreaking advances in IoMT:

Medtronic's acquisition of Mazor Robotics (November 2024) integrated advanced IoMT capabilities into spinal surgery platforms, enhancing surgical precision through real-time data tracking.
GE Healthcare's launch of an AI-powered medical imaging system (October 2024) revolutionized remote patient monitoring, particularly benefiting rural healthcare delivery.
Philips introduced a comprehensive connected health platform (September 2024) for chronic condition management, seamlessly integrating data from wearables and remote sensors.
Siemens Healthineers unveiled their next-generation patient monitoring system (August 2024), enabling real-time vital sign tracking and enhanced communication between patients and providers.

Key Benefits

IoMT's impact extends across the healthcare spectrum:

Patient Monitoring has evolved with devices like Fitbit and Garmin trackers, smart implants such as Medtronic's Azure Pacemaker, and continuous glucose monitors providing real-time health insights. The Apple Watch's ECG feature exemplifies this advancement, offering clinical-grade atrial fibrillation detection.

Hospital operations have been streamlined through automated inventory management and equipment tracking, while patients are empowered to take control of their health through mobile apps and accessible health data.

2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: The Cognitive Revolution

AI and ML continue to reshape healthcare delivery, with applications spanning diagnostics, treatment planning, and predictive analytics. This transformation is particularly evident in three key areas:

Diagnostic Innovation

Advanced AI tools, including IBM Watson and Google's DeepMind, have achieved remarkable accuracy in detecting conditions ranging from cancer to diabetic retinopathy and Alzheimer's disease through sophisticated medical image analysis.

Treatment Optimization

Systems like Varian's Ethos Therapy demonstrate AI's potential in adaptive radiation therapy, automatically adjusting treatment plans based on real-time patient data.

2025's Emerging AI Trends

The field has seen remarkable developments in:

Medical Documentation: AI-powered scribes like Freed and DeepCura are revolutionizing clinical documentation, freeing physicians to focus on patient care.

Preventive Care: AI-driven analytics are helping identify at-risk populations and address health disparities through targeted interventions.

Drug Discovery: AI has accelerated pharmaceutical research, leading to breakthroughs in antibiotic development against drug-resistant bacteria.

3. Digital Therapeutics (DTx): Software as Medicine

Digital therapeutics represent a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery, offering evidence-based interventions through software applications. These solutions are distinguished by:

Rigorous clinical validation
Regulatory compliance
Seamless integration with existing healthcare systems
AI-powered personalization

Kaiku Health's oncology platform exemplifies DTx's potential, offering sophisticated symptom tracking and early intervention alerts that have demonstrably improved patient outcomes and reduced emergency visits.

4. Virtual and Augmented Reality: Immersive Healthcare

VR and AR technologies are transforming medical education and patient care through:

Medical Training: Platforms like Osso VR provide realistic surgical simulation environments for risk-free practice.

Surgical Innovation: Solutions like Brainlab's AR surgical guidance system enable precise visualization of anatomical structures during procedures.

Pain Management: FDA-approved programs from AppliedVR demonstrate VR's efficacy in chronic pain treatment.

5. Gamification: Engaging Patients in Their Health Journey

Healthcare gamification has emerged as a powerful tool for patient engagement and behavior modification. Key applications include:

Chronic disease management through apps like mySugr
Fitness motivation via platforms such as Zombies, Run!
Rehabilitation gaming through systems like RGS
Mental health support with apps such as SuperBetter

Looking Forward: Healthcare's Digital Transformation

As we progress through 2025, these technologies are converging to create a more connected, efficient, and patient-centered healthcare ecosystem. The integration of IoMT, AI, DTx, VR/AR, and gamification is not just advancing medical capability—it's fundamentally reimagining how we approach health and wellness.

This technological renaissance in healthcare promises improved patient outcomes, enhanced operational efficiency, and greater accessibility to quality care. As these innovations continue to evolve, they pave the way for a future where healthcare is more precise, personalized, and proactive than ever before

Which technology are you looking to adopt at your firm this year?

Which new innovation are most closely watching?

do let us know via the comments or simply email us at medixcel AT plus91 DOT in

- Dr Vishala Bodetti and Nrip Nihalani

A Short Brief on HMPV - Human Metapneumovirus

2025-01-07T13:59:00.000+05:30

You may have noticed recent news reports discussing Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). While it’s important to stay informed, we at Plus91 want to assure everyone that there is no cause for alarm. HMPV is not new, and most cases are mild and manageable.

To help you better understand HMPV, we have written up 2 separate briefs on the topic. One for the general public, which is written in a kid friendly manner, and another for the majority of Plus91's ecosystem , doctors, researchers and medical staff.

These documents answer common questions about the virus. Please take a few minutes to read it and share with your friends and family who may be concerned too

If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our inhouse doctors.

A Short Brief on HMPV For Doctors, Medical Staff and Researchers:

Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, closely related to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It was first identified in 2001 but has been circulating in humans for at least 50 years.

Key Characteristics of HMPV:

Target Population:

Primarily affects children under 5 years, older adults over 65 years, and individuals with compromised immune systems.

Symptoms:

Similar to other respiratory infections, including fever, cough, runny nose, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia.

Transmission:

Spread occurs through respiratory droplets, close contact, and touching contaminated surfaces (fomites).

Diagnosis:

Typically diagnosed using RT-PCR tests from nasal or throat swabs. Multiplex panels like BIOFIRE can also identify HMPV.

Severity:

Most cases (90–95%) are mild. Severe cases requiring hospitalization are less common and often involve high-risk groups.

Treatment:

No specific antiviral treatment exists. Care is supportive, focusing on symptom management (e.g., paracetamol for fever, hydration, and oxygen therapy if needed).

Fatality Rate:

Low, with less than 1% fatality in most cases.

Prevention:

Standard precautions, such as avoiding close contact with infected individuals, wearing masks, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home when symptomatic, can help reduce transmission.

Comparison to Other Respiratory Viruses:

HMPV shares clinical features with viruses like RSV and influenza but is less widely recognized. Unlike COVID-19, HMPV does not pose a significant pandemic threat.

HMPV infections are common worldwide and contribute significantly to respiratory illnesses, particularly during the late winter and early spring seasons in many regions.

Link to document - A Short brief on HPMV :

Short Brief on HMPV - The Kid Friendly Version

Note that HMPV is like a tough cold that most people get better from quickly, but being careful can keep you and others around you safe!

Exploring the Evolving Landscape of the Healthcare Industry: What It Means for Future Job Roles

2024-10-13T22:53:00.007+05:30

As we stand on the cusp of a new era in healthcare, the landscape is shifting beneath our feet, urging us to prepare for a future that blends technology and care in revolutionary ways. At Plus91, we're not just keeping pace with the future of healthcare—we're leading it. Let's explore the emerging trends, necessary skills, and strategies that healthcare organizations can adopt to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing environment.

Emerging Trends in Healthcare

The Rise of Telehealth and Virtual Care

Telehealth has surged as a primary mode of delivering care. Our streamlined telehealth solutions have eliminated bottlenecks in patient care, transforming practices across the globe. Healthcare providers can now connect with patients virtually, offering convenience without compromising quality.

Integrating AI and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning are no longer distant possibilities; they're part of our daily operations. Our AI-Driven EMR offers robust data security and seamless interoperability, ensuring precision in patient care. These technologies are reshaping job roles, demanding new skillsets focused on analytics and data-driven decision-making.

Personalized Medicine

With advancements in genomics and biotechnology, personalized medicine is gaining traction. Our solutions enable providers to tailor treatments based on individual genetic profiles, enhancing patient outcomes. This shift requires healthcare professionals to be adept in interpreting complex genetic data.

Necessary Skills for the Future

Digital Literacy and Technological Acumen

The future demands healthcare professionals who are digitally literate and technologically savvy. Our AI-driven tools enhance operational efficiency, and familiarity with these technologies is becoming indispensable. Training programs and continuous learning must be prioritized to equip teams with the latest knowledge.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

With a deluge of data available, the ability to analyze and interpret information has become crucial. Plus91’s systems are designed to support data-driven insights, helping professionals make informed decisions. This skill not only optimizes patient care but also streamlines healthcare operations.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

As technology takes center stage, the human touch remains irreplaceable. Trust Plus91 to transform your healthcare operations with precision and reliability, while we emphasize the importance of empathetic patient interactions. Combining soft skills with technological expertise will be key to future roles.

Strategies for Healthcare Organizations

Investing in Staff Training and Development

Continuous professional development is non-negotiable. Organizations must invest in training programs to upskill their workforce. Partner with Plus91 for secure, scalable healthcare solutions you can trust, ensuring your team is well-prepared to harness emerging technologies.

Fostering a Culture of Innovation

Innovation must be at the heart of every organization. Encourage creativity and experimentation within your teams. Experience the dynamic solutions that keep your practice ahead of the curve by adopting Plus91’s cutting-edge tools.

Building Adaptable and Resilient Systems

In a landscape marked by rapid change, resilience is essential. Utilize our HL7 integrations for seamless data exchange across systems, creating adaptable infrastructures that can withstand future challenges.

Leading the Charge in Healthcare Evolution

At Plus91, we are committed to being your dependable partner in navigating this evolving landscape. We invite you to trust us with transforming your practice using our innovative solutions. How can AI reshape your practice’s future? Join us in pioneering discussions on AI in healthcare technology at prominent forums.

Let’s embark on this journey together.

Elevate your care with Plus91’s AI-driven patient platforms, and transform your patient care today

Enhance your staff with Digital Literacy and Health AI training programs from Plus91

Secure your networks and medical software with Plus91's cyber security plans

Together, we will drive the healthcare industry forward, ensuring that our future job roles are as dynamic and innovative as the technologies we embrace.

Best Practices for Successful IT Transformation in Hospitals

2024-06-28T20:43:00.000+05:30

The healthcare industry, particularly hospitals, managed care groups and clinics catering to chronic illnesses are undergoing a profound transformation, thanks to the advancements in Technology including Automation Technologies and Artificial Intelligence.

These technologies are not just enhancing existing treatment protocols and care processes; they're redefining the way hospitals and doctors operate, treat patients,speed up recovery and prevent health risks.

Embarking on an IT transformation journey is essential for modern healthcare institutions seeking to stay competitive and agile in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. To mitigate risks and maximize the benefits, consider these best practices, with simple examples to illustrate each point:

1. Seek Incremental Progress

Breaking down large transformation projects into smaller, manageable phases can significantly reduce complexity. For example, instead of overhauling an entire electronic health record (EHR) system at once, start by digitizing patient intake forms. This allows for early wins, creates organizational momentum, and enables continuous assessment and adjustment.

2. Ensure Strong Management

Robust program management frameworks are crucial for overseeing and guiding the transformation process.

Imagine a hospital managing a facility-wide IT upgrade. By using a strong program management framework, they can ensure each department's needs are met, resources are efficiently allocated, and timelines are adhered to, avoiding project delays and budget overruns.

3. Redesign from scratch

Adopting a design which allows for a complete redesign of products and processes. For example, a hospital could design a new patient management system from scratch, rather than trying to patch and adapt their outdated database. This method helps organizations move away from legacy systems and create more efficient and modern solutions.

4. Create a Culture of Innovation

Fostering a culture of innovation within the organization is vital. For instance, a healthcare system could set up an innovation lab where employees can experiment with new technologies like telemedicine platforms or AI-driven diagnostic tools. This encourages continuous adaptation and integration of new technological advances.

5. Aligned Incentives for all stakeholders

Ensure that all stakeholders, including medical staff, IT departments, vendors, and integrators, have aligned incentives. A practical example would be aligning the goals of a software vendor with those of the hospital's IT department by structuring contracts based on performance and patient satisfaction metrics, ensuring both parties work towards common objectives.

6. Build internal capabilities

Invest in developing internal capabilities and forming strategic partnerships. For example, a healthcare organization could partner with a tech university to train their staff on the latest healthcare IT systems. This enhances the organization’s ability to innovate and implement new technologies effectively.

7. Technology Decoupling

Design technology architectures that minimize dependencies on specific vendors or technologies. For instance, a hospital could adopt a cloud-based solution that works with multiple providers, rather than relying on a single vendor. This approach enhances flexibility, reduces risk, and allows the organization to pivot more easily when necessary.

By adhering to these best practices and incorporating simple, relatable examples, healthcare and hospital administrators can navigate the complexities of IT transformation more effectively, ensuring they reap maximum benefits while minimizing potential pitfalls.

Whats right for you - an ELN or a LIMS ? Helping you choose

2024-02-18T13:24:00.001+05:30

Digital platforms such as Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELNs) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) have become indispensable tools for research scientists in almost all areas of research today. From sectors like Biotechnology to Water, from Criminal Forensics to Drug Development, these tools are now used by researchers and laboratory staff in Research Centers big and small.

But what’s the difference between an ELN and a LIMS, and which one do you need?

A LIMS is a software system which manages all types of laboratory data including that of processes, instruments besides clinical data. A LIMS manages and automates workflows within the laboratory.

A good and carefully implemented LIMS can revolutionize lab operations by streamlining processes, improving workflow, and ensuring accuracy. With features like sample tracking, data analysis, and reporting.

An ELN is a digital platform that replaces traditional paper-based notebooks and generic databases to record, organize, and manage experiment data in a lab setting.

They are designed to enhance productivity and ensure data accuracy through customizable workflows and standardized methodologies.

Key Similarities between an ELN and LIMS System

Both ELN's and LIMS Systems
- Are Searchable
- Support Automation
- Enable Multi user collaboration
- Support multi-system collaboration
- Help bring about Consistency in processes
- Have Audit trails and help meet regulatory requirements

Key differences between an ELN and LIMS system

ELNs focus on handling the documentation of experiments. They serve a variety of purposes like creation of reusable experiment templates, supporting both free-form and structured note-taking, and generating bespoke data reports.

On the other hand, LIMS solutions are designed to eliminate errors caused by manual processes of samples. They do this by managing and automating workflows within a laboratory. They are used for monitoring the daily processes within the lab itself, including managing samples, workflows, materials, instruments and inventory. A LIMS is a complex multi user system.

Core Features in a LIMS

- Test and Sample Master Management

- Test Entry and Test Report Templates

- Sample Tracking and Management

- Data Management and Analysis

- Instrument Integration and Automation

- Quality Control and Assurance

Core Features in an ELN

- Lab Notebook Templates

- Data Link and Connection Management
- Data Management and Analysis
- Multi User Collaboration

Deciding factors?

ELN software serves as a digital platform for experiment documentation, data entry, and collaboration. It streamlines data management, enables real-time collaboration, and enhances productivity by providing researchers with a digital workspace to record and share scientific findings.

LIMS software focuses on managing laboratory workflows, sample tracking, and data organization. It streamlines daily lab operations to enhance overall efficiency while supporting data integrity and compliance with industry standards

Conclusion

LIMS and ELN platforms are two distinct yet complementary tools designed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of laboratory workflows. While ELN systems are designed to facilitate data capture, analysis and collaboration, LIMS solutions focus more on managing the laboratory itself. All popular LIMS systems are specifically designed to simplify the task of tracking and locating samples, reagents, and chemicals when needed. The importance of this functionality becomes clear if we imagine a researcher running an experiment and recording their processes and capturing data in an ELN, who suddenly needs to locate a specific reagent in storage for quality, audits or protocol validation.

In case you are a research center with a focus on primary research and most of your testing is outsourced to external laboratories, you may find an ELN helpful. However in case any testing is carried out within your research premises, or in cases instruments and multi-step processes are conducted as part of your research studies, a LIMS system is more useful. For the latter case, an integrated ELN/LIMS platform is actually what you need. Either by getting an excellent LIMS to integrate with your ELN, or by investing in an integrated solution.

This article is co-authored by Vishala Bodetti, Healthcare Specialist and Clinical Consultant at Plus91and Nrip Nihalani, Director of Product Management at Plus91

You can connect with Plus91 via the comments below. Alternatively contact us via X/Twitter or via the Plus91 website

What must your Data Backup Strategy include?

2021-07-30T01:36:00.008+05:30

Information is of critical importance to healthcare organizations. With the increase in pace of digitization in healthcare, the volume of health data is increasing exponentially. And...as with all digital data, the need to protect medical records against loss or corruption becomes even more critical.

Protecting electronic medical records and other forms of digital medical data is essential.
A robust data backup strategy can help you do just that

In todays times, Healthcare data backup and data recovery are critical components of every health IT infrastructure.

Hospitals cannot be careless about data backup. Their data is crucial for providing dependable care for patients.

Our Data Management team at Plus91 has put together this short set of pointers for you to get a gist of what a good data backup strategy should contain.

Onsite Backups:

When a server crashes or fails, it is helpful to have data backups on hand for easy restoration. Onsite backups are often faster to restore than cloud backups and almost always faster than offsite tape backups.

Offsite Backups:

Onsite backups are valuable, but they cannot be counted on alone. Should something disastrous happen to the data center, it could also damage any backups you have in the building. For that reason, it is always wise to have copies of your backups offsite where they can be accessed manually or through the cloud.

A Backup Schedule:

Backups are not a one time activity. The data in your systems must be regularly and consistently backed up. For this it is effective to setup a clear defined schedule which is known by everyone within the IT team.

Backup Verification and Testing:

Due to software and system glitches, a scheduled backup may fail sometimes. To ensure that everything is working smoothly, Backups need to be tested regularly. Also, the IT staff must be trained on how to access and restore their data backups as quickly as possible.

Organized Storage System:

The storage repository/driver for backups must be well organized. backup files must be labelled appropriately. If the labeling system is clear and organized, the backups will be useful when needed faster. An IT team shouldn't have to commit extra time digging through box after box of tape (or randomly labelled backup files on a drive) looking for a specific backup from a specific date several years ago.

In case you'd like us to help you out with Data Backup and Security, please contact us by clicking the following link and filling it up.

https://forms.gle/agHMcWg9rFSqmifE6

Benefits of signing up with NDHM for a Doctor

2021-05-09T19:11:00.002+05:30

The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) has been busy signing up doctors into the Digi-Doctor portal in 6 union territories and is being met with a mixed response. The Digi-Doctor Portal will act as a registry for the doctors and provide services to them and their patients. The services will be provided on the backbone of digital data portability initially related to patient demographic information and clinical data but later to expand to claims, prescriptions, and more.

While voluntary, the government is urging doctors to sign-up. Before we do list the benefits of the NDHM framework for doctors it would be good to list the reasons the doctors may not want to sign-up as per a few snippets floating online. Three stand-out reasons put forth are:

Doctors in general, will not be comfortable sharing their treatments and protocols with others, either for reasons of knowledge protection but more importantly due to opening themselves to malpractice suits.

Some doctors who indulge in the same may feel their referral system under duress as NDHM ensures Diagnostic reporting is done a minimum number of times due to data being shared easily under consent.

Lastly, there is some talk of having a standardized price list (already attempted under the Clinical Establishment Act) having to be shared as part of the NDHM sign-up, which may affect what the doctors charge for their services. While this standardization attempt is still speculation in terms of how it will be attempted or what it entails, this particular point will affect all doctors and hospitals irrespective of them being signed up or not and hence becomes moot.

Now to another important factor. All good doctors believe in the Hippocratic oath. It is seen so vividly in their fight against the COVID-19 waves, going out of their way to help their patients, sometimes at the cost of their own lives. Assuming that NDHM is securely and constructively implemented as envisioned, their belief in their oath should be enough of a reason to sign-up. Because simply put, having clear historical medical data of a patient and access to the latest reports helps them and the next doctor (when they contribute) make better decisions and hence helps their patient. That should be enough.

But if it's not enough, here are a set of clear benefits for the doctors. Note: Many of these benefits are dependent on the doctors signing up, providing growth via a feedback loop for an even bigger benefit as the network size increases.

Some of the Administrative benefits are:

License Renewal: What is promised a simplified license registration, license renewal, and NOC (No Objection Certificate) issuance when moving from one state to another now that there will be a single national registry as opposed to multiple councils and requirements they come with. With the process now online and digital with Digi-Doctor being integrated with various council systems, the pain many doctors feel today in renewing their license will be greatly reduced.
A barrier for quacks: The registration process and then subsequent listing in the authorized registry will weed out the quacks that cause harm not only to patients but also to the reputation of doctors in general. These quacks also cause a decrease in revenue, as patients flock to these places which offer cheaper services. But only if doctors do register in numbers, can the registry be effective in weeding them out.
CME Credit tracking: A new system will also be introduced to track CME (Continued medical education) credits effectively online to ensure Doctors are aware of where they stand and do not need to jump through hoops to get their credits counted.
Faster Insurance approvals: Getting Insurance for the clinic or hospital owned by the doctor or the doctor’s malpractice indemnity will become much easier and faster once a doctor is verified in the authenticated registry.

The Patient and Work-related benefits are:

Access to Patient History: The main benefit of this whole exercise. Access to an accurate and complete history of the patient. As more doctors and organizations sign-up, a more complete picture of a patient’s medical history will form up. Access to this history will ensure better care for the patient through better decision making, lesser errors (e.g. medication adverse events) than what occurs today due to partial knowledge, and quicker response times due to having data readily available. Providing better continuity of care is a key benefit each doctor must consider.
Tele-Consultations: Accessibility and authorizations to conduct teleconsultations plan to be brought under the ambit of NDHM. NDHM registered Doctors will be showcased on various government portals and registries as providers of teleconsultations.
Access to Global Standards: As a part of the digital framework Doctors will get access to various standards and protocols along with disease and drug registries.
Access to Government Programs and Studies: Verified doctors will be considered for or apply for various government grants or be part of government health programs, research studies, etc.

The Business-related benefits are:

Online Presence: Greater discoverability of verified doctor profiles with their professional work history/journey instilling higher trust amongst patients on a national platform. They can share this profile link on social media or on other sites to increase their patient flow. Doctors will also be given recognition on the portal by the NHA based on various parameters, including the number of medical records contributed increasing their profile further.
Access to Additional services: The NHA (National health authority) is planning to roll out additional services or allow 3rd party secure vendors to roll out services for doctors registered on the Digi-Doctor platform. Almost like a private marketplace for Doctors.
Storage of records: Using the Digi-doctor platform Doctor may get access to secured digital storage which can be used to store digital copies of their licenses, degree, and other critical credentials. Digitally verified versions of these documents will be considered legal to share.
Patient insurance claims: The flow of payments between Insurance ←→ Hospital ←→ Doctor will speed up considerably, once we experience quicker claim turnaround times when the e-claim process is in place. This will reduce cash flow problems which several doctors do face from time to time due to delays in claim processing.

There is apprehension amongst the Doctor community as there is with any Government registration process on whether it will infringe on their rights or bring in regulation that is detrimental to their wellbeing or livelihoods.

The NHA for its part has started outreach programs at least in union territories so far to allay these fears. Their framework and plans so far speak of the good intentions of the ministry of health and family welfare (MOHFW).

The question remains, will all these benefits outweigh the few niggling doubts in the minds of our current day superheroes.

References:

This article is authored by Aditya Patkar, CEO at Plus91

Can we figure out who might become a superspreader?

2021-05-04T21:58:00.009+05:30

SARS-CoV2 has a feature that is common with SARS-Cov and MERS.

The majority of people who catch this bug don’t infect anyone else. Most of the transmission is done by a small number of people, potentially fewer than 20% of those who become infected. These people, who inadvertently are responsible for spreading the virus are termed "Super Spreaders"

Now a lot of epidemiologists don’t like the term "Super spreader". They prefer to talk about super spreading events. But, this is something who knows a bit about epi's will accept - they talk in terms of events more than people. In any case, the fact remains, a minority of people are responsible for a majority of cases.

In 2020, Dillon C. Adam, a visiting research fellow at the University of Hong Kong and Ben Cowling, a professor of infectious diseases epidemiology at the same university, co-wrote an opinion piece in the New York Times on the phenomenon, arguing that if authorities focused on preventing the types of activities that allow super spreading to occur — crowded events, sharing close spaces with others — more onerous measures wouldn’t be needed. Now Prof. Cowling wonders if there is a way to figure out the types of people who are more likely to be super spreaders.

It’s the question that weighs on Vineet Menachery’s , a coronavirus expert at the University of Texas Medical Branch, mind, too. “If we can decipher what makes a person a super spreader, it can change the dynamics of outbreaks and how we deal with them, now and in the future,”

What makes a few feel this could lead to a wild goose chase is that there aren’t obvious clues to pursue.

We know the virus that comes from super spreaders is not different in terms of its genetic sequence. We know there is no link with disease severity. And , there is no evidence for age, sex, or co-morbidity in the spread.

But - and this is a good but, these clues are not obvious yet. I believe that last set of lines should end with the words "so far". We have barely studied the data from the pandemic so far. Patterns and clues of some kind will emerge.

Also, these are not the only markers or clinical demographics so to speak.

References:

Just Stop the Superspreading
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/02/opinion/coronavirus-superspreaders.html

COVID-19, SARS and MERS: are they closely related?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176926/

Hong Kong Quarantines a Few to Spare the Many. The Few Aren’t Happy.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/17/world/asia/hong-kong-coronavirus-quarantine.html

How SARS-CoV-2 first adapted in humans
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/372/6541/466

Clues to COVID-19 coronavirus's vulnerability emerge from an antibody against SARS
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/04/200403103959.htm

An overview of NDHM's Technology

2021-05-03T02:18:00.000+05:30

National Health Authority (NHA) has been working on a new-age ecosystem for healthcare data for India, one which allows seamless availability and interoperability of Personal Health Records to authorized people, they started designing the new ecosystem network such that data is available always to the patient all the time. Further, patients can choose to share their data with their health care providers securely.

Since the implementation was envisioned to be in a mission mode, the initiative was named, and is currently referred to as the National Digital Health Mission (NDHM).

NDHM Architecture

NDHM is employing a federated architecture for its ecosystem. That means that management and data access occurs in a federated manner where different entities or systems will manage the health data.
There is no central data storage controlling and storing data.

Using the Federated Health Records Framework (FHR), patients can access and view their health records, and provide consent to any HIPs and HIUs to access their data.

To ensure smooth consented data sharing and time-bound data access, it is necessary to make the data traceable and auditable. Therefore the FHR Framework architecture leverages MeitY's Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA) electronic consent framework, which is already being used in the financial sector.

Here are some interesting technical features of the NDHM ecosystem

FHIR for all Medical Data

One of the prevalent problems in the healthcare software landscape is that software providers have their own proprietary data structures and way of dealing with medical data. Despite having various standards available in the industry, very few providers use them correctly. This affects interoperability between systems. That is why it was required that all the systems on the ecosystem use the same standards for medical data so that data is interoperable. This is why the FHIR(Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) Specification was chosen as the data exchange format.

Asynchronous APIs

All the APIs(Application Programming Interfaces) of NDHM are asynchronous APIs. That means that you do not get the response of your requests synchronously but the response is sent back to your endpoints as a callback once your request is processed. This is a pretty standard technique in large distributed systems, and its use is expected and welcomed. As things start moving forwards, more providers will join and the number of transactions will grow exponentially. This model allows them to scale the network easily as we move forward.

It is also important to know that plenty of interactions happen between Health Information providers (HIPs) and each HIP software may handle requests differently. So making the API calls asynchronous, helps manage the variable serving capabilities of different HIP software graciously.

Patient Privacy & Security Features of NDHM

Privacy of the Patient Data is crucial and a lot of people are not comfortable with sharing their personal health data on central servers, especially sharing them with the government without their consent. The model that was adapted for this handles this concern very well.

Let's see how this is handled to ensure patient privacy is ensured, and it's the patient who owns the data.

HIPs can only create data if authorized by the Patient:

HIPs cannot create any data against a Health ID without first being authorized by the Patient. HIP obtains an Auth Code from NDHM Gateway by one of the following authorization methods:

Demographics Verification - Patient Demographics data supplied by HIP matches the Demographics data registered with the Health ID
Mobile OTP - Patient shares OTP sent to registered mobile number with the given health ID
Aadhar OTP - Patients shares OTP sent to the mobile number registered to Aadhar No associated with the given health ID
QR Code Share - Patient has the option to share their health ID by scanning the QR code available to the registration desk and the given HIP receives Patient Information and the Auth Code.

This ensures that no health data against a patient Health ID is being created without the patient’s approval.

An HIU(Health Information User) can only get past health records of other HIPs if consented by Patient

Other HIU's do not get a Patient’s past health records generated by other HIPs without the patient’s consent. If an HIU wishes to receive the past records, HIU needs to generate a Consent request with the following information:

Types of Health Data (OPConsultation, Prescriptions, Diagnostics Records, Discharge Summary & Immunization)
The purpose for Requesting Data
The date range of the data required
Consent Expiry - On consent expiry, this health data get destroyed from HIU’s system

As soon as this request is generated, the patient is notified about this consent request and he can review the request in the PHR app. The patient will be able to see all the data requested by HIU as mentioned above. Not only can the patient review the data but the patient also has the option to modify the request data( e.g. change consent expiry or type of data he/she wish to share or even change the date range of health records requested). This data is only shared with the HIU if the patient approves the consent request. If he denies the request, HIU does not receive this data.

Not only can patients review these things, but the patient can also decide to prematurely revoke access to any HIU‘s approved requests. If a patient decides to revoke access, the corresponding data will get destroyed from HIU’s system.

This mechanism ensures that patients always have control over their data.

Peer to Peer Data Transfer Between HIP & HIU

As mentioned earlier, a lot of patients are uncomfortable about their private health records being available to and accessed by the government. To avoid this altogether, NDHM never handles the data themselves. The NDHM Gateway only coordinates the connections between HIP and HIU. The actual data transfers happen between HIP & HIU directly and it is effected using a peer-to-peer connection. It does not pass through NDHM, and so there is no way NDHM can access the data.

Data exchange between the HIP & the HIU also happens using encrypted medical records above the standard TLS connection. This adds an additional layer of encryption for medical data.

The ECDH (Elliptic-curve Diffie–Hellman) key agreement protocol is used for this. The HIP & the HIU generate their own pair of public-private keys using curve25519 elliptic curve. This curve provides 128 bits of security for the data being encrypted.

The HIP will use its own private key and the HIU’s public key to compute a session key and encrypt the content using an AES GCM cipher. The HIU can use their private key and the HIP’s public key and compute the session key to decrypt the data. So even if the encrypted data is leaked, no one except these two parties can encrypt/decrypt the data.

Final Thoughts

The NDHM is a wonderful initiative by the government to streamline the healthcare landscape in India today. At this time, all the health data is available as silos within different solutions and systems. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to make the data interoperable between systems. Consequently, it is difficult for patients to access the data across these silos and manage it properly within a system of theirs choice. This project has the ability to revolutionize the industry. This could be the UPI of Healthcare.

It is one thing to have a concept and another thing to implement and execute it. So far NDHM seems to be going in the right direction. And there is hope that it will continue to do so.

Technology is being given equal importance to gain the trust of all players involved in this industry.

Privacy and Security have been a prime priority in the project as you can see from the above article, this is an oft-ignored aspect in old projects. Hope it continues to stay this way.

References

https://sandbox.ndhm.gov.in/docs/architecture

https://sandbox.ndhm.gov.in/docs/data_encrypt_decrypt

This blog post has been co-authored by Kishan Gor , Aditya Patkar and Nrip Nihalani

Why is India Facing a 2nd Wave of the Corona Virus

2021-04-19T17:17:00.005+05:30

Till a few months back, we both were in awe of how our country had achieved remarkable control over the spread of Covid-19, across the nation. While a majority of the world was battling a 2nd wave of the virus, Indians had shown remarkable restraint and followed protocols for months on end. Something I have never experienced in our great country in my lifetime. This resulting in the divine union of central government directives with state government policy-making and bureaucratic action and departmental rule-making and the public following the rules, as well people helping the authorities enforce the rules by others.

Wow! This utopian behavior, was instrumental in India achieving among the best metrics in the world, in terms of how the fight with Covid is being measured. i.e. No of cases, No of active cases, The recovery rate, etc.

And then we as a country seem to have performed the hara-kiri that our cricket teams of the '80s and 90's were well known for. Before we had won the match, we started celebrating the victory, and seem to have lost the game. We didn't wait till Covid was completely under control. We started dismantling the specially created Covid Centers. We took our families to the malls and did not care about spraying sanitizers, before and after each interaction with something from outside our controlled environment. We started unmasking at will within our buildings and even at the Kirana stores. We started flying and driving around the country without masks and frolicking on the beaches of Goa. Our house parties were back on, and we destroyed the controlled zone that all India had worked so hard to become over a whole year. All, in less than a couple of months. And so it's back, worse than ever before, crippling our economy, our spirit, and making us feel bleak about the future. Except for this time, it doesn't look like everyone wants to tackle it together anymore.

The center and the states don't seem to get along. The media is pushing up the pitch and the amplitude of the hyperbole. Strangely, vaccines seem to be running out. People are still not masking up. Many are demonstrating utter and complete stupidity with regards to bending the rules. Construction sites are working in full sway as if there is no covid in this world. Watchmen in buildings aren't sure if they should let delivery in or collect them at the gate, so they do nothing. And the poor Kirana-wala is feeling weird about asking the people coming to his shop to mask up again. My neighboring Kirana-wala told me he is not done arguing with customers who are say "khaasi pehle nahin hui kya" (Translates to "Haven't you had a cold before?") Sounds like March 2020 again!

We both decided to formally put down our reasons for what has brought us to this stage. Policymakers must not let this happen again

1. The single biggest factor for the wave having arrived is how we have behaved in the recent past.

People became complacent as the virus numbers fell. There was less social distancing, less effective usage of masks, and much more intermingling.
The government helped create this complacency by changing the message they were spreading across the nation. Earlier it "Lets fight Covid together" and then in early 2021 we started hearing "We have the best recovery numbers, which within a short period started sounding like We have beaten Covid", and many Indians started hearing this as "We are invincible"
Even once the cases started to rise, people did not take it seriously as they believed the virus was already conquered given the vaccine roll-out happening in the background.
Teenagers and early twenties are a big factor in the spread this time. Many were unaffected by the last surge but the mutated strains affecting their age groups, coupled with the fact that these age groups in India at least are more likely to participate in social events and less likely to follow norms completely gave rise to a larger number of cases.

2. Mutating Strains:

The nCov Virus can mutate quickly. This gives rise to multiple strains with differing characteristics. The strains doing the most damage are the ones where mutations allow for faster transmission of the virus. The second wave is mainly made up because of such slightly mutated strains which are harder to contain.
A new variant, called B.1.617, was initially detected in India with two mutations -- the E484Q and L452R. It was first reported late last year by a scientist in India and is the chief variant spreading in India which is highly contagious. It is also highly likely to evade the immunity provided by vaccines.
The Current strains affect a wider range of age groups. There is a larger number of cases, this time around, of children, teenagers, and pregnant mothers than in the previous wave. Hence a larger population is susceptible.
The current strains though less damaging are highly contagious. The virus travels further and faster instead of causing more damage to the host. One of the reasons why Ebola does not travel far is its genetic makeup causes a very high and quick kill rate of the host, meaning if a limited number of hosts are contained it cannot travel very far as the host itself dies if not cured. This spread puts a lot of pressure on the public health infrastructure, crippling it beyond a point.
India was not sequencing enough SARS-COV2 genomes till late Feb 2021. Ref: https://science.thewire.in/the-sciences/india-sars-cov-2-genome-sequencing-roadblocks-resources-b117-n440k-variants/ and https://science.thewire.in/health/insacog-ccmb-igib-novel-coronavirus-variants-genome-sequencing-covid-19-surge/

3. The Vaccine rollout:

The ability to deliver a large number of vaccines in time and with proper delivery mechanisms is not yet perfect. There is scope for the production to be increased, and the delivery mechanisms improved.
The fact that 2 doses are needed a few months apart for full efficacy gives the chance for the virus to take the person down in the long interim period. This interim period should have been defined as a period for vaccine takers to be extra careful.
The virus efficacy was never fully understood, and that the vaccine does not prevent the person infected from still being a carrier is still unknown to most.

4. Policy Changes

Policy changes allowed weddings and parties to be carried out with an increase in the number of people allowed. It became impossible to control the social distancing protocols at these large events, and they eventually became super spreaders. The increase in Weddings, Parties, Election campaigns, etc went on unabated as restrictions were lifted just as the strains became harder to contain.
There is a distinct delay between policy change (Begin Again Initiative by the government) such as allowing opening of businesses or removing restrictions on gathering and movement of people to when these translate into numbers in COVID-19 analytics. An increase in the number of COVID-19 cases or admissions or even deaths is not seen immediately within the week or even 2 weeks but much later. The delay is much larger as the spread initially is limited to smaller circles but due to spreader events and clusters forming suddenly rise exponentially. So policy changes in the November-December period showed up as a sudden surge from February onwards, as policy change led to behavior change was fed back to appear in the population-level data.

This article is jointly authored by Aditya Patkar and Nrip Nihalani

In conversation with Aditya Patkar and Nrip Nihalani - Business Evangelist of India - Feature on Forbes India and B1TV

2021-04-06T09:00:00.000+05:30

Healthcare is currently one of the most dynamic sectors witnessing rapid changes.

In this feature Nrip Nihalani and Aditya Patkar talk with Broadcast1

about Plus91's journey over the past decade,
about changing healthcare and being an integral part of the rise of digital healthcare
and the crucial role Plus91 plays in the future of digital health.

Includes our work on helping Healthcare organizations adopt digital tools, Predicting Epidemics, Creating and open culture and moving healthcare forward. Do Watch!

Here is a link to the feature - Business Evangelists of India

Using AI in Healthcare responsibly

2021-03-08T12:49:00.002+05:30

Artificial intelligence(AI) is slowly demonstrating its ability to help, improve and transform medicine. Typical examples are

Predicting health outcomes
Modeling Drug Discovery
Assisting in Triaging
Predicting disease outbreaks

I am very optimistic about AI’s potential use within the medical and clinical business, both in terms of making these disciplines more efficient and effective, as well as in the long term, changing what they will mean and represent to the rest of the world.

My worry though, is that, its being promoted almost as a fad in today's times. By promoting unrealistic expectations based on biased data, we run the risk of creating low levels of trust in the mindset of the users and everyone outside the immediate ecosystem, much like everything else within digital health has suffered from the very beginning.

A report published in JAMA - Artificial Intelligence in Health Care: A Report From the National Academy of Medicine recommends that people developing, using, implementing and regulating AI for healthcare do seven key things
to ensure these technologies and tools are developed, implemented and maintained responsibly

Promote data that accurately represents populations with accessibility, standardization and quality. - to overcome data availability biaseses ensure accuracy for all populations

Prioritize ethical, equitable and inclusive medical AI while addressing explicit and implicit bias. - to understand the potential of the Underlying biases to worsen or address existing inequity

Clarify the level of transparency needed across a AI developers, implementation teams, users and regulators - Contextualize the dialogue of transparency and trust, accept differential needs.

Focus in the near term on augmented intelligence rather than AI autonomous agents. - supporting data creation, data interpretation and decision-making by clinicians and patients is where opportunities are now

Develop and deploy appropriate Training Programs. - Training programs must be multidisciplinary and should engage AI developers, implementation teams, health care system leadership, front line clinical teams, ethicists, humanists, patients and caregivers

Have a robust and mature IT governance strategy in place before Health delivery systems use AI formally - Use and adapt existing frameworks and best practices for learning health care systems, human factors and implementation science.

Promote trust and balance innovation with safety through regulation and legislation - evaluate deployed clinical AI for effectiveness and safety based on clinical data.

The above is a mashup of original thoughts and ideas curated from:

Artificial Intelligence in Health Care: A Report From the National Academy of Medicine

https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/digital/7-tips-responsible-use-health-care-ai

https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/digital/10-ways-health-care-ai-could-transform-primary-care

Image credits:

First Image via http://www.brother.co.uk/business-solutions/healthcare/future-of-hospital-technology

Second Image via https://www.vpnsrus.com

Beautiful IVF Website Failures: How to ensure your Medical Practice Website works!

2014-11-11T13:18:00.000+05:30

Beautiful IVF Website Failures: How to ensure your Medical Practice Website works! from Indian Health Journal

Heartbleed Bug

2014-04-12T21:18:00.000+05:30

Even if you read a little about tech news, I doubt you may not have not heard the name Heartbleed bug. It has shaken the internet geeks! But what is this buzz all about?

What is a Heartbleed?

Heartbleed bug is a serious vulnerability in one of the implementation of SSL/TLS cryptography protocol which is OpenSSL. The scary thing is, OpenSSL is used by the 2/3 of the websites on the internet. And this bug went undetected for 2 years.

How serious is this bug?

Quoting the security expert Bruce Schneier,

"Catastrophic" is the right word. On the scale of 1 to 10, this is an 11.

What is the risk?

This security bug can allow attacker to read arbitrary 64kb chunk of server memory. The vulnerability lets a hacker access up to 64 kilobytes of server memory, but perform the attack over and over again to get lots of information. This allows the tracking the username, passwords and cookies. The Heartbleed bug is putting millions of passwords and credit card numbers at risk.

As reported by Mark Loman, he was able to see username and password in plaintext using this vulnerability.

What can I do to make sure I am secure?

If you have access to server, you will need to install latest OpenSSL patch. If you are just a user, you can do nothing until website / web server administrator has fixed the issue. Once the issue is fixed at sites, we recommend you to change your passwords ASAP. To check if the issues is fixed on aparticular site, check : http://filippo.io/Heartbleed/ .

How do I know if I am not compromised?

Unfortunately, exploitation of this bug leaves no traces of anything abnormal happening to the logs as said on heartbleed.org . You won't find any abnormality in your log if you've been compromised.

Which famous sites were affected by this bug?

Being a most famous SSL implementation, this was being used by most of the website. Few of the famous sites allegedly affected are below:

· Facebook

· Instagram

· Pinterest

· Tumblr

· Twitter

· Google

· Yahoo

· Gmail

· Yahoo Mail

· GoDaddy

· Intuit Turbo Tax

· Dropbox

· Minecraft

· OkCupid

· Stackoverflow

New Prescription Guidelines for Doctors In Maharashtra calls for much needed Standardization

2014-03-03T13:47:00.000+05:30

The medical council and healthcare government bodies on Friday released guidelines for doctors to write prescriptions. The sweeping guidelines are a welcome relief and will help reduce errors. Also they give a push to using technology to better comply with these standards and improve overall patient care.

The new guidelines include more information about the prescribing doctor, prescribed drugs and also patient information. Important parameters like the patients’ weight and age will help pharmacists also catch any errors at their end.

Prescription rules prepared by the Indian FDA on the basis of the Drug & Cosmetics Act suggest a uniform format, and advise writing or printing Drug Names in capital letters and also generic names of drugs as much as possible.

Using prescription software with basic patient information and pre-entered drug database will increase the doctor’s productivity in preparing such prescriptions and minimize errors during writing.

Below is the first look at the actual printed guidelines as shared with Doctors.

Emails for Improved Doctor Patient Communication

2012-07-01T23:53:00.000+05:30

E- Mails are a convenient medium for communicating in today's times. Slowly they have started being adopted in healthcare and as research shows, the percentage of physicians using emails to communicate with patients has increased gradually over the past 5 years.

A lot of communication between a doctor and patient is best done physically.
Doctors need to see patients in person to accurately gauge the patient's health and determine if a plan of care is being followed or whether changes in care are needed.

But …there are plenty of interactions that don't require face-to-face communication and that can be more effective via email.

The presentation below contains information for clinics, hospitals and doctors to help them use Emails effectively with patients to improve Patient Engagement, Patient Satisfaction and Quality of Care

Emails for Improved Doctor Patient Communication

View more PowerPoint from Plus91 Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Basic Computer Security for Doctors

2012-06-17T13:32:00.001+05:30

Computer Viruses are evil. Period... They are the biggest reason why those new to technology don't use more of it. Viruses cause computers to behave sluggishly, randomly and sometimes illegally.

Here we have put together a Simple Presentation about Computer Security and Anti Viruses keeping in mind health professionals. In this presentation we go through Common PC Security Issues and explain what causes them.

We then look at what can one do to Protect their computers. This includes Definitions, Educational Content, Precautionary Steps, Options of Complete Solutions and a Simple tutorial on How to use a popular Free Antivirus.

Please help us with your feedback in the comments section below or email us directly.

Basic Computer Security for Doctors

View more presentations from Plus91 Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

Healthcare Get Started With Twitter

2012-06-03T14:10:00.000+05:30

Twitter is a Social Network where users send and read short messages of upto 140 characters.

Twitter is a Cross between Text messaging, Blogging and Instant Messaging and is called the ‘SMS’ of the Internet.

This is a Simple starter guide for Healthcare Professionals to get started with Twitter

Healthcare Get Started With Twitter

View more presentations from Plus91 Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

What is eHealth?

2012-04-27T18:53:00.001+05:30

An animated journey through the exciting world of ehealth.

eHealth is better healthcare and a healthier life through digital technology.

Copyright ehi2, created by James Good Ltd.

MEDICAL WEBSITES CAN HELP A PATIENT EXPERIENCE A DOCTOR'S AWESOMENESS

2012-04-14T00:34:00.002+05:30

How does a Website help Promote a Gynaecology practice

2012-04-11T16:47:00.000+05:30

How does a Website help Promote a Gynaecology practice

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How can low cost SMS' be used effectively by clinics and hospitals

2012-03-15T14:38:00.001+05:30

Nowadays most people consider SMS's as the most convenient form of keeping in touch with the people around them. It is no surprise then that the simple SMS has been found to be the most liked feature on mobile phones. An affordable option for keeping in touch, using SMS's can help healthcare immensely.

Some simple ways by which use of SMS's helps clinics and hospitals provide better patient care:

- Reminding Patients regarding Appointments and Lab Tests.

- Infant immunization alerts for parents

- Blood donor information and alerts

- Medication Alerts for Patients

- Diet and Exercise Alerts to ensure adherence for Patients

- Health Insurance claims update

- Messages to wish discharged patients

- Instant provision of information 24/7 via a 2 way SMS service

By using SMS Messaging effectively, clinics and hospitals can also improve internal productivity and tighten their internal workflows. Ways in which SMS Messaging helps the Internal Productivity of clinics and hospitals:

- Daily provision of Stock related information and special alerts on insufficient stock of items allows store managers and pharmacies to keep on top of their inventory

- Alert Messages to inform Technicians of maintenance Schedules

- Regular Shift wise schedules to staff

- Daily Message with Summary of financials to management staff

- Instant message to duty staff in case of emergencies

- Message to confirm appointment with a Doctors, Radiologists, Pathologists and Dentists

- End of day consultation summary
- Reminders for Regulatory Reports like PNDT

Why Your Hospital Needs More Than Just A Website

2011-11-23T15:27:00.002+05:30

The internet has become the most important source of information in the world. A recent survey in India found that seventy two percent of Indians online search for healthcare related information. With an increasingly large number of people going online before making any healthcare related decision, it has become more important than ever for hospitals and doctors to have their websites.

All the larger and teaching hospitals have realized the importance of having a website. The web company, Webometrics has ranked all teaching hospitals of the world according to their web presence, taking into consideration their search engine visibility, available digital content and published studies in online databases. Here’s a list of the top 12 Indian teaching hospitals according to their web metrics in 2011.

Rank In India	Hospital	World Rank
1	Laparoscopy Hospital	455
2	Sankara Nethralaya Hospital	584
3	Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences	690
4	Tata Memorial Centre	753
5	Aravind Eye Care System	840
6	King George Medical College and Hospital	859
7	Sri Ramachandra University & Medical Centre	1019
8	Apollo Hospitals	1037
9	L.R.S. Institute of Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases	1062
10	Sir Ganga Ram Hospital	1368
11	Fortis Healthcare	1808
12	Max Healthcare	1898

A number of comparatively smaller healthcare centers in India have also recognized the importance of having a high quality medical website ( eg: Skin Hair Clinic ,Cura Physiotherapy Clinic and Divinations Healthcare).

So what are the five main reasons for building a website for hospitals?

1) Provide Service Information:

Websites allow you to describe complex services available at your medical center in great details. This allows healthcare professionals to educate healthcare consumers about all the services available even before they visit the facility.

2) Build healthcare brand.

Healthcare services are people facing business and all people facing business need to build themselves into a Brand. Websites and blogs are wonderful tools for Brand building among people and news reporters looking for related information online.

3) Improve search optimization ranking.

Just having a website does not guarantee you a high visibility. Websites which contain posts focused on keywords and extensive link building help improve search engine rankings and therefore greater probability of being found online.

4) Distribute informative content.

Websites help hospitals/ doctors inform consumers about latest health research and guide them into healthy lifestyles. Thus medical websites can act as a great resource for people looking for information on preventive healthcare practices. In turn, consumers in need are more likely to turn to curative services which provide them information for their preventive healthcare needs.

5) Build a healthcare community.

Maybe the most important thing a website can do for any healthcare institution is to build an online community. Patients love to be able to connect with doctors and also other patients in similar circumstances as them. Having a website allows a healthcare provider to fill this huge gap of doctor-patient and patient-patient interaction.

A useful medical website is more than just an effort at ego boosting. A truly high quality medical website needs a good blend of technological and medical expertise. To get yourself a truly useful internet presence (as opposed to just a run-of-the-mill website), contact websites@plus91.in today.