iHealthBeat: Chronic Disease Care

Stakeholders Tout Health IT Tools To Boost Chronic Care Management

Wed, 27 Jan 2016 18:47:00 Z

Several health IT groups have sent letters to a Senate committee working group in response to a request for comments on how interoperability and telehealth can be used to improve chronic disease care. Most groups say they support expanding the use of telehealth services and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives is urging lawmakers to facilitate interoperability across the care continuum. Politico's "Morning eHealth" et al.

2016 Will Be the Year Person-Centered Care Comes to the Forefront

Mon, 11 Jan 2016 12:00:00 Z

The foundation for value-based success was laid in 2015 and widespread use of interoperable, secure health IT has played a pivotal role. In 2016, we'll see patients and health care providers using IT to get us closer to ensuring that the right person got the right care at the right time for the right price.

Medication Adherence: Technology Helps, but Multifaceted Approach Needed

Thu, 03 Dec 2015 12:00:00 Z

Medication adherence is one of the health care industry's most daunting problems, but experts say health IT -- from sophisticated reminder messaging systems to "smart" pill dispensers to remote sensors -- can be leveraged to help ensure patients take prescribed medications as instructed.

American Heart Association, Google Partner To Combat Heart Disease

Mon, 09 Nov 2015 18:11:00 Z

The American Heart Association and Google Life Sciences plan to launch a five-year, $50 million joint research initiative to develop new treatments and ways to prevent coronary heart disease. Among other things, the project seeks to use new technology and data analytics to change the way cardiovascular research is conducted. Wall Street Journal et al.

CMS Posts Updated Star Ratings for Medicare Dialysis Facilities Online

Fri, 09 Oct 2015 17:00:00 Z

CMS has published updated ratings for nearly 6,000 dialysis centers to its Medicare's Dialysis Facility Compare website. The site launched in January as part of a broader federal effort to increase transparency. However, kidney-care providers have criticized the ratings system for grading on a curve. Modern Healthcare.

Tech Companies Create Monitoring Tools To Keep Seniors at Home

Wed, 23 Sep 2015 17:19:00 Z

As more seniors look to stay in their homes and out of long-term care facilities, technology companies and startups are developing tools that leverage Bluetooth technology and sensors to improve home care. Such tools track seniors' health and daily routines and can transmit the data to family members or health care providers monitoring their care. Reuters.

ACC Touts Health IT Efforts To Improve Chronic Disease Management

Mon, 29 Jun 2015 17:20:00 Z

In a letter to the Senate Finance Committee, the American College of Cardiology encourages lawmakers to "acknowledge the importance of specialty care" in care coordination efforts, including those that involve health IT. The letter comes in response to lawmakers' call for input about chronic disease management care. Health IT Analytics.

Study: Clinical Decision Support Can Help Reduce Childhood Obesity

Wed, 22 Apr 2015 16:56:00 Z

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics finds that clinical decision-support tools can help facilitate efforts to reduce childhood obesity. According to the study, children whose families and pediatricians were most active in using clinical decision-support tools and health coaching experienced the greatest reductions in body mass index. Healthcare IT News et al.

Gamification in Health Care Is Booming, but Is it Effective?

Wed, 11 Mar 2015 11:00:00 Z

Tom Baranowski of Baylor College of Medicine, Willis Gee of Cigna, Cameron Lister of Brigham Young University, Kevin Werbach of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business and Rhett Woods of Rally Health spoke with iHealthBeat about the growing use of digital gaming to encourage healthy behaviors and reduce costs.

Diabetes: Ripe for the Convergence of Services, Big Data and Technology

Mon, 02 Mar 2015 12:00:00 Z

The U.S. spends more than $300 billion annually on diabetes, and yet people struggling with the disease are not getting the care and support they need. Organizations can effectively manage and support patients with diabetes today by deploying new models that leverage emerging technology with services in new ways.

Most U.S. Adults Want To Use Apps, Wearables for Health Management

Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:43:00 Z

A survey by Makovsky Health and Kelton finds that 79% of U.S. adults are interested in using wearable devices and about 66% are interested in using mobile applications to help manage their health. In addition, 88% say they would be willing to share their personal health data to improve treatment options and care. MobiHealthNews, Makovsky Health/Kelton release.

Study: Detailed EHR Analyses Could Help Identify New Rx Benefits

Mon, 24 Nov 2014 18:34:00 Z

A study of electronic health record data at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Mayo Clinic finds that detailed analyses of EHRs could help identify new benefits of prescription drugs. For example, researchers find that a drug to treat Type 2 diabetes can decrease mortality from several cancers. Health Data Management, JAMIA.

CDC, HHS Launch Health IT Blood Pressure Management Challenge

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 17:48:00 Z

A new challenge launched by HHS and CDC aims to spotlight providers who are using health IT to improve blood pressure management. The challenge is part of the national Million Hearts initiative and will run until Oct. 10. Health Data Management, Federal Register.

Digital Health Tools Are a Growing Part of Workplace Wellness Programs

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 11:00:00 Z

Digital devices and smartphone applications increasingly are being incorporated into workplace wellness programs to engage employees. Although digital tools can create efficiencies, some experts caution that they do not guarantee the health outcomes employers want.

House Committee To Consider Bill on Clinical Data Registries

Tue, 29 Jul 2014 18:03:00 Z

A draft bill being considered by the House Energy and Commerce Committee calls on HHS to provide recommendations on the development of clinical data registries and the use of such registries to evaluate the effect of various care models and methods on chronic disease management. Health Data Management, EHR Intelligence.

Gov't Agencies, AMA Tap Telehealth, Other IT To Fight Hepatitis C

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 16:24:00 Z

CDC is funding telehealth efforts to increase primary care capacity for treating hepatitis C, while the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is working with the American Medical Association on quality measures and clinical decision support tools. Health Data Management, "Health IT Buzz."

Medical Groups To Launch Diabetes Registry To Boost Care, Research

Tue, 17 Jun 2014 16:53:00 Z

The American College of Cardiology, American College of Physicians, American Diabetes Association and Joslin Diabetes Center are partnering to launch a diabetes registry to improve care across a variety of specialties and facilitate diabetes research. AstraZeneca has provided financial support for the registry. Forbes et al.

Putting Prevention-Intervention in Place

Thu, 12 Jun 2014 10:30:00 Z

Technology can help us promote an optimized health care system that keeps consumers healthy rather than our current "sick-care" system. With clear data, we'll be able to bend the cost curve and shift our entire health system to its optimal level.

Website, Mobile App Help Family Caregivers Manage Patient Health

Wed, 28 May 2014 18:13:00 Z

Two sisters have created a website and mobile application that aim to help the more than 50 million U.S. residents serving as caregivers manage and store vital health care information. The company, called Making Care Easier, offers the tools at no cost to users. Boston Globe.

Addressing Social Determinants of Health Key to Improving Health, Health Care

Tue, 27 May 2014 13:30:00 Z

To achieve the triple aim of health care, we will need to capture social determinants of health at the point of care, in the clinic, in the community and in the data repository: the electronic health record. Doing so poses an important opportunity to reduce health care costs and produce competent, self-reliant consumers of appropriate health care.

Report Evaluates Role of Social Media in Chronic Disease Care

Thu, 30 Jan 2014 19:31:00 Z

A new report from the eHealth Initiative finds that social media could help alleviate the burden of chronic disease on the U.S. health care system. However, the report notes that several challenges -- including privacy concerns, gaps in social media adoption and the quality of online information -- must be addressed. Government Health IT, eHI release.

Google Developing Contact Lenses To Measure Glucose Levels

Wed, 22 Jan 2014 18:31:00 Z

Google is testing new "smart contact lenses" that can measure individuals' glucose levels using a microchip embedded in the lenses and then transmit those data to a mobile device. The technology could eliminate the need for daily finger-prick tests for patients with diabetes. Reuters et al.

EHR Use Boosts Diabetes Care, Federally Funded Project Finds

Fri, 13 Dec 2013 18:08:00 Z

A study by the Western New York Beacon Community finds that the use of electronic health records and other health IT helped improve the care of patients with diabetes and reduce costs. The study was funded through a $16.1 million Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT grant. Buffalo News, FierceHealthIT.

NIH, PCORI Dole Out Grants for Health IT Research on Heart Disease

Thu, 10 Oct 2013 18:21:00 Z

NIH has awarded $2 million to Sutter Health, Geisinger Health System and IBM Research to develop early-detection methods for heart disease, in part by using electronic health records. Meanwhile, the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute has awarded $3.5 million to Saint Luke's Mid-American Heart Institute researchers for health IT-related heart disease research. Venture Beat et al.

Health 2.0 Conference: Finding a Way Into Workflow and Life Flow

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 11:00:00 Z

At the seventh annual Health 2.0 conference last week, technology developers showed off new products that are designed to easily fit into people's lives. A common sticking point for developers is getting their applications, dashboards, platforms and devices to fit within the workflow of the U.S. health care system.

Patient Participation: Let Patients Help With Medical Record Quality, Completeness

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:30:00 Z

Clinicians work in an imperfect system, with holes in their workflows and no proofreaders. Patients and their families can help. They have the most at stake in the accuracy and completeness of their medical record and are in the best position to spot mistakes or omissions.

Study: EHRs May Not Accurately Assess Cardiovascular Care Quality

Tue, 24 Sep 2013 18:27:00 Z

A study published last week in the American Heart Journal finds that although electronic health record systems can be used to measure the quality of care provided to patients with coronary artery disease, such assessments may not be entirely accurate. Cardiovascular Business.

Study: EHR-Based Software Cut Readmission Rates by 26%

Fri, 02 Aug 2013 17:22:00 Z

A new study published in BMJ Quality & Safety finds that ranking heart failure patients by risk level using electronic health record systems cut readmission rates by 26%. The hospital used in the study has adopted the software in routine practice. Modern Healthcare's "Vital Signs," FierceHealthIT.

ACOs Using Remote Patient Monitoring To Improve Chronic Care

Tue, 09 Jul 2013 17:50:00 Z

A Spyglass Consulting Group survey finds 55% of responding accountable care organizations use remote patient monitoring to help manage patients with chronic illnesses. However, concerns over integration with existing health technology linger. FierceHealthIT, Healthcare IT News.

What Percentage of Caregivers Conduct the Following Online Health-Related Activities?

Mon, 01 Jul 2013 21:43:00 Z

A survey by the Pew Research Center and the California HealthCare Foundation finds that 72% of caregivers reported going online to find health information, while 52% have participated in online social activities related to health and 46% have gone online for a diagnosis.

LIVESTRONG Foundation Seeks To Automate Cancer Tool

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 07:00:00 Z

Both cancer survivors and health care providers reported high satisfaction with an online post-treatment care plan tool. Now, researchers plan to study whether the tool can be streamlined by using electronic health record data.

Study: Interactive Voice Technology Could Help Boost Diabetes Care

Tue, 28 May 2013 07:00:00 Z

A new study finds that follow-up calls to patients with diabetes that use interactive voice recognition technology could help identify safety triggers, such as high blood sugar and significant side effects from medication. Healthcare IT News, Clinical Innovation & Technology.

Amid Growth, Little Known About Effect of mHealth on Health

Fri, 24 May 2013 07:00:00 Z

A new study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research finds that while mobile health technologies have grown and become more complex over the past 10 years, little research has been done to test their effect on health outcomes. FierceMobileHealthcare.

Study: Online Pharmacist Care Helps Patients Control Blood Pressure

Thu, 23 May 2013 07:00:00 Z

A new study finds that access to online pharmacist care helps patients with hypertension sustain low blood pressure. While some experts say such interventions are costly, the study authors say they are inexpensive considering the potential health improvements. Reuters, FierceHealthIT.

PatientsLikeMe Platform Aims To Assess Patient Outcome Measurements

Thu, 23 May 2013 07:00:00 Z

PatientsLikeMe, a social network for patients to share health information, is piloting a platform to examine new ways of measuring patient outcomes. The website says the platform will save researchers time because they will not have to organize their own studies. InformationWeek.

Patient Blogging Could Offer Host of Benefits

Mon, 13 May 2013 07:00:00 Z

There is growing evidence that blogging about illness and treatment can be beneficial for patients. Large medical institutions have taken note and are incorporating blogging into their treatment offerings.

Health IT Initiatives Among Recipients of $88.6M in PCORI Grants

Thu, 09 May 2013 07:00:00 Z

Several comparative effectiveness projects using health IT will receive grant funding from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute. One such initiative seeks to use telehealth to boost behavioral and mental health services for children. Modern Healthcare.

Study: Text Messages Improve Outcomes for Children With Asthma

Fri, 03 May 2013 07:00:00 Z

A study finds that children with asthma who received daily text messages providing information about their condition or asking questions about their symptoms had better clinical outcomes than kids who did not receive the daily texts. FierceMobileHealthcare, Medical News Today.

Project Aims To Predict Diabetes Cases Using Artificial Intelligence

Wed, 01 May 2013 07:00:00 Z

As part of a new collaboration, New York University, NYU Langone Medical Center and health insurer Independence Blue Cross are working to develop a machine-learning algorithm that could help identify undiagnosed cases of diabetes and pre-diabetes. For the project, NYU will use its artificial intelligence technology to analyze IBC's claims data. Philadelphia Business Journal et al.

PCORI To Fund Research Networks That Will Rely on Health Data Sharing

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:00:00 Z

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute will spend $68 million to fund two research networks that will help scientists conduct clinical trials and comparative-effectiveness studies using data gathered through physician visits. Washington Post's "Wonkblog" et al.

Specialists Embracing Video Games To Treat Chronic Pain Conditions

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 07:00:00 Z

Health care providers are starting to use video games to treat patients with chronic pain. For example, a video game system at Children's National Medical Center tracks patients' body movements and allows physical therapists to view the data in real time. New York Times.

Medical Centers Seek Gene Data To Boost Cancer Treatments

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:00:00 Z

Academic medical centers like Harvard Medical School and Johns Hopkins University are gathering data on patients' genes to improve cancer treatments. Some experts have questioned whether the cost of such research is worth the potential benefits. New York Times.

Caregivers Tap Mobile Apps, Online Tools To Manage Patient Care

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 07:00:00 Z

Companies and advocacy organizations are developing mobile applications and online tools to help caregivers manage care for individuals with certain conditions. Such tools can help caregivers track medications and learn more about a particular disease. AP/Sacramento Bee.

Computer Model Could Predict Prognoses for Breast Cancer Patients

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 07:00:00 Z

A computer model developed as part of an online crowdsourcing contest uses a three-gene signature to predict with 76% accuracy which of two breast cancer patients would live longer, according to a study. MedPage Today's "The Gupta Guide," MyHealthNewsDaily/Yahoo! News.

Report: Doctors Support Patient Self-Tracking of Health Data

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 07:00:00 Z

According to a Manhattan Research report, 70% of surveyed physicians say that at least one patient shares health measurement data with them and nearly 75% say that patient self-tracking could improve health outcomes. However, most patients who use self-tracking are not leveraging advanced technology, the report finds. Clinical Innovation & Technology, Manhattan Research release.

Health Providers Weigh Digital Tools To Reduce Hospital Readmissions

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:00:00 Z

Starting in October, health care facilities with high readmission rates for certain conditions could face Medicare penalties. To help providers reduce readmissions, technology vendors are developing new tools that could help patients stay healthy at home. Scientific American.

Review: Digital Media-Based Interventions Could Boost Teen Health

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 07:00:00 Z

A review article finds that electronic media-based health interventions are associated with improved health outcomes for teenagers. Some of the digital interventions rely on computer games, simulations or Web-based programs. MedPage Today's "The Gupta Guide."

Report: Using 'Big Data' Could Curb Health Care Costs by $450B Annually

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 07:00:00 Z

A report from McKinsey & Company finds that the health care industry could save up to $450 billion annually by using "big data." However, the report notes that the health care industry will need to make changes to realize such savings. Wall Street Journal's "CIO Journal" et al.

White House Launches Brain-Mapping Project Requiring New IT Tools

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 07:00:00 Z

President Obama has announced a brain mapping initiative to discover new ways to treat Alzheimer's disease, stroke and other neurological conditions. The project is expected to require the use of new and not-yet-invented data processing and imaging tools. InformationWeek et al.

Could New Cancer Care Database Be a 'Game Changer' for Medicine?

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 07:00:00 Z

What does a successful prototype of a cancer care database mean for the future of medicine? Experts say the effort could bring the concept of a rapid learning health system to life by allowing health providers to tap into the collective experience of millions of patients to inform care delivery.

Report: Effectiveness of Health IT-Based Diabetes Interventions Is Limited

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 07:00:00 Z

A report published in The Cochrane Library finds that health IT-based interventions might not be very effective for improving the health and quality of life of patients with diabetes. However, such interventions often improve patients' understanding of the disease. Reuters et al.

CMS Launches Online Tool To Aid Research on Chronic Conditions

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 07:00:00 Z

CMS has launched an online dashboard to provide researchers with access to federal data on Medicare beneficiaries who have multiple chronic illnesses. CMS officials say the tool will help support efforts to cut costs and improve patient outcomes. Modern Healthcare.

Study: Online Nutrition Data for Cancer Patients Is Lacking, Inconsistent

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:00:00 Z

According to a new study, many cancer institution websites do not provide information about dietary recommendations for cancer patients or they provide information that is inconsistent with data on other websites. Medical News Today, MedPage Today's "The Gupta Guide."

Report: Remote Patient Monitoring Market To See Continued Growth

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 07:00:00 Z

A Kalorama Information report finds that the remote patient monitoring market grew from $8.9 billion in 2011 to $10.6 billion in 2012. The report predicts that the market will continue growing and reach $20.9 billion by 2016. Clinical Innovation & Technology, Healthcare IT News.

UCLA Studies Analytics System That Assesses Real-Time Patient Data

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 07:00:00 Z

Ronald Reagan University of California-Los Angeles Medical Center is testing a system from IBM and Excel Medical Electronics that uses analytics to monitor real-time patient data. The system aims to help doctors make treatment decisions. InformationWeek, Financial Times' "Tech Hub."

Study: Telehealth Visits Feasible Alternative for Parkinson's Patients

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 07:00:00 Z

A study published in JAMA Neurology finds that telehealth care could be a feasible alternative to in-office physician visits for patients with Parkinson's disease. According to the study, using telehealth services saved patients travel time and mileage. MedPage Today, Modern Healthcare.

Telehealth Tools Help Patients Reduce Blood Pressure, Study Finds

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 07:00:00 Z

A study published in the American Heart Journal finds that patients using telehealth tools to monitor their hypertension achieved a significant drop in their blood pressure. Such patients reported their blood pressure readings online or by telephone. KPCC's "OnCentral" et al.

Web-Based Tracking Boosts Blood Pressure Outcomes, Study Finds

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:00:00 Z

A study finds that patients with hypertension were better able to lower their blood pressure when they used a Web-based home monitoring tool. The online tool allows patients to upload their blood pressure data and share it with their doctors. FierceHealthIT, MedPage Today.

Adoption of Passive Health Sensors Likely To Rise, Report Finds

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:00:00 Z

A report published by the California HealthCare Foundation predicts a rise in the adoption of passive health sensors for personal health management and clinical purposes. The report outlines several issues that manufacturers should address to support sensor adoption. MobiHealthNews.

ONC Names Winner of Mobile App Contest To Curb Heart Health Risks

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:00:00 Z

A mobile application developed by the Marshfield Clinic Research Foundation has won the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT's "Million Hearts Risk Check Challenge." The app uses clinical decision support software to assess heart attack risks. Modern Healthcare et al.

Astronomy Software Could Speed Detection of Cancer, Study Finds

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:00:00 Z

A new study finds that image analysis software used by astronomers to identify indistinct celestial objects could be used to detect breast cancer biomarkers. The astronomy algorithms helped researchers analyze more than 2,000 tumor samples in one day. FierceHealthIT et al.

Families Push for Better Sharing of Health Care Research Information

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 08:00:00 Z

Families are pushing for researchers to share patients' medical data so children with rare diseases are not required to participate in so many studies. However, companies and academic researchers are reluctant to share what they consider to be proprietary information. Wall Street Journal.

NMQF, Microsoft Partner To Improve Clinical Trial Recruitment, Diversity

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 08:00:00 Z

The National Minority Quality Forum's National Health Index and Microsoft have partnered to launch the National Clinical Trial Network. The effort aims to boost clinical trial quality by improving recruitment and diversity. Healthcare IT News, Clinical Innovations & Technology.

Health Care Providers, Insurers and PBMs Boost Use of Data Analytics

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 08:00:00 Z

Health insurers, pharmacy benefit managers and health care providers are using data analytics for several purposes, such as to predict which patients are most likely to generate high costs or which patients are likely to be admitted to the hospital. Wall Street Journal.

Study: Computer Model Could Curb Costs, Improve Patient Care

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:00:00 Z

A new study by Indiana University researchers finds that the use of computer models and machine-learning algorithms could curb health care costs and improve patient outcomes. The researchers created an artificial intelligence framework that uses mathematical modeling formulas and sequential decisionmaking to simulate the effects of different treatment paths. Computerworld et al.

eHealth Initiative Offers Guide on How Health IT Can Aid in Cancer Care

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 08:00:00 Z

The eHealth Initiative has published an overview of 76 health IT tools that are available to help cancer patients, their families and caregivers. The tools focus on decisionmaking, education, lifestyle management and other areas. Health Data Management, Healthcare IT News.

Social Media Tools Can Help HIV-Prevention Efforts, Study Finds

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 08:00:00 Z

A study finds that social networking websites can help prevent HIV infection among at-risk populations. According to the researchers, study participants who discussed HIV prevention and testing on Facebook were more likely to request an HIV test. Medical News Today.

IBM Offering Two New Decision Support Tools Based on Watson

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:00:00 Z

IBM has released two new applications that use its Watson supercomputer to help health care providers and insurers make decisions about patient care and insurance coverage. One of the new decision support tools offers recommendations for treating patients with lung cancer and the other tool recommends treatments that should be covered by insurers. AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution et al.

Study: Health IT Boosts Kids' Access to Obesity Screenings, Treatment

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 08:00:00 Z

A new study finds that health IT tools can help boost children's access to obesity screenings and treatment. However, researchers say that it is unclear how such tools affect weight loss and other health outcomes because the topic is understudied. Clinical Innovation & Technology.

Automated Phone Call System Identifies Some Adverse Drug Events

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:00:00 Z

According to a Canadian study, an automated phone call system helped identify 58 out of 125 adverse drug events. The system also reminded patients to adhere to their prescribed drug regimen and provided them with an opportunity to speak with a pharmacist. CBC News et al.

Study: Online Posts Can Help Physicians Learn About Drug Side Effects

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:00:00 Z

A study finds that about 20% of women who post online about certain breast cancer medications comment on the drugs' side effects. Researchers say doctors can use such data to learn about patients' experiences with drugs. WHYY's "NewsWorks," Perelman School of Medicine release.

Adoption of Preventive Health Tools Moving Slowly, Report Finds

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:00:00 Z

A report finds that the adoption of preventive health technologies has been slow because of several challenges, including high initial investment costs, a lack of reimbursement and uncertainties about the effectiveness of the tools. FierceHealthIT, Frost & Sullivan release.

UnitedHealth, Mayo Partner on Data Mining Project To Improve Care

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 08:00:00 Z

UnitedHealth Group and the Mayo Clinic have launched a new research initiative to identify best practices for high-quality, low-cost care. The project will involve analyzing millions of de-identified health insurance claims and clinical records. Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal et al.

Scientists Say Mining EHR Data Could Boost Medical Research

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 08:00:00 Z

Mining large volumes of data from electronic health record systems could help researchers evaluate the outcomes and side effects of specific treatments. However, challenges impeding the mining of EHR data include concerns about privacy, accuracy and other issues. New York Times.

New Technologies Seek To Help Patients Adhere to Medication Regimens

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 08:00:00 Z

Companies are developing innovative technologies to help patients improve their prescription drug adherence. Such tools include electronic pill bottle caps and QR codes for pill bottle labels so consumers can download more information about the medications. Wall Street Journal.

Online Information Does Not Boost Colon Cancer Screening, Study Finds

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 08:00:00 Z

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine finds that women who have access to online resources about colon cancer screenings are no more likely to obtain the tests than women who receive printed resources about colon cancer screenings. NPR's "Shots," Reuters.

Frequent Internet Use Linked With Positive Outlook on Cancer

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 08:00:00 Z

A new study finds that individuals who frequently search for health information online are more likely to have a positive outlook on cancer prevention and diagnosis than those who rarely seek Web-based health information. PhysBizTech, United Press International.

Applying Algorithms to EHR Data Can Detect Diabetes, Study Finds

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:00:00 Z

In a new study, researchers from Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute applied an algorithm to electronic health record data to identify cases of diabetes. Researchers say the algorithm is more effective than using claims codes alone. HealthDay et al.

U.K. Launching Genetic Sequencing Database for Medical Research

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:00:00 Z

As many as 100,000 United Kingdom residents with cancer and rare diseases could have their genetic codes included in a National Health Service database. The project aims to advance medical research, but some advocates have raised privacy concerns. Reuters, BBC News.

Web-Based Program Helps Patients Manage Diabetes, Study Finds

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:00:00 Z

Palo Alto Medical Foundation researchers have found that an online program helped patients with diabetes manage their condition. The patients used a wireless glucometer and smartphone to send data to PAMF's electronic health record system. InformationWeek et al.

Experts Concerned Over Drug Firms' Sponsorship of Blogs, Online Forums

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:00:00 Z

Some pharmaceutical companies pay bloggers and members of online communities to promote their products. Experts and advocacy groups are concerned that such practices could mislead patients who are looking for medical information and guidance online. NPR's "Shots."

Researchers Use Data Mining To Help Identify Alzheimer's Biomarkers

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 08:00:00 Z

A study in the Journal of Translational Medicine finds that data mining can help researchers identify biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. One study author notes that the same approach could be used to study other health conditions. Clinical Innovation & Technology, FierceHealthIT.

Regenstrief Institute, Merck Partner on Health Data Analytics Project

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 08:00:00 Z

The Regenstrief Institute and Merck are collaborating on a project that will use health data analytics to develop personalized treatments. The partnership aims to improve researchers' understanding of chronic health conditions. Healthcare IT News, Modern Healthcare.

Organ-on-a-Microchip Could Help Researchers Test New Treatments

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 08:00:00 Z

Researchers are testing experimental drugs on a microchip that contains human lung and blood vessel cells. They note that such "lung-on-a-chip" technology could be used to create human disease models and identify potential adverse events before clinical trials. Reuters.

IBM, Cleveland Clinic Seek To Boost Watson's Health Care Knowledge

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 07:00:00 Z

Students at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine soon will collaborate on medical case studies with IBM's Watson supercomputer. The project aims to enhance Watson's ability to develop medical hypotheses. Cleveland Plain Dealer, Crain's Cleveland Business.

Report Cites Several Discrepancies in CDC's Hospital Care Database

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 07:00:00 Z

A report published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine finds that a CDC database contains several discrepancies. For example, the database includes 11 cases in which patients were recorded both as having died and having been admitted to an intensive care unit. Modern Healthcare.

Network Aims To Help Prostate Cancer Patients Track Disease

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 07:00:00 Z

Men with prostate cancer now can track the progression of their disease and schedule follow-up appointments through an online network launched by Johns Hopkins Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. In related news, a new study finds that many websites with information about prostate cancer treatment are difficult to understand. KPCC's "KPCC News" et al.

U.K. Website Leverages Crowdsourcing To Help Identify Cancer Trends

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 07:00:00 Z

A website launched by Cancer Research U.K. is seeking volunteers to help identify trends in breast cancer tumors. Researchers say such crowdsourcing-based analyses could lead to faster development of personalized cancer treatments. AP/San Francisco Chronicle, Wired U.K.

Electronic Reminders Failed To Boost Cancer Screening, Study Finds

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:00:00 Z

A new study evaluates the effectiveness of an electronic reminder system designed to boost colorectal cancer screening rates at eight Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals. According to the study, the system did not significantly increase cancer screening rates. Reuters.

New Supercomputer Significantly Speeds Cancer Genome Analysis

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 07:00:00 Z

A supercomputer developed by NantHealth reduces the time it takes to conduct a genomic analysis of a cancer tumor from about eight weeks to 47 seconds. The technology could advance personalized cancer treatment and improve outcomes. InformationWeek et al.

Medical Researchers Tap Cloud Computing for Analyzing Information

Thu, 04 Oct 2012 07:00:00 Z

Researchers are starting to use cloud computing to advance medical research. Organizations now can rent massive computer resources on an hourly basis at a relatively low cost to analyze large volumes of medical data. NPR's "All Tech Considered."

EHR Adoption Improved Care for Cholesterol, Diabetes, Study Finds

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 07:00:00 Z

A study finds that implementing electronic health record systems at 17 Northern California hospitals led to an increase in monitoring and improved outcomes for patients with diabetes or high cholesterol levels. Clinical Innovation & Technology, Forbes.

Mobile Technology Can Help Patients Manage Diabetes, Report Finds

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 07:00:00 Z

A new report by the eHealth Initiative cites several studies showing that smartphones and other mobile technologies can help patients better manage diabetes. The report also notes that diabetes-related social media websites have shown benefits. Modern Healthcare, eHealth Initiative release.

Database Could Boost Research Into Role of Non-Gene DNA Parts

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 07:00:00 Z

A federal project involving 440 scientists from 32 laboratories worldwide has created a large-scale database on the non-gene portions of DNA and how they could play a role in certain diseases. The project could lead to the development of new treatments. New York Times et al.

ONC Challenge Seeks Apps To Help Women Fight, Prevent Cancer

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 07:00:00 Z

A new contest organized by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and HHS' Office of Minority Health invites developers to create mobile applications that could help women access information about cancer prevention and treatment. Government Health IT, PhysBizTech.

Hospital Using Medical Informatics To Advance Research, Boost Care

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 07:00:00 Z

Informatics workers at Boston Children's Hospital are helping researchers analyze large volumes of hospital data to find patterns that could be used to develop predictive models. The hospital also is using informatics to boost efficiency in medication delivery, physician documentation and other areas. Boston Herald.

Company Using Social Media, Data Analysis for Parkinson's Research

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 07:00:00 Z

23andMe, a personal genomics services company, is using social networking to recruit participants for research on Parkinson's disease. By aggregating data from many thousands of participants, researchers hope to identify the genes that play a role in the disease. NPR's "Shots."

Web-Based Weight-Loss Programs Less Effective Than In-Person Sessions

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 07:00:00 Z

A report published in the Cochrane Review suggests that online programs are less effective for helping patients lose weight than in-person interventions. However, Web-based programs were more effective than paper pamphlets and other minimal interventions. MedPage Today.

Pentagon Launches Database To Track, Manage Medical Research

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 07:00:00 Z

A new database launched by the Department of Defense -- called Protections in Research, Oversight Management Information System, or PROMIS -- aims to help the agency manage its medical research projects. The department also hopes to use the system to speed the approval of new medical studies and ensure that research complies with certain regulations. Forbes, Government Computer News.

NYU Prepares To Open Wireless Technology, Health Research Center

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 07:00:00 Z

This winter, New York University plans to open a new research center called NYU Wireless. The center will conduct research on wireless technology, including tiny devices that could be placed inside patients to monitor medical issues and send data to physicians. CMIO et al.