iHealthBeat: Public Health

Study Recommends Use of EHRs To Boost Patient Medication Adherence

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A new report recommends the use of electronic health records to help boost patients' prescription medication adherence. The researchers say that measures of medication adherence should be implemented in EHRs for physicians and insurers to share. Cardiovascular Business.

Startups Develop IT Tools To Boost Patients' Medication Adherence

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Startups are working to develop technology that could help patients better adhere to medication regimens. Such tools include sensors that transmit pill digestion data and a pill bottle that glows colors when a medication dose should be taken or is missed. Wall Street Journal.

Request for Data on Boston Marathon Victims Sparks Privacy Concerns

Tue, 21 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The Boston Police Patrolmen's Association argues that the Boston Public Health Commission violated the HIPAA Privacy Rule when it requested that hospitals provide medical data without patient consent on victims of last month's marathon bombings. Health Info Security.

Lawyers Debate HIPAA's Effect on Gun Control Database Reporting

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Legal experts are debating the extent to which HIPAA regulations are preventing states from reporting certain medical data to the federal gun-purchase background check database. The Obama administration is looking into easing some of the legal barriers under HIPAA. Reuters.

Scientists Use Digital Data To Synthesize Flu Strain, Create Vaccine

Thu, 16 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

According to a study, researchers have used Internet-transmitted data to speed the process of synthesizing an influenza strain and developing a vaccine. The study also highlighted the usefulness of a digital library of flu gene components. U-T San Diego, Boston Globe.

Report Says Text4Baby Program Bolstered Maternal, Infant Care

Wed, 15 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A yearlong survey of text4baby program users finds that the text messaging service promoted maternal and child health care. Users say the program increased their health knowledge and reminded them of appointments, among other benefits. FierceMobileHealthcare.

White House Boosting Access to Federal Data, Health Research Tools

Fri, 10 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of Management and Budget has issued a new policy requiring federal agencies to make data more accessible and searchable. The Obama administration also released an online resource to aid research on links between climate change and health. FierceHealthIT et al.

Study: Social Media Can Help Researchers Track Medication Misuse

Tue, 07 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

For a new study, researchers from Brigham Young University used Twitter to track Adderall misuse among college students. According to the researchers, social media could help public health officials identify populations with high rates of medication misuse. Deseret News et al.

Government To Boost Access to Claims Data Under New Project

Fri, 03 May 2013 08:00:00 GMT

CMS and HHS are partnering with data analytics firm Archimedes to expand access to de-identified Medicare claims data. As part of the project, Archimedes is providing an online portal to help users query information. The project aims to accelerate the development of software that could leverage analytics to improve care and reduce costs. Clinical Innovation & Technology et al.

Social Media Data Could Boost Population Health Research, Study Finds

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

According to a recent study, data from social networking websites could help researchers assess population health factors, such as obesity. The study found links between Facebook users' interests and rates of obesity in the surrounding area. FierceHealthIT et al.

CMS Proposes New Use of Data To Aid in Public Health Emergencies

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

CMS has proposed adding a new routine use of individual health information to eight federal databases. The new routine use aims to make it easier for local public health agencies to identify medically vulnerable residents during an emergency. Health Data Management et al.

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

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

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.

IOM Paper Touts the Electronic Sharing of Routine Medical Data

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A new discussion paper published by the Institute of Medicine states that the electronic sharing of data collected during regular physician visits could help improve care for the larger population. According to the paper, the electronic sharing of such data could help boost efforts to monitor disease outbreaks and prevent medical errors. FierceHealthIT, Purdue University release.

CDC Seeks $40M To Modernize Infectious Disease Tracking Tools

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

CDC's $6.6 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2014 includes a $40 million request to build an advanced molecular detection and informatics system that could track infectious disease outbreaks. The proposal is part of CDC's wider effort to modernize state and national public health tools. Government Health IT.

Contest Seeks 'Big Data' Strategies To Improve Health Care Quality

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A contest launched by the Bipartisan Policy Center, Heritage Provider Network and The Advisory Board Company seeks initiatives to help health care providers use "big data" to boost care. The contest will offer at least three quarterly prizes of $100,000. Health Data Management et al

Computer Model Could Predict Prognoses for Breast Cancer Patients

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

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.

Mobile App Might Be Effective Tool for Losing Weight, Study Finds

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A study by researchers from the United Kingdom finds that a mobile health application might be a more effective weight loss intervention than a paper or online food diary. According to the study, app users lost an average of 10 pounds over six months. Time's "Healthland" et al.

HHS Launches Contest To Develop Apps From Text Message Database

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A contest launched by HHS, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and the Health Resources and Services Administration is seeking programmers to develop applications based on a children's health text message database. Modern Healthcare.

Technology Aided Info Sharing After Boston Marathon Bombings

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

In the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings on Monday, emergency response teams used social media channels to disseminate information to the public. In addition, organizations like the American Red Cross, Google and the Boston Globe provided online resources to help friends and family locate each other and to help displaced individuals find a place to stay. FierceHealthIT et al.

Researchers Seek To Recreate Database on Genetic Variations

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

After Myriad Genetics stopped providing access to its massive database of gene mutations, a team of researchers launched a grassroots project to gather the information by asking geneticists and clinics to share de-identified data from Myriad's gene test reports. New York Times.

Online Searches Provide Insight on Link Between Seasons, Mental Health

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

For a new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, researchers used data from Google Trends to track how online searches for mental health-related terms increased and decreased during certain seasons. MedPage Today's "The Gupta Guide," InformationWeek.

Review: Digital Media-Based Interventions Could Boost Teen Health

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

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 08:00:00 GMT

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.

Negative Vaccine Views Spread More Easily on Twitter, Study Finds

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A Pennsylvania State University study finds that negative views on vaccinations spread more easily on Twitter than positive views. It also finds that intense exposure to pro-vaccination tweets boosted users' likelihood of expressing anti-vaccination views. Toronto Star, Everyday Health.

White House Launches Brain-Mapping Project Requiring New IT Tools

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

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.

JAMA Viewpoint: EHR Systems Not Capable of Handling 'Big Data'

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

In a Journal of the American Medical Association viewpoint, experts write that electronic health record systems currently are not able to handle the storage of "big data," such as an individual's complete genome. United Press International, Feinberg School of Medicine release.

Text Messages Fail To Boost Flu Shot Rates for Pregnant Women

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that text message reminders did not increase influenza vaccination rates among pregnant women. However, most study participants said that they enjoyed receiving the text messages and that their prenatal care was more satisfying with the reminders. Reuters.

Organizations, Health Providers Using IT Tools To Share Medical Images

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Health information exchanges and health care providers increasingly are using image-sharing tools to facilitate the exchange of test results. The federally funded Image Share project allows patients to share results via email on a password-protected website. Wall Street Journal.

Internal Biological Computer Could Detect, Fight Disease

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 08:00:00 GMT

According to a study published in the journal Science, Stanford University researchers have developed a biological computer that fits inside a living cell and could detect disease, count cells or eliminate bad cells. Such internal computers potentially could communicate by engineering certain cells to change their color or other characteristics. FierceHealthIT, Contra Costa Times.

CMS Launches Online Tool To Aid Research on Chronic Conditions

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT

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.

Internet, Mobile Phone Models Provide Insight on Cancer's Progression

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT

For a study, researchers used computer models to study how cancer spreads in the body. They adapted their models from Google's PageRank algorithm and the Viterbi algorithm, which helps predicts the path of a cellphone signal through a wireless network. U-T San Diego.

Mayo Clinic To Collect More Health Records for Research Database

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A medical research database run by the Mayo Clinic currently contains health records on residents of Minnesota's Olmsted County. Mayo plans to expand the project to include data from seven additional counties. Minnesota Public Radio.

New Report Outlines Strategies for Using 'Big Data' in Health Care

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT

An Institute for Health Technology Transformation report describes five types of "big data" that can be leveraged for health care purposes and offers recommendations to help ensure that the use of big data leads to positive outcomes. Healthcare IT News, FierceHealthIT.

Disease Registry To Let Patients Control How Their Data Are Used

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Next month, Genetic Alliance will launch a new disease registry that allows patients to determine how their data are used for medical research. Proponents of the venture say giving patients more control over their data could boost participation in medical studies. MIT Technology Review.

Experts Call for Ethical Review of Social Media-Based Health Research

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT

In a recent study, two experts identify ethical considerations for participant-led research that uses social networking websites. The authors recommend three categories of ethical oversight for such research based on the risk to participants. FierceHealthIT, Medical News Today.

EHR Vendors To Embed Obesity Prevention Tools in Their Products

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Three electronic health record vendors have pledged to embed obesity prevention tools in their products, a coalition of health care groups announced yesterday. The three vendors are Cerner, GE Healthcare and Physicians Computer Company. Politico's "Pulse," Avalere Health release.

Researchers Develop Interactive Map of Human Metabolism

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT

An analysis published in Nature Biotechnology examines a research project that resulted in a comprehensive map of human metabolism. The interactive map allows users to view metabolic functions from different perspectives, similar to the functions of a Google map. Time.

New Tools Scan Internet Search Data To Identify Adverse Drug Events

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Scientists from Microsoft, Columbia University and Stanford University have developed new software tools that scan Internet search data. The tools potentially could identify unreported prescription drug side effects before they are detected by FDA. New York Times, Medscape.

Calif., Penn. Considering Legislation on Rx Drug Monitoring Databases

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT

California lawmakers have introduced a bill to upgrade a state database that monitors physicians who overprescribe certain drugs. In Pennsylvania, lawmakers are considering a bill to establish a database to identify prescription drug misuse. Los Angeles Times, Washington Observer-Reporter.

Groups Designing Mobile Game To Hasten Cancer Research

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Cancer Research UK is partnering with technology organizations like Amazon, Facebook and Google to develop a mobile game that could accelerate cancer research. The game will allow smartphone users to look at data sets and identify subtle mutations in tumors' DNA that likely could not be detected by computers. Cancer Research UK plans to launch the game in mid-2013. BBC News, Reuters.

Roche Aims To Expand Access to Drug Data From Clinical Trials

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Today, pharmaceutical firm Roche announced plans to expand access to some of its clinical trial data. The company said it plans to work with an independent body to evaluate requests from researchers to access anonymized patient data from clinical trials. Reuters, BBC News.

Drug Companies Using Social Media To Illegally Market Drugs in Canada

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Some pharmaceutical companies are skirting Canadian law by using social media websites to advertise directly to consumers. The British Columbia Medical Association and other experts are calling for Canadian officials to crack down on such advertisements. Vancouver Sun.

White House Directs Agencies To Expand Access to Research

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The White House has directed federal agencies to develop rules to publicly release the results of federally funded research within one year of publication. The directive is unlikely to significantly affect NIH, which already offers open access to studies. Washington Post, Reuters.

Infection Preventionists Not Fully Involved With EHR Systems, Study Says

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A Regenstrief Institute study finds that infection preventionists underuse electronic health record systems. Only 20% of surveyed infection preventionists say they participated in the design, selection or implementation of their organization's EHR system. Healthcare IT News et al.

Use of Advanced EHR Systems Led to More Women's Health Tests

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association finds that primary care physicians who use advanced electronic health record systems are more likely than physicians without EHR systems to order routine women's health tests. Modern Healthcare.

Health IT Could Help Reduce Disparities in Care, Report Says

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A report released at a White House summit today states that health IT could help reduce disparities in care among ethnic and racial minorities. According to the report, health IT systems could help facilitate the collection and analysis of demographic data, and electronic enrollment portals could help improve participation in public health programs. Healthcare IT News, Consumers Union release.

Astronomy Software Could Speed Detection of Cancer, Study Finds

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

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 GMT

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 GMT

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.

Study: Computer Model Could Curb Costs, Improve Patient Care

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

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.

Google's Flu-Tracking Tool Overestimated Illnesses This Season

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

In December 2012, the Google Flu Trends algorithm predicted national influenza rates that were nearly double CDC's estimates. Some experts say the discrepancy is a temporary setback until Google refines its algorithm, while others say it justifies traditional flu-tracking methods. Nature.

Tenn. Officials Consider Policies on Electronic Access to Patient Data

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

During a meningitis outbreak, the Tennessee Department of Health worked with hospitals to obtain electronic access to patient data. The agency is considering pushing for a bill to set guidelines on how it can access such data during emergencies. AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

IBM Offering Two New Decision Support Tools Based on Watson

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

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 Improves Quality at Federally Qualified Centers

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A study published in the journal BMC Health Services Research finds that health IT adoption by federally qualified health centers is associated with significant improvements in care quality. The study authors write that future research should examine the specific aspects of IT that are most likely to contribute to improvements in care quality and clinical outcomes. Government Health IT.

Minn. Launches Online Exchange To Help Clinics Coordinate Flu Vaccines

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Minnesota health care providers now can use an online exchange to post their influenza vaccine needs and share contact information. The online tool aims to help clinics with flu vaccine shortages obtain supplies from clinics with surplus vaccines. Minneapolis Star Tribune.

New Online Video Game Teaches Children About Emergency Preparedness

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

The American College of Emergency Physicians used a $1.5 million Federal Emergency Management Agency grant to create an online video game -- called "Disaster Hero" -- that is designed to help prepare children for emergency situations and common disasters. NPR's "Shots."

Scientists Develop New Twitter Algorithm To Better Track Influenza

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed an algorithm that leverages Twitter to track U.S. influenza cases. The system uses a screening method that separates individual flu cases from flu-related tweets that do not represent actual cases. Reuters, JHU release.

Adoption of Preventive Health Tools Moving Slowly, Report Finds

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

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.

Text Messages Could Encourage Teens To Adopt Healthy Habits

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that text messages written in an active voice and sent by nutrition experts could encourage teenagers to adopt healthy habits. Teens said they would prefer to receive no more than two such messages per day. HealthDay/U.S. News & World Report, FierceMobileHealthcare.

Researchers Tap Online Genetic Databases To Uncover Identities

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

In a new study, researchers used information from publicly available genetic databases and genealogy websites to identify individuals and several members of their extended family. The study's findings have raised concerns about the privacy of genome databases. New York Times et al.

UnitedHealth, Mayo Partner on Data Mining Project To Improve Care

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

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.

Some States Lack Online Application Portals for Social Service Programs

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

Eight states and the District of Columbia do not provide online application portals for Medicaid and other social services, while 24 states offer such portals only for specific programs. Online portals can reduce the stigma of seeking benefits in person. Washington Post's "Wonkblog."

Scientists Say Mining EHR Data Could Boost Medical Research

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

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.

Opinion: Fiscal Cliff Bill Could Help Advance Clinical Data Registries

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

In an opinion piece, former director of the Office of Management and Budget Peter Orszag writes about how the fiscal cliff bill includes a provision to promote the use of clinical data registries, which can be "crucial" to determining which treatments are most effective. Bloomberg.

New Technologies Seek To Help Patients Adhere to Medication Regimens

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

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.

Website Aims To Help Patients Make Difficult Medical Decisions

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

California researchers have developed a website that offers guidance to people facing difficult medical decisions. The website is interactive and features videos of people talking about how they discussed medical issues with their family and physicians. FierceHealthIT et al.

Email Reminders Prompt Doctors To Discuss End-of-Life Care, Study Finds

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 08:00:00 GMT

According to a study, oncologists who receive email alerts are more likely to ask terminally ill patients about their end-of-life wishes. Oncologists received the email alerts until they completed the end-of-life care section in patients' electronic health records. The Atlantic, Reuters.

EHRs Crucial to States' Preparedness for Health Emergencies, RWJF Says

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation official says that electronic health records are an important factor in states' preparedness for public health emergencies. RWJF and the Trust for America's Health have released a new study on emergency preparedness. Modern Healthcare, USA Today.

Providers, Patients Using Social Media To Discuss Health Care Topics

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Health care providers and patients are using Twitter and other social media websites to communicate about health care topics. Some physicians are using the tools to share new treatment information, while patients are describing their disease experiences and reviewing doctors. Los Angeles Times.

Conn. Shooting Renews Attention on Database To Screen Gun Buyers

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Last year, the Department of Justice proposed that the U.S. strengthen a database to keep people with serious mental illnesses from buying guns. Last week's shooting in Connecticut has renewed attention on whether such efforts could be effective. New York Times.

Frequent Internet Use Linked With Positive Outlook on Cancer

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

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.

Mobile App Could Help Streamline Enrollment in Health Care Programs

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to a recent pilot study conducted in California's Sonoma County, an iPad application called One-e-App helped streamline the process of enrolling individuals in Medicaid and other health care and public assistance programs. North Bay Business Journal, FierceMobileHealthcare.

U.K. Launching Genetic Sequencing Database for Medical Research

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

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.

Smartphone Apps Could Improve Effectiveness of Weight-Loss Programs

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

People in weight-loss programs who use smartphone applications to track their food intake and exercise levels might lose more weight than program participants who do not use the mobile technology, according to a recent study. Reuters, HealthDay/U.S. News & World Report.

Social Media Could Help Curb Childhood Obesity, Heart Association Says

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The American Heart Association has published a statement suggesting that social media could help combat childhood obesity. The organization noted that factors like family involvement contribute to the success of Web-based obesity interventions. Forbes, Medical News Today.

Text4Baby Initiative Led to Changes in Attitudes, Beliefs About Pregnancy

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A pilot study on the Text4baby initiative finds that the text messaging service contributed to a change in certain beliefs and attitudes among pregnant women. Women who received the messages reported feeling more prepared for motherhood. FierceMobileHealthcare.

Report: Rx Monitoring Programs Should Better Leverage Health IT

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Mitre report prepared for the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT says state prescription drug monitoring programs should better leverage health IT. For example, the report recommends linking PDMP data with electronic health records. InformationWeek et al.

Researchers Studying How Social Media Could Curb Spread of Diseases

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Kansas State University researchers are gathering data about how social media posts could reduce the spread of diseases. Researchers say such posts should target teachers and others who interact with a large number of people daily. FierceHealthIT et al.

Kansas HIE To Share Hospital Data With CDC Surveillance System

Fri, 30 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Kansas Health Information Network has become the first health information exchange to share data with CDC's BioSense syndromic surveillance system. KHIN says the move will boost monitoring of public health threats. Clinical Innovation & Technology, Healthcare IT News.

New Model Uses Internet Search Data To Forecast Flu Outbreaks

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences describes a new statistical model that combines Google search data with weather forecasting techniques to predict potential influenza outbreaks. The model helped researchers forecast the height of flu season using data from seven weeks before the peak occurred. Los Angeles Times' "Science Now," Medical News Today.

NIH Agrees To Publicly Disclose More Data About Outbreaks

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Under a new agreement with state and county officials in Maryland, NIH said it will publicly disclose more data about disease outbreaks. The move comes after NIH received criticism for not immediately alerting Maryland's Montgomery County or the wider public about an outbreak of antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae at NIH's research facility in Bethesda, Md. Washington Post.

Effort Uses Smartphones To Boost Cervical Cancer Diagnoses in Tanzania

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Public health leaders in Canada and Tanzania are collaborating on a project that seeks to use smartphones to conduct cervical cancer screenings. For the project, health care workers will use smartphones to send images of cervixes to trained physicians, who will provide diagnoses. CNN.

Initiative Links Genetic Data With EHRs To Help Uncover Disease Clues

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A large-scale research project led by Kaiser Permanente is linking patients' genetic data with their electronic health records. The initiative aims to determine how genes, health habits and environmental factors could contribute to risk factors for disease. NPR's "Shots."

Telehealth Program Did Not Increase Abortions in Iowa, Study Finds

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An American Journal of Public Health study finds that an Iowa-based telehealth program that provided patients with medication abortion did not increase the number of abortions in the state. However, the program did expand access to abortion services. Des Moines Register.

State Health Agencies Considering Advanced IT Systems, Survey Finds

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A survey finds that many state health and human services agencies are interested in modernizing their IT systems. According to the survey, 57% of agencies have yet to update their IT systems, but 55% of those respondents plan to begin such modernization efforts within five years. Healthcare IT News.

People Using Twitter To Find, Post Information About Cardiac Arrest

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Some Twitter users are leveraging the social media tool to find and post information about cardiac arrest and CPR. Of the cardiac arrest-related tweets studied, some offered guidance on CPR, some provided research information and some recounted personal experiences. Reuters.

Social Media, Online Tools Used To Track Disease Outbreaks

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Health officials are using social media websites and other online resources to detect disease outbreaks sooner. Experts say that online resources eventually could be integrated with traditional detection methods to boost disease tracking abilities. San Francisco Chronicle.

Mobile Phone Messages Could Help Smokers Quit Habit, Review Finds

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Smokers who received tips and motivational messages on their mobile phones were more likely to quit the habit than those who received no messages, according to a review of studies. In related news, HHS has launched a new smoking cessation website. Medical News Today et al.

Crowdsourcing Project Records Locations of Defibrillator Devices

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

University of Pennsylvania researchers have mapped the locations of automated external defibrillator devices in Philadelphia using data from a crowdsourcing project. For the project, teams and individuals used a smartphone application to record AED locations. Wall Street Journal.

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

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

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.

Study Uses Wearable Devices To Determine Spread of Flu in Schools

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

To study how influenza spreads in schools, University of Pittsburgh researchers have given 450 school children wearable electronic devices that can detect and record when they are in close proximity to another child's device. AP/Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

WHO Branch Releases App for Monitoring Adolescent Health

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new mobile health application from the Pan American Health Organization -- a regional office of the World Health Organization -- aims to help public health workers track the health behaviors of adolescents. The app allows users to visualize and compare data. MobiHealthNews.

Wikis Can Help Patients Suggest Clinical Practice Guidelines, Study Finds

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research finds that a specialized wiki could help patients contribute to the development of clinical practice guidelines. As part of the study, patients offered 289 recommendations on infertility treatment. FierceHealthIT.

NIH To Launch National Patient Registry on Down Syndrome

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new national patient registry from NIH will let people with Down syndrome and their families create customized patient profiles, access health histories and receive medical care reminders. If patients and families provide consent, clinicians and researchers could use the registry to contact individuals who might be interested in participating in clinical studies. EHR Intelligence, NIH release.

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

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 08:00:00 GMT

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 08:00:00 GMT

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.

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

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 08:00:00 GMT

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.

Pittsburgh Health System To Invest $100M in Data Analytics

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 08:00:00 GMT

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center will invest $100 million over five years to create a data warehouse and analytics system that could facilitate personalized medicine, population health management and administrative efficiencies. Officials said the initiative could help research clinicians compare and share large volumes of medical data. Becker's Hospital Review, InformationWeek.

NIH Unveils Database on Drugs Associated With Liver Injury

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 08:00:00 GMT

NIH has launched the LiverTox database to support research on liver problems associated with prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The database currently contains information on about 700 medications, as well as a tool for users to report cases of drug-induced liver injury. Officials say they hope the database will serve as a model for other research efforts. AHA News, NIH release.

Bioethics Panel Urges Stronger Privacy Rules for Genomic Data

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report from the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues calls for federal and state governments to adopt consistent regulations to protect the privacy and security of individuals' genomic data. Amy Gutmann, chair of the commission, said that nearly half of states lack laws protecting individuals from having their DNA sequenced without their consent. USA Today et al.