iHealthBeat: Chronic Disease Care

EHR Tool Helps Improve Blood Sugar Control for Patients With Diabetes

Thu, 31 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

At an American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists meeting last week, researchers presented a study finding that electronic health record-based insulin order sets helped improve glycemic control among hospitalized patients with diabetes. MedPage Today, FierceEMR.

Cancer Patients Share Online Data To Gain Doctors' Insight, Advice

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that most cancer patients who discuss online health information with their doctors are seeking insight into the data. Researchers offered ideas for responding to patients who bring up such online data. HealthDay/U.S. News & World Report, Canton Daily Ledger.

FCC Votes To Allocate Spectrum for Wireless Medical Monitoring

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Today, the Federal Communications Commission unanimously voted to allocate spectrum for wireless sensors that can monitor a patient's vital signs. FCC's approval makes the U.S. the first country to allocate spectrum for medical body area networks, or MBANs. FCC is working with FDA on a process for approving MBAN devices. National Journal/Yahoo! News, Bloomberg Businessweek.

EHR Use Not Linked to Improved Diabetes Care Quality, Study Finds

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An Annals of Family Medicine study finds no correlation between physicians' use of electronic health record systems and improved adherence to clinical guidelines for diabetes care. The study offers recommendations for improving the effective use of EHR systems. Modern Healthcare.

App Improves Diabetes Management Among Teenagers, Study Finds

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that a mobile application helped boost the frequency of glucose monitoring among teenagers with diabetes. The teens earned points each time they measured their glucose levels, and the points could be redeemed for iTunes rewards. FierceMobileHealthcare, CMIO.

Telemonitoring Helps Patients Control Blood Pressure, Study Finds

Fri, 11 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study presented at an American Heart Association meeting shows that patients who receive telemonitoring and blood pressure management support from a pharmacist are more likely to lower their blood pressure than those who do not receive the support. Healthcare IT News.

University of California Spearheading New Initiative To Mine 'Big Data' in Health Care

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

NIH Director Francis Collins, Atul Butte of the Stanford School of Medicine, David Patterson of the University of California-Berkeley and Taylor Sittler of UC-San Francisco discussed new efforts to mine "big data" for health care and scientific research.

SUNY Researchers Aim To Leverage Analytics Tools for MS Research

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new project led by researchers from the State University of New York-Buffalo aims to use data analytics technology from IBM and Revolution Analytics to identify various clinical, genetic and environmental factors that could play a role in multiple sclerosis. InformationWeek.

Electronic Reminders, Texts Could Help Boost Medication Adherence

Wed, 02 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A review published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association finds that sending text messages and other electronic reminders could improve medication adherence in the short term, but the long-term effectiveness of the strategy is unclear. CMIO, FierceHealthIT.

New York Program Aims To Promote Health IT Innovation, Create Jobs

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The New York Digital Health Accelerator will award 12 companies up to $300,000 each to develop tools to support New York's Medicaid medical home program. The initiative aims to boost health IT innovation and create 1,500 jobs. Healthcare IT News, Health Data Management.

AHRQ Seeks Input on Plan To Create Registry of Patient Registries

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to a Federal Register notice, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality is seeking public comment on its plans to develop a Registry of Patient Registries. AHRQ said the registry aims to promote collaboration among researchers. Health Data Management, Federal Register.

Health Gaming and the Power of Social

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Startups, health insurers and employers are investing in gaming to motivate people to improve their health. Although studies show the potential of games to affect behavior change, more research is needed to establish whether they live up to their claims.

FDA Looking Into Use of Technology Tools To Help People Self-Diagnose, Obtain Medications

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Marcie Bough of the American Pharmacists Association, Charles Daniels of the University of California-San Diego and Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, chair-elect of the American Medical Association's council on science and public health, spoke with iHealthBeat about how technology could expand the number of medications available without a prescription.

Study: Telemonitoring Might Not Reduce ED Visits, Hospitalizations

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to a new Archives of Internal Medicine study, seniors with certain medical conditions who used telemonitoring systems had about the same rates of hospitalizations and emergency department visits as seniors who did not use the telemonitoring technology. Reuters.

Online Patient Networks Could Improve Care, Boost Medical Research

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An online community called the Collaborative Chronic Care Network helps patients with inflammatory bowel disease and their physicians collect data and collaborate on treatment plans. Researchers say such online networks could bolster medical studies. Wall Street Journal.

Researchers Use Crowdsourcing To Help Advance Brain Studies

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A series of papers published in the journal Nature Genetics show how scientists used crowdsourcing to pool brain research data from more than 200 scientists and identify genes that play a role in brain size and memory. Researchers say the findings are significant because they demonstrate the power of using collective data to advance research. New York Times.

Partnership To Pilot Online Chronic Disease Management Program

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Humana Cares, a division of Humana, is partnering with the National Council on Aging to pilot Stanford University's online chronic disease management program. The pilot will involve Web-based health management workshops. Louisville Business First, Healthcare IT News.

Groups Consider Home Technology for Curbing Seniors' Health Costs

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Health insurers, government entities and researchers are looking into in-home monitoring technology that could help elderly individuals stay in their homes rather than in hospitals or nursing homes. Stakeholders say such tools could significantly reduce health care costs. Reuters.

Boston-Area Scientists Create Online Catalogs for Cancer Research

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Two teams of researchers from the Boston area have developed large data catalogs to help predict whether hundreds of different types of cancer cells could be vulnerable to specific drugs. The new catalogs are available online at no cost. Boston Globe's "White Coat Notes."

Amazon Web Services Creates Database of Genetic Information

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new database developed by Amazon Web Services -- Amazon's cloud-computing arm -- aims to facilitate access to data from NIH's 1000 Genomes Project. AWS is incurring the costs of storing the 200 terabytes of data from the genome project. New York Times' "Bits."

Mostashari Announces Winners of Competition for Heart Health Apps

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari recently announced the winners of a contest for software applications aimed at improving heart health. The first place prize of $50,000 went to THUMPr, an app that provides users with customized heart health recommendations. Modern Healthcare.

ONC Seeks Videos About Managing Blood Pressure With Health IT Tools

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has launched a contest seeking videos about how consumers and health care providers use health IT to manage high blood pressure. ONC is offering $5,500 in prizes to winners in six categories. Modern Healthcare.

Study: Online Counseling Could Help Decrease Cancer-Related Fatigue

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Korean study finds that cancer survivors who experience fatigue could benefit from Web-based counseling on exercise, nutrition and other health habits. Study participants who used the online program reported less fatigue and a higher quality of life than those not using the program. Reuters.

N.Y. Hospital To Provide Cancer Care Training to Watson Supercomputer

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

IBM and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center have launched a project to add the latest oncology research to IBM's Watson supercomputer. Researchers will input data from textbooks, medical journals and electronic health records, with patient permission. AP/Washington Post.

FDA To Consider Use of Digital Tools for Patient Self-Screening

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This Thursday and Friday, FDA will hold public hearings on whether individuals should be able to use online questionnaires, patient kiosks and other digital tools to conduct self-screenings and obtain certain medications that currently require prescriptions. The hearings will focus on drugs commonly prescribed for asthma, diabetes and other conditions. U-T San Diego.

Telemonitoring System Reduced Readmission Rates, Evaluation Finds

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Geisinger Health Plan's home telemonitoring program helped reduce 30-day hospital readmission rates by 44% among patients with congestive heart failure, according to Geisinger's evaluation of the system. The program uses an interactive voice response system. CMIO et al.

NIH Officially Launches Registry To House Genetic Testing Data

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This week, NIH launched its Genetic Testing Registry to serve as a centralized public resource for information about the availability and scientific basis of numerous genetic tests. However, a consumer advocacy group has expressed concern that the new registry lacks sufficient oversight to ensure the accuracy of its data. New Scientist, Nature's "Nature News Blog."

Online Program Bests Traditional Therapy in Treating Chronic Fatigue

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study published in the journal Lancet finds that teenagers who participated in an online cognitive behavioral therapy program were more likely to report improvements in chronic fatigue symptoms than teens receiving traditional therapy. NPR's "Shots," MedPage Today.

Study: Text Messaging Could Help Improve Diabetes Management

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study suggests that sending text messages with reminders about blood sugar measurements and upcoming appointments could improve disease management among patients with diabetes and increase patients' feelings of support. CMIO.

Wireless, Implantable Chip Effectively Delivers Medication, Study Says

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study shows that an implantable microchip that can be activated remotely via phone or computer successfully administers timed medication to patients. For patients with osteoporosis, the device increased compliance with a typical treatment regimen from 25% to 100%. Reuters et al.

Which Patient Groups Are Using Digital Resources From Pharmaceutical Firms?

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Among online consumers surveyed by patient segment, 72% percent of patients with attention deficit hyperactivity or attention deficit disorder, 70% of patients with bipolar disorder and 65% of patients with migraines use digital resources from pharmaceutical companies, according to a Manhattan Research survey.

Dept. of Veterans Affairs Makes Progress on Genetic Database

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Veterans Affairs is working to collect genetic information and electronic health records from one million veterans for a database aimed at identifying new ways to predict, prevent and treat illness. So far, about 23,000 veterans' data have been processed, and another 30,000 have agreed to participate. McClatchy/Sacramento Bee.

Study: Virtual Coaches Help Overweight People Boost Activity Levels

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Using an online "virtual coach" helped overweight individuals engage in physical activity more often than those without access to online coaching, according to a study by the Center for Connected Health and Massachusetts General Hospital. Healthcare IT News, MobiHealthNews.

Beacon Communities Launch Texting Program To Assess Diabetes Risk

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Three Beacon communities are launching text messaging campaigns aimed at helping people at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Participants will receive customized texts to help them manage and improve their health. Healthcare Informatics, Government Health IT.

Study: EHRs Can Boost Some Measures of Care for Diabetes Patients

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study finds that the use of electronic health records improved blood pressure, aspirin use and smoking cessation outcomes for Type 2 diabetes patients. However, EHR use did not help with LDL cholesterol or blood sugar control. FierceEMR, Health Behavior News Service.

Online Kidney Donor Screening Programs Increase Efficiency

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During a recent symposium, researchers discussed how the University of California-San Francisco and Vanderbilt University used Web-based tools to boost the efficiency of screening potential kidney donors and attract more donor applicants. Renal & Urology News.

Study Leverages EHRs To Examine Gender Gap in Experiences of Pain

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Stanford University researchers recently examined gender differences in pain experience by analyzing electronic health record data from more than 11,000 patients. The study finds that women report higher pain levels than men for most conditions. San Jose Mercury News et al.

Study Questions Efficacy of Online Patient Portals Containing Health Data

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Only about 25% of patients who were given access to an online portal with information on colorectal cancer screening actually logged on to the site, according to a new study. The findings raise questions about the efficacy of certain Web-based interventions. FierceHealthIT.

Experts: Greater Access to Medical Data Could Bolster Health Research

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to experts, access to large volumes of personal health data could transform medical research. Mobile health applications, wearable sensors and other tools could collect such data from healthy individuals and those with medical conditions. Wall Street Journal.

Tenn. Hospital Launches Website To Publish Data From Genome Project

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

St. Jude's Research Hospital in Tennessee has launched a website to publish results from its pediatric cancer genome sequencing project. The website will provide access to specific disease information and single-patient genome data. Memphis Commercial Appeal et al.

Study: Most Online Diabetes Management Tools Ineffective

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association finds that most Web-based tools for diabetes management have at least three usability errors, and only one-quarter of the tools provide useful information most of the time. Researchers recommend further study to improve the usefulness of such tools and to create standard website quality indicators. CMIO.

eHealth Initiative Shifts Focus to Chronic Diseases

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The 10-year-old eHealth Initiative has shifted its focus to concentrate on the role health IT can play in addressing chronic diseases, specifically cancer, diabetes and heart disease. At the group's annual conference, physicians, patients and payers discussed how health IT can drive improvements in those areas.

Groups Form Alliance To Research In-Car Health Monitoring Technology

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During this week's International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Ford, Microsoft, Healthrageous and BlueMetal Architects announced an initiative to study how consumers can use monitoring technology in their vehicles to manage their health. Healthcare IT News et al.

UCSF Researchers Create Online Tools To Assess Older Patients' Prognosis

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

University of California-San Francisco researchers have developed online tools to evaluate the likelihood that an older patient will die within a certain time frame. The tools aim to help doctors assess whether a patient should consider hospice care or other options. New York Times.

Researchers Testing New Database To Gather Info on Sudden Infant Deaths

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Researchers have published preliminary results from a pilot program testing a new database to track cases of sudden unexpected infant deaths. The database collects information on the circumstances surrounding an infant's death. Fierce Health IT, MyHealthNewsDaily/Fox News.

ONC Launches Video Challenge To Engage Consumers in Health IT

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is inviting consumers to submit videos on how they plan to use health IT tools -- such as online patient portals -- to accomplish their health-related New Year's resolutions. Modern Healthcare, Healthcare Informatics.

EHRs Can Help Address Health Care Disparities, Study Finds

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine concludes that blood pressure disparities between black and white patients could be reduced if more physicians adopted electronic health records. According to the study, the gap in blood pressure control rates between black and white patients was larger in primary care offices that used paper-based records and smaller in offices that used EHRs. Reuters.

Medical Students Using Virtual Human Bodies To Learn About Anatomy

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

At New York University's School of Medicine, students are using new 3-D technology to dissect virtual human bodies and watch simulated organs function as they would in a living human. NYU officials said the virtual bodies complement the use of cadavers. New York Times.

Reports Foresee Growth in Use of Remote Health Monitoring Technology

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Frost & Sullivan report predicts that the remote health monitoring market will reach $294.9 million by 2015. A separate report from Berg Insight predicts that there will be 2.47 million remote monitoring devices with cellular connectivity by 2016. Becker's Hospital Review et al.

ONC Names Winners of Mobile App Challenge for Cancer Care

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has awarded $20,000 each to the two winners of a contest to develop mobile applications for cancer care. One of the apps aims to match patients with clinical cancer treatment trials, and the other app aims to provide patients with treatment information based on the gene mutations of their tumors. Modern Healthcare et al.

Health Workers Express Concern Over Heart Monitor Alarm Fatigue

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Health care providers are expressing concern over alarm fatigue resulting from more widespread use of heart monitors. The broader use of heart monitors means clinicians hear more alarms from the devices and could become desensitized to such alerts. Boston Globe.

Decision Support Tool Could Help Diagnose Alzheimer's Disease

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A clinical decision support tool developed by Finnish researchers could help doctors diagnose Alzheimer's disease. The system compares a patient's biomarker measurements with information in large databases and generates an index of the severity of the patient's condition. CMIO.

Watson Supercomputer To Be Put to Work at California Hospital

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Physicians at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's cancer clinic will be the first to work with IBM's Watson supercomputer. The WellPoint-funded project will use Watson's data analysis capabilities to recommend diagnosis and treatment options. Los Angeles Times.

Study Finds Few Cancer Survivors Interested in 'Virtual' Follow-Up Care

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new study by researchers at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston finds that only 12% of surveyed breast cancer survivors said that "virtual" consultations with a physician or nurse conducted over the phone or Internet would reduce their cancer-related worries. Reuters.

'Freeing' Data May Be Tricky in California

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The "Free the Data" movement, a national effort to encourage innovation in health care, has sparked a similar campaign to make California health data more easily available. But state laws and regulations may require some extra effort in the Golden State, experts say.

Donation To Bolster NIH's National Autism Research Database

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Autism Genetic Resource Exchange has donated genetic data to NIH's National Database for Autism Research. According to NIH researchers, the donation could position the NIH database to be the most extensive autism database in the world. Health Data Management, NIH release.

Million Hearts Initiative Offers Health IT Opportunity, but Challenges Remain

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Health IT is poised to play a key role in the Million Hearts initiative. However, for the effort to be successful, we must avoid overreach, guard against unrealistic expectations, and balance data collection against workflow and standardization within the realities of care delivery.

CDC Plans To Collect, Analyze Cost Data on Public Health Initiatives

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

CDC aims to collect and analyze cost data from participants in the Community Transformation Grant program, which tasks grantees with developing strategies to address public health issues. Data collection could start next summer. Modern Healthcare, Federal Register notice.

IBM, Four Drugmakers Donate Chemical Database to NIH

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

AIn an effort to accelerate drug discovery, IBM has teamed up with AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, DuPont and Pfizer to donate a massive database of chemical information to NIH. IBM used a data analysis platform to extract the data on 2.4 million chemical compounds from millions of patents and biomedical journal abstracts. Health Data Management, New York Times' "Bits."

Telehealth Can Reduce Patient Mortality Risk, U.K. Study Finds

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Telehealth technologies that allow physicians to remotely manage their patients' health care needs can cut patient mortality by up to 45%, according to a recent study conducted by the United Kingdom's Department of Health. The study also notes that the use of remote monitoring tools can reduce emergency department visits and hospital admissions. Becker's Hospital Review et al.

Report: With Changes, EHRs Could Transform Research on Cancer

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A report by the American Society of Clinical Oncology finds that electronic health records could play a transformative role in efforts to develop new cancer treatments but that EHR systems first require modifications to improve clinical research and patient care. InformationWeek.

Computer Model Aims To Predict Breast Cancer Treatment Options

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A computer model programmed by Stanford University researchers can accurately analyze breast cancer images and might be able to predict treatment outcomes. Researchers said such models could help enhance screenings in areas with limited access to medical services. CMIO.

Dell Announces Cloud Computing Initiative Targeting Kids' Cancer

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Dell is donating cloud computing resources for a project that aims to support the development of personalized treatments for children with cancer. The cloud technology is expected to speed genomic mapping and analysis of tumors. InformationWeek, Healthcare IT News.

Researchers Say Online Health Information Could Be Misleading

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Two studies from the Cleveland Clinic and Mayo Clinic indicate that patients use the Internet and social media to find medical information but some sites lack adequate resources for patients or contain misleading information. International Business Times, Healthcare IT News.

Many Doctors Use Web Searches To Look Up Medical Information

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A survey finds that 46% of doctors use search engines like Google and Yahoo to search for data on diagnoses and treatments. The survey also includes physicians' input on the top barriers to health IT adoption. Wall Street Journal's "Health Blog," Health Data Management.

IBM, Georgia Tech Kick Off Project To Model Children's Health Data

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

IBM and the Georgia Institute of Technology have launched the One Million Healthy Children project, which will use data analytics and systems modeling to identify variables that affect children's health and health care decisions. Healthcare IT News, InformationWeek.

Market for Wireless Monitoring Devices Seeing Rapid Growth

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Kalorama Information report finds that revenue growth in the wireless patient monitoring market is outpacing that of other device categories. Between 2008 and 2010, the growth rate for remote monitoring devices reached 23%, according to the report. MobiHealthNews et al.

Boston Facilities Team Up on Effort To Create Large Cancer Database

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Brigham and Women's Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have launched a large-scale study that aims to advance cancer research by creating a searchable database linking the electronic health records of cancer patients to a genetic profile of their tumors. Boston Globe.

Article Urges Better Use of Health IT To Combat Health Care Disparities

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

An article published in the Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety calls for better use of health IT to address disparities in health care quality. An editorial accompanying the article says automated and standardized collection of patient data is key. Healthcare IT News.

University of Md. Taps Database To Boost Drug Manufacturing Process

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Scientists at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy are working on a database to help drugmakers determine which of about 1,000 materials are safest and most effective for delivering medications. The project could receive part of a $35 million FDA grant. Baltimore Sun.

Expanding Telehealth in Scotland Could Curb Costs, Report Says

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A report by Audit Scotland urges the National Health Service to consider expanding the use of telehealth in Scotland as a way to control rising costs and address the growing demand for health care services. The report says three projects aim to offer more evidence of the benefits of telehealth. BBC News et al.

What Type of Advertising Is Found on Diabetes Social Media Sites That Allow Industry Ads?

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Among diabetes-related social media websites that let allow industry advertising, two-thirds featured ads from diabetes device manufacturers and half featured information from pharmaceutical manufacturers, according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Health IT Offers New Tools To Boost Patients' Medication Compliance

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Electronic prescribing systems and online pharmacies can help improve patients' adherence to drug regimens. Studies have shown that patients who adhere to their medication regimens have better health outcomes. Wall Street Journal, Wall Street Journal's "Health Blog."

Video Games Help ICU Patients With Physical Therapy, Study Finds

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A study by Johns Hopkins University researchers finds that interactive video games played on consoles such as Nintendo's Wii can enhance physical therapy for patients in intensive care units. Researchers noted that such therapy is cost effective. United Press International et al.

New Delaware Website Helps Residents Locate Long-Term Care Services

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services has launched a new website that aims to provide caregivers, family members and individuals with an online resource to search for aging, disability and other long-term care services by county. Government Technology.

Health 2.0 Conference Focuses on Patient-Centered Technology To Promote Wellness

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Jonathan Attwood of Zamzee, Stephen Downs of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Chris Hewett of Mindbloom, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari and Christine Robins of BodyMedia spoke with iHealthBeat about new consumer-focused health innovations.

California Public Health Officials Tap Technology Tools To Combat STIs

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 GMT

California public health officials are using technology-based strategies to combat rising rates of sexually transmitted infections, especially in communities that traditionally are underserved. Such initiatives include sending text messages with sexual health information. HealthyCal.

ONC Announces Contest for Mobile Applications Targeting Heart Health

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

As part of HHS' Million Hearts Initiative, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has launched a competition for mobile applications that could help people with heart conditions improve medication adherence and adopt healthier lifestyles. Modern Healthcare.

Data Mining Could Help Predict Mortality Risk Among Cardiac Patients

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new study describes how researchers developed data-mining and machine-learning techniques that can sift through electrocardiogram data to find biomarkers that could predict mortality risk among heart attack patients. Wired UK, Modern Healthcare.

Study Finds Variability in Standards for Social Media Sites on Diabetes

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new study finds great variability in the standards used to ensure that diabetes-related social media websites provide effective health information. Some websites use site administrators or physicians to review content, while others do not police material on their sites. Healthcare IT News.

Health IT Could Improve Cancer Care and Patient Outcomes, Study Finds

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that using health IT in cancer care can improve quality and patient outcomes while curbing health care costs. According to the study, privately insured patients undergoing chemotherapy accrue an average of $111,000 annually in costs. Healthcare IT News.

HHS Planning Database To Boost Comparative-Effectiveness Research

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

HHS has posted a notice and opened a 60-day public comment period on its plans to create a database to facilitate comparative-effectiveness research. The database aims to pull together health care claims information from public and private health insurers. Modern Healthcare.

Health Data Projects Among Winners in HHS Innovation Competition

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Six projects led by HHS employees have received awards for their efforts to promote innovation within the agency. The projects include an autism research database, a public health messaging program and an open-source video search tool. The Hill's "Healthwatch" et al.

Agency Awards Grants for IT Expansions in Behavioral Care

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has announced it will award up to $13.2 million to support the expansion of health IT in settings for individuals with substance use disorders or mental health conditions. The grants will go to 47 community health centers and the National Council for Community Behavioral Health Care. Healthcare IT News.

Speech Recognition Software Could Lead to Imaging Report Errors

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Breast imaging reports produced with speech recognition software are more likely than reports generated conventionally to contain major errors that could compromise physician understanding and patient care, according to a recent study. CMIO, Healthcare IT News.

Groups Tap Funding for Mobile Health Efforts Targeting Seniors With Chronic Conditions

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

David Lindeman of the Center for Technology and Aging, Nancy Pratt of Sharp HealthCare, René Seidel of the SCAN Foundation and Steven Wallace of the University of California-Los Angeles Center for Health Policy Research spoke with iHealthBeat about how mobile health technology could benefit seniors.

Wikipedia Content on Cancer Is Accurate, but Dense, Study Finds

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new study finds that Wikipedia's cancer-related content is about as accurate as cancer information on the National Cancer Institute's Physician Data Query website. However, the study notes that Wikipedia's content is more difficult to read. HealthDay/U.S. News and World Report et al.

HHS Announces Mobile Health Recommendations, Initiatives

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Today, HHS announced that its Text4Health Task Force has released recommendations outlining how HHS can play a role in health-related text messaging campaigns and mobile health programs. HHS also announced that the National Cancer Institute has launched two text messaging programs that offer information and tips to encourage tobacco users to quit smoking. Healthcare IT News et al.

GE Plans $1B Investment in New Cancer Initiative Supported by Health IT

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Over the next five years, General Electric plans to invest $1 billion in efforts to expand technologies for cancer detection and treatment. As part of the initiative, GE is funding the development of a "super database" on cancer. Bloomberg Businessweek, Healthcare IT News.

New Research Shows Motion-Sensor Tools Can Track Health Issues

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

New research from the University of Missouri finds that motion-sensor technology used in devices such as the Xbox 360 can monitor the beginnings of disease and risk of falls in elderly individuals, as well as notify clinicians when patients need help. InformationWeek.

Health IT To Support HHS Campaign Against Strokes, Heart Attacks

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

HHS has launched its Million Hearts Initiative, which aims to prevent one million deaths from heart attacks and strokes in the next five years. Officials said health IT tools and initiatives could help the government pursue goals of the campaign. Modern Healthcare, MedPage Today.

Contests Open for Apps on Care Transitions, Adverse Event Reports

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

This week, the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and Health 2.0 launched one contest for health IT applications that ease patient care transitions and another contest for apps that facilitate medical device-related adverse event reporting. Healthcare IT News.

HHS, AT&T, Diabetes Association Team Up for Mobile Health Project

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Today, HHS, AT&T and the American Association of Diabetes Educators announced a plan to use mobile phones to provide training in diabetes self-management to an underserved minority community in Dallas. AT&T is providing $100,000 to AADE to help fund the project. Healthcare IT News.

Study: Telemedicine Program Improves Care for Chronic Conditions

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Health Buddy Program, which integrates telehealth tools with care management applications, could curb spending and improve care for Medicare beneficiaries with chronic conditions, according to a new Health Affairs study conducted by Stanford University researchers. CMIO.

Studies Find Health IT Improves Diabetes Care, Cuts ED-Related Costs

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Two separate studies show that diabetes patients receiving care in medical practices with electronic health records were more likely to receive care meeting certain quality benchmarks and that emergency departments using data exchanges can trim costs. Health Day/U.S. News & World Report et al.

Florida, N.Y. Health Systems Recognized for Health IT Programs

Fri, 26 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

This week, public health organizations in Florida and New York were named recipients of the HIMSS Public Health Davies Award of Excellence. The awards are presented to groups that positively affect population health by optimizing the use of health IT. Modern Healthcare et al.

HHS Looks for Help With Standards To Improve Care in Certain Settings

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

HHS is seeking help from vendors to examine what data are used for patient assessments in nursing homes, in-home care and behavioral health care settings. The agency also is seeking input on how health IT standards could improve care coordination. Government Health IT.

Commentary: EHRs Can Track Preventive Care in Primary Care Settings

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Electronic health records can be used to track preventive health care services in primary care settings by helping to measure population health indicators, according to a commentary recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association. CMIO.

NIH Investing $13M in Project To Create Virtual Rat for Medical Research

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

NIH is putting $13 million into a project that aims to develop complex computer models of rats that researchers could use to test disease interventions. Using virtual rats in medical research could help reduce the cost of breeding and caring for live animals. Daily Tech et al.

Computer Analysis Could Find New Uses for Existing Drugs

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Stanford University researchers recently used a computer program to analyze drug data and genetic information from an NIH database to determine which medications and diseases had genetic expressions that could cancel each other out. Researchers noted that the computational technique could help identify new uses for medicines already on the market. United Press International et al.