iHealthBeat: Mobile Health

Audit: VA Circumvented Data Security Rules in Deploying Apple Devices

Wed, 30 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An audit finds that the Department of Veterans Affairs deployed Apple iPhones and iPads on its network without mandated encryption standards. However, the audit notes that VA used compensating security protections that met federal requirements. Federal Computer Week.

Integrated Health Systems Lead the Pack on Mobile Health

Tue, 29 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Integrated health systems like Kaiser Permanente are way ahead of the curve in terms of mobile offerings. However, experts warn that patients should be aware of the rules and risks of carrying personal health data with them.

White House Launches Digital, Mobile Strategy for All Federal Agencies

Thu, 24 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Obama administration has unveiled a strategy to promote more widespread Web and mobile access to government information, including health care data. U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park also launched an innovation fellowship program. Modern Healthcare et al.

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.

Report: Mobile Devices Could Improve Care, Reduce Medical Costs

Wed, 23 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Brookings Institution report finds that the use of mobile devices could improve health care quality and reduce costs. The report cites research finding that mobile health monitoring devices could reduce U.S. health care costs by about $197 billion over 25 years. Washington Post.

Text Messaging Program Aims To Help Young People Stop Smoking

Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The National Cancer Institute is working with Mobile Commons on a new text messaging campaign aimed at helping teenagers and young adults quit smoking. The program sends texts based on the user's mood, smoking status and planned quit date. Healthcare IT News, Mobile Commons release.

DHS: Mobile Technology Poses Security Risks to Health Data

Fri, 18 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report from the Department of Homeland Security's National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center finds that the health care industry's adoption of mobile technology poses certain security risks to patient data. The report offers recommendations to bolster organizations' data security, such as operating well-maintained firewalls. Government Computer News et al.

Report: Physician Use of Tablets Has Nearly Doubled Since 2011

Tue, 15 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report by Manhattan Research finds that the percentage of surveyed physicians using tablet computers has nearly doubled from about 35% in 2011 to about 62% in 2012. Of the surveyed doctors who are using tablets, 81% said they use Apple's iPad and about 50% said they have used their tablet device at the point of care, according to the report. Becker's Hospital Review et al.

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.

Researchers Examining Use of Mobile Tools for Improving Global Health

Mon, 14 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

According to researchers, mobile technology could help improve access to health care for people living in remote regions of developing countries. However, they note that certain barriers are hindering the widespread implementation of mobile health initiatives. New York Times.

New VA Pilot Program To Provide 1,000 Family Caregivers With iPads

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced a pilot program to give veterans' family caregivers iPads that feature health care applications and tools to aid treatment. The devices will allow data sharing between VA, caregivers and veterans. Modern Healthcare, NextGov.

HHS Innovation Awards Going to Some Health IT-Supported Projects

Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Some of HHS' newly announced innovation awards will go to projects that have a health IT component. Emory University, University Hospitals of Cleveland and George Washington University received awards for projects involving telehealth. Modern Healthcare et al.

Health IT Supporting Programs in Developing Countries, Report Finds

Mon, 07 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Many health programs in low- and middle-income countries are using health IT to improve communications and access to care, according to a Results for Development Institute report published in the Bulletin of the World Health Organization. FierceHealthIT, R4D release.

Patients Could Interact With Medical Devices via Implantable Interfaces

Fri, 04 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Researchers are evaluating whether patients could interact directly with their implanted medical devices through implanted user interfaces. Findings indicate that users can communicate successfully with an interface implanted under the skin of the arm. 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.

More Companies Using Online Games To Boost Employee Wellness

Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Employers and health insurers increasingly are using online games to encourage healthier behavior among workers. However, researchers note that there is a lack of data showing that such games are an effective strategy to improve employee wellness. Wall Street Journal.

Survey: Most Nurses Want Mobile Access to Medication Handbooks

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A survey finds that 85% of nurses and nursing students say they would like to access prescription drug guides through their mobile phones. Seventy-one percent of nursing professionals said they use a smartphone for work. FierceMobileHealthcare, Wolters Kluwer Health release.

Study: Text Message Reminders Can Help Boost Flu Vaccinations

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study finds that text message reminders sent to parents could help boost influenza immunization rates among children and teenagers. According to the study, personalized text message reminders increased flu vaccination rates by about 4%. Reuters, MedPage Today.

Survey: 84% of Doctors Prefer Virtual Events Over In-Person Meetings

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A survey by two firms that provide webcasting and interactive content services finds that 84% of surveyed doctors would rather attend continuing medical education events virtually than in person. The survey also looks at types of digital devices that doctors use. InformationWeek.

Medical App Developers Struggle To Prepare for Regulation From FDA

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Developers of mobile medical applications are facing difficulties preparing for FDA regulation. Many mobile app developers are used to working in the somewhat unregulated Internet sector and are worried that FDA oversight could hinder innovation in the creation of medical apps. Politico.

ONC Launches Contest for Apps To Help Report Patient Safety Incidents

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is inviting developers to create health IT applications that could make it easier for health care providers to report patient safety events. Submissions are due by July 23. Health Data Management, Government Health IT.

Lawmakers Question FDA, FCC on Wireless Health Regulation

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Six House Republicans recently sent a letter asking for an update on how FDA and FCC are working together to regulate wireless health technology. Also in the letter, the lawmakers expressed concern that overregulation of wireless health technology and mobile medical applications could inhibit innovation in the industry. MobiHealthNews, House of Representatives letter.

What Social Media Websites Are Health Care Providers Using for Professional Networking?

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Forty-one percent of surveyed health care providers said they are using the social media website Facebook for professional networking purposes, while 29% say they are using YouTube and 23% say they are using LinkedIn, according to a survey by health care staffing and recruitment firm AMN Healthcare.

Study: Mobile-Based Hospital Communication System Improves Care

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new study published in the journal BMJ Open finds that a hospital in the United Kingdom reduced its length of patient stay by replacing a phone- and pager-based communication system with a smartphone- and tablet-based communication system. FierceMobileHealthcare.

U.S. CTO Park Discusses Efforts To Boost Patient Access to Health Data

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park recently discussed federal efforts to help patients and health care providers access health care data. He referenced a Department of Veterans Affairs program that lets veterans download their personal health information. Bangor Daily News.

More Clinicians Using Social Media Tools To Find Job Opportunities

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A report by staffing and recruitment firm AMN Healthcare finds that nearly one-third of surveyed health care providers used social media tools to search for a job in 2011, compared with about one-fifth of respondents in 2010. Healthcare IT News, Cincinnati Business Courier.

Advertisers Expected To Tap Mobile Health Apps To Market Products

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Mobile health applications likely will become a popular advertising platform as more U.S. residents use mobile devices to obtain health information. Experts note that the apps have a higher return on investment than many other advertising platforms. New York Times.

U.S. CTO: Innovative Technology Could Transform Health Care

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During the Healthcare Experience Design conference this week, U.S. Chief Technology Officer Todd Park said that HHS is creating an "open ecosystem of innovation" by making massive stores of government health data available to application developers. Meanwhile, another conference speaker debunked seven myths about mobile app development. Healthcare IT News, MobiHealthNews.

Report: Global Remote Patient Monitoring Market Poised To Grow

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A recent report by GBI Research predicts that the global market for remote patient monitoring devices will grow from $6.1 billion in 2010 to $8 billion by 2017. The report notes that China and India could be "potentially lucrative markets" for growth. MobiHealthNews, FierceHealthIT.

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.

Mobile Devices Could Be Distracting Physicians, According to Experts

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Some experts are concerned that smartphones and other mobile devices could be distracting physicians. John Halamka, CIO of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, said physicians often manage multiple incoming notifications on their mobile devices. Kaiser Health News/NPR.

Mobile Industry Views Health Care as Growth Opportunity

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Deloitte survey finds that 78% of surveyed mobile technology executives see health care as the biggest growth opportunity for 4G services. To overcome hurdles to mobile health adoption, the report recommends that stakeholders conduct more trials and align the prices of mobile health technology with other consumer electronics prices. MobiHealthNews, FierceMobileHealthcare.

What Mobile Devices Do Hospitals Support or Plan To Support in the Next 24 Months?

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Among surveyed health IT professionals, 83.3% said their hospital supports clinicians' use of Apple iPads on their network or plans to support such use over the next 24 months, while 45.5% said their hospital supports or plans to support clinicians' use of Android-based tablet computers, according to a survey by Aruba Networks , a provider of network access technology.

Surveyed Doctors Want Patients To Track Health Using Mobile Devices

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A recent report by Float Mobile Learning finds that 88% of surveyed physicians said they want patients to use mobile devices to monitor their health. Forty percent of surveyed doctors say mobile health applications could reduce the number of office visits needed by patients. FierceMobileHealthcare et al.

Study: PDAs Aid Obese, Overweight Adults With Weight-Loss Regimen

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study suggests that personal digital assistants can help overweight and obese people adhere to a weight-loss regimen. However, findings show that patients' adherence to the regimen declines over time, regardless of whether they use PDAs. HealthDay/U.S. News & World Report et al.

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.

Johns Hopkins Studying Effectiveness of Mobile Health Applications

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Johns Hopkins University has 49 studies under way around the world as part of its Global mHealth Initiative to evaluate the effectiveness of various mobile health applications. The results of the studies likely will shape future mobile health app development and sales. Baltimore Sun.

Study: Providing Tablets to Medical Residents Could Improve Care

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

An Archives of Internal Medicine study suggests that providing tablet computers to medical residents could improve efficiency and care coordination. Nearly 90% of surveyed residents who received an iPad said they used the mobile device for clinical duties. CMIO et al.

Smartphones Could Aid Disease Surveillance in Developing Countries

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A recent CDC study finds that smartphones could offer a lower-cost and more accurate way of collecting disease surveillance data in developing countries than paper-based methods. Researchers presented the findings at a CDC conference in Atlanta. Modern Healthcare et al.

Study: Software Could Help Detect Faulty Cardiac Device Leads

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study suggests that automated safety surveillance software could identify defective implantable cardiac device leads earlier than currently used methods. Data show that the software would have triggered an alert about the Sprint Fidelis lead two years before it was recalled. CMIO et al.

ONC Seeking Input on Ways To Secure Health Data on Mobile Devices

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT has announced that it is seeking public input on the use of mobile devices by health care professionals, as well as best practices for ensuring the privacy and security of health information on such devices. CMIO et al.

Report: Mobile Health Tools Could Cut Costs, Improve Care Globally

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report by the Boston Consulting Group and Telenor Group predicts that mobile health tools could improve health care worldwide by reducing elder care costs, boosting medication adherence and improving health care access for patients in rural areas. eWeek et al.

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.

CMS Taps Text4baby To Boost Enrollment in Medicaid, CHIP

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, CMS announced a new initiative to promote enrollment in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program through the Text4baby campaign. As part of the initiative, pregnant women and new mothers receiving text messages through Text4baby also will receive messages about signing up for Medicaid and CHIP. Minneapolis Star Tribune's "Patent Pending" et al.

Survey: Many Hospitals Allow Workers To Use Personal Mobile Devices

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A survey finds that about 85% of hospital-based IT professionals say their organization has a "bring your own device" policy allowing staff to use personal mobile devices. However, few organizations grant personal devices full access to a hospital network. Computerworld et al.

Stage 2 Proposed Rule Emphasizes Encryption of Health Information

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A proposed rule for Stage 2 of the meaningful use program does not require the encryption of health data but calls for health care providers to assess the appropriateness of encryption when conducting security risk analyses. InformationWeek, Health Data Management.

Mobile Devices Aid Individuals With PTSD, Substance Use Problems

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Researchers have published preliminary data on the testing of a wireless device that can detect physiological stressors associated with drug cravings or post-traumatic stress and then send a message to users' smartphones. Boston Globe, Mass High Tech.

ONC, HHS Officials Announce Winners of Health App Contests

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and Health 2.0 have named the winners of a contest for apps based on the popHealth framework. HHS also named the winners of a contest for Facebook apps on disaster preparedness. Modern Healthcare et al.

Experts Discuss Health IT Progress, Need To Train Medical Coders

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

At the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's 2012 conference, National Coordinator for Health IT Farzad Mostashari discussed progress in the health IT industry. Others discussed the need to train and retain medical coders. Health Data Management et al.

Experts Launch ICD-10 Tool, Discuss Health IT at HIMSS Conference

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

During the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society's 2012 conference, health IT experts discussed military health IT, quality measures and other issues. Two organizations also launched a tool to help with ICD-10 preparation. Healthcare Finance News et al.

Agencies Announce Plan To Train Students for Rural Health IT Positions

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Health Resources and Services Administration and the Labor Department have announced an agreement to train community and technical college students for rural health IT jobs. The agreement does not authorize funding for the initiative. Modern Healthcare.

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.

West Wireless Health Institute Unveils Wireless Framework

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

This week, the West Wireless Health Institute released a new wireless framework. The organization intends for the framework to act as the wireless installation standard for the U.S. health care industry. Modern Healthcare, West Wireless Health Institute release.

UnitedHealth Launches Cloud Platform for Data Exchange, Health Apps

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

UnitedHealth Group's Optum health-services unit soon will launch a cloud-computing platform that will allow health data exchange and offer health-related applications. Initially, the apps will be aimed at health providers and insurers but eventually could be expanded to focus on consumers. Wall Street Journal.

Smartphone-Based Psychological Therapy Produces Mixed Results

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Several recent studies show promising results from computer and smartphone applications that offer therapy for social anxiety and similar conditions. However, other research shows there is much work to be done to determine how effective the applications are. New York Times.

Opinion: FDA Regulation of Mobile Health Apps Would Be 'Death Blow'

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Joel White -- executive director of the Health IT Now Coalition -- warns that if FDA proceeds with its plan to regulate certain mobile medical applications as medical devices, innovation and growth in the market "could come to a screeching halt." Washington Times.

Study: Texts Can Boost Prenatal, Postnatal Care for Pregnant Women

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A study finds that sending text messages about childbirth preparation to pregnant women can improve prenatal and postnatal care. Researchers say texting could be a low-cost way to engage pregnant women in their care. FierceMobileHealthcare, Partners HealthCare release.

Report: CIOs Concerned With Data Entry, Costs Associated With Tablets

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new report by BizTechReports finds that many hospital and clinic CIOs consider tablet computers to be difficult to integrate with existing health IT systems. The report offers recommendations to make tablets more useful in clinical environments. InformationWeek, NextGov.

Report: 3M People Will Use Smartphones To Monitor Health by 2016

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Juniper Research report predicts that about three million people will use smartphones to monitor their health by 2016. The report also forecasts that mobile health application downloads will increase from 44 million this year to 142 million in 2016. FierceMobileHealthcare et al.

Patients 'Thank' Doctors for Health Advice on New Medical Website

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A new website allows patients to ask health-related questions and advance physicians' online reputations by recognizing their medical advice. HealthTap.com awards social media badges to physicians who accumulate "Thanks" for answering patients' questions. New York Times.

Bill Would Help Doctors Practice Telehealth Across State Lines

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Sen. Tom Udall plans on introducing a bill that would make it easier for physicians to practice telemedicine in different states. Currently, physicians must apply for a different license in each state where patients are treated remotely. The bill would streamline licensure portability between states by creating a standardized list of credentialed practitioners. Government Health IT.

Physicians Say Mobile Devices Not Leading to Care Transformation

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Ninety-eight percent of physicians have adopted mobile devices such as iPads, but most doctors think the technology only serves communication purposes and has yet to change health care delivery methods, according to a survey from Spyglass Consulting Group. Healthcare IT News.

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.

ONC Announces Three Challenges for Health-Related Applications

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT is seeking applications that would help individuals with disabilities access their electronic health record data, help patients schedule follow-up appointments and improve the health of commuters. Health Data Management et al.

New Policy Center Aims To Reduce Health Care Costs Through Health IT

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The West Health Policy Center opened in Washington, D.C., on Monday, and it aims to save up to $100 billion in health care costs over the next decade in part through promoting health IT. The center's chair says mobile health technology can cut costs. Washington Post, U-T San Diego.

HHS Initiative To Develop Best Practices for Mobile Device Use

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT and the HHS Office for Civil Rights are rolling out a project to develop best practices for mobile device use in health care settings. The initiative will build on existing HIPAA rules and will focus on privacy and security best practices. Results will be shared with industry stakeholders. Government Health IT et al.

Contest Aims To Spur Students To Develop Mobile Health Apps

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The Institute of Medicine and the National Academy of Engineering have announced a contest that aims to encourage undergraduate and graduate students to develop mobile health applications using data from HHS' Health Indicators Warehouse. The contest offers $18,000 in prizes and the chance for winning teams to display their apps during the Health Data Initiative Forum in June. Healthcare IT News.

Kaiser Permanente Lets Members Access Health Data Via Smartphone

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Kaiser Permanente has released an Android application and a mobile-optimized version of its website to help members access their health information through mobile phones. Kaiser plans to release an iPhone version of the app in the coming months. Healthcare IT News et al.

Large Insurers Invest in Mobile Health Apps To Boost Patient Wellness

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Large health insurance companies are investing in mobile health applications to assess patient wellness and connect patients with physicians. Aetna, UnitedHealth Group and WellPoint all have made recent investments in mobile health apps. American Medical News.

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.

UnitedHealth Group Forms Partnerships With Mobile Health Firms

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

UnitedHealth Group has announced partnerships with three companies that offer mobile health applications. The apps that the organizations provide help users manage weight, record medication information and track fitness-related data. Twin Cities Business, MedCity News.

Report: Mobile Health Apps Generated $718M in Revenue Last Year

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

A Research2Guidance report finds that mobile health applications generated about $718 million in revenue in 2011, a sevenfold increase from the amount generated in 2010. Researchers said they expect to see further growth in the coming years. MobiHealthNews.

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.

MIT Researchers Aim To Use Smartphones To Track Health Issues

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers have developed a new tool that can sift through data from an individual's smartphone to identify patterns that could signal depression or other health-related issues. Bloomberg Businessweek/San Francisco Chronicle.

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.

FDA Developing App To Monitor Drug Reactions in Public Health Crises

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

FDA plans to develop a mobile application that would let clinicians instantly track and report adverse drug events during public health emergencies. The agency aims to contract with a software developer that could build a prototype of the app within one year. NextGov.

Hospitals Face Barriers as They Work To Roll Out Tablet Computers

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

Hospitals have been slow to adopt tablet computers because of concerns about costs, ease of use and privacy. Many mobile devices do not allow clinicians to use an electronic health record system the same way they would on a desktop or laptop computer. Kaiser Health News/NPR.

Demand for Mobile Health Tools Likely To Increase, Report Finds

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

An IDC Health Insights report predicts that the demand for mobile health technologies will increase over the next several years. Survey respondents reported using an average of 6.4 different mobile health tools per day, including laptops, PC tablet computers and workstations on wheels. CMIO.

Axial Exchange Takes First Prize in HHS' Patient Safety Contest

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Axial Exchange has won the top prize in HHS' "Ensuring Safe Transitions" contest with a Web application that lets health care providers, emergency responders and health plans use various devices to share patient treatment data. Health Data Management, Healthcare IT News.

Worcester Polytechnic Institute Nabs $1.2M Grant for Diabetes App

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The National Science Foundation has awarded a $1.2 million grant to Worcester Polytechnic Institute to develop a smartphone application that will connect wirelessly to a glucose meter and scale to help people manage diabetes. Worcester Business Journal, Healthcare IT News.

What Percentage of Health IT Professionals Say Certain Devices Are Covered in Mobile Policies?

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Among health IT professionals whose organizations have implemented a mobile technology policy, 90% say their organization's policy covers smartphones and 87% say the policy covers laptops, according to a survey from mHIMSS, a mobile health initiative under the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society.

Canadian Researchers Develop Portable Device for Remote HIV Testing

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Canadian researchers have developed a portable device that can analyze blood samples and generate test results within minutes. The device potentially could help health care providers monitor HIV-positive patients in remote areas of the world. Postmedia News/Vancouver Sun.

mHealth: Closing the Gap Between Promise and Adoption

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Speakers at the recent mHealth Summit touted mobile tools as a way to improve preventive health care, reduce unnecessary physician visits, curb rising health care costs and empower patients. Yet, widespread mobile health adoption has remained elusive.

Surgeon General, ONC Launch Mobile Health App Challenge

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The Office of the Surgeon General and the Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT are inviting developers to create smartphone applications that would encourage consumers to play a greater role in their health care. The contest specifically is seeking apps that promote healthy eating, integrative health or physical fitness. Becker's Hospital Review, ONC's "Health IT Buzz."

Sebelius Touts Benefits of Mobile Health Apps During mHealth Summit

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

During this week's mHealth Summit, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that mobile health applications could play a critical role in helping consumers choose their doctors, improve their diets and manage chronic diseases. MobiHealthNews, Healthcare IT News.

Many Organizations Use Mobile Health but Lack Policies on the Devices

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Most health professionals who responded to a survey by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society said they have used a mobile device to access clinical data, but only 38% said their organization has policies regulating such devices. Healthcare IT News.

Privacy Advocates Raise Concerns About Security of Data in Health Apps

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Some privacy advocates say that medical data stored in health-related smartphone applications might not be secure. Mobile apps are not covered by HIPAA privacy and security rules, meaning that app developers have few restrictions on what they do with user data. NPR's "Shots."

44M Mobile Health Apps Will Be Downloaded in 2012, Report Predicts

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A Juniper Research report predicts that there will be 44 million downloads of mobile health applications in 2012 and 142 million downloads by 2016. The report notes that peripheral devices could boost health apps' capabilities. MobiHealthNews, Juniper Research release.

Residents More Likely To Use Smartphones for Clinical Purposes

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A survey by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education finds that 70% of medical residents said they used a smartphone in clinical practice, compared with 39.2% of attending physicians who had practiced for more than 15 years. Fierce Mobile Healthcare, iMedicalApps.

AMA Unveils Mobile App To Help Patients Store, Share Medication Data

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The American Medical Association recently released its "My Medications" smartphone application, which allows consumers to store and share data on their current medications, drug allergies, immunizations and other medical issues. Health Data Management, Modern Physician.

Mobile Health Market Likely To Exceed $400M by 2016, Study Finds

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A study by ABI Research finds that the market for mobile health technology is expected to jump from $120 million in 2010 to more than $400 million by 2016. According to the study, fitness-related applications will dominate the mobile health market. eWeek, ABI Research release.

Text4baby Program Helps Women Obtain Health Information

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A small study of participants in the Text4baby program finds that the service has helped women communicate with their doctors, obtain health information and remember appointments. HHS is studying ways to evaluate the program at the national level. Fierce Mobile Healthcare.

Report Identifies Top Nine Ways IT Benefits Health Care Industry

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton has released a list of the top nine ways that IT is changing the U.S. health care system. Booz Allen says health IT tools can reduce medical errors and facilitate seamless transitions in care settings. Becker's Hospital Review, Healthcare IT News.

Report: More Than Half of Physicians Are Using Smartphones for Work

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

A new CompTIA report finds that more than half of physicians use a smartphone for work purposes. Nearly two-thirds of health care providers say that implementing or improving their use of mobile health tools would be a mid- or high-level priority in the next year. MobiHealthNews.

Opinion Piece Says U.S. Poised for a Consumer Health 'Revolution'

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

In a New York Times opinion piece, Frank Moss -- an entrepreneur and former director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Lab -- writes that the U.S. is trending toward a health system transformation driven by innovation in consumer health tools. New York Times.

In Which Types of Communities Do Individuals Who Have Downloaded a Health App Live?

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Thirty-three percent of individuals who have downloaded an application to track or manage their health live in urban communities, 29% live in suburban neighborhoods and 20% live in rural areas, according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project.

Stakeholders Comment on Proposed Regulation of Mobile Medical Apps

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

The American Telemedicine Association and the mHealth Initiative have sent letters calling for FDA to add greater clarity to its proposed guidelines on the regulation of mobile health applications. ATA urged FDA to regulate apps based on specific factors. Government Health IT.

Survey: 11% of U.S. Adult Cellphone Users Had Health Apps in 2011

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

About 11% of U.S. adult cellphone users have downloaded a health-related application, compared with about 9% who had done so last year, according to a new survey by the Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project. MobiHealthNews, Philadelphia Inquirer.

Walgreen Equips Staff With iPads To Give Consumers Health Data

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:00:00 GMT

Walgreen is supplying iPads to health guides at 16 Chicago-area stores to help consumers find health data. The guides will use the iPads to help consumers look up information such as medical databases and online physician ratings. Chicago Sun-Times, Fierce Mobile Healthcare.