In the last few days I seem to have been deluged with all sorts of different decision support stories, each addressing different problems.
First we have:
Michigan docs use computerized reminders to boost colon cancer screening rates
By Richard Pizzi, Associate Editor 09/05/08
A computerized reminder system used in community-based primary care physicians' offices has increased colorectal cancer screening rates by an average of 9 percent, according to a new study from the University of Michigan Health System.
The reminder system, called ClinfoTracker, was developed by family medicine physicians at UMHS to help track and manage primary care.
The system encourages doctors and patients to follow guidelines for managing chronic diseases or for prevention screenings.
In the current study, published in the September issue of Medical Care, ClinfoTracker was integrated into 12 primary care practices participating in the Great Lakes Research into Practice Network, a statewide practice-based research network in Michigan.
More here
http://www.healthcareitnews.com/story.cms?id=9872
Second we have:
CapMed Adds Analysis App to PHR
September 5, 2008
Personal health records vendor CapMed will offer an optional gaps-in-care analysis module with its software.
…..
The engine will analyze information in a PHR, either entered by a consumer or automatically inputted by an insurer or employer. The consumer will receive personally relevant information on treatment options, support groups, clinical trials, medication recalls, treatment reminders, and vital signs out of their normal range.
More here
More information is available at capmed.com.
Third we have:
Vitalog PSS™ HealthCoach™ Programs Launches Pilot in Europe
NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Brussels, Vlaams Brabant, Belgium, 09/09/2008
Vitalog is a global company based in Brussels working in the field of healthy Life Style and Wellness. We provide innovative state of the art Healthy Life Style coaching programs and solutions for primary and secondary diseases prevention.
After successfully delivering the Vitalog Pss™ HealthCoach™ platform in the USA, Vitalog will start 2 pilots in Europe in order to adopt European cultural diversity factors into its Internet and mobile platform. The first pilot service will be held in the UK starting November 2008 and the second pilot will be in Belgium and will start December 2008.
Vitalog PSS™ HealthCoach™ is a software as a service (SaaS) based on Vitalog’s Pss™ innovative platform that offers at the same time a set of tools to consumers, industry and health care professionals.
Vitalog PSS™ HealthCoach™ delivers primary and secondary prevention services and tools for programs dealing with weight loss and management, reducing blood cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, smoking cessation and many more, using its state-of-the-art Mobile and Internet technologies In order to deliver behavior change programs and interventions that drive its users to healthier lifestyle.
Vitalog PSS™ delivers to the consumer real time engaging personalized advice, feedback and programs using behavior change strategies that are being set by psychologists, physicians and nutritionists.
Primary and secondary prevention using structured behavior modification (aka: personal coaching for healthier lifestyle) are being recognized by World Health Organization and the healthcare industry as best practice.
Much more here:
http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/39507/
Fourth we have:
IT helps California hospital spot high-risk patients
By Bernie Monegain, Editor 09/11/08
Mercy Merced Medical Center, part of the Catholic Healthcare West system, is putting information technology to work in identifying high-risk patients.
Mercy Merced tapped Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Thomson Reuters for its Clinical Xpert CareFocus software, an extension of the Clinical Xpert Navigator product that gives clinicians access to clinical data on their mobile devices and smartphones.
CareFocus is designed to allow clinicians to build clinical profiles to identify high-risk patients from the hospital census based on their medications, lab results, vital signs, diagnoses, observations, active orders and demographics.
By identifying at-risk patients early, clinicians say, hospitals can significantly improve clinical outcomes - reducing mortality, length of stay and potential costs from treating complications.
More here:
http://www.healthcareitnews.com/story.cms?id=9963
All I can say is that I was amazed at the variety of efforts being initiated to try and help both consumers and professionals do a better job of looking after their health and the range of approaches being adopted. Just great.
David.
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