Posted by Sally on March 2, 2009 under Blog | 
This could provide a really positive outcome for those who don't like visiting doctors.
There is no suggestion that these kiosks replace the need to see a doctor but I think it could be an excellent first step for people who, for whatever reason are uncomfortable visiting a doctor.
I think this is an excellent use of technology and I look forward to seeing the outcomes of the proposed field tests.
Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) are developing a kiosk that can capture a patient's medical history, blood pressure, pulse, weight and other vital signs. It can also perform blood tests for glucose and cholesterol with results then sent to your provider. A message is sent back to you either by text or email advising the next course of action. Information might include whether prescribed medications are working for you right through to the requirement for further in depth exams if required.
Looking under the hood so to speak you will find the kiosk consists of a computer with peripherals including a blood-pressure cuff, a scale, a pulse oximeter to measure blood oxygen levels, and a peak-flow meter to determine whether someone's airways are constricted. Blood testing devices commonly used in emergency rooms that can measure cholesterol and glucose levels are also installed.
The kiosk is due to begin field testing in the UK in June and physicians hope it will one day bring relief to an overburdened healthcare system.
Read the full article at
Technology Review Thanks to carlosrizo for original twitter
Posted by Sally on February 11, 2009 under Blog |
I love reading articles that show how technology is helping people of all ages.
This one caught my eye this morning.
thewest.com.au reports:
A group of seven older people with and without the degenerative condition took part in a NSW pilot project, and they were put through an almost daily regime of playing the Nintendo Wii.
The home entertainment device is controlled through arm movements, while a Wii Fit "board" was also added requiring the seated users to interact with on-screen objects using their feet.
Southern Cross University Associate Professor Rick van der Zwan said the initial findings were positive, as it showed the older people were prepared to embrace an unfamiliar technology.
"Lots of older people when you talk to them about computer games they think about shooting up spaceships ... they're not so interested," Dr van der Zwan says.
"They are quite prepared to try it as a therapy or potential form of treatment, but when they do they are quite surprised.
"They find it fun ... not a chore like taking your blood pressure, it becomes an engaging part of their routine and that's exactly what we want."
Read rest of this article.
Posted by Sally on January 28, 2009 under Blog |
Just a quick note to remind you that America's Agenda Health Summit webcast starts January 28.
This is the first of 10 planned for different US Cities. The webcast starts 6.30pm EST.
http://www.americasagenda.org
Posted by Sally on under Blog |
I read a
great post earlier today that discusses the need for physicians to look for practical solutions to improve office efficiency and increase revenue during this economic downturn.
It looks at several social media and Health 2.0 solutions that may have a positive impact on the bottom line of physician's offices.
I find it really encouraging to see some in our medical profession looking at ways they can improve their patients health outcomes and their own practice by reviewing and adopting technology.
Read the article:
Improving Practice Health - Using Social and New Media Tools to Improve Practice ManagementOther articles of interest Software as a Service Market Will Expand Rather than Contract Despite the Economic Crisis, IDC Finds
Posted by Sally on January 13, 2009 under Blog |
The next
Health 2.0 conference is coming up this April 22-23 at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel.
I've just checked out the agenda and there will be some really exciting debates including:
Knowledge creation: Expert vs WikiHow do you build Health 2.0 into the delivery system?What is the future role of the doctor?I really wish I could attend this one! Oh well, perhaps next year.
Let's hope some friendly Tweeps keep us posted via Twitter. If you are going and plan on using Twitter to share details, feel free to leave a comment so that we can follow you :)
Posted by Admin on January 12, 2009 under Services |
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Posted by Sally on December 29, 2008 under Blog |
For just over a year I've been working on building a
social networking site that I had hoped would be used by the Health Department in an effort to improve communication between our nursing staff and their clients.
Perhaps I had a feeling of things to come after posting recently about an article dealing with
the lack of innovation within Government Departments.
I was informed on the 24th of December that my site has not been supported by the Executive which effectively means it will not be launched for our community groups in 2009 as I had hoped.
Obviously, I am very disappointed in this decision as I firmly believe health 2.0 has a place in Australian Health. I have not been given a full explanation regarding this decision so cannot really blog about it in detail at this stage.
Hopefully in the new year I will be given some details and will be happy to share my thoughts and opinions.
Although I am terribly disappointed that my site,
CommunityConnect was not launched, I have learnt an incredible amount and have become quite a huge fan of Drupal, the platform used to build the site.
Posted by Sally on December 15, 2008 under Blog |
I love finding resources online and it's even better when you find posts that list them for you!
Check out the
100 Global Health Blogs That Will Open Your Eyes. I'm pleased to say that Tech'n'Health made the cut :)
Posted by Sally on December 1, 2008 under Blog |
Another interesting article from
watoday.com.au discussing the need to accommodate changing trends by developing integrated health treatments which include the referral of patients to alternate or complimentary therapy.
Professor Kerryn Phelps said patients today wanted more health information resources and were increasing their use of complimentary medicines furthering the need for an integrated health system.
Speaking at the Vario Health Institute conference at Edith Cowan University this morning, she said Australia needed to continue to develop an integrated system which made room for alternative treatments.
"It's time we did something of a reality check, our health care system is reforming itself with or without government reform," she said."
She said Generation Y would benefit from credible health information online, in chat rooms and on reputable websites.
"This new generation demand high-quality information to guide their own self medication... patients of the information age have a growing amount of information available to them - but also a lot of misinformation," she said.
I can see this will be quite a long journey especially trying to change the attitudes of some GP's towards alternative therapies.
Ultimately, the client will help force change. It may take longer than many of us desire but eventually it will happen.
Posted by Sally on November 30, 2008 under Blog |
I've just finished reading an interesting essay on
TechCrunch called
The Cost of Prudence that has really resonated with me.
It discusses the impact bureaucracy has on innovation, or more to the point that it kills innovation. It is well worth the
read, especially if you work in Government or a large organization that has gone down a similar path.
Speaking from experience with almost 7 years working in Government, trying to be innovative is almost impossible. As Government Departments and Agencies grow and evolve, processes and procedures can seriously hamper innovation, especially when it involves technology.
Unless you have management willing to take risk, it is a battle to get anything off the ground. I started developing a social network for our many community groups over two years ago. I am yet to get approval. Every time I think it is close to being launched another obstacle or as my managers call them, checks are put in my way. I continue to comply to their requests and get the required information necessary to move the project to the next level. I am not sure how many levels there are but have a sneaking suspicion that they are endless and possibly designed to avoid ever launching my network!
