Collaborative Healthcare: Shaping Our Telemedicine Strategy

health telemedicine strategy

Collaborative Healthcare: Shaping Our Telemedicine Strategy

Unknown 7/13/2016 Komentar

Telemedicine market is huge. It is changing the way healthcare is delivered and consumed.

To start with, why not take a look at the latest US Telemedicine market figures to know how it is marching ahead. According to a recent report published by InformationWeek, a media outlet for news on business IT community, U.S. Telemedicine market is anticipated to soar past to $6.28 billion by 2020 from $240 million today. These big figures suggest that the market potential is stupendous and that companies like us are inspired to cater to these potentially huge telemedicine markets in the US.

The telemedicine market, which was valued at USD 572.0 million in the year 2014, is still growing with an annual growth rate of 56 percent to $1.9 billion in 2018 and this is not all. To be sure, that's a quiet a lot of money for a specialized sector that has, so to speak, not yet realized its true potential. We at Prime Technology Group are focused on providing innovative people-centric healthcare solutions.

We look at how other industry players are leveraging telemedicine technologies, as well as strategic considerations for organizations like us seeking to launch a sustainable telemedicine technology expertise. Our telemedicine solution integrates patients, doctors and providers via web-based, mobile and in-person modes. On a humble note I'd like to specify that it may take just one win to justify the amount of investments we are making, but we also believe that Prime is one of those companies who will make its custom telemedicine framework a big winner in the healthcare markets of today. Enabling healthcare businesses and organizations to deliver high-quality patient care is our prime motto. In that, we believe in fervently.

Enabling Better Access to Healthcare

Let me share with you a few of the high-level functionality features of Prime's custom-made telemedicine framework that drives superior integration across health and social care. Going forward, I must at the same time qualify my observations by bringing them here to the attention of the readers of my blog. So here they are:

Prime Telemedicine Framework, High-Level Functionality

• Patient consultations (multi-way)
• Transmission of Data, Image, etc.
• E-Health – various Digital Health capabilities
• Remote monitoring of patients
• Medical device integration
• Medical education via e-health programs
• Partnership and integration of consumer‐focused wireless applications
• Integration with EMR, patient portal, member portal and other applications, etc.
• Infrastructure setup, photo and clinical data sharing, uploading feature, etc.
• Smartphone devices like mobile and tablet friendly
• Built-in module in the Practice Management (PHCF) which has a set of features like real-time interactive video calling and chat box
• Easy customization capability feature

As for our practice management application is concerned, which is our Datalogue management tool, we have it built-in with video call facility and e-chart functionality like any other practice management system (which is a part of meaningful use compliance program for Stage 1 and Stage 2). After the federal government's meaningful use compliance mandate almost all Practice Management systems have this capability. Meaningful use compliance means providing incentives to eligible providers.

With Prime's significant experience in both healthcare and technology to develop new tele-health/telemedicine applications, we can meet the needs of the healthcare clients with an easy-to-install, easy-to-use telemedicine application; in short, a telemedicine-enabled future that addresses your most important issues and goals.

For custom telemedicine solutions that drive better patient experiences, let us help you.

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Genetic Influences in Health Mysterious Disorders

health influences

Genetic Influences in Health Mysterious Disorders

Unknown 7/13/2016 Komentar

Many factors cause human disease but the family history or genes from the parents is one of the strongest risk factors for common complex influences in health such as cancer,cardiovascula diseases, diabetes, psychiatric illness and much more. Genetics play a very important role and genetic mutations vary from person to person. One of the biggest causes for disorders in genetic mutation is MTHFR gene. A thorough genetic assessment and a detailed MTHFR gene treatment can tell us which chronic diseases are more likely to develop and also take the most appropriate and preventive treatment for MTHFR gene mutations.

Common health problems linked to MTHFR mutations:

· Miscarriages

MTHFR mutations leave women susceptible to miscarriages. A leading MTHFR gene mutation doctor says that many women experiences miscarriages without ever knowing why they occurred.

· Heart diseases

High blood pressure, heart attacks, and strokes are commonly found in people who have MTHFR mutation. In order to avoid this, a proper MTHFR gene treatment should be taken toavoid risking your life.

· Diabetes

Excess carbohydrates and sugar intake eventually leads to diabetes and the person with MTHFR mutation experiences greater risk. If there is a family history, then you should check for MTHFR and if positive, you should take an appropriate treatment for MTHFR gene mutations.
· Anxiety and depression

Often people who have MTHFR mutations experience more anxiety and there may be possible causes for depression and stress. If you experience excess of anxiety or depression, consult a MTHFR gene mutation doctor who will prescribe you with proper MTHFR gene treatment.
· Cancer

MTHFR mutation is likely to be connected to cancer of many types including prostate and breast. MTHFR gene mutation doctor guide you specially designed MTHFR cancer treatment, which will be really helpful. Cancer is very dangerous, so without MTHFR cancer treatment, you may put your life in peril.

Treatment for MTHFR gene mutations also includes testing to determine which anti-depressant anti-anxiety and other psychotropic medication will cause the least side effects for the patient. MTHFR gene mutation doctor also does assessment of MTHFR gene which tells us how efficiently a person:

· Detoxifies chemical pollutants and hormones

· Produces energy

· Builds red and white blood cells

· Runs thyroid

· Repairs DNA

· Overcomes other health determining issues

Most diseases involve many genes in complex interactions in addition to environmental influences. You may not be born with a disease but there is always a risk of acquiring it. The genetic susceptibility to any disease can be due to presence of one or more gene mutations or MTHFR mutations, so it is wise to be tested and take a proper treatment for MTHFR gene mutations or MTHFR cancer treatment in case of any type of cancers.

Doctors who treat MTHFR is not easy to find. Our directory helps you to find mthfr gene treatment who trained in methylation and treatments for mthfr gene mutation. We also provide the largest study material for both patients and doctors to assist in the research about mthfr dna, genetics, epigenetics and more. For further details, please visit our website.

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The Department Of Health Is Pushing Further Into Big Data! A New Tender Issued.

The Department Of Health Is Pushing Further Into Big Data! A New Tender Issued.

Unknown 7/13/2016 Komentar

This appeared last week:

Department of Health on the hunt for data analytics panel

The Australian Department of Health plans to extend its existing data analytics capabilities with the establishment of a health data analytics panel in September.

By Aimee Chanthadavong | July 8, 2016 -- 02:30 GMT (12:30 AEST)

The Australian Department of Health is looking to establish a health data analytics panel to provide a range of data analytic services to support the department.

The department has gone to tender [PDF] saying a key objective of the panel will be to supplement its existing data analytics staff and capabilities, while assisting it to evaluate new and emerging analysis methods.

In addition, the panel will be responsible for delivering trial and evaluation services of self-service data reporting and analytic tools, such as those that assist economic, statistical, and location-based analysis; project management services for data analytics projects; services to collect, collate, and prepare data for data analysis projects; and services to communicate the results of data analysis.

The request for tender also said the panel will need to be familiar with one or more of the analytics software packages the department currently holds, including Teradata, SAS Enterprise Guide, SAS Visual Analytics, SAS Forecast Studio, SAS Enterprise Miner, ESRI ARC GIS suite, and COGNOS.

The department said it plans to establish a panel from September 1, 2016 for three years, with an option for up to two years extension beyond June 30, 2019, which will be available at the department's discretion.

The deadline for the request for tender is August 8, 2016.

More here:

http://www.zdnet.com/article/department-of-health-on-the-hunt-for-data-analytics-panel/

What I found interesting here as the range of analytics the Department is already using. What this reveals to me is the scope of the use the data from the MBS and PBS is being put to.

What is absent seems to me is an absence of public reporting on what is being found in any systematic way as far as I know.

The data being analysed is public information and it would be good to see this information – suitably anonymised – be made available easily for researchers etc. As I recall ‘open information’ was part of the Government agenda!

I guess we will have to wait and see what view ADHA takes on all this – it has to be a topic of interest for them…

David.

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How to trick your brain into healthy eating

brain eat health how to

How to trick your brain into healthy eating

Unknown 7/13/2016 Komentar

A

s a scientist and a chef, we tend to find very little to agree with when it comes to many recent diets. This is partly because research mostly shows that fad diets have short-lived results at best, and anyone following them often ends up frustrated by the restrictions or impracticalities. Families looking for ways to cut down their calorie intake may also find it difficult to find solutions that meet the nutritional requirements of all their family members.

So the following should not be considered as dietary tips – more a list of reflections on how you can reduce calorie intake and potentially eat healthier based on current and ongoing research in the emerging scientific field of “gastrophysics” – a combination of gastronomy and psychophysics.

Trick your brain

There are a couple of easy changes you can make that can have a profound effect on satiety – how full you feel. Research shows that using smaller crockery tends to trick our brains into believing we are eating more, a psychological phenomenon that can best be illustrated by taking a look at the Delboeuf optical illusion.

If you put two identical portions of food on a big plate and a small plate, the portion on the bigger plate will look smaller, and vice versa: our brains can’t help but be fooled by this effect, even when we know they are the same.

We also know that serving food in a bowl instead of on a plate can give the food a greater sense of volume and depth, yet again tricking our brains into thinking there is more there than is actually the case. The latest research shows that the weight of cutlery and crockery has a significant effect on our appreciation for meals we eat; with heavier plates and knives and forks offering greater levels of satiety.

So what’s the take-away from all of this? Serve your meals in small, heavy bowls and eat with heavy cutlery!

Make it difficult to eat

This may seem a little ridiculous, but research shows that if we are forced to eat with a non-dominant hand we’ll generally consume less. But this isn’t necessarily going to make your experience of eating any more pleasant. So, instead, try using other creative ways to enjoy interacting with your food, such as using Japanese soup spoons to eat your soup, or chopsticks for other foods – anything, in fact, that stops you from simply shovelling food into your mouth. 

No more TV dinners

We just mentioned mindfulness and it would appear that this is a major contributor to how well and how much we eat. Research shows that we consume as much as 30% more when we’re engaged in other activities, such as watching television.

Such distractions are becoming far more commonplace at the dining table. In fact many people don’t even use their dining space at home, preferring to eat in front of the TV or looking at phones. However, messaging and checking social media are surefire ways to ensure you’re not focused on the food you are eating; you’ll appreciate your it less, which inevitably results in both a reduced sense of satiety and overeating.

So the advice here is to turn off the TV, put the phone on charge in the other room and sit at a dining table to fully enjoy your meal.

Eat with all your senses

In our Kitchen Theory dining experiences we introduce dishes with weird sensory elements – getting people to eat while enhancing other senses, such as smell or sight. But multisensory dining is about more than that. At the core of what we do is the idea of helping people to be truly mindful of the dishes that they are presented with.

At home this can be as simple as taking a moment before eating to sniff your food and really appreciate the aromas. (Many researchers believe that up to 90% of what we perceive as flavour comes from our sense of smell.)

Holding a warm bowl in your hand also helps, as does chewing properly (your mum was right …) and exhaling as you chew – this stimulates the olfactory receptors and further enhances the flavour of food. Finally, focus on the texture. It’s interesting to note that we consume fewer calories when eating apples than we do with apple puree, and fewer calories with apple puree than apple juice because we get more sensation information from the puree than the juice, more still from the actual apple. In other words, our brains use the amount of sensation we receive from texture as one of the cues to tell us when to stop eating.

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SA Health Seems To Be Being Noticed For All The Wrong Reasons Again. Do They Need A New CIO and Minister?

SA Health Seems To Be Being Noticed For All The Wrong Reasons Again. Do They Need A New CIO and Minister?

Unknown 7/12/2016 Komentar

Lots of material appeared last week.

First we have:

Auditor-General reveals almost 4500 dead people received taxpayer-funded electricity concessions — some for 8 years

Daniel Wills, State Political Editor, The Advertiser

July 5, 2016 10:48pm

ALMOST 4500 dead people have received taxpayer-funded electricity concessions that may have continued for up to eight years after they passed away, the Auditor-General has found.

In two damning reports handed to State Parliament on Tuesday, Andrew Richardson revealed major flaws in the health and communities department, as Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis prepares to hand down his third Budget tomorrow.

In one report, Mr Richardson finds that the State Government has known since at least January that expected benefits of the Enterprise Patient Administration System have seriously deteriorated and that the almost $450 million program is now creating more financial harm than good.

The Opposition says the findings are evidence that the Government’s management of the State Budget and health system is in disarray, and has led to increases in taxes and levies.

Mr Richardson’s report on the Department of Communities and Social Inclusion found that its processes for checking concession payments were so flawed that dead people were being paid.

More here:

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/auditorgeneral-reveals-almost-4500-dead-people-received-taxpayerfunded-electricity-concessions--some-for-8-years/news-story/3e24e1babbc48b99041a93c20da0c0dc

The ABC also picked things up.

SA's electronic health record system defended despite report finding further problems

By political reporter Angelique Donnellan, staff

7 July, 2016

The South Australian Government has defended the rollout of its electronic patient records system at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), despite an auditor-general's report identifying further problems with it.

The beleaguered $422 million system, known as EPAS, was intended to replace paper medical records but has been subject to glitches and delays.

Auditor-general Andrew Richardson said EPAS was now expected to face a $29 million funding shortfall, while $152 million in savings were unlikely to be realised.

His investigation revealed 103 defects with the system - five rated as critical, 40 as high, 49 as medium and nine as low.

EPAS has been operating at Port Augusta, the Noarlunga and Repatriation General hospitals and was last week rolled out at the QEH.

Health Minister Jack Snelling told Parliament the QEH was the biggest hospital to so far transition to EPAS.

Lots more here:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-05/electronic-health-records-defended-despite-new-findings/7571958

But it seems the confidence level is not all that high:

SA could install legacy software at new Adelaide hospital

Continues to invest in old patient system just in case.

By Paris Cowan
Jul 6 2016 6:35AM

South Australian health bureaucrats will decide next month whether Adelaide’s newest hospital will run new patient administration software when it opens, or whether it will need to install a legacy solution as a back-up.

The state’s auditor general, Andrew Richardson, yesterday released his annual check-up on the rollout of SA’s enterprise patient administration system (EPAS) [pdf], revealing the government continues to sink money into stabilising its legacy acute patient management system (APMS) as a contingency for the new Royal Adelaide Hospital opening.

SA Health is due to decide next month whether the RAH hospital will be ready to take on the troubled EPAS before it opens its doors in November this year.

The recently completed implementation of EPAS at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital will act as a barometer for the system’s performance in a large and complex health environment and inform the nRAH determination.

Lots more here:

http://www.itnews.com.au/news/sa-could-install-legacy-software-at-new-adelaide-hospital-430201

We have also had the Liberal Opposition Spokesman comment:

EPAS set to break Half Billion Barrier

Wednesday 06 July 2016

The State Liberals are demanding Health Minister Jack Snelling come clean on the total cost of his botched EPAS project as it is now inevitable that the project cost will exceed $500 million.

Yesterday, the Auditor-General confirmed that the cost of EPAS had blown out to $450 million by the end of last year.
Originally, it was going to cost $215million. [1]

“Clearly the ultimate price of EPAS will be a great deal more than the $450 million it has already cost,” said Shadow Minister for Health Stephen Wade.

“It will cost more than $40 million to roll out EPAS to country hospitals and that figure isn’t included in the $450 million spent to date.”

More here:

http://www.stephenwade.com.au/epas_set_to_break_half_billion_barrier

And then to top it off we had this:

SA govt finally starts move off unlicensed hospital software

By Paris Cowan on Jul 7, 2016 5:33PM

Funds transition plan as copyright trial looms.

South Australia has found space in its 2016 budget to pay for the first stage of the migration of its regional hospitals off long out-of-date CHIRON patient administration software.

The software is currently at the heart of a bitter court battle between the state and vendor Global Health, which refused to sell the SA hospitals any more licences for CHIRON beyond March 2015.

The 1980s green screen product was superseded in 2003.

However, with no transition plan in place, the 12 regional hospitals have continued using the system, triggering a copyright lawsuit that is due to be heard in early December 2016.

Global Health is going after the state for damages and breach of copyright, while South Australia is claiming crown privileges to maintain its use outside of normal licensing parameters.

The state government now appears, however, to be making space for a contingency plan should the federal court rule against it in six months’ time.

More here:

http://www.itnews.com.au/news/sa-govt-finally-starts-move-off-unlicensed-hospital-software-430342

With all this in just a week – one has to think of there not being ‘smoke without fire’ and that there really needs to be clearer management and leadership to try and sort all this out and reboot the plans.

I guess we all just need to watch and wait.

David.

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