Healthcare IT News

BRIGGS DEPLOYS DATA COLLECTION SYSTEM AIMED AT ACCURACY DES MOINES, IA – Briggs, a healthcare provider based in Des Moines, Iowa, has implemented a new electronic mobile data collection system that is designed to enable healthcare agencies to improve the accuracy of recorded data. OASISync system integrates Briggs’ regulatory-compliant OASIS forms content. Results from organizations using the OASIS solution include improved outcomes for CMS measurements, lower occurrence rates, reduced resource utilization and reduced costs per visit. OASISync provides online forms, proprietary software and a choice of data collection devices such as digital pens or tablet PCs. VENDOR LAUNCHES NEW VITALS MONITORING TECHNOLOGY ANDOVER, MA  – Philips has launched a new vital signs monitoring device to provide more economical, simple vital checks. The SureSigns VS2 offers physicians a more cost effective spot check monitor for use with neonates, pediatric and adult patients, according to Philips. The VS2 has been designed with an intuitive interface and an expectation of reducing the amount of time spent on clinical training, allowing more focus to be spent on the patient. The VS2 has the ability to store up to 100 patient records at any given time. Clinicians can then view these records by navigating the touch screen on the front of the device. Philips has also offered an optional wireless feature permitting the user to use the technology while moving from patient to patient. META LAUNCHES NEW CPOE AIMED AT ELIMINATING ERRORS FLORAL PARK, NY – Meta a supplier of comprehensive medication safety information systems, has launched MetaCare CPOE, a clinical provider order entry system designed to provide medication safety for patients. MetaCare integrates a single set of databases, helping to eliminate errors throughout the process of ordering. MetaCare CPOE enables the prescriber to view patient profiles and provides decision support for all order types. The product is designed to provide a unified medication management system to help clinicians deliver better care. TECHNOLOGY PROVIDER EXPANDS MANAGEMENT WORKFLOW SAN DIEGO – CareFusion Corp., the company spin-off of Cardinal Health, has developed a stream of new products to improve supply management and workflow. The new products will expand Pyxis perioperative offerings that integrate with operating room information systems, RFIDs, and other technologies. The Pyxis ProcedureStation integrates with hospital operating room information systems to help streamline workflows in the emergency departments. The new technology helps nurses spend less time on non-clinical activities by automatically incorporating surgical supply information directly into patient records. Combined with RFID technology, Pyxis is designed to assist hospitals manage high volumes of supplies and help streamline workflow. TANGENT ROLLS OUT COMPACT, ENERGY EFFICIENT PC BURLINGAME, CA – Tangent, Inc., has rolled out a new space and energy saving PC for use in hospital and physician practices. Tangent expects that this technology will be an adequate replacement for mobile cart solutions. The VITA LT is a light-weight solution with a total weight of 10.5 lbs. With a thin design of 1.4 inches and 18.5-inch screen the solution is well adapted for tight spaces in healthcare settings, according to Tangent. The VITA LT is also suited for a wall-mount installation as it conforms to fire ordinances that limit wall protrusions. It’s size and weight remove the need for obstructive wall support. The compact PC features power efficiency, using 34 watts and 72 percent less energy than industry standards, according to Tangent. The VITA LT also includes wireless features with a built-in 802.11 wireless connection. The casing is sealed for easy cleaning while its white color aides in spotting hygiene issues. n  

The National Cyber Security Alliance has added Google to its board of directors. The announcement comes as Google’s health division has increased activity this summer to protect patient rights.

Healthcare IT chief David Blumenthal has joined the White House e-mail campaign for healthcare reform with a public letter sent via e-mail expounding the virtues of electronic health record systems as a critical piece of transformation.

WebMD deploys mobile medical application for physicians NEW YORK - The WebMD Health Corporation has rolled out a new medical application for physicians that’s designed to make healthcare information more accessible for the on-the-go situations. Medscape Mobile provides physicians with information on a mobile platform available through Apple’s iPhone or iPod Touch, the BlackBerry and other mobile devices. The free application provides physicians with pharmaceutical information, clinical reference tools, medical news and information on continuing medical education. Medscape’s information services include: A database of more than 6,000 generic and brand name drugs, plus hundreds of herbals, supplements and antidotes. A drug interaction checker that quickly shows interactions for a combination of up to 30 drugs, herbals and/or supplements.  Medscape Medical News with up-to-date, specialty-focused medical content across more than 30 specialties. The WebMD Health Directory, featuring contact information for moe than 400,000 physicians, 57,000 pharmacies and 6,000 hospitals. Vendor rolls out teletom technology for critical care CHARLESTON, SC  – BERCHTOLD Corp., a medical equipment manufacturer based in South Carolina, has rolled out a line of TELETOM technology to meet the needs of critical care patients. The ceiling-mounted TELETOM for critical care patients provides staff members with a maneuverable workstation designed for improved bedside assistance. It includes a choice of suspensions, easily cleaned surfaces, removable accessories, integrated power and gas outlets, and a practical organization of cords and cables. Humanscale healthcare launches COWs NEW YORK – Humanscale Healthcare has launched its new T5 and T6 computer-on-wheels, which are designed to provide the user with comfort, ease of mobility and maximum maneuverability for improved care to patients. The T6 includes features such as improved cable management and a new design. It also includes a high-performance power system  compatible with both laptops and PCs. Designed to meet the needs of the user, many aspects of the T6 are adjustable including the keyboard, monitor and work surface. A foot pedal provides the height adjustment for the T-line of COWs. Epocrates rolls out OTC reference guide SAN MATEO, CA  – Physicians now have a new reference for over-the-counter prescriptions. The OTC drug module, from Epocrates, includes information on hundreds of OTC drugs on the market. This reference can be accessed from mobiles devices such as the iPhone, BlackBerry, Palm or Windows Mobile device,  allowing physicians access on the go. This software is also designed to help identify interactions between OTC and prescriptions, safe products for pregnant women and people with diabetes and medications by class. Aperio launches technology aimed at clinical workflow VISTA, CA – Aperio, a provider of digital pathology in healthcare, has launched a digital solution for Immunohistochemistry designed for the clinical market. The IHC solution streamlines clinical workflow in an attempt to make clinical processes more efficient and cost effective. The solution includes FDA-cleared algorithms and PR stained breast specimens for use in digital diagnosis. The platform allows laboratories and pathologists to adopt digital pathology in applications like IHC and then expand the utility of the system to many other digital pathology services such as secondary consultations, tumor boards, quality assurance programs and proficiency testing and training.  

Officials are saying that a virus is to blame for compromising thousands of patient medical records at Alberta Health Services.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced it has posted new ratings on 4,000 hospitals on its “Hospital Compare” Web site, including new mortality and readmission data.

YouTube user ACMI2008 posted this 1966 clip in which Akron, Ohio-based Akron Children's Hospital touts its 1961 electronic medical record. It was cutting-edge at the time...

The Integrated Research Network, a collaborative research community slated to launch this summer, will allow physicians to weigh in on comparative effectiveness research.

A compilation of recent hires, promotions and moves in the healthcare information technology industry.

Conferences, exhibitors and other events for the months of July, August and September.