08/27/2010
On Thursday, the Federal Communications Commission issued a final rule governing the MedRadio service, which transmits data associated with medical devices. Medical device firms had requested changes to the rule. Health Data Management.
08/25/2010
A California-based startup firm, called NeuroVigil, is testing the iBrain, a new wireless device that could monitor neurological activity to diagnose sleeping disorders. The iBrain also has the capability to transmit brain activity information through a cell phone. San Diego Union-Tribune.
08/25/2010
Women who get text message reminders to take birth control pills are just as likely to miss a dose as women who do not receive texts. Text messaging is being tested as a way to boost medication adherence in other areas. MedPage Today, Wall Street Journal's "Health Blog."
08/24/2010
Several companies are offering “telecaregiver” services in an effort to help older adults remain independent longer. The services rely on video cameras and motion sensors to remotely monitor and assist elderly individuals in their homes. NPR's "Morning Edition."
08/23/2010
Georgia Institute of Technology researchers are working to develop a computerized system to help health care providers diagnose autism earlier in children. Researchers hope to roll out a prototype of the system within the next five years. Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
08/11/2010
A new survey concludes that 98% of medical school students think virtual reality training can help them learn skills they will need as physicians. A majority of students also believe role-playing in online health care settings can have educational value. HealthDay, International Business Times.
08/11/2010
A study from an Ohio hospital has found that sending personalized text messages to teenage diabetes patients about their condition improved adherence to their medication regimen. Teens who received text reminders were three times less likely to skip a dose. Healthcare IT News.
08/10/2010
A new patient simulation laboratory at Alabama's Jackson Hospital uses state-of-the-art "manikins" equipped with special software to help health workers and medical students prepare for potential emergency situations in a safe, controlled environment. Montgomery Advertiser.
08/10/2010
HHS has granted innovation awards to three programs that improve the agency's services, enhance its transparency and advance public engagement. The awards highlight programs that use technology to engage U.S. residents. InformationWeek, ExecutiveGov.
08/10/2010
Limited IT capabilities pose a challenge to the Obama administration's efforts to recruit more physicians to rural areas. Rural offices should become more accommodating to IT-savvy doctors to boost physician retention, one physician suggested. Washington Post.
08/10/2010
The number of oil rig companies using telemedicine to make emergency medical personnel more accessible to employees is growing. Physicians receive patient information through webcams, smartphones and other data transmission devices. United Press International.
08/05/2010
Researchers have created a new contact lens that monitors an individual's health through biochemical readings on the surface of the eye. The lens is designed to track a number of health-related statistics. Newport News Daily Press.
08/04/2010
A software coding event this fall aims to make federal information about drugs more accessible for consumers. The National Library of Medicine plans to reconstruct a database for use by breastfeeding women based on feedback from physicians and researchers. Government Health IT.
08/04/2010
Many health care providers are using smartphones and tablet computers to instantly access supporting data on any medical situation. Meanwhile, some health care clinics are inviting patients to fill out medical questionnaires on electronic tablets. San Jose Mercury News, Durham Herald Sun.
08/03/2010
FDA recently granted 510(k) approval to WellDoc's mobile phone-based software system, which provides diabetes management guidelines based on real-time patient data. WellDoc said it eventually might apply the tool to other chronic conditions. The Gazette, Mobihealthnews.