Health: The New Patient-Friendly Doctor's Office - US News and World Report: "The American Academy of Family Physicians is midway through a two-year experiment at 36 practices nationwide aimed at building a more nimble, patient-friendly kind of family medicine. The project, called TransforMED, incorporates flexible scheduling, online consultations, electronic medical records, and other technological advances to give patients easy access to comprehensive medical care. The goal: to build strong relationships with patients and become their 'medical home,' a place they routinely turn to for preventive care and to manage chronic conditions.
Although the concept has been around for decades, medical homes are getting a lot of attention lately. From Hillary Clinton to health policy experts, everyone is hailing them as a way to keep people healthy and reduce the costs of serious illness."
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
7 Key Traits of the Ideal Doctor
7 Key Traits of the Ideal Doctor: "Here are the seven traits listed by the patients, along with the patients' definitions of those traits:
* Confident: 'The doctor's confidence gives me confidence.'
* Empathetic: 'The doctor tries to understand what I am feeling and experiencing, physically and emotionally, and communicates that understanding to me.'
* Humane: 'The doctor is caring, compassionate, and kind.'
* Personal: 'The doctor is interested in me more than just as a patient, interacts with me, and remembers me as an individual.'
* Forthright: 'The doctor tells me what I need to know in plain language and in a forthright manner.'
* Respectful: 'The doctor takes my input seriously and works with me.'
* Thorough: 'The doctor is conscientious and persistent.'"
* Confident: 'The doctor's confidence gives me confidence.'
* Empathetic: 'The doctor tries to understand what I am feeling and experiencing, physically and emotionally, and communicates that understanding to me.'
* Humane: 'The doctor is caring, compassionate, and kind.'
* Personal: 'The doctor is interested in me more than just as a patient, interacts with me, and remembers me as an individual.'
* Forthright: 'The doctor tells me what I need to know in plain language and in a forthright manner.'
* Respectful: 'The doctor takes my input seriously and works with me.'
* Thorough: 'The doctor is conscientious and persistent.'"
Perspectives on the Future of Personal Health Records - CHCF.org
Perspectives on the Future of Personal Health Records - CHCF.org: "As a hub of information and information-management tools controlled by the patient, personal health records present a number of promises, perils, and challenges in the years ahead. In this report, six experts share their views on the future of PHRs, from the perspective of the technologist, informed patient, physician, employer, and public health professional.
The ideal PHR holds tremendous potential, according to these experts. It could receive and evaluate information from a patient's lab results or monitoring devices; store a patient's observations about physical and social environment; link with a clinician's electronic health record; and much more. On a grander scale, PHRs could also make health care more affordable by urging prevention and wellness, and by streamlining care delivery.
But some worry that PHRs might disrupt the doctor-patient relationship, saddle overburdened physicians with unreimbursed information-management duties, and overload consumers with data."
The ideal PHR holds tremendous potential, according to these experts. It could receive and evaluate information from a patient's lab results or monitoring devices; store a patient's observations about physical and social environment; link with a clinician's electronic health record; and much more. On a grander scale, PHRs could also make health care more affordable by urging prevention and wellness, and by streamlining care delivery.
But some worry that PHRs might disrupt the doctor-patient relationship, saddle overburdened physicians with unreimbursed information-management duties, and overload consumers with data."
Monday, July 30, 2007
Connecting the Dots…Google Health Promises to Create AND Dominate Next Generation PHRs - e-CareManagement - Chronic Disease Management • Technology •
Connecting the Dots…Google Health Promises to Create AND Dominate Next Generation PHRs - e-CareManagement - Chronic Disease Management • Technology • Strategy • Issues and Tr: "Google Health (GH) could be the event of the decade in advancing health care reform — not just healthcare information technology (HIT) reform, but health care system reform. GH promises simultaneously to create AND dominate the market for next generation personal health records (PHRs). There is nothing else in our solar system or in the entire universe like it."
We live in interesting times !
We live in interesting times !
IVF Success Rates in Your Late 30s and 40s: Myth vs. Reality : In Vitro Fertility Goddess
IVF Success Rates in Your Late 30s and 40s: Myth vs. Reality : In Vitro Fertility Goddess: "If there was a casino of fertility treatment, the IVF clinic would be the High Roller's room, where you outlay astronomical sums of money you must be prepared to lose as there is a high chance you will.
Meantime downstairs people wander around betting fifty on a bottle of herbs here, or a packet of Chlomid there, hoping with each outlay to hit the jackpot.
Usually IVF is the last option for people, often after years of dabbling in other treatments with no success and this also places the stakes incredibly high."
If you are infertile, a sense of humour will help you cope better - and this is a great resource to help you keep your cool !
Meantime downstairs people wander around betting fifty on a bottle of herbs here, or a packet of Chlomid there, hoping with each outlay to hit the jackpot.
Usually IVF is the last option for people, often after years of dabbling in other treatments with no success and this also places the stakes incredibly high."
If you are infertile, a sense of humour will help you cope better - and this is a great resource to help you keep your cool !
Monday, July 23, 2007
How Canada is implementing the EHR
How Canada is implementing the EHR " By 2010, the electronic health record will be available
in eight provinces and territories representing 50 per cent of Canadians by population. Electronic health record solutions will enable clinicians to view and update
a patient-centric health record anywhere at any time. The electronic health record gives authorized healthcare providers rapid access to their patients’ complete, upto- date health information to support clinical decisionmaking and integrated patient management across the
continuum of care. As part of this transformation, the implementation target is to:
- Electronically capture, store and share an electronic health record that includes medication profiles, laboratory test results, hospital discharge summaries and clinical reports, immunizations and diagnostic imaging exams such as X-rays, MRIs and ultrasounds
- Provide 600 of Canada’s acute care hospitals (60 per cent) and at least 25 per cent of all physicians, including family physicians and specialists, with the capability of viewing and updating electronic health information about their patients."
The rest of the world can learn a lot from this !
in eight provinces and territories representing 50 per cent of Canadians by population. Electronic health record solutions will enable clinicians to view and update
a patient-centric health record anywhere at any time. The electronic health record gives authorized healthcare providers rapid access to their patients’ complete, upto- date health information to support clinical decisionmaking and integrated patient management across the
continuum of care. As part of this transformation, the implementation target is to:
- Electronically capture, store and share an electronic health record that includes medication profiles, laboratory test results, hospital discharge summaries and clinical reports, immunizations and diagnostic imaging exams such as X-rays, MRIs and ultrasounds
- Provide 600 of Canada’s acute care hospitals (60 per cent) and at least 25 per cent of all physicians, including family physicians and specialists, with the capability of viewing and updating electronic health information about their patients."
The rest of the world can learn a lot from this !
The EHR in Canada
The EHR in Canada In a world where Internet search engines can deliver information in a fraction of a second, is it any wonder Canadians are frustrated that their healthcare information
is not available when they or their healthcare providers need it.
There are good reasons for anyone who depends on our current healthcare environment to be worried. Quite simply, health care does not look good on paper. Paper puts patient safety at risk. It wastes money and scarce resources. It impedes the progress to address our healthcare priorities. The answer? Modernize.
is not available when they or their healthcare providers need it.
There are good reasons for anyone who depends on our current healthcare environment to be worried. Quite simply, health care does not look good on paper. Paper puts patient safety at risk. It wastes money and scarce resources. It impedes the progress to address our healthcare priorities. The answer? Modernize.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
MEDiscuss - User driven healthcare
MEDiscuss - User driven healthcare : "User driven healthcare may be defined as 'improved healthcare achieved with concerted collaborative learning between multiple users and stakeholders, primarily patients, health professionals and other players in a collaborative web based interface.”
Every human is a user of the healthcare system. Patients, health professionals and students are all 'users' of this system. The roles played may be different at different times. In addition, by virtue of being human, we are also likely to care for other humans, even while not being part of the 'caregiving' part of the official healthcare system. Even 'caregivers' may become 'careseekers' at times. That makes YOU a user too!"
Every human is a user of the healthcare system. Patients, health professionals and students are all 'users' of this system. The roles played may be different at different times. In addition, by virtue of being human, we are also likely to care for other humans, even while not being part of the 'caregiving' part of the official healthcare system. Even 'caregivers' may become 'careseekers' at times. That makes YOU a user too!"
Pennsylvania Insurer Unveils Free PHR Program for Members - iHealthBeat
Pennsylvania Insurer Unveils Free PHR Program for Members - iHealthBeat: "Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield in Pennsylvania is offering its members personal health record software at no cost through its Web site, Health Data Management reports.
The insurer automatically will add to the records relevant claims and administrative data, including dates of service, diagnoses and treatments, medications and other information.
The PHR tracking technology will enable users to keep records of:
* Allergies;
* Blood glucose;
* Blood pressure;
* Cholesterol level;
* Medication tracking;
* Immunizations;
* Physician information;
* Treatment history; and
* Weight."
The insurer automatically will add to the records relevant claims and administrative data, including dates of service, diagnoses and treatments, medications and other information.
The PHR tracking technology will enable users to keep records of:
* Allergies;
* Blood glucose;
* Blood pressure;
* Cholesterol level;
* Medication tracking;
* Immunizations;
* Physician information;
* Treatment history; and
* Weight."
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
TOPICS FOR RESEARCH ABOUT THE PERSONAL HEALTH RECORD (PHR)
TOPICS FOR RESEARCH ABOUT THE PERSONAL HEALTH RECORD (PHR): "PHR BUSINESS CASE FOR PATIENT, PROVIDER, PAYER, PURCHASER, AND INTERMEDIARIES
Because a PHR involves any and potentially all information related to an individual, the participants in a PHR will include not only the patient, but, in some circumstances, also the provider, the payer, and any intermediaries among these entities. In those instances where the PHRis totally patient-controlled, the patient will determine which other users may access the PHR.
The next step is to consider what the business case is for each user or entity. What is the business case for its involvement in the PHR ?"
Because a PHR involves any and potentially all information related to an individual, the participants in a PHR will include not only the patient, but, in some circumstances, also the provider, the payer, and any intermediaries among these entities. In those instances where the PHRis totally patient-controlled, the patient will determine which other users may access the PHR.
The next step is to consider what the business case is for each user or entity. What is the business case for its involvement in the PHR ?"
My Family Health Portrait - Home Page
My Family Health Portrait - Home Page: "My Family Health Portrait allows you to create a personalized family health history report from any computer with an Internet connection and an up-to-date Web browser.
Information you provide creates a drawing of your family tree and a chart of your family health history. Both the chart and the drawing can be printed and shared with your family members or your healthcare professional. Used in consultation with your healthcare professional, your family health history can help you review your family's health history and develop disease prevention strategies that are right for you."
Information you provide creates a drawing of your family tree and a chart of your family health history. Both the chart and the drawing can be printed and shared with your family members or your healthcare professional. Used in consultation with your healthcare professional, your family health history can help you review your family's health history and develop disease prevention strategies that are right for you."
University Students Own Health Records In Unique Web Program
University Students Own Health Records In Unique Web Program: "The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) announced plans today for what is believed to be the first time an academic organization has established a Web-based Personal Health Record (PHR) program for all its students. In contrast with medical records that are owned by doctors or hospitals, a PHR is owned by the patient and is part of a national effort to involve patients in their own health care.
Although there has been much discussion around the country about the use of PHRs by large corporations, it is believed that this marks the first time an academic organization has done so, and the use of a Web-based PHR program makes it even more unique.
In essence, students will have their own portable electronic medical records in a cutting-edge system that allows health files to move with them."
Although there has been much discussion around the country about the use of PHRs by large corporations, it is believed that this marks the first time an academic organization has done so, and the use of a Web-based PHR program makes it even more unique.
In essence, students will have their own portable electronic medical records in a cutting-edge system that allows health files to move with them."
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh - About Children's - Diabetes Center - Diabetes Connection
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh - About Children's - Diabetes Center - Diabetes Connection: "Taking care of your diabetes just got easier
With Diabetes Connection, the Diabetes Program at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh offers children with type 1 diabetes and their families the ability to electronically record medical information, partnering with their care providers to proactively manage their condition.
Diabetes Connection includes a personal health record (PHR), a secure connection between health care providers and patients and an online diabetes condition center.
* A PHR enables individuals to record medical information, such as allergies, immunizations, measurements, conditions, tests, medications, surgeries and procedures. PHRs help with communication between the care provider and the individual – they also help those with the condition better control and manage their disease.
* Secure messaging means patients and their families can communicate privately with health care providers.
* The diabetes condition center provides a toolkit with a diary to log glucose values and carbohydrate and insulin intake. A glucose meter can be interfaced directly with the computer, eliminating manual entry and the hassle that comes with it."
With Diabetes Connection, the Diabetes Program at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh offers children with type 1 diabetes and their families the ability to electronically record medical information, partnering with their care providers to proactively manage their condition.
Diabetes Connection includes a personal health record (PHR), a secure connection between health care providers and patients and an online diabetes condition center.
* A PHR enables individuals to record medical information, such as allergies, immunizations, measurements, conditions, tests, medications, surgeries and procedures. PHRs help with communication between the care provider and the individual – they also help those with the condition better control and manage their disease.
* Secure messaging means patients and their families can communicate privately with health care providers.
* The diabetes condition center provides a toolkit with a diary to log glucose values and carbohydrate and insulin intake. A glucose meter can be interfaced directly with the computer, eliminating manual entry and the hassle that comes with it."
BetterDiabetes.Com Member Login
BetterDiabetes.Com : "BetterDiabetes - Improving your diabetes health using the Internet
BetterDiabetes is a special initiative of the Royal Children’s Hospital Diabetes Service. It is specially designed to improve the care of our patients with Diabetes.
BetterDiabetes will make a computerised Personal Patient Record (PPR) available to you online on an Internet web site. Your health record is kept on the Internet, and is owned and controlled by you. It has been designed by the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Diabetes Service to help the communication of health information between our Diabetes Clinic Doctors, Nurse Educators and Patients."
BetterDiabetes is a special initiative of the Royal Children’s Hospital Diabetes Service. It is specially designed to improve the care of our patients with Diabetes.
BetterDiabetes will make a computerised Personal Patient Record (PPR) available to you online on an Internet web site. Your health record is kept on the Internet, and is owned and controlled by you. It has been designed by the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Diabetes Service to help the communication of health information between our Diabetes Clinic Doctors, Nurse Educators and Patients."
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Interplay - Empathy Skills Training
Interplay - Empathy Skills Training: "Creating great experiences for patients and their families can double earnings from patients, cut your operating cost and your malpractice suits, and provide better service for patients from any culture—when it's done well."
Dr Dawes has cleverly applied the principles of NVC ( non-violent communication) to health-care. If you want to learn how to talk respectfully to your patients, buy his book, Healing from the Heart.
Dr Dawes has cleverly applied the principles of NVC ( non-violent communication) to health-care. If you want to learn how to talk respectfully to your patients, buy his book, Healing from the Heart.
cnvc:: What is NVC? It is a way of creating a flow between ourselves and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.
cnvc:: What is NVC? It is a way of creating a flow between ourselves and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.: "The skills are built on Dr. Marshall B. Rosenberg's application of Nonviolent Communication. The process of NVC encourages us to focus on what we and others are observing, how and why we are each feeling as we do, what our underlying needs are, and what each of us would like to have happen. These skills emphasize personal responsibility for our actions and the choices we make when we respond to others."
This is an excellent model which any doctor who wants to learn how to communicate with patients empathetically can learn !
This is an excellent model which any doctor who wants to learn how to communicate with patients empathetically can learn !