Innovations
| Geriatric Times |  |
July/August 2001 | |
Vol. II | |
Issue 4 |
Medical Data Can Be Accessed in Real Time Over World Wide Web
With new computer software and compatible medical devices, physicians and patients can view vital physiological data in streaming real time over the Internet. This will allow, for example, a primary care physician to obtain a real-time consult on an electrocardiogram (EKG) reading from a cardiologist in a remote location, or for a patient with asthma to send their latest peak-flow reading to their physician for immediate analysis.
This type of access is the result of a collaboration between QRS Diagnostic LLC, which provides the medical devices, and TeleVital, Inc., which developed the software. Spirometry, oximetry, and wireless electroencephalogram (EEG) and EKG devices are available now, as is a device to measure vital signs. There are plans to include a blood pressure device in the near future.
Using a computer with an Internet connection (56K or higher), a Web browser and one of the Web-enabled medical devices, physicians and patients who have registered can log onto a secure site through TeleVital's main site <www.televital.com> and send or receive physiological readings in real time. In addition, both physicians and patients can send e-mail or instant messages or review medical history. Physicians can also send medical history forms or other questionnaires to patients through the site. TeleVital is currently working on encryption technology for the site and hopes to be compliant with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability patient privacy requirements by the end of this year.
Certain procedures using this technology are eligible for reimbursement by Medicare in accordance with telemedicine guidelines of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services -- TB
Hearing Aid Implant Provides Greater Patient Satisfaction
Hearing loss affects approximately 28 million Americans, many of whom do not
find acoustic hearing aids helpful. The Vibrant Soundbridge treats moderate to
severe sensorimotor hearing loss -- the most common form of hearing impairment
-- using direct-drive technology to stimulate the tiny bones in the middle ear.
It addresses many of the problems associated with acoustic hearing aids, such
as poor sound quality, feedback, background noise and discomfort.
The Vibrant Soundbridge, approved last fall by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, converts sound into mechanical energy that is directly transferred to the auditory ossicles, mimicking the natural hearing process. It is implanted under the skin, behind the ear, in a one-and-a-half to two-hour outpatient surgical procedure. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities within a few days.
Symphonix Devices Inc., the developer of the Soundbridge, tested it in a clinical trial with 53 patients, using each patient's current acoustic hearing aid as a control. Patients with the implant reported greater satisfaction with the quality of their own voice, better clarity of tone and greater overall satisfaction with sound compared to their acoustic hearing aid -- JH
Web-Based Program Improves Quality of Life for Chronic-Care
Patients
Results from a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' program showed significant
cost savings and improvement in patient quality of life and provider
satisfaction while using the Health Hero Platform to remotely monitor
patients.
The Health Hero Platform is a one-to-many, two-way communications link. The caregiver can send information and review responses using the Health Hero iCare Desktop. Using this Web-based application, medical providers can develop queries, reminders and tips for groups of patients. Patients receive and respond to messages from their health care providers with the Health Buddy information appliance, which connects to their existing telephone line.
The Veterans Integrated Service Network of Florida (VISN 8) released a six-month outcome analysis of their program for 600 patients with chronic conditions at the VA National Telemedicine Meeting, held June 2 through June 6 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
In areas such as inpatient, outpatient and medication costs, study results showed a 74% cost reduction for the participants. Chronic conditions analyzed in the study included congestive heart failure, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, bipolar disorder and depression. Patients rated the Health Hero Platform as being understandable, reliable and easy to use -- EAD
Comfort and Quality Care Chairs for Patients and Visitors
Two innovative, award-winning health care products, the ADD Sleep Chair and the
Perth Motion Patient Chair, were recently introduced by KI.
The Motion Chair, through its therapeutic seat and back rocking motion, leans the patient into its lumbar support, assuring proper posture and fuller breathing. The spring resistance provides exercise benefits that enhance relaxation, circulation, respiration and vistibular stimulation. While seated, patients' feet stay on the floor so blood flow to their legs is not compromised.
The Sleep Chair is designed for use in a hospital room by visitors wishing to stay overnight. The chair converts to a bed, in ready-to-sleep form made up with linens, with a single pull motion. The chair cushions are attached so they will not get lost or come into contact with the hospital floor. The chair is supported by heavy steel and meets heavy-duty commercial standards. Its upholstered, waterproof, washable mattress conforms to CAL 133 and all standard fire codes -- RR