IT & telehealth
Department of Health provides
£260m for hospital electronic prescribing systems
UK Health
Secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced a new £260 million fund for
hospitals to implement electronic prescribing systems for improving
patient safety. 17 May 2013
UK doctors lagging behind
Europe in use of online cardiology training tool
Young UK
doctors are lagging in their uptake of eduCAD, an online tool for
learning the appropriate use of multi modal imaging technology in
cardiology, according to co-developer GE Healthcare. 15 May 2013
EPSRC invests £32m in projects
to develop smart systems and sensors for healthcare
The UK
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council has awarded £32m
to establish three new "Healthcare Interdisciplinary Research
Collaborations" to focus UK research excellence and build critical
mass in this area. 10 May 2013
East Kent Hospitals implement clinical
portal to simplify access to patient data
East Kent Hospitals
University NHS Foundation Trust has selected the clinical integration
platform from Harris Healthcare to provide a single view of patient
information from several clinical systems that currently work in isolation.
10 May 2013
Siemens provides support on demand for
CT imaging protocols at Spire hospital
Siemens Healthcare Customer
Services is supporting Spire Southampton Hospital’s diagnostic imaging
department through syngo Remote Assist, a remote troubleshooting service for
CT scans. 10 May 2013
NHS Lone Worker Service contract
awarded to Reliance Hi-Tech
NHS Protect, which provides support and
guidance to the NHS on the protection of staff, has retained Reliance
High-Tech to supply its NHS framework Lone Worker Service. 10 May 2013
Pan European telehealth project to
develop cookbook of co-ordinated care
The Advancing Care
Coordination and Telehealth Deployment (ACT) program will explore
the organizational and structural processes needed to successfully
implement chronic disease management services on a large scale. 30
Apr 2013
Miniature LED implant shines
light on workings of mouse brain
A miniature electronic
device with LEDs the size of neurons, when implanted in the brain of
a genetically altered mouse can stimulate the release of dopamine, a
chemical associated with pleasure. 23 April 2013
Bio-patch monitors body's electrical signals
The Bio-patch sensor measures bioelectrical signals through
the skin, gathering data on the brain, heart or muscle, depending on
where it is placed. 23 Apr 2013
Health awareness to quadruple
MEMS sensor market for wearable electronics
Shipments of
microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors are forecast to more
than quadruple in just five years due to demand for devices from
health-conscious consumers. 22 Apr 2013
Royal Cornwall Hospitals meet CQUIN
targets for dementia care
The Trust is to become one of the
first in the UK to exceed all its Commissioning Quality for
Innovation (CQUIN) targets for dementia care after implementing
software from IMS MAXIMS. 22 Apr 2013
North Tees and Hartlepool hospitals
transform pharmacy system
North Tees & Hartlepool NHS
Foundation Trust has gone live with a web-based pharmacy system from
Ascribe. 22 Apr 2013
Groundbreaking map of London's
19th century cholera outbreak digitised
A student from the
University of Southampton has digitised data from 19th century
epidemiologist John Snow’s famous map of London cholera outbreaks,
transferring the lifesaving information to modern day street layouts. 22
April 2013
Derby Hospitals spin-out iQudos
wins innovators award
iQudos, an IT company spun out of Derby
Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, won an award for its prostate cancer
decision support system at the NHS Healthcare Innovation Expo last
month. 22 Apr 2013
Feature: Mind the security gap while
adopting electronic health records
The target set by UK
Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt, for digital information to be available across
NHS and social care services by 2018, stirred a debate about whether the NHS
is prepared to seamlessly transition to new digital records system without
exposing patient data to security risks. By Marc Lee,
Director EMEA, Courion. 10 April 2013
Feature: Reaching the end of the
page: time to replace the outdated bleep
The pager-based
communications system in hospitals is outdated, say Paul
Volkaerts and Debbie Guy, who explain why getting rid of the
‘bleep’ can help hospitals transform the way they deliver services and
improve patient care. 9 April 2013
AstraZeneca and Exco InTouch
to develop chronic disease management tool
The companies have
announced a joint programme to develop interactive mobile phone and
internet-based health tools to help patients in the UK and their
healthcare providers to track and manage chronic conditions. 26 Mar
2013
Ashford and St Peter’s adopts digital
writing technology for new Maternity Pathway Tariff
The Trust has installed
digital writing technology and smartphones in its maternity department to help it comply with the
new UK maternity payment system, which
comes into effect on 1 April. 26 March 2013
WSD results show telehealth not
cost effective for chronic disease management
Results from the
Whole System Demonstrator Trial, one of the largest trials of telecare
and telehealth ever conducted, show that the cost of telehealth is about
three times the cost-effectiveness threshold set by NICE. 22 March 2013
Feature: Give nursing
managers the teeth to do their job
Evidence-based
systems that highlight staff shortages in real time will help directors
of nursing and ward managers to safeguard the quality of patient care
and avoid risk, says Tristan Spencer of Kronos. 20
March 2013
Philips introduces graphical
dashboard for ICU management
IntelliSpace eCareManager 3.9 health
care platform, powered by Orb is a new graphical dashboard that is
actuated by over 100 clinical rules, to analyze, process and visualize
complex clinical data in real time.
HIMSS establishes worldwide hub
for health and health IT testing
The Healthcare Information
and Management Systems Society is setting up a testing,
demonstration, exhibition, and educational facility in the Global
Center for Health Innovation in Cleveland, Ohio. 6 Mar 2013
Feature: The data challenge within the NHS
In January this year, the
UK Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt published
an ambitious timetable for a paperless NHS by 2018. Hunt described
it as ‘crazy’ that paramedics, for example, could not access the
medical records of a patient when an ambulance is called to an
emergency. Mikko Soirola, VP, Liaison Technologies
looks at the feasibility of achieving a paperless NHS within the
timeframe. 1 March 2013
Feature: New model needed for managing
long-term conditions
Clare Wexler, CEO, Totally Health,
examines why commissioners and patients must behave differently if care
pathways for the treatment of chronic disease are to improve, and why
integrated, innovative technologies must form part of the solution. 26
Feb 2013
European Science Foundation calls for increased use of ICT in health
and social care
A new position paper produced by the European Science Foundation
(ESF) calls for increased use of information and communications
technologies (ICT) to improve delivery of health and social care services.
22 Feb 2012
Manchester hospitals install 97
patient information screens
Central Manchester University
Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has installed enhanced digital
information screens to deliver information in real time to patients
in six hospitals. 20 Feb 2013
GP develops app for revalidation
and appraisal
A Leeds-based GP has developed the first app in
the UK specifically designed to help GPs go through the new
appraisal and revalidation processes. 19 Feb 2013
Mobile device apps help Northwest
hospitals meet quality and innovation targets
Wrightington,
Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL) in Northwest England is
using mobile devices to collect the data for the Department of
Health’s Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) payment
framework. 19 Feb 2013
Mobile device apps
help Northwest hospitals meet quality and innovation
targets
Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS
Foundation Trust (WWL) in Northwest England is using
mobile devices to collect the data for the Department of
Health’s Commissioning for Quality and Innovation
(CQUIN) payment framework. 19 Feb 2013
Pathology image
analysis software improves certainty of cancer diagnosis
Scientists at the University of Oslo have
developed pathology image analysis software that can
determine the seriousness of a cancer prognosis with 80%
certainty, halving errors. 8 Feb 2013
Providing physiotherapy advice by
phone gives equal results and reduces waiting times
The
service, based on initial telephone assessment, has the ability to
provide faster access to the service and cut waiting times, a study
published on bmj.com suggests. 30 Jan 2013
UK government needs more
innovative approach to improve prospects for telecare
The UK
government's flagship 3millionlives telecare programme is in danger of
stalling without a more innovative approach, according to a new
report. 28 Jan 2013
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital
captures patient information outside the electronic patient record
The trust
will use Hyland Software's OnBase software to capture information
on paper, in email, on clinical devices and in other fileshares.
10 January 2012
Portable pollution sensor
displays air quality data on user's smartphone
The device,
called CitiSense, could
be particularly useful to people suffering from chronic conditions,
such as asthma, who need to avoid exposure to pollutants. 18 Dec
2012
Fujitsu and National University
Singapore to develop body sensor network for health monitoring
The initial objectives involve developing a wireless body sensor
network for continuous patient monitoring in hospital and the home,
and connected to a “health cloud”. 13 Dec 2012
UK public urged to take part in
online Flusurvey to analyse how it spreads
The annual UK
Flusurvey aims to collect data from men and women of all ages around
the country, in order to map trends as seasonal flu takes hold. 5
Dec 2012
Patients with online access to
medical records use clinical services more
Patients with
online access to their medical records and who used email to
communicate with clinicians used clinical services more, including
office visits and telephone encounters. 6 Dec 2012
Ashford and St Peter's NHS Trust
empowers staff with wireless network
The wireless network
enables clinicians and staff to deliver a better experience to
patients through the use of faster and always-on devices. 4 Dec 2012
Aintree University Hospital's EMR
project commended at UK IT Industry Awards
The Trust was
recognised for its innovative approach to implementing an electronic
medical records (EMR) system to enable instant access to patient
information. 30 Nov 2012
National brain
injury service directory launched in UK
BrainNav will provide users with a national directory of
rehabilitation centres, cognitive therapists, clinics, and other
specialist facilities, to help support both them and their carers,
and ultimately assist in their recovery process. 30 Nov 2012
Barnsley Council
integrates health and social care records
The Council is now able to
match in real-time an individual’s NHS and social care record through NHS
number validation against the Personal Demographics Service. 28 Nov 2012
Kainos drives
healthcare software innovation with Health Hack NI
A pioneering
‘Health Hack’ in Belfast next month will bring together medical clinicians
and technology and design talent to develop the next generation of
healthcare software applications. 26 Nov 2012
London hospitals rollout
smartphone app for internal emergency response
Barking, Havering
and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) in London has
rolled-out a Responder Smartphone App for BlackBerry phones, as part of
a major upgrade of its emergency response facilities. 21 Nov 2012
Medical device software
comes under the microscope
More than 50% of existing medical devices depend on software
in some form or another — the software is either embedded in the devices
or plays an important role in the production of the device. The benefits
of software, however, come with the cost of risk of failure due to the
presence of defects, says the Institute of Medicine. There is typically a strong correlation between
code complexity and the number of defects in the software. 16 Nov 2012
Cloud computing is a
key component on the path to personalised medicine
When scientists embarked on the 13-year journey to map the
human genome in 1990, they envisioned a future where the knowledge of
DNA would aid in the diagnosis, treatment and even prevention of
thousands of diseases and disorders. James Coffin of
Dell Healthcare and Life Sciences explains how cloud computing can
help achieve this vision. 18 October 2012
AQAI Simulation Centre Mayence optimises training
in use of anaesthetics
Medical products supplier Baxter is co-operating with AQAI to train medical staff in the Middle East
to use its anaesthetic. 24 Sept 2012
New algorithms allow autonomous robotic plane to navigate
indoors
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have
developed new algorithms that enable an autonomous robotic plane to fly
around pillars in an indoor car park using a laser scanner to determine
its position. (see video) 16
Aug 2012
Covidien announces US FDA clearance of
Nellcor respiration rate software
The Company plans a limited market
release in the US, starting this month, which will allow select hospitals to
be the first to use the new technology. 18 Apr 2012
Isansys Lifecare achieves CE Mark for
LifeTouch Patient Surveillance System
The LifeTouch is a cloud-ready medical device, and the first to
be certified as a Class IIa medical device under the European
Medical Device Directive (MDD). 18 Apr 2012
Accutronics develops credit card-sized
lithium batteries for medical devices
The batteries have been
developed in response to OEM demand for a short lead time, compact and
rechargeable lithium ion battery solution for portable devices. 13 Mar 2012
Cambridge Consultants unveils
Bluetooth iPhone apps for mobile health
Cambridge Consultants
demonstrated new Bluetooth low energy (BLE) iPhone 4S applications using
CSR’s BLE devices at this year’s Mobile World Congress at the end of
February. 13 Mar 2012
Inside Secure launches enhanced
product security chip for counterfeit prevention
Inside Secure has
introduced the VaultIC 160, a programmable identification chip for embedding
into high-end consumer or industrial products that are often targeted by
counterfeiters and cloners. 13 Mar 2012
New design techniques enable
extremely reliable chips for medical devices
The EU project
DeSyRe is aiming to build extremely reliable components for
implantable medical devices, incorporating extreme reliability,
small size, and long longevity. 12 Mar 2012
Wireless self-propelled chip
swims through blood vessels
A tiny, wirelessly powered,
self-propelled medical device capable of controlled motion through
blood vessels has been developed by electrical engineers at Stanford
University. 27 Feb 2012
Clinical process tracking
system for operating rooms developed by Karl Storz and Ekahau
The companies have announced a joint solution for operating room
management based on tracking patients and equipment using WiFi tags.
25 Jan 2012
New 7-day body monitor
patch to aid wellness initiatives
BodyMedia and Avery
Dennison Medical Solutions have announced the development of a body
monitor patch for gathering physiological data for health and
wellness management. 19 Jan 2012
Medtronic launches mySentry remote
glucose monitor
The monitor is aimed at home use to allow a
parent or caregiver to monitor from another room a patient’s MiniMed
Paradigm REAL-Time Revel System. 17 Jan 2012
AirStrip Technologies gains CE mark
for patient monitoring systems
AirStrip Technologies, Inc. has received EU approval for its mobile patient monitoring applications
and will now market its devices in Europe and other international
territories. 17 Jan 2012
Entra Health's wireless
blood glucose meter aids home diabetes management
Entra
Health Systems has announced the integration of the company's
MyGlucoHealth Wireless blood glucose metrewith the recently unveiled
2net Platform from Qualcomm Life Inc. 18 Dec 2011
IBM contributes
massive chemical database to US NIH to speed drug discovery
The database of chemical data extracted from millions of patents and
scientific literature will allow researchers to more easily
visualize important relationships among chemical compounds to aid in
drug discovery and support advanced cancer research. 9 Dec 2011
Cerner shows
how technology can deliver world class healthcare at lower cost
At the ‘British Experience in Technology for Health’ conference in
Barcelona, Cerner detailed how technology can help people take
more control of their healthcare deliver better care at reduced
cost. 14 Nov 2011
AQAI launches
TestChest lung-heart function simulator
The AQAI Simulation
Center based in Mainz, Germany, has launched TestChest, a device
that simulates the functioning of the extremely complex lung and
heart-lung functions in humans. 7 Nov 2011
Stucture of AIDS-like virus enzyme solved in three weeks by online gamers
The gamers achieved their discovery by playing Foldit, an online
game developed by the University of Washington that allows players
to collaborate and compete in predicting the structure of protein
molecules. 23 Sept 2011
North West Fund for Biomedical
makes first investment in Liverpool start-up
The North West
Fund has made its first investment in telemedicine, in Merseyside
start-up company Med ePad. 8 September 2011
Cloud computing with TRIAD
speeds up biomedical data analysis
The Translational Research
Informatics and Data management grid (TRIAD) is a cloud computing
platform for analysing biomedical data at an unprecedented rate. 22
August 2011
The IET introduces
amended Wiring Regulations for medical locations
The UK
Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET, formerly The IEE)
has launched new wiring regulations with a major new section
relating to all new electrical installations in medical locations.
14 July 2011
Two Fold Software enhances Run
Manager LIMS software
Two Fold Software Limited has enhanced
the interface design and user friendliness of the Run Manager
software module of its Qualoupe system. 19 May 2011
Brainlab HybridArc software for
radiosurgery gains US clearance
The software increases the efficiency
of existing Linac radiosurgery hardware and offers fast, high precision
volumetric arc radiosurgery treatment. 19 May 2011
Isansys Lifecare launches LifeTouch
body-worn wireless cardiac monitor
UK company Isansys
Lifecare Limited has launched the LifeTouch HRV011, a cardiac
monitor that adheres to the patient’s body and analyses the ECG
signal of the patient's heartbeat in unprecedented detail. 19 May
2011
Lack of device and system
interoperability limiting use of personal health technology
Failure to address interoperability has been identified as a major
challenge for the growing personal health solutions market,
according to a report by the SmartPersonalHealth project. 4 May 2011
High temperature glueable chip
resistors for non-magnetic electronics
Northumberland company
TT electronics has produced chip resistors optimised for use with
conductive adhesives. 11 April 2011
Movea markets 9-axis inertial
measurement device for health and sports
Grenoble-based Movea
has developed a wireless, miniaturised, inertial measurement unit
(IMU) that uses MEMS sensors to accurately measure nine
degree-of-freedom motion with a PCB module that is about the size of
a small wristwatch. 4 April 2011
Astra Tech announces strategic
alliance with 3Shape for lab-based scanning
Astra Tech, a
developer of implant dentistry and CAD/CAM abutments, has announced
a global strategic alliance with 3Shape A/S, the Danish-based
provider of 3D scanners and CAD/CAM software solutions. 4 March 2011
No increase in brain cancer
during increase in mobile phone use in UK
Researchers from
the University of Manchester used publicly available data from the
UK Office of National Statistics to look at trends in rates of newly
diagnosed brain cancers in England between 1998 and 2007 and found
no significant change. 22 Feb 2011
Partek and Ion Torrent in partnership
to distribute genomics software
Bioinformatics developer
Partek Incorporated has signed a distribution agreement with Ion
Torrent Systems, to make the Partek Genomics Suite available
directly through Ion Torrent’s online store.
CLC Workbench v4.5 supports paired-end
data for RNA-sequencing
CLC bio has upgraded its software for
genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics analysis to support the
use of paired-end data for RNA-seq. 21 Feb 2011
DRC Computer Corp sets world
record for analysing gene sequences
DRC has achieved a world
record of 9.4 trillion cell updates per second and also drastically
reduced the cost of gene sequence analysis using its microprocessors
and Microsoft Windows HPC Server. 16 Feb 2011
Web portal to track medical product
deliveries across Europe
PODXchange is a web portal that
enables companies to track deliveries of products and proof of
delivery signatures from different carriers. 14 Feb 2011
Two Fold Software improves data entry
options for Qualoupe LIMS
The company is releasing new
software that enables the company’s Qualoupe LIMS user interface to
display results parameters with more clarity and flexibility. 7 Feb
2011
Siemens launches personalized
education plan for laboratory and healthcare staff
Siemens
Healthcare Diagnostics has introduced the Personalized Education
Plan (PEP), a competency-based clinical laboratory education model.
31 Jan 2011
InhibOx launches Scopius-5
100m compound drug screening database
InhibOx Ltd has
launched Scopius-5, a drug-discovery screening database that can
store details of 100 million compounds, including 3D models. 24 Jan
CLC bio and Ingenuity Systems
integrate pathway and genomics analysis systems
US life
sciences software developer Ingenuity Systems and Danish
bioinformatics company CLC bio are collaborating to provide
interoperability between their software systems. 21 Dec 2010
iSOFT moves into life sciences
market
iSOFT Group Limited has moved into the life sciences
market with software that extracts and de-identifies clinical data
from electronic medical records for clinical research and other
secondary uses. 16 Dec 2010
Plextek enhances HD image
processing for medical applications
Plextek has announced
enhancements to its image processing suite designed to help medical
device manufacturers overcome the technical challenges involved in
developing mega-pixel video solutions for medical applications. 01
Dec 2010
GE Healthcare integrates
facility management software with AeroScout's Wi-Fi RFID system
The combined solution adds real-time asset location information to
GE's Maintenance and Facility Management software and helps
streamline key business processes. 17 Nov 2010
 Software
to convert MRI scans of brain into three-dimensional maps of nerves
A team of researchers at the Eindhoven University of Technology has
developed a software tool that converts MRI scans of the brain into
three-dimensional coloured images of nerve structure. making this
visible for the first time without having to operate (includes video). 3 Nov 2010
Barcode system to correctly
identify patient samples
The Brenmoor PATscan system duplicates
patient’s information from a printed wristband straight onto a label in
less than a second, enabling correct identification of hospital samples.
25 Oct 2010
Accelrys upgrades Isentris lab
decision support software
Accelrys, Inc. has released version 3.3
of its Isentris data access, analysis, and decision support system for
displaying manipulating, and comparing spectral, chromatographic, and XY
graphical data. 15 Oct 2010
Philips acquires second Brazilian
clinical information systems company
Philips Healthcare is to
acquire a second Brazilian clinical systems supplier, Wheb Sistemas. It
follows the March 2010 acquisition of Tecso Informatica, one of Brazil’s
leading radiology information systems (RIS) suppiers. 17 Sept 2010
NAG releases Fortran Builder 5.2
for computational research
This release of the checking compiler
features a virtually complete implementation of the latest Fortran 2003
standard and an integrated development environment.
 World’s first remote anaesthesia across continents
A world first was achieved by McGill University’s Department
of Anesthesia on August 30, 2010, when they treated patients undergoing
thyroid gland surgery in Pisa, Italy remotely from Montreal, Canada. 10
Sept 2010
Remote anaesthesia using surgical
robot
A surgical robot could be used to perform complex regional
anaesthesia procedures remotely — teleanaesthesia, according to
researchers who carried out a simulation at the University of Florida
College of Medicine. 3 Sept 2010
TomTec introduces new version of
2D cardiac performance analysis software
2D Cardiac Performance
Analysis is a speckle tracking based analysis tool which can analyze 2D
data from various ultrasound machines. It allows a cardiologist to study
the behaviour of the heart muscle quicker and easier due to improved
handling. 18 August 2010
Golden Helix upgrades
high-performance genetic data analysis software
Golden Helix's
SNP & Variation Suite (SVS) 7 software is an integrated collection of
high-performance analytic tools for rich, multi-dimensional approaches
to uncovering genetic causes of disease and other phenotypes. 12 August
2010
PharmaVigilant enhances clinical
trial management system
PharmaVigilant has launched I-Vault 2.5,
the enhanced version of its electronic Trial Master File (TMF) system.
It improves usability, administration and notification capabilities for
seamless site startup, site closeout and IRB submissions.
Remote monitoring and control system
for laboratory fridges
Italian company Smartfreeze S.r.l has
developed an innovative system of remote monitoring and control of
professional refrigerators. 11 August 2010
Fractal design gives more
efficient body-worn antennas
Fractal Antenna Systems, Inc. has
developed a new approach to body worn antennas that allows smaller
antennas that are wideband, to stick onto clothing using Velcro or other
attachments. 10 August 2010
Videogame processors reduce
radiation in image guided radiation therapy
A new approach to
processing X-ray data could lower by a factor of ten or more the amount
of radiation patients receive during cone beam CT scans, report
researchers from the University of California, San Diego. 26 July 2010
Mirada Medical releases Casebook
upgrade for showing medical images in PowerPoint
Oxford company
Mirada Medical Limited has released a software upgrade for its Casebook
(Casebook 1.1.) software, a unique presentation tool for showing medical
scans in Microsoft PowerPoint. 22 July 2010
Case study: Ashley Comms secures
pharmaceutical company document transfer with Maytech FTP services
Ashley Communications needed a secure depository for its
pharmaceutical company clients to be able to safely access PowerPoint
presentations and medical documents without the fear of information being
leaked. It turned to Maytech to provide a safe and secure storage and data
transfer system to improve management of important medical documents. 22
July 2010
Link found between surgery and
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
A causal relationship between the onset
of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) and general surgery has been found by
analysing decades of Danish and Swedish electronic patient records. 12
July 2010
Computerised blood pressure
diagnosis beats hypertension experts
Irish Company dabl’s
computerised system for diagnosing 24-hour blood pressure is more
accurate and consistent than a leading group of international
hypertension experts, according to an independent study. 30 June 2010
JMP Clinical software streamlines
clinical trials safety reviews
New from SAS, the software can help
shorten the drug development process. It lets users see and explore safety
data from every angle, and then easily share findings with others. 30 June
2010
Extedo upgrades PcVmanager drug safety
software
Extedo has announced the availability of PcVmanager 1.3, a
major new release of the leading drug safety software management solution
based on E2B and MedDRA standards. 30 June 2010
Analog Devices launches MEMS
gyroscope for harsh environments
Analog Devices has developed the
high-performance, low-power ADXRS450 iMEMS gyroscope with digital output
specifically for rotational sensing in harsh environments. 12 June 2010
CardioTrace monitors cardiovascular
health by measuring arterial blood flow
Advanced Global Health has
launched CardioTrace, a non-invasive device that monitors the blood flow in
finger arteries to identify fitness levels and abnormalities. 12 June 2010
LynuxWorks and Portwell develop
wireless body sensor platform for patient monitoring
The
proof-of-concept platform can connect to more than 25 Bluetooth wireless
biometric sensors and has the ability to graphically portray patient
sensor data for visual monitoring in a familiar Windows environment. 1
June 2010
Accelrys Pipeline Pilot 8.0 to
enable the scientific enterprise
Accelrys, Inc's new release of
its R&D informatics platform, Pipeline Pilot 8.0, supports a greater
number of scientists and researchers working individually or as
collaborative teams across the wider scientific enterprise. 14 May 2010
Supercomputer maps evolution of
H1N1 flu mutations giving resistance to Tamiflu
If the behaviour
of the seasonal form of the H1N1 influenza virus is any indication,
scientists say that chances are good that most strains of the pandemic
H1N1 flu virus will become resistant to Tamiflu, the main drug
stockpiled for use against it. 21 April 2010
First deployment of iMDsoft's ICU
software in Denmark
Gentofte University Hospital, Hellerup,
Denmark has chosen iMDsoft's MetaVision for its newly-built,
state-of-the-art, intensive care unit. 1 April 2010
Telemedicine improves stroke
evaluations in rural areas
A US study has shown that compared with
telephone consultations, telemedicine evaluation of stroke patients results
in more accurate diagnoses, better emergency decision-making, fewer
complications and encouraging long-term outcomes. 1 April 2010
FASILIS project invites innovative
medical technology businesses to participate
The European FASILIS
project is inviting SMEs or start-ups develloping telecare technology to
apply for financial vouchers that will give them access to top quality
international research and development facilities and their services
across Europe. 25 March 2010
UK Cancer Network implements
Varian electronic prescribing and patient record system
Chemotherapy software that enables patients to become more involved in
managing their own care has been successfully rolled out across The
Thames Valley Cancer Network. 9 Feb 2010
Factory Reimbursement launches
tools for medical device reimbursement across Europe
Factory Reimbursement has launched a new low-cost research and reporting
service for medical device companies that wish to market and sell
products in Europe. 9 Feb 2010
3-D modelling of heart enables robotic surgery on beating heart
A team at the Montpellier Laboratory of Informatics in France has
developed a computerized 3D model that allows surgeons to use robotics
to operate on a beating heart. 15 Dec 2009
Aerotel launches wireless
telehealth systems for remote patient monitoring
Aerotel Medical Systems, a global supplier of advanced remote monitoring
solutions for personal telehealth and telecare, has launched new
innovative wireless telehealth and homecare solutions. 15 Dec 2009
 Online tool for teaching medical
staff how to spot a sick child
Spotting the Sick Child is aimed at all front line
professionals in the field of child health and teaches the basic facts
and relevant examination of the seven commonest presenting complaints in
acutely ill children. 9 Dec 2009
3M's Littman electronic stethoscope
wins innovation of the year award
The 3M Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200 with Zargis Cardioscan
software was named Innovation of the Year by Popular Science magazine.
The award highlights outstanding innovation, vision and execution in
technologic, scientific and medical advances for the year. 2 December
2009
Radiologists diagnose appendicitis
remotely by using smart phone
Radiologists can accurately diagnose acute appendicitis from a remote
location with the use of a handheld device or mobile phone equipped with
special software, according to a study presented at the annual meeting
of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) this week. 1
December 2009
Xerox develops silver ink for
printing electronic circuits on flexible surfaces
Printable electronics offers manufacturers a very low-cost way to add
'intelligence' or computing power to a wide range of surfaces such as
plastic or fabric, and can be used in new applications such as smart
pill boxes or rollable display screens. 13 Nov 2009
Devlin Electronics to launch
Medical division at Medica
Devlin Medical will be launched at the Medica Exhibition in Dusseldorf
in November (18-21). Devlin Medical is dedicated to the development of
innovative point-of-care computing systems. 27 October 2009.
 IBM
building microchip to read human DNA and advance
personalised medicine
IBM scientists are designing a microchip with nano-sized holes
that could thread single strands of DNA and read the genetic code as the
strand passes through.
DNA Precision offers tools for
healthcare research, gene discovery and analysis services
DNA Precision is offering services for genetic and healthcare research.
These include gene discovery, Agilent microarray processing and
bioinformatics. 20 Oct 2009
Linguamatics announces I2E 3.1 text
mining tool for pharmaceutical companies
I2E is a high performance natural language processing (NLP)-based text
mining platform that streamlines knowledge discovery from text. 20 Oct
2009
Cochlear and NXP Semiconductors
collaborate to produce IC devices for advanced hearing implants
The agreement includes the definition, development and supply of
ultra low power speech processor and wireless communication ICs to be
used in Cochlear’s next generation products. 20 Oct 2009
Mathematical tool links 11 genetic
variations to diabetes
Mathematicians at Michigan Technological University have developed
powerful new tools for winnowing out the genes behind some of humanity’s
most intractable diseases. With one they have isolated 11 variations
within genes associated with type 2 diabetes.
Systems Biology Ireland uses HP Extreme Data Storage technology to advance new drug development
IT company HP has announced it is collaborating with Systems Biology
Ireland (SBI) on life sciences research aimed at providing a powerful
new way to use the strength of computers and mathematics to understand
biology. 14 Oct 2009
Mathematical modelling enables
faster development of electrical stimulation devices customised for
patients
The Cleveland FES Center in the US has used model-based design tools to
develop technology that more quickly restores movement to individuals
with neuromuscular disabilities. 13 Oct 2009
Technology to help visually
impaired ‘watch’ television on show at TechnologyWorld09
Visually impaired people can ‘watch’ TV thanks to award winning
technology developed by Bristol-based Ocean Blue Software. This UK
innovation is one of hundreds being showcased to international buyers at
TechnologyWorld09 from 23 to 24 November in the Ricoh Arena, Coventry.
12 Oct 2009
 DASGIP
launches bioreactor control system on iPhone
DASGIP AG, a provider of bioreactor systems at benchtop scale, has
launched a Remote Control Suite to remotely observe and access running
processes on an iPhone, iPod touch or notebook computer. 8 Oct 2009
On the British Journal of Healthcare Computing (BJHC&IM):
Patient portals could reduce the excessive burden of diabesity on the
NHS
Obesity-led type-2 diabetes is demanding ever greater resources from
health services globally. Many clinicians agree that greater patient
empowerment is essential to improve weight and glucose management, yet
individuals typically have little or no interaction with carers between
appointments. While the NHS is reported to have pulled back from the use
of patient portals, a pilot of a diabetes-specific portal looks set to
prove the value of improving day to day patient/clinician interaction. 7
Oct 2009
UTAS chooses ADI Blackfin
processors for patient monitoring and diagnostics devices
Patient monitoring and diagnostics device manufacturer UTAS has
selected Analog Devices' Blackfin processors to ensure high-performance
digital signal processing operations and robust functionality across its
full line of products. 2 Oct 2009
St Jude Medical announces European
launch of remote cardiac care network
The Merlin.net Patient Care Network (PCN) is a secure, Internet-based
remote care system for patients with implanted medical devices. It
gathers and stores data from the implant procedure, in-clinic follow-up
visits and from remote transmissions sent from a patient’s home. 5 Sept
2009
3M introduces first electronic
stethoscope with Bluetooth wireless
3M has introduced the 3M Littmann Electronic Stethoscope Model 3200, a
next-generation auscultation device featuring Bluetooth technology that
wirelessly transfers heart, lung and other body sounds to computer
systems software for further analysis. 1 September 2009
Case study: Barcodes and
handheld computers ensure quality assurance for MED-EL ear implant
production
Tyrol-based manufacturer MED-EL produces high-technology ear implant
hearing devices. Strict US and European regulations require seamless
product documentation and traceability of every individual part
throughout the life cycle of the product. This process has been
streamlined by a system using wireless mobile computers with data
capture by 2-D barcodes. The system reduces manual errors, eliminates
paper documentation, and increases the security of all logistics
processes. 4 August 2009
Nurses welcome use of sensors and
robots in care for the elderly
Front-line staff in the nursing and care sector would welcome sensor and
robot technology in nursing homes and the homes of elderly people,
according to a survey by Norwegian research agency SINTEF for the
Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities. 31 July 2009
Medical simulations help students
retain information
Simulating medical scenarios helps medical students learn and retain
basic science concepts, according to a new study. 24 July 2009
New €1.2 million project to
establish cancer communications network in Europe
An initiative to boost cancer prevention, treatment and care throughout
Europe by improving communications within the cancer community was
launched this week. The Eurocancercoms project is an initiative of the
European Institute of Oncology and is led by ECCO. 22 July 2009
World's first virtual heart brings
breakthrough in education for cardiothoracic anaesthetists
HeartWorks, a uniquely realistic computer-generated model of the heart
and echocardiography simulator, is the result of a 4-year project to
improve teaching of peri-operative transoesophageal echocardiography. 17
July 2009
IBM wins award for developing
computer grid to solve world's most critical problems
IBM earned the award for the World Community Grid, which aggregates
spare computing capacity of 1.3 million PCs belonging to 460,000
volunteers from over 200 countries and uses it for humanitarian
research. 15 July 2009
European project to assemble a virtual
human body to aid medical research
The Virtual Physiological Human (VPH) is a pan-European project that aims to
create a methodological and technological framework to deliver
patient-specific computer models for the personalised and predictive
healthcare. 6 July 2009
New communication technologies help
cardiac patients improve their prognosis
The use of phone and internet between patients and healthcare providers
is an effective way to reduce risk factors for coronary heart disease
and the risk of further events after a heart attack, according to new
research. 29 June 2009
Molecular automatons could detect and
treat disease in the body
Researchers from the Artificial Intelligence Group (LIA) at the
Universidad Politécnica de Madrid's School of Computing have designed a
biomolecular automaton and several genetic circuits with potential
future applications in the field of vanguard medicine. 29 June 2009
Clinical decision support system for
iPhone
Wave Medical has expanded its clinical decision support applications for
general practitioners, nurses, emergency doctors and medical students to
the iPhone and iPod Touch. 27 May 2009
Corbis offers Science Faction’s
medical, science and space photos
Visual media provider Corbis has partnered with leading science and
technology image supplier Science Faction to distribute its premium
rights-managed photography covering physical and natural sciences, high
technology, medicine and space. 27 May 2009
e-Zassi software streamlines
commercialisation of medical device technologies
e-Zassi.com is predictive decision support software that provides rapid
due diligence, triaging and assessment of new medical device
innovations. 7 May 2009
Phase Forward signs agreement with
Novo Nordisk for use of InForm for clinical trial data capture
The multi-million dollar agreement allows Danish company Novo Nordisk to
use Phase Forward’s InForm electronic data capture product across all
clinical trial phases, from Phases I through IV. 7 May 2009
Medication Management Canada offers
decision support and electronic record system for pharmacists
The system provides pharmacists a clinical decision support system and
electronic therapeutic record to promote common practice standards,
document therapeutic outcomes, and improve patient care. 7 May 2009
iSOFT wins €600,000 HIS contract in
Italy
IBA Health Group Limited has announced that iSOFT has entered the
Italian market with a €600,000 contract to install its hospital
information system in four hospitals operated by Consorzio Regionale
Servizi Sociali (CRESS), a private healthcare group. 6 May 2009
SCM Microsystems completes merger with
Hirsch Electronics
SCM Microsystems, Inc. based in Ismaning, Germany, has announced that it
has closed its merger with Hirsch Electronics Corp. Hirsch is now a
wholly-owned subsidiary of SCM. 6 May 2009
McKesson acquires LMS Medical Systems'
perinatal information system
McKesson has strengthened its enterprise Horizon Clinicals solution with
the acquisition of LMS Medical Systems’ intellectual property for
obstetrics (OB) surveillance and archival capabilities. 23 April 2009
OpenVista 2.0 improves patient care
and staff workflow through targeted enhancements
Medsphere Systems Corporation has announced the release of an enhanced
OpenVista Radiology Application. OpenVista Radiology 2.0 incorporates
auto check-in, automatic printing of radiology requisition reports,
improved work lists, enhanced picture archiving and autofax
capabilities. 23 April 2009
Wolters Kluwer Health launches
ProVation Order Sets with decision support
Wolters Kluwer Health has launched ProVation Order Sets, powered by
UpToDate Decision Support, an innovative order set development solution
that combines ProVation Medical’s award-winning technology platform with
UpToDate’s premier clinical decision support content. 23 April 2009
GE introduces Carescape platform for
wireless patient monitoring
GE Healthcare's Carescape Telemetry platform builds enables hospitals to
simultaneously leverage multiple telemetry frequencies and co-ordinate
cell phone, Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies on one infrastructure.
9 April 2009
Imaging Diagnostic Systems develops
new algorithm for CT laser mammography
The new reconstruction algorithm improves visualization of angiogenesis
(cancer) in laser mammography images. 8 April 2009
Growth in data storage for digital
medical imaging causing interoperability problems
It is essential that image archive storage solution providers, PACS
vendors and image modality manufacturers become aware of the growing
requirements of storage space, says Frost & Sullivan in a new report. 7
April 2009
Integrated care with electronic
records reduces cardiac deaths by 73%
Kaiser Permanente has substantially improved the heart attack survival
rate for its members in Colorado through an innovative program that
links coronary artery disease patients, and teams of pharmacists,
nurses, primary care doctors and cardiologists, with an electronic
health record. 7 April 2009
Patients and nurses benefit from
in-bed patient monitoring system
The system comprises a mattress coverlet which is embedded with sensors
that measure heart rate, respiratory rate and provides a bed-exit alert
for fall prevention. 6 April 2009
ICW master patient index passes large
scale interoperability test
InterComponentWare (ICW) has successfully demonstrated the
interoperability of it Master Patient Index iat the IHE North American
Connectathon, the only large-scale interoperability testing event for
the healthcare industry. 25 March 2009
Systech to integrate serialisation
expertise with Axway’s track and trace system
Axway and Systech International will partner to offer integrated systems
for pharmaceutical supply chain integrity to ensure customer readiness
for upcoming European and Turkish regulatory compliance. 25 March 2009
Report: Bioinformatics Markets: Strategies, Business Models and Trends for the
Future
This study is arranged to provide an overview of bioinformatics market
segments and offer evidence that these segments are poised for
significant future growth. Each segment is accompanied by analysis and
forecasts by product type and application. 23 March 2009.
read more ...
 Vertual's
virtual training system cuts radiotherapy training costs
A virtual environment for radiotherapy training produced by
Hull, UK-based Vertual is dramatically cutting training costs
and helping improve cancer survival rates. 17 March 2009
GE develops wireless sensing
platform for neonatal and home health monitoring
GE Global Research, the technology development arm of GE (NYSE:
GE), has announced that it has adapted its sensors for home
security into an innovative, intelligent wireless medical
sensing platform. If successful, this new platform could
dramatically improve neonatal and home patient monitoring. 15
March 2009
Siemens obtains full rights to
the i.s.h.med hospital information system
Siemens Medical Solutions is taking over all use and exploitation rights to the
software i.s.h.med, a clinical information system integrated with the
SAP healthcare software. The system was jointly developed by the
partner and forerunner companies of Siemens Medical Solutions
GSD GmbH and the Austrian T-Systems.
Deutsch
The potential of ambient
energy harvesting to power electronic devices
Energy harvesting (EH) or scavenging is the use of ambient
energy to provide electrical power for small electronic and
electrical devices. The technologies employed variously convert
human power, body fluids, heat differences, vibration or other
movement, dirt, vegetation, ultraviolet, visible light or
infrared to electricity. Read
more ... 13 March 2009
GE Healthcare launches
Centricity PACS suite in Asia
GE Healthcare, has launched a suite of Centricity systems
targeted for hospitals and outpatient imaging centres in Asia.
The suite offers web-based portability, instantaneous image
reporting and scalable business processes. 2 March 2009
Datamining finds new target
for diabetes treatment
A team of researchers from Oxford and Southampton Universities
have identified a new molecular player in insulin secretion
process by mining a free database of 5 million drug compounds.
This finding could spark a completely new class of drugs to
treat type 2 diabetes. 22 February 2009
NHS medical device training
goes online
A ground-breaking project is being launched in the UK to create
a National Health Service (NHS) e-learning platform for medical
devices, including a library of both generic and detailed
training. 22 February 2009
Plasmonic nanoswitches could increase computing power a million fold
Plasmonics may pave the way for the next generation of computers
that operate faster and store more information than
electronically-based systems and are smaller than
optically-based systems. 22 February 2009
Analog Devices’ new data
acquisition chip gives faster, clearer images for CT scanners
The new current-to-digital converter chip that enables high
slice count CT systems to capture real-time moving images with a
high degree of accuracy and detail. 16 February 2009
Website for patients to share
diagnostic-quality medical images
US company Heart Imaging Technologies (HeartIT) has launched a
free website allowing patients to upload and share
diagnostic-quality medical images using just a standard web
browser. 16 February 2009
Computerised brain exercises
improve memory and attention
Computerised brain exercises can improve memory and lead to
faster thinking according to a new study of commercial brain
training software. 14 February 2009
Anvita Health launches mobile
viewer for Google Health
Anvita Health, formerly known as SafeMed, an integrated partner
of Google Health, has released a new mobile viewer for Google
Health that is built on the Android mobile device platform. 12
February 2009
New online resource to support
children with type 1 diabetes
Sanofi-aventis US has announced the availability of the diabetes
KidCare Kit, a multimedia resource that will provide children
and their families with valuable tools and information to help
guide them through the difficult but crucial first 30 days
following a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. 12 February 2009
Bluegiga provides health
device profile for Bluetooth OEM modules
The Bluetooth Health Device Profile (HDP) significantly
simplifies and reducing the need for engineering and testing
time for any type of health or medical device. 11 February 2009
Navigenics launches portal to
give doctors access to patients' genomic information
For patients choosing to receive a Navigenics service through
their physician, this portal allows the physician to integrate
patients’ genetic information into personalized health plans
designed to help diagnose early or prevent a number of health
conditions. 10 February 2009
Ontario grants Agfa Healthcare
$29.6-million to create jobs for developing radiology software
The award is to help create 100 new jobs and support existing
jobs by supporting Agfa in the development of new software that
allows radiologists to share digital images across a regional
network. 31 January 2009
Under-skin sensor to monitor
blood glucose of Type 1 diabetics
Diabetes experts based at Southampton General Hospital will fit
the tiny devices to participants' stomachs and use them in
conjunction with watch-like armbands, which will check
participants' physical activity. 31 January 2009
Medusa Siren ePCR Suite
integrates with Philips HeartStart MRx monitor/ defibrillator
Medusa Medical Technologies Inc. has announced that its
electronic patient care reporting software, the Siren ePCR
Suite, now has an interface with the Philips HeartStart MRx
monitor/defibrillator. 31 January 2009
Sigma-Aldrich launches
bioscience web portal
Sigma-Aldrich
and Ingenuity Systems have launched Your Favorite Gene
powered by Ingenuity, a web-based biological search portal
for exploring dynamic gene-based content. 31 January 2009
ICON launches electronic
system for clinical trial adjudication
ICON plc has announced the launch of a new electronic
system that will accelerate the adjudication of cardiovascular
events in diabetes studies. 31 January 2009
iPhone used to provide therapy
for stutterers
Scientists at the US Hollins Communications Research Institute
(HCRI) have completed successful trials using Apple's iPhone as
a stuttering therapy tool to enhance the transfer of new fluency
skills from the clinical setting into real-life situations. 31
January 2009
Telehealth users forecast to
exceed 55m worldwide by 2016
A new report from InMedica forecasts exceptional growth in the
number of telehealth subscribers over the next decade due to the
increased use of telehealth services for chronic disease
management. 31 January 2009
Iris BioTechnologies launches
Health Passport for personalized and targeted medicine
BioWindows is a HIPAA compliant, web based, medical information
storage system that allows participants to grant selective or
full sharing capabilities of their confidential medical and
lifestyle information to physicians or family members anywhere
in the world. 28 January 2009
Haptic devices deliver more
realistic, and safer medical training
SensAble Technologies, Inc highlighted novel touch-enabled
applications for medical training and simulation using the
company’s haptic devices and software at the Medicine Meets
Virtual Reality conference in Long Beach California last week.
28 January 2009
New Venture Partners and
Unilever Ventures invest in personalised weight management
system
New Venture Partners LLC, the global venture capital firm
dedicated to corporate technology spinouts, and Unilever
Ventures, the early stage venture arm of Unilever, have jointly
invested in MiLife, a company focused on providing technology
solutions for personalised weight management. 25 January 2009
Elsevier launches SciTopics,
expert-generated web resource for researchers
Elsevier has launched SciTopics, a free online expert-generated
knowledge sharing service for the research community to quickly
offer scientific, technical and medical knowledge on a variety
of subjects. 25 January 2009
Interactive report maps out
useful technology for the aging
The US Center for Aging Services Technologies (CAST) has
released an interactive version of its State of Technology
in Aging Services Report that lays out the categories of
technologies that exist and are under development to meet the
needs of aging consumers and highlights what companies are doing
to serve this growing market segment. 13 January 2009
UK NanoKTN supports EC's €1.8bn investment in ICT research
The UK Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network (NanoKTN) has announced its support for the €1.8bn that has been made available
for research projects by
the European Commission, through their Information Communications
Technology (ICT) fund. 9 January 2009
EU agency issues position
paper on security for Web 2.0
The European Network & Information Security Agency (ENISA) has
issued a new report that explains the risk of Web 2.0 — photo
sharing, wikis, social bookmarking and social networking — and
'malware 2.0', a new breed of web-borne infections. 9 January
2008
CMPMedica signs global
contract with iSOFT for drug information decision support tools
CMPMedica's information solution will power iSOFT's suite of
decision-support tools. These tools enable healthcare
professionals to make better informed decisions at the point of
care and thus improve patient outcomes. 9 January 2008
Visage Imaging receives US
clearance for medical imaging software
Visage Imaging has received FDA 510(k) clearance to market its
latest thin-client product release, Visage CS 3.1, which has
cardiac neuroradiology and oncology applications. 6 January 2009
Mathematical breakthrough could remove donuts from MRI scanners
Researchers in Ohio and France have solved a longstanding scientific
mystery involving magnetic resonance — the physical phenomenon that
allows the MRI scanners used by hospitals to take images of tissues deep
within the human body. Their discovery, a new mathematical algorithm,
should lead to new MRI techniques with more informative and sharper
images. 8 December 2008
IBM breaks new ground with open-standard medical imaging and
archiving solutions
IBM has unveiled a powerful combination of advanced imaging and
information archiving technologies that provides healthcare and medical
research organisations with complete and timely access to critical
imaging and diagnostic information at the point of care — regardless of
the source, age or location of the information. 8 December 2008
Computer model improves design
of ultrasound transducer
Researcher Koos Huijssen of the Delft University of Technology
has developed a computer model that can predict the sound
transmission of improved designs for ultrasound transducers. It
will lead to better imaging for ultrasound scanners. 4 December
2008
Max Planck Institute of
Biochemistry uses MathWorks parallel computing tools for cancer
research
The Institute studies the relationship between the structure and
activity of macromolecular protein complexes, which requires
processing of vast amounts of data. 24 November 2008
Violent video games have
physiological effects on teenage boys
Swedish Researchers studying heart rate and other parameters in
boys playing video games found heart rate variability was
affected to a higher degree when the boys were playing games
focusing on violence. 18 November 2008
Elsevier expands eclinical
solutions in Europe
Elsevier is increasing its efforts to provide interactive
clinical reference and clinical decision support (CDS) tools to
new markets in Europe. It has launched DoctorConsult — the
German language version of MD Consult. 5 November 2008
Sectra and DIPS co-operate to
provide IT systems for Norwegian hospitals. 1 Nov 2008
Google awards $14 million for
research using its disease prediction technology
Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google has awarded the
grants to support partners working in Southeast Asia and Africa
to help prevent the next pandemic. Google.org's Predict and
Prevent initiative is supporting efforts to identify hot spots
where diseases may emerge, detect new pathogens circulating in
animal and human populations, and respond to outbreaks before
they become global crises. 27 October 2008
Philips adds Respironics to
Moore microprocessor patent license. 27 October 2008
iMDsoft wins clinical data
management contract in Norway
iMDsoft and ErgoGroup have signed a framework agreement with
Helse Sør-Øst RHF (South-Eastern Norway Regional Health
Authority) to provide integrated clinical data management
services to the Health Trusts and related hospitals in southeast
Norway. The value of the project is estimated to be up to
€29 million. 20 October 2008
 Pandemic
flu models help determine food distribution and school closing
strategies
The 1918 flu pandemic killed more than 40 million people
worldwide and affected persons of all age groups. While it is
difficult to predict when the next influenza pandemic will occur
or how severe it will be, researchers at the Georgia Institute
of Technology have developed models to help organisations such
as emergency services and education authorities prepare
emergency response plans. 16 October 2008
LIFE Biosystems to deploy
TEMIS' clinical text analysis solution Luxid
LIFE Biosystems has entered into a strategic software and
services agreement with TEMIS to use TEMIS' Luxid for Life
Sciences solution to expedite the analysis of clinical and
molecular data from diverse textual information sources. 14
October 2008
Francais
Deutsch
NextBio search engine for life sciences shows rapid growth in users
NextBio, a life sciences search engine that enables researchers and
clinicians to search and correlate public scientific data and
literature, share their own research findings and collaborate with
colleagues, achieved 150,000 unique monthly visitors to its website in
September 2008.
Bluetooth system orients blind and sighted pedestrians
in urban environments
A new system based on Bluetooth wireless technology places a
layer of information technology over the real world to tell pedestrians
about points of interest along their path as they pass them. 5 October 2008
Kit to design your own
bio-feedback clothing
Textronics is offering a developer’s kit that includes the
company’s textile electrodes for use by designers, researchers
and product developers interested in creating their own
interactive wearable prototypes. 1 October 2008
SCM Microsystems' ehealth
terminal approved for German eHealth card program
SCM Microsystems, Inc. has announced that its ehealth200 BCS
terminal has been approved by the gematik, the German healthcare
organization overseeing the implementation of Germany's ehealth
card program. 29 September 2008
Computer modelling provides
breakthrough in psoriasis management
LEO Pharma has unveiled a ground-breaking computer-modelling
tool designed to help those involved in the assessment, planning
and provision of psoriasis treatment in primary care to balance
optimum outcomes with the growing need for cost control. 23
September 2008
Online health record of
limited use for diabetic patients
An online personal health record system that allowed people with
diabetes to check their lab results and get guidance about
medication proved to be of only limited use in improving their
health outcomes, according to a new American study published in
the Archives of Internal Medicine. 23 September 2008
Picis launches critical care information system
Picis has launched eView for Critical Care Manager, part of the
company's CareSuite family of software for intensive care units. The new
product is designed to consolidate clinical information for the entire
intensive care unit (ICU) patient census and present it in a concise,
web-based view to help clinicians identify patients requiring attention.
23 September 2008
 Early
warning system for cardiac patients
Latvian company Integris Ltd, has developed an inexpensive,
real-time heart activity monitor for personal use. The device is
small enough to be worn continuously and can monitor both heart
activity and the patient's physical activity and alerts the
patient of abnormalities. 9 September 2008
Data analysis methods for classification of patient samples shown to
be worthless
Computer-based methods that have been used for 25 years for
classifying patient samples are worthless, according to
researchers at Uppsala University, Sweden. 9 September 2008
Medicsight's colonography
analysis software receives Brazilian regulatory approval
Medicsight PLC, the London-based developer of computer-aided
detection and medical image analysis software has received
approval from the Brazilian regulatory agency, Agencia Nacional
de Vigilancia Sanitaria (ANVISA), for its ColonCAD software. 3
September 2008
Handys werden zu
Gesundheitsberatern für Kids (Mobile phones as health
advisers for children. Article is in German — you can
translate text online). 27 August
2008
Online resource for diabetes self management
A complete online diabetes self-management education program, has
been launched by the University of California, San Francisco
Diabetes Teaching Center. 27 August 2008
St Jude Medical wireless
transmitter for implanted cardiac devices gains FDA approval
The Merlin@home transmitter is a wireless system that transmits
data from implanted cardiac devices and enables remote
monitoring of patients by medical staff. 2 August 2008
iCAD records revenue growth of
73%
Computer-aided cancer detection systems supplier iCAD, Inc. has
announced announced record revenue of $10.5 million for the
second, quarter of 2008 up 73% over last year. 1 August 2008
Agfa and GE demonstrate
interoperability of globally distributed PACS
CT scans were shared over the internet, at the UK Radiological
Congress (UKRC) In Birmingham, between Agfa and GE PACS with
interaction with systems in France and the US. 30 July 2008
Devlin launches
infection-control keyboard in multiple languages
UK company Devlin has responded to growing demand in Europe for
infection-control products with the launch of its CleanKey
infection- control keyboard in six European languages. 29 July
2008
Agfa HealthCare integrates
OrthoView into IMPAX
Agfa HealthCare and Southampton, UK based Meridian Technique Ltd
have signed an agreement to integrate Meridian's orthopaedic
digital planning solution, OrthoView, into Agfa HealthCare's
IMPAX for Orthopaedics solution. 17 July 2008
Varian ranked first in
oncology IT vendors
Varian Medical Systems was ranked the leading supplier in its
class in an independent study released by KLAS, a research firm
that specialises in monitoring and reporting on the performance
of healthcare vendors. 16 July 2008
 Intel
receives FDA clearance for personal health system
The Intel Health Guide combines an in-home patient device that
has interactive tools for personalised care management and can
integrate patient-monitoring devices, and an online interface
allowing clinicians to monitor patients and remotely manage
care. 14 July 2008
RFID tags could cause medical
device malfunction
Radio frequency identification devices have the potential to
cause critical care medical equipment to malfunction, according
to a study of the effects on medical devices that included,
external pacemakers, mechanical ventilators, infusion/syringe
pumps, dialysis devices, defibrillators, monitors and
anaesthesia devices. 29 June 2008
Location technology enables people with dementia to go out safely
The Keeping In Touch Everyday (KITE) project in northeast
England is developing technology
that allows people with dementia (PWD) to take part in the activities
they enjoy with the knowledge that their family can track their
whereabouts if they require assistance.
Wavelets speed up diagnosis of
brain tumours
Researchers at the University of Warwick have devised an
automated technique that can give a preliminary analysis of a
precise brain tumour type within seconds. 17 June 2008
Quest Diagnostics collaborates
with Google to provide diagnostic test results online
Doctors can securely provide diagnostic data with a brief
explanation of test results to a patient's Google Health
account. The system is expected to empower patients and
physicians to collaborate more closely in making more
well-informed healthcare decisions. 3 June 2008
US verification program for
Internet pharmacies
LegitScript LLC has launched an Internet pharmacy verification
and information service. The service, which is free to consumers
and pharmacies in the US, includes information on whether an
online pharmacy meets standards of quality and safe business
practices. 2 June 2008
Airedale hospital uses Wi-Fi-based location system to track IV pumps
Airedale NHS Trust in West Yorkshire, England, is deploying a
real-time location system using from Ekahau to streamline
the workflow and improve availability of intravenous pumps. 23 May
GE Healthcare adds M*Modal's
speech understanding technology to radiology reporting
GE Healthcare has announced a partnership agreement with M*Modal
to integrate its advanced speech understanding solutions into
GE's Centricity radiology information system reporting module.
21 May 2008
Remote monitoring of pacemaker
patients improves detection of serious events
Remote monitoring of pacemaker patients via the Medtronic
CareLink Network detected clinically actionable events more
quickly than routine follow-up care of transtelephonic
monitoring and in-office visit, according to a study presented
last week at the Heart Rhythm 2008 congress. 21 May 2008
NDS Surgical Imaging
introduces new visualisation technologies for endoscopic surgery
NDS Surgical Imaging (NDSsi) has introduced new visualisation
technologies for surgical and endoscopy suites, including a new
touch-screen display and backlit surgical display. 21 May 2008
Computer simulation of surgery to reduce implant complications
A computer simulation breakthrough could mean fewer medical
complications and better surgical outcomes for patients undergoing hip,
knee or spinal implant surgery. The EU-funded OrthoSim project has
developed a platform that could significantly reduce the risk of post-op
complications, as well as provide a means for testing new implant
devices. 8 May 2008
Picis launches total perioperative
automation solution in Europe
Picis has announced the European launch of Picis Total Perioperative
Automation suite of products for managing care through every aspect of
surgery. 8 May 2008
 First
3-D image of antibody gene
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego have shown for the
first time how a genome is organized in three-dimensional space. They used a
multidisciplinary mix of geometry, biological research and techniques
developed to solve problems on supercomputers. 29 April 2008
LynuxWorks expands into embedded software
for medical devices
LynuxWorks, Inc., developer of embedded software for aerospace and military
systems, has announced plans to target medical device manufacturers, and
broaden its ecosystem of products to help support these devices. 29 April
2008
 Multimedia
PACS networks healthcare services on the Balearic Islands
All public hospitals and about 80 primary health centres in the Spanish
region Islas Baleares are building the foundation of a health service
network which is unique in Europe for its scope and depth of integration. 8
April 2008
Implanted wireless medical devices are
potential security risk for patients
Implanted medical devices with wireless technology have a potential risk of
unauthorised access to patient data and reprogramming of the device. 2 April
2008
Breakthrough in medical device
interoperability with Vena wireless platform
Cambridge Consultants has announced the first demonstration of the emerging
industry standards for medical device interoperability. The 'Vena' platform
is a breakthrough software solution on a single chip that allows medical
devices such as blood pressure monitors to transmit data wirelessly. 31
March 2008
Mercury introduces new applications for
Visage clinical imaging solutions
Mercury Computer Systems introduced the enhanced Visage product family with
integrated clinical applications at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR)
in Vienna last week. 19 March 2008
Axellis announces 'global expansion' with
three acquisitions
Axellis Ltd, a UK and US based medical technology company, has announced
three acquisitions, which it says are part of a strategy to become a
leading, global provider of specialist hardware and software solutions to
optimise treatments in oncology and cardiology. 19 March 2008
EQ2 signs UK distribution agreement with
BCAS Biomedical Engineering
Medical equipment information systems software company EQ2 has signed an
exclusive distribution agreement with BCAS Biomedical Engineering Ltd, a UK
provider of clinical equipment services. 19 March 2008
Egyptian Children’s Cancer Hospital
chooses Cerner for health record system
The Children’s Cancer Hospital Foundation 57357 (CCHF) in Egypt has selected
Cerner Corporation's Millennium solutions to create a unified,
patient-centric health record throughout the various hospital venues. 7
March 2007
Google and Quest Diagnostics collaborate
to provide online access to diagnostic test results
Quest Diagnostics, a leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and
services in the US, and Google have agreed to collaborate to facilitate
communications between doctors and patients using Google's online health
record system, Google Health. 6 March 2008
iCAD introduces mammography film digitizer
Medical imaging solutions company iCAD, Inc. (NASDAQ:ICAD), has launched the
TotalLook MammoAdvantage system that converts prior mammography films to
digital images for comparative review on a single digital review
workstation. 6 March 2008
3mensio receives US clearance for vascular
imaging software
3mensio Medical Imaging BV of the Netherlands has received US FDA 510(k)
clearance to market its 3surgery vascular imaging software in the US.
29 February 2008
Microsoft launches US fund to promote
development of HealthVault applications
Microsoft Corp has launched the $3 million Microsoft HealthVault Be Well
Fund to stimulate the research and development of online tools for its
health application platform, HealthVault. The fund is aimed at stimulating
solution development across a broad range of health disciplines. 28 February
2008
Agfa, InterComponentWare and Sun form Open
eHealth Foundation to boost interoperability
The ehealth market is set for explosive growth, driven by growing challenges
to healthcare systems in industrialized societies, as well as new medical
information and communication technologies. The Open eHealth Foundation will
provide software components under an Open Source license that will boost the
open standards-based exchange of medical information. 27 February 2008
Philips re-structures healthcare
informatics business
Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG; AEX: PHI) has restructured its
healthcare informatics businesses to include its entire portfolio of
clinical information solutions, including patient monitoring, enterprise and
clinical image management, anaesthesia information, women’s health
information, and cardiology information systems. 27 February 2008
Radiologists feel virtual organs with 3D
mouse
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a method of analysing
images of organs and 'feeling' the resulting virtual organs with a 3D mouse.
This can help construct three-dimensional models of organs when surgery or
radiation treatment is being planned. 20 February 2008
Unilever extends collaboration with
Transinsight in biomedical semantic searching
Unilever, one of the world’s largest consumer products companies, will
continue working with German search technology company Transinsight in
developing a semantic search solution to integrate internet and intranet
searching. 15 February 2008
iPods cleared of interfering with cardiac
pacemakers
A study by the US Food and Drug Administration has refuted claims that
portable music players, such as Apple's iPod, interfere with cardiac
pacemakers. The study is reported in the open access journal BioMedical
Engineering OnLine. 1 February 2008
US oncology group aims to revolutionise
cancer care with free online service
A website set up by Georgia Cancer Specialists (GCS) in the US aims to
change the way oncology professionals prescribe chemotherapy to cancer
patients. 30 January 2008
Medical Simulation Corporation sets up
medical skills training suite in Germany
MSC has parnered with CardioSkills Company of Frankfurt to provide an
interventional skills training experience for physicians and their staff. 30
January 2008
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