Mobile apps can aid healthcare

Technology will play a significant role in consumer-driven healthcare next year, according to a new report by Ovum, writes Public Technology.

The report, which highlights the healthcare technology trends to look out for in 2011, has predicted that smartphones and tablet computers will propel the consumerisation of healthcare forward next year as it will allow the public to become more efficient at monitoring their own health.

Cornelia Wels-Maug, author of the report, says consumers are now taking more responsibility for safeguarding their long-term quality of life and ensuring they continue to be healthy in the future. “The latest technology can play a key role and aid this shift towards the consumerisation of healthcare.

Agfa HealthCare, a diagnostic imaging and healthcare IT solutions provider, will be installing the DX-D 300 direct radiography X-ray suite at Credit Valley Imaging Associates (CVIA) in Mississauga, Canada, states Healthcare Technology Online.

CVIA specialises in medical imaging services in the Erin Mills and Eglinton area, conveniently located near Credit Valley Hospital. It offers a variety of diagnostic imaging services including X-ray, ultrasound, vascular ultrasound, mammography, Ontario breast screening programme affiliate and nuclear medicine.

"Credit Valley Imaging Associates is pleased to include Agfa HealthCare's state-of-the-art digital imaging solution in our community-based imaging practice. We strive to provide a centre of imaging excellence and this addition will further benefit our patients and referring physicians with improved workflow efficiencies and higher image quality," says Heather Gillis, general manager of CVIA.

Many people believe devices that allow doctors to monitor patients' vital signs in their homes offer a potential way to save health costs and allow older people to stay out of nursing homes, says Reuters.

The trick is proving it, according to a Rand Corp survey commissioned by home medical equipment maker Royal Philips Electronics. The survey of policymakers, providers, patient advocacy groups and others in six countries found most believe home healthcare technology has the potential to relieve pressure on healthcare systems that will soon be clogged by elderly patients living with chronic diseases.

But the evidence is still not strong enough to show the devices are cost-effective and ready for widespread adoption. "These new ideas are potentially very appealing. They move care out of costly institutions and into patients' homes," says Soeren Mattke, senior scientist at Rand who led the study.