Technology Reducing the Risk of Retained Surgical Instruments
February 16, 2012 - The scenario is one of a patient’s worst nightmares: They go into the hospital for surgery and leave with a lot more than they bargained for--a foreign object left inside the surgical site. Left unnoticed, it could result in numerous medical complications, including infection, bowel perforation, abscess, undue pain, return to surgery and even death.
New Time-Saving Devices and Apps for Nurses
January 19, 2012 - Nurses often work long hours and have exhausting schedules, which they must balance with other responsibilities like caring for children, spending time with loved ones and staying fit. With everything that’s on their plate, it's easy to see why many are turning to technology to save time and try to make their lives a little easier.
Public Health’s Take on Technology
November 18, 2011 - While much of the focus on health care information technology (HIT) is in hospitals and health systems, the public health arena is also impacted by innovations that help improve care. From electronic medical records (EMRs) and telehealth to mobile technologies and interoperable data systems, HIT plays an important role in public health care in communities across the country.
Robots and Remote Monitoring Programs Earn National Recognition
October 14, 2011 - ECRI Institute researches the best approaches to improving the safety, quality and cost-effectiveness of patient care, and their sixth annual Health Devices Achievement Award has recognized the work of three facilities excelling in these areas.
Mobile Health Care Moves Beyond the Cell Phone
September 16, 2011 - When most of us think about mobile technology, the first device that likely comes to mind is our cell phone, a communication tool that emerged to allow us to talk to each other while on the go, but has evolved into so much more. Today it is something most people--including health care providers--can’t leave home without.
Improving Patient Safety Through Communication
August 26, 2011 - Author George Bernard Shaw once said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” In personal relationships, communication problems can be detrimental; in health care settings, they can be downright dangerous. Thankfully, health care technology has advanced in such a way that communication among providers--and between providers, patients and their loved ones--has become much easier.