Digital Transformation

This evolution of healthcare involves using technology to improve diagnosis, treatments, monitor patients, enhance hospital operations and culture, and bolster consumer-focused care. This includes virtual reality tools, wearable devices, workflow software, health apps and other digital health tools.

Volcano buys cath imaging firm

Volcano is acquiring Sync-Rx, an Israeli software developer that focuses on coronary catheterizations, in a deal reported to total $17.3 million.

Using EHRs + snail mail nudges up statin prescriptions

Using EHRs and letters mailed to at-risk patients, physicians doubled the proportion of patients who received new lipid-lowering drug prescriptions. However, study results failed to show an improvement in levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol at nine months and only modest improvements at 18 months.

Transforming Cardiac Care One EKG at a Time

AirStrip

In February 2012, the 117-bed TriStar Centennial Heart & Vascular Center in Nashville, Tenn., started considering ways to expand its success as a STEMI-referral site. The center turned to AirStrip Cardiology to put access to real-time EKG data in the palm of the physicians’ hands. Physicians can now view EKG data via iPad or iPhone before the patient even reaches the hospital. Sponsored by an educational grant from AirStrip.

Song of Silence: Making Alarms’ Din Manageable

Bleeps, chirps and a cacophony of warning alarms assault nurses and physicians in today’s hospital units. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Several hospitals have taken steps to reduce this auditory overload in an effort to help caregivers discern between important notifications and mere noise.

Physicians engage more with EHR prompts when feedback, incentives added

Physicians are more responsive to EHR quality improvement prompts when the reminders are offered in combination with individual feedback and financial incentives, according to a study published in the October issue of the American Journal of Managed Care.

Edwards buys Dutch hemodynamic monitoring firm for $42M

Edwards Lifesciences, a developer of heart valves and hemodynamic monitoring systems, has completed the acquisition of Bmeye, a privately held Amsterdam company that develops noninvasive technologies for hemodynamic monitoring in the surgical, intensive care, emergency room and cardiology settings.

Struggling with warfarin? Try relying on algorithm

Sites that adhered to a simple algorithm for when to change and when not to change warfarin dose were associated with improved anticoagulation control, according to a study published online Oct. 1 in Circulation.

High marks for telestroke evaluation

Medical images viewed on smartphones can be effectively used to remotely evaluate stroke patients through telemedicine, according to a study published online ahead of print in Stroke.

Around the web

GE HealthCare said the price of iodine contrast increased by more than 200% between 2017 to 2023. Will new Chinese tariffs drive costs even higher?

Several key trends were evident at the Radiological Society of North America 2024 meeting, including new CT and MR technology and evolving adoption of artificial intelligence.