Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Three state-run veterans' nursing homes in Kentucky might be receiving some robotic backup, courtesy of the University of Louisville. The robots feature a video camera, microphone and LCD screen. This allows doctors at the university to control them remotely using just a computer and a joystick. Specialists at the university can steer the robots up to a resident's bed and conduct exams. Nursing home residents would no longer need to travel to universities or large cities to receive needed care, the university notes. This breakthrough comes at the same time as an ominous report from the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing. Investigators predict a nursing shortage of 500,000 people by the year 2025.

RTX Healthcare unveiled its RTX3370 Telehealth Monitor at the recent HIMSS show in Orlando, FL. The wireless device recently received FDA approval. It collects vital signs from peripheral devices -- such as scales, blood pressure monitors and blood glucose meters -- and transmits the data as directed.

MedicAlert and the Alzheimer's Association have begun jointly marketing a new purple MedicAlert + Safe Return identification bracelet. The device is designed for persons afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Tropicana recently unveiled Tropicana Pure Valencia. Crafted from the top three percent of the firm's Florida orange harvest, it contains only the juice from select valencia oranges. Complementary flavors include raspberry acai, pomegranate blueberry, Indian River grapefruit and peach papaya mango, according to the firm.

Vocollect Healthcare Systems and Answers on Demand have announced a partnership that will combine products from both firms. Vocollect's AccuNurse (a voice-activated, hands-free documentation and communication system) will work with with AOD's clinical and financial software, according to both firms."Our strategic partnership with Vocollect will enable us to constantly expand our value-added offerings and give our clients the latest and most efficient capabilities available," said Aric Agmon, President and CEO of Answers on Demand. http://www.getaod.com/

A new long-term care reference takes into account new market forces that are shaping the future of long-term care."The NIC Compendium Project: A Guide to Long-Term Care Projection and Simulation Models" is a combination report card and road map. Specifically, it examines current research models on long-term care financing and points out limitations. Print and electronic copies of the report are available for $75.

Allscripts Healthcare Solutions announced a deal to purchase the healthcare business of Misys. The companies stated that the combination of AllScripts and Misys' Healthcare unit is expected to establish a leader in the US Electronic Health Record, or EHR, market, which is expected to be worth US$ 5 billion by 2015.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will delay an electronic prescription-reporting requirement while it consults with an industry group. The rule would assist it in evaluating electronic prescribing under the Part D program. CMS recently made the announcement in the final version of its "call letter" sent to prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans.