» A half dozen electronic health record vendors have formed a non-profit organization called the Commonwell Health Alliance. The organization’s goal is to create a national infrastructure with common platforms and policies that allow medical records systems to work together — a task that has proven elusive. “Today’s announcement represents an inflection point in healthcare, with key industry leaders coming together to support the delivery of a national health information exchange,” said John Hammergren, chairman and CEO of McKesson Corporation. Additional partners include Cerner Corporation, Allscripts, athenahealth, Greenway and RelayHealth (a McKesson subsidiary).

» MDI Achieve announced that MatrixCare is now integrated with several leading pharmacy service firms. These include Omnicare, PharMerica, and FrameworkLTC. When combined, these organizations, or those using their technology, service more than 80% of the long-term care providers in the United States, MDI Achieve said. The integration “gives providers a foundation for true closed-loop medication management,” said John Damgaard, the firm’s president.

» OnShift recently unveiled OnShift Mobile. The new app delivers top-down staffing and labor analysis for senior care executives. Specifically, the app tracks and reports labor costs, staffing levels, overtime and occupancy status against budgets. Its user-friendly graphics are designed for at-a-glance analysis, according to the firm.

» iLoc Technologies is now marketing the TriLoc Personal Locator Device. The wristwatch can be worn by residents with dementia. The product tracks location, which helps eliminate wandering. The watch sends alerts to caregivers by text message, email or through a mobile app.

» Philips recently unveiled the Lifeline GoSafe, a system that helps keep seniors in touch with emergency responders in cases of trips and falls. The product has built-in cellular connectivity that only needs one press of the button to activate. It also has integrated fall sensors that can automatically call for help. “Philips Lifeline’s legacy is built around helping seniors age with grace and independence,” said Rob Goudswaard, senior director of Product and Service Programs for Philips Home Monitoring.