News From Around the Web
> The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has given 510(k) clearance to medical diagnostic device manufacturer Welch Allyn for its iExaminer solution, a hardware adapter and associated software that allows healthcare providers to capture, store, send and retrieve images from the company's PanOptic Ophthalmoscope using the iPhone 4 or 4S. The iExaminer adapter aligns the optical access of the PanOptic to the visual axis of the iPhone camera to capture high-resolution pictures of a patient's fundus and retinal nerve. Press release
> The Health and Development Foundation (HDF) launched a new nationwide mHealth program in Russia, IVF/ART School, for clients undergoing assisted reproductive technology treatment. IVF/ART School is the second national reproductive health program implemented by HDF to use mobile technology. In February 2012, the foundation launched Text4baby Russia, adapted from the U.S. program Text4baby which provides new and expectant mothers with information on caring for their own health and the health of their children. Article
> Toronto-based mHealth app developer The Doctor Says Inc. has announced new tools to help patients screen for and take action on alcohol abuse and depression. The new apps-- Alcohol Abuse Predictor and Depression Predictor--use research-based questionnaires to help patients determine if they are at risk from these commonly experienced disorders, get information, and seek medical treatment. The apps are available for Android smartphones and will be available soon for iOS and Blackberry devices. Press release
EMR News
> Physicians who use their electronic health record's clinical decision support tools are viewed more negatively by patients, according to a study published this month in the journal Medical Decision Making. The patients whose physicians used the tools were more dissatisfied and may be more likely not to comply with treatment recommendations. Article
Healthcare IT News
> Seven in 10 U.S. adults track health indicators, according to a new survey from Pew Research Center's Internet & American Life Project--but few are using technology to do so. In the survey, 21 percent say they use a spreadsheet, website, app, or device to track weight, diet, exercise routine, symptoms or other health indicator. Those with one or more chronic conditions were more likely to do so. Article
And Finally… No more quenching thirst with a secret ingredient. Article