mCube develops smaller, more accurate accelerometer; Why patient engagement is critical;

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> Wearables like fitness monitors may be on the cusp of a wave of innovation given a new accelerometer that's smaller, cheaper, more power-efficient and more accurate in sensing motion. The company behind the device states that it can be imbedded in clothing and sports equipment. "You could put them in your golf shirt and pants, so immediately after you swing you can get an analysis on your smartphone," states Ben Lee, CEO of the diver maker, mCube. Article  

> Patient engagement is crucial to the new healthcare paradigm as consumers are taking greater control of health and wellness and starting to manage data. Yet silos of data limit that engagement capability, and the role of primary caregivers is critical if patients are to be actively engaged. "The information must flow without the patient having to facilitate it. Physicians must be part of the process of evaluating the engagement," writes Etan Walls, director of Client Operations at North American Partners in Anesthesia. Article

> Smart fitness devices are expected to dominate the market in the next four years, with wrist-worn devices accounting for 87 percent of wearables, states a new CCS Insight Forecast report. The report also predicts there will be 68 million smartwatches and 50 million smart bands in play by 2018. Wearable shipments are predicted to hit 22 million this year, a 129 percent jump from 2013, and reach 135 million by 2018. Announcement

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> Robust analytics technology is a critical aspect to attaining the goal of high-quality, affordable healthcare but the healthcare industry does not have an evenly distributed knowledge of how to use it effectively, writes Lynn McVey, chief operating officer of Meadowlands Hospital Medical Center. It's time to eliminate inefficiencies and embrace data analytics to improve healthcare, she explains. Article

> A Pennsylvania medical center is doubling the size of a two-year-old telemedicine network that provides stroke care to rural patients. In an exclusive interview with FierceHealth IT neurologist Raymond Reichwein explains the crucial aspect of data in changing processes and why the right structure, personnel and protocols are key to delivering quality care. Article

And Finally... "Thigh bone" stirs up alien talk. Article