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(image source | wikinomics)

Few would argue that converting a paper filing system into an electronic format is a huge step up. Whether you are a small business organizing your receipts, or the head of a household putting together your shopping lists, having an easy to use, searchable, electronic record is ideal. In the simple case of going shopping my iPhone enables me to keep electronic lists of the items I think of throughout the week that I will need to pick up when I go to the stores. That list can also be emailed to the Misses if she is going to a particular store I needed something from. I also have an app that stores all of those little discount cards that every retailer uses now, so there is no need to weigh down my wallet, or key chain with an abundance of plastic. The point I am making is that I use these things because they make not just my life easier, but that of my girlfriends, the cashiers and everyone who doesn’t have to wait longer in line as I search for the right discount card. That is supposed to be the function of Electronic Medical Records, or EMR. While EMR is an outstanding achievement in healthcare, many clinicians and patients are feeling a cold shoulder during interactions with one another. “The whole point of EMR is to simplify the process and to enhance and facilitate communication,” Dr. O’Malley said. “But in order for that to happen, EMR needs to be more user-friendly and more responsive to the clinical needs of patients and clinicians.” Citing the difficulties of using EMR while creating a welcoming environment and pleasant experience with their patients, some clinicians are hoping EMR systems are redesigned with the Clinician-Patient user experience seamlessly integrated.

To read more on this complication of EMR, click here for the NY Times article, by Pauline W. Chen, M.D.

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(image source | Microsoft)

Sadly we all get old, and in some cases that means being homebound. In the past this meant, for many homebound seniors, a life of isolation, an essential prison sentence. However, there is a pilot program looking to bring the fun and camaraderie of senior centers to those who can’t go to one themselves. “At least, that’s the mission Microsoft has taken on with the launch of its new Virtual Senior Center, a program that teaches homebound seniors to use technology and the Internet to take Tai Chi classes, paint, join discussion groups and participate in other previously out-of-reach activities.” While this is no doubt a noble cause, I do hope that the program also provides security features and training to prevent these seniors from becoming the target of the unscrupulous. I mention this because despite always telling my Grandmother not to open the door without asking who was there first, every time I knocked the door would swing open without so much as a peep out of her. Be sure to read the full Forest Hills Times article on this program by clicking the Source link below.

Source | Forest Hills Times

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(image source | Sindya N. Bhanoo via The New York Times)

Remember when you didn’t have to leave your house when you were sick because your doctor made house calls? Yea, well I don’t either, but I saw it in a movie once. However, getting to a doctor is a routine part of many individuals lives, especially the elderly. Many need to have weekly tests performed to manage health conditions. Beyond the inconvenience of constantly needing to visit your doctor and adhering to their appointment hours, many who experience severe difficulties with their mobility simply cannot make these trips without help and/or more suffering. Beyond the burden on the patient, this routine visits incur financial and administrative strains on doctors and hospitals, raising health care costs and delaying service for everyone. As a solution Denmark is pioneering in “telemedicine”. The NY Times recently ran an article in regards to the evolution of electronic medical records into home medical tests. Through the use of technologies and a few computer accessories individuals can take certain exams in the privacy of their own home and electronically submit the information gathered to their physician. Prescriptions can even be electronically sent to pharmacies to be filled, and if that pharmacy delivers, well you get the point about how these technologies can be a great benefit for all. Be sure to read The New York Times article after the jump for a personal take on this emerging technology.

Read the rest of this entry »

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(image source | Hemway Industries)

David Choe has also gotten involved in fund raising attempts for the Haiti relief effort…

Personally paying for the cost of the prints, David Choe has requested that all proceeds go to Yele Haiti, a foundation created by Wyclef Jean. This print measures 18″x24″ inches and is a Giclee print on archival paper. Limited to 50 editions, the print is hand-signed by David Choe.

Fortunately for Haiti, but unfortunately for art collectors all of the prints have already sold out during the pre-sale, raising $15,000 to help out Haitians during their time of need.

Source | Hemway Industries

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(image source | Fuse Project)

This is the third year of Fuse Project’s One Laptop Per Child program. The program does just what it sounds like, getting cheap computers into the hands of children in developing nations around the globe. The current modeled, billed as the $100. computer actually sells for $172. and the hope is to offer the XO-3 for $75. To date over 1 million computers have been distributed in an effort to meet the programs mission of “providing education and access to information for all”. Slated for release in 2012, the latest design of a cheap computer is a tablet screen that would allow children to use their XO-3’s for both learning and play.

(image source | Fuse Project)

(image source | Fuse Project)

Source | Forbes

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(image source | Robin Hood/Food for Good)

Deep down most of us want to do our part and help others. It often seems like something that is too difficult to do, or a sacrifice that is too great. Knowing all of these things the charitable organization Robin Hood has created the “Stay In” event. It is simple make a donation to their cause of providing food to New Yorkers in need and sit at home with a discounted meal delivered via SeamlessWeb and a free movie via Amazon Video. Dig a little deeper in your pocket and you can add some free wine, or even Johnnie Walker Blue. Get involved here.

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