Persons with moderate Alzheimer's disease use simple technology aids to manage daily activities and leisure occupation

Two studies assessed technology-aided programs to support performance of daily activities and selection/activation of music items with patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease. In Study I, four patients were presented with activity-related pictorial instructions via a computer fitted with inexpensive, commercial software. In Study II, four patients were (a) presented with different music options and (b) allowed to select and activate the preferred option via a microswitch response. Study I showed that each patient learned to perform the two activities available with percentages of correct responses exceeding 85 by the end of the intervention. Study II showed that all patients learned to choose and activate music options. Psychology students, employed in a social validation check, scored the patients’ behavior within the program better than their behavior in a control situation. The relevance and usability of simplified pictorial-instruction programs and music choice programs for patients with moderate Alzheimer's disease were discussed.     

Steps required to inclusion in commercial ECG analysis systems — the new ECG indices for quantitating extent,acuteness and severity of acute myocardial ischemia for facilitating emergency triage decisions

Clinically useful diagnostic methods for chest pain triage often fail to reach everyday practice where they can improve patient outcomes. One means to bridge the gap is through adoption of ECG interpretive algorithms with enhanced accuracy or expanded features into established commercial products. The transition from innovation to industry can be facilitated if researchers consider three factors aiding a successful handoff to companies. First, they should assess their algorithm to assure that it meets a real market need and can be easily assimilated by commercial partners. Second, their design documentation and databases should support the regulated development processes required of manufacturers. Finally, they should hold appropriate expectations for the structure of commercial partnerships that lead to release of a marketed product.     

Evaluating the Health Information Technology Regional Extension Center in South Carolina

ObjectiveTo determine the impact of the South Carolina Regional Extension Center, Center for Information Technology Implementation Assistance (CITIA-SC), on physician practices engaged in the process of electronic medical record (EMR) adoption.Data sourcesData from a cross-sectional survey distributed in March 2011 to 1310 primary care practice groups throughout South Carolina was used to determine the degree of EMR adoption throughout the state (n=452 respondents; 34.5% response rate). Participation in CITIA-SC was determined by obtaining a list of practices from CITIA-SC.Study designA posttest-only design with nonequivalent groups was used to estimate the degree of EMR implementation, plans for and perceived barriers to implementation based on CITIA-SC participation.ResultsCITIA-SC practice sites faced similar barriers to EMR implementation as non-CITIA-SC participants, including initial or recurring cost of an EMR, low staff expertise with EMRs or computers, and productivity disruption. Additionally, CITIA-SC practice sites had fewer IT personnel on staff (p=0.0358) and were considering EMR implementation without a plan (p=0.0125). Despite these barriers, more practices participating in the CITIA-SC program were preparing to invest in an EMR system within one year when compared to nonparticipants (75.9% versus 28.3%, p<0.0001).ConclusionOur results indicated that the practice sites that participate in the REC had fewer IT resources and more perceived barriers to implementation. These results suggest that REC participant practice sites intend to implement an EMR, but recognize the need for technical assistance in the preparation and implementation of an EMR system.