The idea is to have a rendered 3D representation of the anatomy of the patient, and to use that as a basis for the record. This is reported in IEEE Spectrum. Visualizing Electronic Health Records With “Google-Earth for the Body” By Robert N. CharetteJanuary 2008 Andre Elisseeff leads a research team at IBM’s Zurich Research Lab that in September demonstrated a prototype system that will allow doctors to view their patients’ electronic health record (eHR) using three-dimensional images of the human body. Called the Anatomic and Symbolic Mapper Engine, the system maps the information in a patient’s eHR to a 3-D image of the human body. A doctor first clicks the computer mouse on a particular part of the image, which triggers a search of the patient’s eHR to retrieve the relevant information. The patient’s information corresponding to that part of the image is then displayed, including text entries, lab results, and medical images, such as magnetic resource imaging. Elisseeff hopes that by “opening the computer screen to the patient, better communication between doctor and patient can occur.” He also believes that by changing the computer’s role from a physical barrier to a conversation starter that the acceptance of eHRs will increase.
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Laser Light for Stroke Treatment
PhotoThera, a company out of Carlsbad, California, is currently conducting clinical trials of their experimental laser system for the treatment of strokes. Using a near-infrared laser that is capable of reaching the brain through the scalp, it is thought that the light can help reinvigorate cells in the ischemic milieu.
To prevent Quire’s [Linda Quire, stroke patient at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison –ed.] penumbra from going over to the dark side, two things had to occur.
First, the laser treatment would have to work. Although animal studies and limited human research suggest it might be effective, the treatment still is in the experimental stage and its value has yet to be proved.
Second, Quire would have to get the actual laser treatment. Under the protocol of the clinical trial, half the patients get the treatment and half get a sham treatment. Neither the doctor nor the patients know who is getting treated.
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This is not just just a medical upgrade but a fundamental resource to change our medical working habits for the better. Be aware that this transition will be gradual.The new medical approach not only has improved information distribution possibilities to visitors. It will also act as a collaboration workspace for all involved subjects or groups within medical sphere.
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Popularity: 16%