Here are a few I have come across this week.
Note: Each link is followed by a title and a paragraph or two. For the full article click on the link above title of the article. Note also that full access to some links may require site registration or payment.
General Comment:
It looks like the impact of the rather messy Senate Estimates hearing reported last week is continuing to reverberate.
If there has been a theme this week it has been about implementation competence in Government. On the basis of what we see in the e-Health space, one really wonders about all these programs that have been pushed out by the Federal Government.
The issue may very well be that Ministers simply do not understand, in detail, just what capabilities exist in the public service. On the evidence to date there do seem to be some substantial gaps in program management and delivery.
Heaven help us if DoHA attempts to take over and manage the Hospital Sector. They are simply not up to it in my view.
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Govt laughs at commercial NEHTA fears
By Renai LeMay, Delimiter.com.au
15 February 2010 10:52 AM
The Federal Department of Health and Ageing has rejected "laughable" questions on whether the National E-Health Transition Authority (NEHTA) would ever compete against e-health companies as a commercial entity.
The authority was established back in mid-2005 by state health ministers as a non-profit company. With funding running into the hundreds of millions of dollars over the years, its mission is to develop electronic health standards to better tie together the IT systems of Australia's health institutions to better outcomes for patients.
Yet according to Liberal Senator Sue Boyce in Senate Estimates last week, firms in the health IT industry were feeling uncertain about whether NEHTA might ultimately use the information it has been gathering for a national e-health system to compete against them. She asked whether there were any intention for NEHTA to be a commercial entity.
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http://www.pharmacynews.com.au/article/hospital-pharmacists-want-e-script-integration/511282.aspx
Hospital pharmacists want e-script integration
15 February 2010 | by Mark Gertskis
Electronic prescription systems used in hospitals should be linked to systems used by GPs and community pharmacists, according to hospital pharmacists.
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) has called on the Federal Government to link the electronic prescription systems across the entire health system.
"When a patient moves between the community health and hospital sectors, one of the most fundamental things doctors need to know is what medicines are being taken," SHPA chief executive Yvonne Allinson said.
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iSOFT: Australia playing follow the e-health leader
By Renai LeMay
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 17:24
Australian e-health giant iSOFT has noted what it says are “early signs” of action on e-health by Australia’s Federal Government but today said its major growth driver would be the Unites States’ US$34 billion stimulus investment in health IT systems and that Australia would likely follow other countries in the area.
Federal Health Minister Nicola Roxon last week introduced legislation into Federal Parliament that would introduce a National Health Identifier to be implemented by the middle of 2010.
“In Australia … we have seen the early signs of the Government preparing the foundations for e-health, with the legislation for patient unique identifiers,” said iSOFT chief executive Gary Cohen in a briefing after the release of the company’s half-yearly financial results. Cohen also noted encouraging signs in Europe, China and Latin America for the company.
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An uphill battle for online privacy
STEPHEN WILSON
February 17, 2010
The furore sparked by Google's new online social network, Buzz, proves people don't want their candour taken for granted. Buzz plans to overtake Twitter and Facebook, and has the inside running, because it uses the information Google already has about you from your Gmail account, Picasa photos, and maybe your search history.
But it misstepped badly by creating an instant circle of followers from email address books. In other words, it used information collected for one purpose for another. Privacy advocates call that function creep.
Reusing information is not new. Advertisers try to guess your interests from your search history. Retailers promote their products direct to your smart phone when you are near to the store. The whole world can tell what football team I follow, because the bumper sticker on my car is visible on Google Street View.
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http://www.ehealthnews.eu/isoft/1917-isoft-announces-lorenzo-for-the-iphone
iSOFT Announces Lorenzo for the iPhone
Wednesday, 17 February 2010
Australia's largest listed health information technology company, announced that it is bringing its Lorenzo strategic healthcare solution to Apple's iPhone for medical professionals to access scans, x-rays and patients records via a prototype application due for release later this year.
With the iPhone application, nurses can also directly register basic patient information like pulse and temperature with Lorenzo, reducing the time spend on administrative actions and making information available with a click of the 'enter' button.
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http://apo.org.au/research/relevance-health-libraries-digital-age
Relevance of health libraries in the digital age
Read the full text
PDF Relevance of health libraries in the digital age
15 February 2010This article discusses the future of health libraries and how they need to meet the needs of the parent organisation and its staff to maintain relevance in the digital age. Nicole Jovicic is a trainee librarian at the East Arnhem Health Library in Nhulunbuy. Health Libraries Australia is a group of health librarians and is part of the Australian Library and Information Association.
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http://www.smh.com.au/technology/computer-test-catches-children-with-adhd-20100217-odz2.html
Computer test catches children with ADHD
NICKY PHILLIPS
February 18, 2010
RESEARCHERS have developed a computer test that can diagnose children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with 96 per cent accuracy.
ADHD is the most common mental health condition in adolescents and children, said psychologist and lead researcher Leanne Williams of the University of Sydney.
''Six per cent of children in Australia have been diagnosed with ADHD, which equates to about one child in every classroom,'' she said.
To be diagnosed with the disorder, children have to have difficulty paying attention as well as display hyperactive and impulsive behaviour at home and at school.
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February 16, 2010 07:37 AM Eastern Time 
iMDsoft and iSOFT Announce Distribution Agreement
Software supplier to distribute MetaVision clinical information systems in Germany
LEIDEN, The Netherlands--(BUSINESS WIRE)--iMDsoft®, a leading provider of clinical information systems for perioperative, critical, and acute care, and iSOFT Health, a leading supplier of software applications for the healthcare sector, have announced that iSOFT will begin distributing the MetaVision® Suite in Germany. iSOFT currently serves customers in 40 countries and is one of the world’s largest healthcare information technology companies.
“I believe that iSOFT has the reach and expertise to enable a wider network of customers in Germany to enjoy the proven benefits that MetaVision brings to users worldwide.”
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National e-med management plan
A national project could see aged care facilities across the country benefiting from electronic prescribing and medication management by 2013.
The Aged Care Industry IT Council is currently developing a strategy for implementing a secure repository GPs, pharmacists and aged care facilities would be able to access.
If further funding is forthcoming, the implementation of the new system would occur over a relatively short timeframe throughout 2012 and early 2013.
ACIITC spokesperson and Aged Care Association Australia (ACAA) CEO, Rod Young said the project would deliver a market ready solution.
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iSOFT Group Limited (ASX:ISF) Announces H1 FY10 Results
Sydney, Feb 16, 2010 (ABN Newswire) - iSOFT Group Limited (
ASX:ISF) Australia's largest listed health information technology company today announced its half-year result for the six months ended 31 December 2009.
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http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/336366/strong_aussie_dollar_hits_isoft_results/?eid=-255
Strong Aussie dollar hits iSoft results
GFC spurs slowdown in public sector health spending
- Tim Lohman (CIO)
- 16 February, 2010 14:07
Despite a strong global health IT market, iSOFT has recorded declines across its revenues, after tax profits and EBITDA for the half year to 31 December 2009.
The company recorded revenue of $237.3 million; down 1 per cent year on year. EBITDA of $40.8m; down 27 per cent over the same period and net profit after tax of $4.8m, down 27 per cent.
According to CEO Gary Cohen, the global health IT industry remained strong, however the high Australian dollar had had a large impact on the first half results.
“Notwithstanding the currency effect, we are seeing growth in our core businesses, we are meeting important milestones in the rollout of our Lorenzo solution in the UK and we are continuing to invest in world class solutions as significant opportunities emerge in markets such as the US, Europe and Latin America,” he said in an ASX statement.
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GPs call for $31m in e-health funding
By Renai LeMay
Monday, 15 February 2010 13:35
IT Policy - Government Tech Policy
A network of general practitioner doctors has called for $31 million in funding into electronic health projects to be allocated in the next Federal Government budget.
The Australian General Practice Network (AGPN) represents 110 general practice networks, in addition to eight state-based networks. It claims that more than 90 percent of general practitioner doctors are members of their local general practice network.
In a broader submission to the next Federal Budget released this month, AGPN said e-health initiatives such as the E-Health Support Office Program (EHSOP) — which was initiated in 2005 and has been funded until June 2010 — had aided the network in increasing the uptake of e-health infrastructure across the health care sector.
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Primary Health Care shares fall despite surge in first-half profit
- Rebecca Thurlow
- From: The Australian
- February 16, 2010
PRIMARY Health Care stock tumbled today after a surge in its first-half net profit came in below analyst expectations.
Australia's largest pathology services company said net profit in the half ended December 31, 2009 surged to $76.6 million, from $11.5m a year before as borrowing costs fell. But this was still well short of the $91m median forecast of five analysts polled earlier by Dow Jones Newswires. Broker estimates had ranged from $83.4m to $93.8m.
Primary stock tumbled after the result. Its shares today were down 12 per cent at $4.87, after earlier hitting a low of $4.77 amid an overall market that was up 0.8 per cent.
Note: Primary are the owners of Health Communications Network that provides Medical Director.
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Hospital promises doctors a bedside data delivery
- Karen Dearne
- From: The Australian
- February 16, 2010
A BEDSIDE communications cockpit will deliver doctor and patient access to a wide range of smart systems being built into the $180 million hi-tech Macquarie University Hospital, opening soon in Sydney.
Chief operating officer Evan Rawstron said Seimens' HiPath HiMed units would interface with back-end systems to create a totally digital environment for the teaching and research facility.
The 150-unit project is the first local installation for Siemens Enterprise Communications.
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http://www.smh.com.au/technology/weight-loss-that-isnt-all-workout-no-play-20100215-o2w4.html
Weight loss that isn't all workout, no play
February 16, 2010
It's games versus gyms as Louisa Hearn sweats it out with virtual trainers.
Farewell to gym classes forever. There is a fitness revolution and its happening in my lounge room.
Armed with a small, hand-held motion-sensitive baton and a "Balance Board" under my feet, I am joining a parade of celebrities, sports stars and senior citizens who have been spotted flailing and gyrating on Nintendo's Wii game console in the pursuit of fitness.
With more and more exercise games crowding the market and a New Year's resolution to get back in shape, I am undertaking a one-month challenge to see if I really can get fit doing nothing but working out with my Wii.
I have set an ambitious target of losing two kilograms in that time as I try to dodge calories and cram in at least four workouts a week.
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http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/News/0,1734,5942,15201002.aspx
Failure of authority phone line puts patients’ care on hold
Andrew Bracey - Monday, 15 February 2010
GPs were last week hamstrung in their efforts to care for patients, after the Medicare authority prescription line shut down for nearly three days.
Doctors attempting to access the line say they were met with delays of up to five minutes only to be advised the service was down and to call back later.
Sydney GP and Doctors Action president Dr Adrian Sheen, who tried repeatedly to access the hotline, said he was forced to ask a patient to return the next day to collect a prescription.
“I had to tell the patient it will either cost $400 or come back tomorrow,” Dr Sheen told MO.
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http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/192_04_150210/noc11050_fm.html
Performance-based hospital funding: a reform tool or an incentive for fraud?
Abstract
· Hospital funding based on achieving targets for numerical key performance indicators was implicated in Queensland’s Bundaberg Base Hospital scandal and has driven hospital data fraud in Victoria and New South Wales.
· Nationally uniform legislation is required to make health service reporting standards consistent and to criminalise public sector data fraud.
· Urgent action is needed to develop realistic outcome measures that base hospital funding more on the quality and safety of patient care and less on patient throughput numbers.
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Doctoring hospital patient data should be criminal offence, says physician
LOUISE HALL
February 15, 2010
Manipulating hospital performance data should be made a criminal offence in the same way corporate directors are prosecuted for cooking the books, according to an article in The Medical Journal of Australia.
National uniform legislation must also be introduced to make the reporting of hospital data comparable between states because it is now meaningless due to differing standards, said Antony Nocera, an emergency physician at Dubbo Base Hospital. The article, published today, says deliberate manipulation of emergency data has occurred in h NSW and Victoria since performance-based funding was introduced in the 1990s.
The fraud includes hospital managers admitting patients to ''virtual wards'' on a hospital's computer system, or discharging and readmitting the same patient, to meet benchmarks in order to generate additional funding or qualify for performance bonuses.
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http://www.theage.com.au/national/make-faking-data-a-crime-expert-20100214-nzgw.html
Make faking data a crime: expert
JULIA MEDEW
February 15, 2010
HOSPITAL staff should face criminal charges if they manipulate performance data sent to governments and reported to the community, an expert says.
Dr Antony Nocera, based at Dubbo Base Hospital in NSW, yesterday said that current systems of data reporting in Australian hospitals were inadequate and could not be trusted.
In a Medical Journal of Australia article, Dr Nocera said the manipulation of data in Victorian hospitals, evidence of data fraud in NSW hospitals and variable interpretations of reporting requirements generally had made comparisons of performance between states and territories meaningless.
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http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/192_04_150210/new10623_fm.html
Research
Computerised prescribing: assessing the impact on prescription repeats and on generic substitution of some commonly used antibiotics
David A Newby and Jane Robertson
To assess the impact of two interventions on computer-generated prescriptions for antibiotics — (i) an educational intervention to reduce automatic computerised ordering of repeat antibiotic prescriptions, and (ii) a legislative change prohibiting the “no brand substitution” box being checked as a default setting in prescribing software — and to compare these findings with those of a similar survey we conducted in 2000.
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http://www.medicalobserver.com.au/News/0,1734,5940,15201002.aspx
GP software linked to overprescribing
Shannon Mackenzie - Monday, 15 February 2010
Default settings embedded in GP prescribing software are contributing to unnecessary repeat prescriptions of antibiotics, two academics have claimed.
In a study of prescriptions for four antibiotics most commonly prescribed for URTIs, the academics found that 69% of computer-generated scripts permitted repeats, compared to just 40% of hand-written scripts.
According to Dr David Newby (PhD), senior lecturer in clinical pharmacology at the University of Newcastle, the higher rate suggested some doctors were not making conscious decisions to add a repeat script.
Many prescribing software programs have a default setting that automatically adds a maximum number of repeats to a prescription. However, Dr Newby said while this was entirely appropriate for many medications for chronic illnesses, it was a problem when it came to antibiotics.
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OpenOffice 3.2 fixes several vulnerabilities
Users should upgrade to the latest version of the open-source office suite to avoid trouble
- Jeremy Kirk (IDG News Service)
- 18 February, 2010 04:2
The latest version of OpenOffice fixes several vulnerabilities that could cause a computer to become compromised by a remote attacker.
OpenOffice.org has issued version 3.2, which adds a lengthy list of new features and improves the suite's overall performance while also fixing six vulnerabilities.
Three of those problems could allow a remote attacker to execute code. In one of those cases, a malicious XPM file -- a type of image format supported by ODF (OpenDocument Format) -- could be maliciously crafted and allow remote user to execute other code on the computer with the same privileges as the local user.
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Enjoy!
David.
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