Close
Digital Health & Ai Innovation summit 2026
Medical Taiwan 2026

US Network Hospitals Costlier Than Separate Surgery Setups

It is well to be noted that the prices of surgical procedures happen to be significantly higher across the healthcare facilities within the networks than in independent hospitals, as per research from JAMA Network Open that was published on February 13.

To be more specific, the median price of a shoulder arthroscopy costs around $4432 at network hospitals, whereas in independent setups it is valued at $2643. There are also major variations that are seen in terms of negotiated prices across facilities, as per the study. The hospitals within a network charge $1446 more for knee cartilage removal than independent hospitals. The median price for prostatectomy in a hospital network happens to be $996 more than that at independent hospitals.

These findings have come as hospitals are seen to be non-compliant with the transparency of federal price regulations, which require providers to publicly post the costs of healthcare services to enable patients to shop around for care and also enhance competition.

Out of the 2000 hospital web portals that are currently active, only 25% happen to be in total compliance with regulations and rules, as per a recent survey that was conducted by one of the web portals. Apparently, there were certain major chains that lacked compliance.

Jama Network Open study researchers went on to analyse 3195 hospitals that negotiated prices through one of the healthcare databases that is into aggregating the price data that was published by the hospitals themselves under the price transparency policy.

For 15 out of the 16 surgical procedures that the hospitals are expected to post, the median negotiated prices happen to be significantly higher at hospitals within the networks as compared to the independent hospitals. However, it is still not transparent as to how the negotiated rates tend to differ at hospitals that are within the network versus the independent setups, according to the authors of the study.

Although hospitals which happen to be within the network have a better market share because of which they negotiate higher rates with the payers, being part of a wider network also allows for scale that leads to lower prices, as per the study. The authors happen to be of the opinion that as and when more hospitals begin to be compliant with this policy, it will be imperative to gauge the mechanism behind these variations, which by all means happen to be significant, so as to identify sectors of variations that are unwarranted and can also be mitigated.

Reproductive Health Devices Market To See A New High

A steadily increasing number of medical indications which are related to medical health are being diagnosed, treated and also cured more promptly than ever before. This is also in part due to events such as Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Week, which took place in Canada between February 14 and 18. Against this particular backdrop, the worldwide market when it comes to reproductive health devices has predominantly grown at a consistently steady rate and is predicted to reach a sale of $3.7 billion by 2030 as per GlobalData one of the leading data as well as analytics firm.

Senior Analysts from the firm, Brian Hicks says that depending on the indications that arrive, female patients may go ahead with a variety of lifestyle changes, medications, or even undergo surgeries so as to treat their underlying sexual as well as reproductive health issues. Some of the very common procedures that happen to be surgical and are adopted by women in their lifetime to address their reproductive health issues include laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, IVF- In-vitro fertilization, sterilization, endometrial ablation, as well as reversible contraceptive device insertions, all of which make use of a significant variety of medical devices that range from laparoscopes, hysteroscopes, IVF catheters and media, intrauterine devices, tubal clips and rings, diaphragms, and hormonal implants.

As per Hicks, some of the key drivers of growth when it comes to the reproductive health devices market include women who are looking to get medical attention as far as their sexual and reproductive health is concerned; advancements in technology that further help in making sure to get enhanced diagnostic accuracies; and also, a varied number of options for treatment that are made available, which are much more than before.

Although many of the reproductive health devices markets are pretty well-established, there is still a long way to go as there are almost 100 varied products which are under development across the world out of which majority of them happen to be in the clinical stages of development and are contraceptive devices that are reversible.

Hicks went on to add that since both the copper IUD and hormonal implant markets have been predicted to grow globally, especially because of rising preferences for such devices as compared to alternate options, manufacturers of reversible contraceptive device are taking note of this and getting more involved in research & development as well as product development through investments so as to meet the ever-increasing demand.

EU Vote Helps Device Makers Have More Time For MDR Adaption

In order to delay the execution of the novel Medical Device Regulation, or MDR, the European Parliament went on to astoundingly vote for this step on February 16.

The final approval to the plan which was adopted by the European Commission last month in January took shape with 537-3 votes so as to extend the deadline compliance with fresh rules that would certify the medical devices. The new timeline will depend upon the risk class of the device and is therefore being implemented to make sure patients get consistent access to medical technology as per the Commission.

The commission further added that the devices that are already on the market and happen to be on the current legal framework can continue to remain on the market.

It is well to be noted that European officials had pushed the initial MDR deadlines in accordance with the COVID-19 pandemic and had subsequently allowed the old devices with certificates as per the old directives to stay on the market till 2024.

The fresh plan, which makes more time available for the companies in order to certify medical devices, is brought into existence with the intent to lessen the risk of shortages by bringing out transition periods that are much longer so as to adapt to the new rules.

Apparently, the manufacturers now have time until 2027 or 2028, depending on the classification of the risk, to have their devices designated as pe the MDR.

What Type Of Sport Is The Most Beneficial To Maintain A Healthy Body?

Everyone knows that to get fit, you need to get off the sofa and get moving. However, this is easier said than done, especially if you simply aren’t interested in running on a treadmill inside a gym for hours on end. Fortunately, getting fit and healthy doesn’t require an expensive gym membership, and in some cases, it doesn’t require any equipment at all. In fact, you can become extremely healthy by thinking outside the box and exploring highly enjoyable options that will leave you feeling like a better version of yourself almost immediately. This post will take a look at some of the best sports (and one that isn’t technically a sport) that will leave you feeling fabulous and ready to take on the world again!

Kayaking Is A Great Cardio, Strength, And Flexibility Workout

If you are looking for a sport that is slightly out of the ordinary, provides you with a decent pump, and is guaranteed to be an enormous amount of fun, look no further than kayaking. The most exciting aspect of this first option is that it comes in many different flavors, so whether you like fishing, family fun, or hardcore adventure, kayaking offers it all. However, although it’s pretty beginner-friendly, you will need to spend a bit of time checking out some online resources from the likes of Water Sports Whiz and others who dedicate their time to educating others about this and other related watersports like stand-up paddleboarding (another great option), and canoeing, etc. Nonetheless, if you are willing to take a chance, you will be handsomely rewarded as kayaking boasts numerous bodily benefits, including:

  • Improved cardiovascular health
  • Increased muscular strength (and stamina)
  • Better joint flexibility and balance
  • Enhanced core strength (from which many other benefits are attained)
  • Better posture
  • Decreased stress levels (it’s impossible to be stressed out when you’re paddling through the arteries of the world)
  • Weight loss

Swimming Is A Great Low-Impact Sport That Sheds The Pounds

In order to carry on the water-based theme, swimming is another unique sport that anyone can participate in; it is low impact and has an oversized result compared to the effort you need to put in. The best part is that you only need a swimming outfit, maybe a set of goggles and some water to swim in. You can usually get started in your local health club, but if you are near the sea and are already a competent swimmer, you might find that sea swimming offers even more benefits than a pool. Nevertheless, the advantages are immediately apparent regardless of whether you choose an artificial pool or a natural one. You only need to look at professional swimmers like Michael Phelps to see the kind of physique you can achieve from swimming alone. While you will never end up looking like the pros, you can attain a very high level of fitness through consistent sessions and the proper diet.

Soccer Gets Your Heart Pumping And Your Legs Burning!

Some call it soccer, others call it football, but whatever you refer to it as there is one thing for sureโ€ฆ it’s an excellent workout! Although not as popular in North America (except in Mexico, which goes loco for it) as it is in the rest of the world, it is increasing in popularity every day. This means you can usually find a few friends to visit your local park and kick a ball about for a couple of hours. All you need is a soccer ball and some space. In fact, you don’t even need others. While it’s definitely more fun to have a kick about with mates, you can get super fit by practicing a few simple drills that you can find online.

Tennis Is A Brilliant Way To Get Moving And Have Fun

Those who doubt the health credentials of tennis should have a game before passing judgment. Aside from being an extremely athletic pastime, it’s also fantastic at improving your hand-eye coordination and will get your heart pumping like ever before! The only downside is that you will need to find a partner to play against if you want to make the most of it. Nevertheless, you can usually find respectable racquets that aren’t expensive when you’re just starting, so you can begin without breaking the bank.

Rock Climbing Will Develop Your Forearms Like No Other!

Oh boy, now we’re getting to the hardcore stuff. Although rock climbing might not be up everyone’s alley when it comes to sporting activities, there is no doubt that it is a remarkable way to get fit and strong and keep your brain flooded with endorphins! However, not only is this option not for the faint of heart, but you will need a lot of practice before you can conquer your first mountain.

Hiking Can Control Your Mind And Weight

Of all the options in this post, hiking is the easiest to begin, costs the least, and arguably has the most impact since you are more likely to remain consistent. All you really need are a decent set of walking shoes (nothing fancy but durable and preferably with ankle support) and the will to head out into the wild and explore the world around you. If you are lucky enough to live near nature trails, you can simply look them up online and get walking. Other locations might require a bit of research to discover new routes, but that is also part of the fun of the activity. Not only will you lose weight and become stronger, but you will also feel calmer and more relaxed in your everyday life.

Dancing Might Not Be A Sport, But It’s One Hell Of A Workout!

The final option is dancing, and although it might not be considered a sport per se, dancing can have a profound effect on your body. Not only is it wildly enjoyable, but you can do it anywhere, and the health benefits are enormous. You will become leaner, more flexible, and far happier. Dancing is one of those activities that no matter how you do it or where you are, you will end up with a smile on your face while panting madly! Fundamentally, it’s a great cardio workout and utterly enjoyable to boot!

So there you have your list of sports that will get you fitter than ever before and one that isn’t quite a sport but healthy and enjoyable nonetheless! Just be aware that if you want to discover the full benefits of these activities, you should combine them with a decent diet and reduce any existing vices like overconsumption of alcohol and smoking.

An Update On The Innovative Non-Invasive Body Shaping Methods

Are you concerned about your body shape, but don’t want to go through surgery? You’re not alone. Many people are looking for alternative methods to invasive procedures like liposuction. And there’s good news: new technologies are making it possible to get the same results without going under the knife. In this blog post, we’ll update you on the latest non-invasive body-shaping methods that are available. From laser treatments to CoolSculpting, there are several options to choose from depending on your needs and goals. So if you’re ready to learn more about how you can achieve your ideal body shape without surgery, read on!

Radiofrequency (RF)

When it comes to non-invasive body shaping, few options compare to Radiofrequency (RF). RF is a cutting-edge and minimally invasive method that can be used on nearly any part of the body. It works by sending electromagnetic waves into your skin, heating it, and promoting collagen production. This stimulates your skinโ€™s healing process, which reduces fat cells and tightens the skin. Benefits include smoother complexion, reduced circumference areas like arms or thighs, improvement in tone and texture of the skin, softer wrinkles, and even facial contouring. If youโ€™re looking for something that wonโ€™t leave you with scars or pain but still yields fantastic results, then RF might just be right for you. If you are located in Albuquerque, you may even find the latest Emsculpt NEO treatment is available which combines RF and HIFEM to yield faster, longer-lasting results. Just be sure to find a reputable medical spa in Albuquerque or wherever you are located to ensure the procedure is done correctly. When done properly, RF can be an excellent way to get the body shape you desire without surgery.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is rapidly becoming one of the most popular non-invasive body-shaping methods available. This approach uses sound waves to target areas of fat on the body and break it down without any invasive procedures or surgery. Ultrasound is safe, painless, and does not require any downtime for recovery. It can help contour and define the face, abdomen, back, chest, arms, and buttocks โ€“ just about anywhere you need it! Better still, results are usually seen after just two to four treatments โ€“ making this one of the fastest ways to get a beautiful new shape in no time at all. Keep in mind, however, that ultrasound body contouring is not recommended for people with certain medical conditions, so check with your doctor before beginning any treatment.

Cryolipolysis (fat freezing)

Everyone wants that perfect figure, and now with the newest cryolipolysis body-shaping technology available, you can achieve it! Cryolipolysis is a non-invasive procedure that works by freezing fat cells underneath the skin. Its main benefit is there is no recovery time needed after the procedure since no incisions are made to the skin – just quick and easy application. With this method, you’ll find a relatively painless and fast way of contouring your desired areas in your body. In addition to cryolipolysis, there are six other cutting-edge non-invasive methods for body sculpting including micro-needling, laser liposuction, Radiofrequency liposuction, ultrasound cavitation, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and mesotherapy. So go ahead and take the first step towards achieving your goals – book an appointment today with a professional who specializes in these latest non-invasive treatments to get on track for striking beauty!

HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound)

If you’re looking for a non-invasive way to get the body shape of your dreams, then you need to check out HIFU. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is one of the newest body shaping methods and it works like a charm. Without any downtime or surgery, this innovative technology targets and destroys fat cells in just one treatment session. With its modern safety protocols, you can now keep those trouble areas in check without the risks associated with invasive surgery. Plus, if you stick with a healthy diet and exercise regimen following your HIFU treatment, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the body shape you’ve always envisioned!

Cavitation

If you’re looking for a relatively new approach to body contouring without surgery, cavitation may be the perfect treatment for you! This method uses ultrasonic waves to reduce fat cells and provide noticeable changes in body shape and size. And unlike other non-invasive treatments, it is unlikely to cause pain or discomfort, meaning recovery times are usually very short. In addition, when done by a skilled technician, results can appear quite quickly. With cavitation, you’ll enjoy smaller measurements and toned shapes with minimal recovery time or fuss. So if you’re looking to slim down in a hassle free way, this could be your ideal solution! Just be sure to find a qualified and experienced technician.

Mesotherapy

While not as well-known as some of the other non-invasive body contouring methods, mesotherapy is an effective way to help you achieve your desired shape. This technique involves injections into the skin which are used to dissolve fat cells and reduce cellulite. The active ingredients in these injections can also help with skin plumping and tightening, giving you a more youthful look. While this procedure does require some downtime for recovery, it can provide long-lasting results without any surgery or pain. However, make sure you find a qualified aesthetician or doctor before undergoing mesotherapy treatments.

Lasers

Lasers are playing an ever-increasing role in transforming appearance without having to continuously rely on invasive methods such as surgery. In the world of body shaping, laser treatments have grown in popularity in recent years and offer a gentle alternative to cosmetic procedures. There are seven different non-invasive lasers designed to help get rid of stubborn fat and tighten skin without the discomfort or prolonged recovery times associated with more traditional approaches. These include Coolsculpting, which freezes fat cells; Lipo-Laser, which uses ultra-focused laser energy to break down fatty tissues; Zeronaยฎ, a low-level laser set to liquefy and permanently remove subcutaneous fat cells; and others that can be customized for individual needs, allowing patients to achieve their desired results quickly and with minimal downtime.

Weโ€™ve just outlined seven of the newest, non-invasive body shaping methods. Whether you are looking for dramatic results or just a small change, itโ€™s clear that there is a wide variety of treatments available to help you reach your body goals without costly or painful invasive surgery.

While we can provide general information about available treatments, always consult with your doctor or a professional when considering any cosmetic procedure. They will be able to advise on what treatment may best fit your needs and preferences so that you can confidently and safely take steps to achieve the look you desire. And rememberโ€”when it comes to beauty, there is no one-size-fits-all approach; it all depends on your individual goals and lifestyle. So donโ€™t be afraid to explore options and find what works for you!

Seven bad habits that you should give up today!

Bad habits affect you and others more than you think. You cannot change your life unless you change your daily actions. The secret to success lies in your everyday life. Most of us are unaware of our bad and good habits. We live on autopilot. Our habits become automatic. We don’t think before we act. If you want to achieve significant success in life, your good habits must outweigh your bad ones. For this, it is worth reading the checklist examples to create your checklist with useful habits that you need to follow every day. When you think you have bad habits in your life, the good news is that you can forget about them and change the negative trends in your life. We all have the power to make a difference. All we need is the courage to change our bad habits into healthy lifestyles. We can become what we are meant to be. Here are seven bad toxic habits you need to break today. Let’s get acquainted with them.

Habit 1. Don’t compare yourself to others

The only person you should compare yourself to is yourself. You should never compare yourself with other people. You are the only one in the world. Your experiences, skills, and perspectives are different from other people. Everyone understands success in their way, so you can’t compare your success with the success of other people. Focus on your strengths, and focus on yourself and your hobbies. What do you need to do to become a better version of yourself? The only thing you can compare yourself to is who you were with yesterday. Are you 1% better and stronger than yesterday?

Habit 2. Don’t let your past affect your present and future

Most of us believe that we cannot escape the past, that we are stuck in it. Don’t let your past dictate your present and future. Your past is your past. We’ve all had bad relationships in the past. Don’t let the past influence your actions today and don’t let it influence your future. Just because something bad happened in the past doesn’t mean it will happen again. Don’t let your past rule your present and future. Memories are strong, but don’t let them ruin you. The past must remain in the past, it must be let go. Forgive yourself and forgive others. We all regret different things in our lives. Constant memories of the past belong to toxic habits, which should be forgotten once and for all. You cannot let go of your past by repeating your mistakes in the present. Keep a journal, talk to a therapist, and meditate. Find a way to allow yourself to be happy and forget about your past. You cannot change the past. But you can change your life right now. You need to live in the moment. Life consists of small happy moments, details, and conversations.

Habit 3. Attention to other people, and their opinions about you

It’s easy not to follow your advice. If you don’t do what you say, you will be disappointed. Keep only your promises and successfully fulfill them. Don’t be a hypocrite. Some people like to tell others how to live instead of looking in the mirror and living their own lives.

Habit 4. Expecting the worst

Do you think about things you don’t want? Would you like to never get stuck in traffic and never miss important moments in your life? It is acceptable to think about the worst and about what you do not want. Instead of thinking about the worst, think about the good. Instead of thinking about what isn’t working, think about what is working. Very often, people imagine the worst, not the best scenario. We like to plan for the worst, we don’t want to hope for the best. We like to make scandals and make mistakes. Visualize what you want, and say short positive phrases to yourself throughout the day that train your brain to think positively, not negatively. When thoughts become reality, we get good results, not bad.

Habit 5. Don’t waste your opportunities

It’s easy to get into a comfort zone. Life is not your comfort zone. These are ups and downs. Life can be routine at times. It’s easy to play it safe. Sometimes creating opportunities requires using all the opportunities that life gives us.
The biggest risk in life is not to take it. Don’t let fear of the unknown keep you from experimenting. Start an exciting new project at work, strike up an interesting conversation with a stranger, or start from scratch. The uncomfortable should be comfortable. Don’t let uncertainty stop you from living each day to the fullest. Don’t let life slip away from you and don’t regret the things you didn’t do. Life is a moment of breathtaking spirit and wonders that evokes unforgettable emotions and memories. Knowing that life has ups and downs means facing your fears and being willing to face them every day.

Habit 6. Care

Self-care is an important condition for success, so don’t neglect it. Don’t live a crazy life and get too busy to forget to take care of your body, mind, and spirit. Eat a healthy diet, sleep at least eight hours a day, drink plenty of water, and exercise to keep your health in good shape. Provide yourself with fresh air and sunlight. Find effective ways to deal with stress, do what you enjoy, and build relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Focus on yourself and don’t let life get in the way of taking care of yourself. Your happiness matters. Don’t work so hard that you burn out at work.

Habit 7. Don’t be too hard on yourself

You should not be strict with yourself. We tend to focus on our weaknesses rather than our strengths. We want to admit our flaws, and mistakes we’ve made and obsess over them. Instead of dwelling on your mistakes, look at the positive side of every experience in your life. Don’t take anything in life for granted. Celebrate your victories and find ways to laugh at yourself and your actions in life. Show yourself a feeling of love and do not worry about the mistakes you have made. Let go of perfection and accept yourself as you are. It’s okay to fail now and then, so it’s time to take a break and be kind to yourself.

Here are seven bad habits to break today. Don’t compare yourself to others, don’t let the past influence your present and future, don’t listen to advice, don’t expect the worst, take risks, worry about yourself, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Bad habits affect us and others more than we think. When you think you have toxic habits in your life, don’t worry because nobody is perfect. Don’t ignore toxic habits, you should change them to healthy habits. Focus on recognizing your toxic habits because they affect you, your relationships, and your personal and professional success more than you think. You can’t change who you are today, but you can change who you are tomorrow. Everyone has bad habits. Some toxic habits are relatively safe for health and life, others are a direct path to an inferior life that is harmful to you and your loved ones. Computer and smartphone addiction, poor diet, insomnia, gambling addiction, promiscuous sex life, and uncontrolled drug use significantly reduce the quality of life. Extremely bad habits significantly reduce the quality of life, leading to loss of life potential and motivation, premature aging, and various diseases. These are smoking, alcoholic beverages, drugs, and toxic and psychotropic substances. Alcohol belongs to the group of neuro depressants – substances that reduce the supply of oxygen to the brain, thereby reducing brain activity. It disrupts the activity of almost all body systems. Smoking may seem as harmless as drinking alcohol. In essence, this is a form of drug addiction that causes chronic poisoning of the human body and develops mental and physical dependence. Over time, it contributes to the development of various diseases, reduces brain activity, and changes the sense of taste. Switching to electronic cigarettes does not solve the problem, it only makes it worse. This is because the nicotine in vapors quickly enters the blood, the concentration of carcinogens is 10 times higher than in ordinary cigarettes, and formaldehyde is present in the product. As a result, fatal poisoning can occur. Finally, one of the cruelest and most terrible diseases in terms of their impact on a person, which many consider common, is the use of substances, better known as drugs. Regardless of how the substance entered the body, all drugs cause particularly dangerous damage to the nervous and immune systems, liver, heart, and lungs. Drugs slow down a person’s mental development, destroy the activity of the cerebral cortex, and damage all organs and tissues of the body. Many factors, such as personality, temperament, social environment, and psychological climate, effectively influence the development of bad habits. Therefore, it is worth giving up all toxic habits. Remember that toxic habits harm not only you but also your loved ones.

Medical Taiwan: The Premier B2B Trade Show for the Medical and Healthcare Industry

According to BMI Research, the global market for medical devices was valued at US$454.3 billion in 2021, a 6.3% increase from 2020, and is expected to reach US$535.2 billion by 2024, with a CAGR of approximately 5.6% from 2021 to 2024.

Medical Taiwan, organized by Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), is the one and only B2B trade show for the medical and healthcare industry in Taiwan. This event is set to bring together leading manufacturers, suppliers, importers and experts from around the world to showcase the latest innovations, technologies, and products in the field.

The New “Digital Health” Area in Medical Taiwan Transforms Healthcare with Technology

As the world’s demand for advanced medical technology continues to grow, Taiwan is emerging as a powerhouse in the digital health sector. With its robust optical, ICT, and precision manufacturing industries, Taiwan is the perfect destination for cutting-edge companies seeking to expand their reach and connect with key technology partners.

With the launch of the new “Digital Health” exhibition area at Medical Taiwan, visitors will be able to explore a wealth of innovative companies, each specializing in wearable devices, personal mobile health technology, health monitoring equipment, smart sports, smart long-term care, health information technology, and communication technology. This exciting new area has been designed to specifically target the fast-growing markets for precision health and personalized health monitoring, providing exhibitors with the perfect platform to showcase their latest breakthroughs and capitalize on international business opportunities.

Medical Taiwan: Where Business Matching and Healthcare Advancements Meet

Medical Taiwan 2022 attracted more than 6,000 visitors, an increase of 13% over the previous year, showing the huge development potential of the healthcare industry. The high-level managers with decision-making power accounted for the largest portion of visitors. They mainly came for the purpose of purchasing and understanding of the market trends, once again showing how Medical Taiwan could be an iconic place for business matching and exchanges.

In 2023, Events in the Medical Taiwan such as “One-on-One Procurement Meetings,” “StartUp Health Festival,” and “Future and Beyond Health+ Conference” will be held during the exhibition. With comprehensive business events, Medical Taiwan will provide a platform for exhibitors to network and build valuable business relationships, while attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in medical and healthcare products and services.

Medical Taiwan will be held from June 8 to June 10, 2023 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 2 (TaiNEX2). Applications for booth space at Medical Taiwan 2023 are open.

Mary Washington Healthcare Partners with Caregility to Pioneer Inpatient Virtual Engagement and Virtual Nursing Program

Caregility, an enterprise telehealth leader dedicated to connecting care for patients and clinicians everywhere, is pleased to announce Mary Washington Healthcare as one of the first organizations to implement its new Inpatient Virtual Engagement (IVE) solution at Stafford Hospital. The Virginia-based not-for-profit health system will leverage IVE to support a new Virtual Nursing program that will allow Registered Nurses (RNs) working from a virtual nursing hub located on Stafford Hospitalโ€™s campus to field patient care tasks that do not require hands-on care using synchronous, video-enabled engagement at the patient bedside.

Building upon the health systemโ€™s success with virtual Intensive Care Unit (tele-ICU) support during the pandemic, the Virtual Nursing program aims to improve patient safety and reduce strain on clinicians so bedside RNs can focus on direct patient care and their full scope of practice.

โ€œWe see Virtual Nursing as a way to support our commitment to adopting new technologies that keep our clinicians providing leading-edge patient care,โ€ says Debra Marinari, Associate Vice President of Hospital Operations at Mary Washington Healthcareโ€™s Stafford Hospital. โ€œBy improving the experience of our care team, we positively impact patient safety and experience.โ€

To enable remote clinician access, Mary Washington Healthcare is implementing Caregilityโ€™s IVE solution and new APS100 telehealth endpoints for lower-acuity patient settings. Powered by the Best-in-KLAS Caregility Cloudโ„ข virtual care platform, IVE combines medical-grade telehealth systems, purpose-built virtual observation and consultation applications, and sophisticated device fleet management into an affordable, subscription-based Solution-as-a-Service. The platform integrates with Epic, allowing staff to launch virtual visits within the native electronic health record (EHR) environment.

โ€œInpatient Virtual Nursing will allow us to leverage technology to implement flexible care delivery models, simultaneously enhancing quality and experience for patients while providing additional support for our bedside caregivers,โ€ says Christopher Newman, MD, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer at Mary Washington Healthcare. โ€œIt will also allow us to modernize what patient care looks like while improving our ability to manage variability in day-to-day capacity challenges.โ€

The virtual nursing program is the latest step in a series of digital health innovation programs at Mary Washington Healthcare. Additional efforts include robotics-based support for point-to-point supply management as well as plans to expand hybrid care models that blend in-person and virtual care to urgent care and rural community settings.

The health system is currently in the process of building out its Virtual Nursing hub and infrastructure and is actively seeking candidates to fill several new virtual nurse roles.

 

 

 

Carestream Collaborates with Robarts Research Institute to Advance Translational Cardiothoracic and Pulmonary Disease Research

Carestream Health is partnering with Robarts Research Institute to increase and demonstrate the clinical value of digital X-ray, digital tomosynthesis, and dual energy technologies to help improve the outcomes of patients with cardiothoracic and pulmonary diseases. Carestream is providing a state-of-the-art imaging system and software to Robarts, the research institute of Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University in Canada, to advance its multidisciplinary translational research.

The equipment installed at Robarts mirrors what is found in the regionโ€™s clinical settings and will support collaborative, multidisciplinary research that bridges bench to bedside.

The partnership with Robarts is one of many collaborations that Carestream has with research and health-care facilities worldwide to develop and assess new solutions that can help improve patient care, management, and outcomes while simplifying workflows and optimizing clinical utility.

โ€œCollaborations such as this offer Carestream the opportunity to assess the value of our technologies that, as in the case of tomosynthesis, afford physicians the ability to gain better clinical insight and translate this understanding into impactful patient management decisions. This engagement also explores innovative clinical solutions based on artificial intelligence, as well as image processing and computer vision, that enhance the visibility of disease processes and anatomical structures while providing meaningful quantitative metrics,โ€ said Luca Bogoni, Ph.D., Head of Advanced Research and Innovation at Carestream. โ€œRobarts is highly respected for its work in translational research. We greatly appreciate this partnership and the opportunity to evaluate, learn, and improve our solutions within a clinical setting.โ€

โ€œWhat weโ€™re doing here is fairly unique in Canada,โ€ said Dr. Narinder Paul, Chair/Chief, Department of Medical Imaging at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry. โ€œThe projects we will undertake here are multidisciplinary. Imaging scientists can bring their ideas to a project, physicians can address their clinical needs and bring their experience of the current gaps in health-care provision, and industry partners can collaborate to move their technologies forward.โ€

These synergies align with the Schoolโ€™s new five-year strategic plan and illustrate several goals focused on new infrastructure and new partnerships.

The Carestream solutions installed at Robarts are the DRX-Evolution Plus System with state-of-the-art Dual Energy (DE) acquisition and Digital Tomosynthesis (DT) image acquisition software. In comparison to conventional radiography, DT provides more accurate depth location while improving the contrast visualization of local structuresโ€”removing overlying and underlying anatomy. DE allows for improved detection sensitivity for abnormalities in the lung and improved assessment at the entrance exposure of a standard chest X-ray, which typically is a challenging image acquisition.

โ€œThe combination of these features facilitates comprehensive high-resolution structural and functional imaging, combined with tomographic capabilities that improve on conventional X-ray images by removing overlapping structures and, in certain scenarios, provides information similar to CT but at a much lower radiation dose,โ€ said Matthew Teeter, PhD, Associate Professor, Medical Biophysics at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.

Carestreamโ€™s solutions are part of Robartsโ€™ larger research initiative to benefit patients involved in clinical studies, and optimize patientโ€™s and clinicianโ€™s time. The center also furthers collaborations between scientists, clinicians and technology developers and allows for imaging equipment to be used in novel ways, leading to greater improvements in patient care.

โ€œIt all comes back to why we are doing research,โ€ Dr. Paul said. โ€œEverything we do is focused on making life better for patients.โ€

 

Cleveland Diagnostics Announces Agreement with Quest Diagnostics to Expand Patient Access to IsoPSA Prostate Cancer Testing

Sciessent's Agion Antimicrobial Achieves 99.99% Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2

Cleveland Diagnostics, Inc., a commercial-stage biotechnology company developing next-generation diagnostic tests for the early detection of cancers,ย  announced an agreement designed to expand patient access to Cleveland Diagnosticsโ€™ novel prostate cancer test, IsoPSA.

Through an agreement with Quest Diagnostics, the nationโ€™s leading provider of diagnostic information services, patients will be able to access IsoPSA and, once ordered by their physician, provide a blood specimen for testing at one of over 2,100 Quest Diagnostics patient service center locations nationwide later this year. With its national logistics network, Quest will transport the specimens to Cleveland Diagnosticsโ€™ laboratory for testing. The parties expect physicians will be able to begin offering the test to patients through Quest Diagnostics in the second quarter of 2023.

IsoPSA is a blood-based prostate cancer test used in triaging patients at risk for high-grade prostate cancer to biopsy. For patients with elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), IsoPSA provides additional insight into whether patientsโ€™ elevated PSA levels are due to high-grade cancer or a different condition, thereby empowering physicians and patients with insights for deciding whether to undergo prostate biopsy.

PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland. While the PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood, which is often elevated in people with prostate cancer, several benign conditions can also cause a personโ€™s PSA level to rise.1 Moreover, PSA testing is unable to identify cases of prostate cancer that may be rapidly progressing and therefore require urgent treatment. By comparison, the IsoPSA test helps predict risk by interrogating the partitioning behavior of isoforms of PSA that are linked to cancer. In a large, prospective, multi-center clinical study, the IsoPSA test demonstrated significant improvement in detecting high grade prostate cancer.2 A separate and robust clinical utility study confirmed that IsoPSA could reduce unnecessary biopsies by as much as 55%.3

โ€œWe are very pleased to collaborate with Quest Diagnostics to expand patient access to IsoPSA. We believe Questโ€™s broad reach and extensive laboratory services expertise will provide patients and their physicians with unparalleled access to transformative clinical insights,โ€ said Arnon Chait, CEO of Cleveland Diagnostics. โ€œAs the leader in oncology testing, Quest is aligned with Cleveland Diagnosticsโ€™ vision of providing physicians and their patients exceptional and more definitive understanding of their prostate conditions.โ€

โ€œProstate cancer is a leading cause of cancer โ€“ and cancer deaths โ€“ among men, and physicians are eager for improved tools to diagnose, stage and monitor this disease,โ€ said Kristie Dolan, vice president and general manager of Oncology at Quest Diagnostics. โ€œWe believe IsoPSA holds great promise to better inform physiciansโ€™ diagnostic and treatment decisions for their patients being evaluated for prostate cancer, and we are pleased to work with Cleveland Diagnostics to expand access to this important new test, ultimately bettering patient outcomes by improving the diagnostic process.โ€

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer increased by 3% per year from 2014 through 2019 after two decades of decline, driven primarily by the diagnosis of advanced disease.4 A recent Quest Diagnostics Health Trendsยฎ study suggests this trend could continue or even worsen: two years after the COVID-19 pandemic began, the rate of new diagnoses of prostate cancer continued to lag behind pre-pandemic levels, suggesting delays in care may contribute to more advanced prostate cancers in the future.

Translate ยป