Taproot Health announced that it had taken the next step in expanding its first-of-its-kind transparent data marketplace for cancer research. A data-as-a-service enterprise that unites all oncology stakeholders, Taproot’s unique model is now stepping up the enrollment of oncologists, with the goal of enrolling patients by the third quarter of 2020.

“Every day, 1600 Americans die from cancer. The challenge of this disease is too big a problem for any one group to solve,” says company Founder and CEO, Dane Dickson, M.D. “The lack of access to comprehensive real-world data hinders efforts to treat patients with new treatments, creates obstacles for research and testing, and halts the use of precision medicine. That is why we developed this unique approach: prospectively collect regulatory-grade oncology data at the point of care and generate the highest research value for real-world clinical evidence. With the Taproot research marketplace, all stakeholders—from oncologists to patients to pharmaceutical companies to academics—will benefit.”

Taproot introduced ROOT™, a novel Master Observational Trial, earlier this year in a peer-reviewed publication, along with three initial NCI cancer centers that will participate in the data collection effort. ROOT is the vehicle that enables patients and clinicians to identify, collect, and share real-time, real-world cancer data.

Taproot collects patient-consented, regulatory-grade data from late-stage cancer patients across the nation into a single, comprehensive database of real-time patient testing, treatment, experience, and matched outcomes data. Taproot will then allow access to this information through its research marketplace. These insights will help to advance precision medicine and accelerate patient access to novel testing and new cancer therapies considerably faster than the 10-15 years it currently takes.

“Every piece of patient data is valuable for research, but only when that data is well-defined and when we know what questions to ask,” said Rebecca Owens, President and Co-Founder of Taproot. “Furthermore, how that data is combined is omnipotent. Through our 20 years of experience in cancer diagnostics and oncology, we have developed a comprehensive plan for collecting data at the point of care and transparently making it accessible. Taproot will unite the oncology community to actualize precision medicine and make personalized medicine a reality.”

In addition to improving real-world data collection methods, Taproot’s approach is unique in the industry in four other ways.

Helps get more patients tested by genomic sequencing. Taproot helps clinics identify patients who can benefit from existing targeted therapies, qualify for novel clinical trials, or be candidates for further biomarker testing.

Combines patient data with research-grade clinical data from oncologists. Taproot brings the ability to collect real-world, real-time observational data and combine it with research-grade clinical data from practicing oncologists. It’s the ability to combine patient and clinical data that makes Taproot’s database so valuable to all oncology stakeholders.

Includes a scientific framework that enables world-class research—the ROOT database. The adaptability and modularity of ROOT allow the advancement of projects in drug discovery, molecular testing, and AI/machine learning. It also serves as a gateway to more detailed observational studies or interventional trials. The ROOT dataset can be used as a benchmark to validate other real-world data efforts, both retrospectively and prospectively.

Captures data from cancer patients cared for by both community and academic oncologists. More than 80 percent of cancer patients are cared for in community-based clinics. It has been historically difficult for oncologists to participate in trials because of the administrative cost and time constraints. Taproot partners with oncologists and shares revenue to offset these barriers to participation. Through streamlined methods and a partnership model, Taproot enables both community clinics and academic centers to collect the most valuable, regulatory-grade data needed to accelerate cancer research.

Taproot’s publication on the MOT validated a novel scientific framework for the broad collection of real-world data that is necessary to generate real-world evidence to fight cancer. Through this publication, commitment of oncology clinics, and expansion of oncologist recruitment, Taproot is well on its way to meeting its objectives.

About Taproot Health

Taproot Health is uniting all oncology stakeholders in launching the National Oncology Master Observational Trial, clinical network and database to establish the “gold standard” of real-world oncology data. Co-founded by oncology veterans who have committed their careers to solving gaps in cancer care delivery, Taproot is changing the game by working with patients and medical providers to contribute much-needed—and never before available—observational data. This one-of-a-kind real-world registry of de-identified patient data is transparent and accessible by all. The data can be analyzed to gain new insights about which therapy is the best option for particular patients—actualizing the power of precision medicine.

Carrum Health, the first cloud-based platform connecting employers and employees with Centers of Excellence (COEs) for surgical procedures, announced a new collaboration with Tenet Healthcare’s Northeast Baptist Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. This agreement is the latest milestone in Carrum Health’s national expansion, making it easier for self-insured employers to lower healthcare costs for employees while also working with providers to improve patient outcomes.

The COVID-19 pandemic put a temporary halt on elective surgeries, and as state restrictions are lifted, local health systems are rescheduling much needed surgeries that had been deferred. Through this collaboration, Carrum Health will work with Northeast Baptist, their physicians and patients, to reschedule procedures in accordance with strict safety guidelines. Northeast Baptist, which is a designated COE, has certified to the State of Texas that it meets all requirements to resume scheduled procedures.

Carrum Health’s technology-powered platform helps employers avoid variation in cost and guide patients to the most appropriate care options. This agreement with Tenet makes it easier to provide patients high quality, more affordable care. Carrum’s existing customers across the country – many of whom have employees living and working in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Louisiana – can now receive world-class bariatric and hip or knee replacement surgeries at Northeast Baptist for little to no out-of-pocket costs.

“We started Carrum Health to change how we pay for and experience healthcare. We exist to move the system away from the inefficient and wasteful fee-for-service model and toward one that focuses on value,” said Sach Jain, Founder and CEO at Carrum Health. The COVID-19 pandemic has only amplified how important it is for us to push for better health outcomes and appropriate costs. We’re thrilled and lucky to be able to work with leaders like Tenet Healthcare and Northeast Baptist Hospital who are paving the way for this all-important goal.

“Our collaboration with Carrum Health expands direct-to-employer offerings so we can offer high-quality and affordable healthcare to a larger population,” said Phillip Young, CEO at Northeast Baptist Hospital. “We are excited about bringing Northeast Baptist’s orthopedic and bariatric care to Carrum Health’s customers and their plan members in Texas and beyond.”

“We share Carrum Health’s commitment to enhance the patient experience, improve the quality of care and provide patients with multiple options for affordable care,” said Clint Hailey, Tenet’s Chief Managed Care Officer. “We look forward to serving Carrum’s customers through our large network of facilities that offers convenient access to excellent inpatient and outpatient services.”

Digital signage is a subsection of the electronic signage. Digital signage utilizes the advanced technologies like LED, LCD, e-paper and projection to show webpages, digital imagery, videos, weather information, restaurant menus or text information.

Digital signage in a hospital setting makes a whole difference for the patient experiencing stressful times. The interaction dynamics of digital signage also works in favor of employees, and the relationship between them and patients. Not to forget that digital signage attracts way more attention compared to traditional signs. Any communication that needs to be made can be communicated with the attention that digital signage attracts.

1. Patient Information

During a long stay in the hospital, patients can easily miss important information they need. Nurses and doctors attend to several patients at a time during long stays, and it’s likely that humans become overwhelmed with information and as a result, they forget. Digital signage helps doctors and nurses, by constantly relaying messages that are required to be communicated to the patients. Communication that patients appreciate for instance includes shower times, visiting times, and mealtimes. Imagine how many patients might not know this information and get frustrated when nurses and doctors are unavailable and they need to ask this info? Experts in digital signage such as Omnially, are trained to make sure that patients remain engaged with the digital signage communication. The engaging style of communication keeps patients occupied and distracted from the stresses that come with hospital environments.

2. Navigation

Figuring out where you are supposed to go to a hospital can be confusing, whether you are a patient or a visitor. Those who are regular, eventually navigate the space effortlessly. First-timers however, may get frustrated from trying to figure out where they wish to go. Digital signage draws more attention compared to print signage. It’ll be hard to miss the directions and signs to different hospital spaces. In this case, digital signage would’ve made a difference for the visitor who finds their loved one easily, and for the patient that needs to navigate the spaces for the duration of the stay.

3. Safety Alerts

Spaces such as hospitals, need to have efficient safety alerts in position for any given situation that compromises the safety of everyone in the hospital. Unfortunate situations such as a fire, or external circumstances such as earth tremors and floods, can occur with people inside a hospital. Together with voice over alerts, digital signage makes sure that every person in the building is aware of the actions that needs to be taken. The presence of the digital signage presence means that updates regarding the situations are always available to the respective staff. There’s no risk of miscommunication and misinformation.

4. Saves Time

Patients in the hospital are a priority to the staff on site. Emergencies may occur frequently and can’t be compromised because of absentee staff. Digital signage makes sure that hospital staff are busy attending to patients, rather than communication administration. Cued information on digital signage saves time and resources. Staff members work are at ease knowing, the messages that are to be conveyed, whether to patients or colleagues, are displayed timely. Meanwhile they can focus on matters concerning patients.

5. Caregiver Information

Digital signage is a space that can cater to the caregivers who’ll be responsible after the patient has been discharged. Digital signage can include information such as how to dress a wound, how to clean a patient, how to change aiding machinery and the number of times medication should be administered. Educating caregivers in the hospital, rather than leaving this to the caregiver’s discretion, is a positive strategy of branding a hospital. This gives the message that the hospital cares for the patient beyond the premises of hospitals.

6. Staff Training

Hospital staff members need constant guidance and training throughout their careers. Certain subject areas or topics don’t require meetings and training sessions. These can be communicated on digital signage. Signage can be stationed in staff eating rooms or restrooms. Employees that feel that their professional development is taken seriously, become loyal to the workplaces. As a result, turnover is low.

7. Patient and Staff Appreciation

The beauty of digital signage is that you can tailor the message to suit your need and preference. A birthday message for an employee makes them feel appreciated in the workplace. A patient being discharged from a threatening illness can have a congratulatory message displayed on the digital signage. Such gestures leave a positive impact in a person’s day and as a result, the hospital is branded positively.

8. Flexibility

Digital signage has the advantage of being able to change the communication displayed at any time. Perhaps, a sudden event occurred and the hospital feels it needs to spread the message across the board. A traditional billboard can’t be as flexible to make a sudden shift in communication. The flexibility to suit the day is an appreciated branding and client care advantage.

9. Versatility

Digital signage can cater to a versatile target market. The messages displayed can be in different languages, tones and styles, depending on the target group at that particular moment. Paper or board signage is unable to cater to a wide audience in short time-frames. This risks the exclusion of certain groups of clienteles. However, through digital signage you can ensure that everybody receives the message intended to be circulated throughout the staff and patients.

10. Lightens Up The Mood

Hospital spaces are described as dark and depressing. Of course, any space that signifies illness, deaths and uncertainties, isn’t a favorite spot for most of us. Digital signage however, can lighten up the mood with the number of creative ways. Messages can be displayed in the form of animation or accompanied by feel-good soft music. Small inclusions such as these, make a big difference in a hospital setting.

11. Relevance

The fact that the information displayed on digital signage can be changed at any given moment, the communication displayed remains relevant. Traditional signage such as billboards can become quickly outdated. By the time the billboard is taken down, the target market would’ve moved on to more relevant information. Staying relevant in this fast-paced age of information is crucial for business survival and branding.

12. Hospital Services Displayed

Digital signage in a hospital makes marketing of services offered by the hospital, more natural. Not every person who visits the hospital uses the services that day. Also, not all patients are aware of all the services that are provided by the hospital. Displaying the hospital’s services and admired work ethic will encourage people to seek future services with the hospital. The patient care provided has to go hand in hand with what is advertised on the digital signage. Having impressive digital signage but poor client care, won’t help the business and image aspects of the hospital.

13. Cost-Effective

Digital signage is cost-effective because of the simple rolling out method of new material. Traditional marketing such as billboard signage means that the hospital has to pay for the billboard space every time it wishes to change the message to be displayed. Digital signage also provides a platform to communicate more messages that the hospital would’ve been able to display, on a single outdoor billboard.

14. Emergency Callings

In the case where a staff member is required in an emergency but can’t be located, digital signage can help alerting them about the situation. The fact that digital signage attracts a lot of attention, the call to attention is readily made and appropriate actions are immediately put in place. Voice over callings and physically searching for the staff members in question, may waste the time in an emergency. Digital signage’s ability to alert several people at a glance makes for effective contingencies.

15. Less Risk Of Damage

Billboards are known to be ruined due to extreme weather, vandalism and accidents. Digital signage is protected within the confinement of the hospital. The fact that the messages are displayed digitally implies that the message can’t be destroyed. Any digital problems that occur can be digitally fixed by a professional team, without taking down the whole message, as is the case of a billboard or paper signage.

Conclusion

Digital signage in a hospital setting is important for many reasons. The flexibility, relevance, safety, cost-effectiveness and customized communication, stand to place a hospital in a favorable position among clients. Employees also appreciate the constant update of information. Any information that concerns patients is valuable to the staff. Employees will also appreciate the ability to access the information that’ll help them improve their skills and mandates. The safety of digital signage from vandalism, weather damage and accidents, are all reasons why these are worth the investment.

Digital signage can make a huge difference for the hospital that provides efficient services. Moreover, it can help the hospital in making a lasting impression on both clients and staff members. Agencies that are experienced in providing these services, work together with hospitals to ensure the communication within the hospital runs smoothly for both staff and patient convenience. Hospitals should engage professional agencies equipped to install, program, assess and report the success of digital signage.

Urological problems are painful and can be life-threatening. These conditions need urgent medical intervention. Once you’ve been prescribed medicine, you’ll also get precautionary information depending on your urological condition. Precautions for urological problems may include catheter care at home, diet strategies and natural products to complement the prescribed medicine.

In this article, we’ve enumerated the ways to manage urological problems at home, as well as a rundown of what exactly urological problems are.

What Are Urological Problems?

Urological problems are experienced in different forms by various people. Urological problems can affect both males and females differently, as they differ in the anatomical structures.

1. Prostate Cancer

Though the causes of prostate cancer are not clear, however it’s one of the most common cancers observed in males. Harbored in the prostate, it grows slowly and if left unattended, spreads rapidly in other parts of the body. Symptoms of prostate cancer include frequent urinating, decreased urinating pressure and blood in the semen. It’s important to research as much as one can regard prostate cancer, as it’s a popular type of cancer in men. Urological Research Foundation provides in-depth information regarding prostate cancer. When detected early, the chances of a successful process of treatment is high.

2. Urinary Incontinence

This is the condition where one doesn’t have control over their bladder. Although people are embarrassed when faced with loss of bladder control, it’s a fairly common situation for most of the elderly. Causes of urinary incontinence include pregnancy due to weakened pelvic muscles, diabetes, enlarged prostate, old age and diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.

3. Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria or viruses attack the urinary tract. The result of this invasion by bacteria is an infection. One experiences pain when urinating, and urinates quite frequently. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics in hopes that the infection will go away within 3 to 5 days.

4. Uteral Stones

Uteral stones occur when kidney stones move into the urethra. The path, in which urine is supposed to flow, is as a result blocked, causing pain and inflammation. Depending on the severity of the condition, doctors prescribe medication, or in some cases, surgery.

Symptoms Of Urological Problems

Symptoms of urological problems include erectile dysfunction in men, pelvic and abdominal pains, frequent urinating, painful urinating, and blood in urine, bloating and infertility. If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to contact a doctor skilled in the area or urological conditions.

These symptoms aren’t only indicative of urological problems. Hence, it’s important to avoid self-diagnosis, or receiving guidance and information from uncertified internet platforms. A doctor should always be the first point of contact when you begin to experience such symptoms.

Now that we have explored the different ways urological problems can present themselves, let us take a look at how these can be managed at home.

1. Catheter

There are urological cases where one is unable to urinate in the bathroom. Take, for instance, a prostate cancer patient who has undergone surgery. After being discharged from the hospital, the patient and the caretaker have to receive training regarding the working and usage of a catheter, without risking damage and infections. It’s essential to get training from professionals and not from random information on the internet. Doctors are knowledgeable in the processes, and inform you when you need to call the doctor during the processes of using the catheter at home. Extreme care needs to be taken when using a catheter at home to avoid infection. Once the patient gets an infection from a mishandling of the catheter, damaging the ripple effects of this will be experienced. Not only are such mistakes costly, but life threatening as well.

2. Diet

When facing urological problems at home, you have to be mindful of the food that you intake. You must avoid foods that cause inflammation. Fruits, vegetables and water have to be the main foods in your diet because of the nutrients that are required to restore your urinary processes. Non-vegetarian foods may cause more harm than aid in such health situations. The methods of cooking also have to be in line with the healthy eating strategy. Deep fat fried foods and added sugars to the foods that you are supposed to take, is counter-productive to the healing process.

3. Prescribed Medicines

Doctors will prescribe medicines that have to be taken according to the times that are stated. Skipping the times that are meant for the taking of medicines, will make the patient experience excruciating pain. Skipping medicine also slows down the process of healing.

4. Exercise

When going through physical pain and ailments, it is tempting to spend the day in bed. Light exercises are encouraged to get the blood flowing and prevent blood clots. Your doctor advises about the kind of exercises and duration of your workout, depending on the urological problem that you might be experiencing. Be sure that you don’t over-exert yourself, as this causes more pain.

5. Rest

Your doctor might recommend bed rest to you. Rest is needed for your body to recover and regenerate. If you’re too physically active during the process where your body is supposed to be healing, the process is prolonged. You might damage yourself even more than before, placing yourself at a worse health risk. Take that time to try and enjoy the much needed sleep that you need.

6. Call Your Doctor

When you’re managing urological problems at home, you must have your doctor on speed dial. Your doctor would have informed you that you must call him or her when certain symptoms occur. If the pain continues to be excruciating, or you begin to see a lot of blood passed through the catheter, you must not stay silent in your home. Such symptoms may be indicative of other underlying health problems, or be a sign that the urological system is worsening. Your doctor can advise on the next steps to take, once you have contacted him or her.

7. CBD Oil

CBD is a natural remedy that’s appreciated for its possible healing properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties can reduce the aches and pains that are experienced when facing urological problems. CBD also has relaxing properties that are sought for when experiencing discomfort throughout long periods. CBD doesn’t contain the TCH psychoactive component, though it may have calming and soothing effects. You might be able to sleep peacefully as a result, and wake up feeling better than the prior day.

CBD oil can be taken in many different forms to alleviate the pains that come with urological problems. You can take CBD in form of pills, droplets and lotion cream to massage on the paining areas of the body. You can also purchase products, infused with CBD such as beverages and gummies.

There’s currently no official recommended dosage of CBD oil. It’s therefore important to speak to the doctor who’s tackling your urological problems, before including CBD oil in your healing process. Your doctor is able to diagnose you and recommend the correct dosage and time for taking CBD oil. It is also important to research the types of CBD oil products that are available and the possible side effects. Your doctor can discuss all this information with you. CBD oil is not to be used as a replacement for medication regarding urological problems. It is simply a natural remedy that may complement medical advice and treatment.

Conclusion

There are different kinds of urological problems that must be tackled in the early stages, before these become life threatening. These include prostate cancer, urinary tract infections, uteral stones and urinary incontinence. Different symptoms are associated with the various urological conditions. Therefore, a specialized doctor qualified in this field, needs to be contacted. Once the medical processes for healing starts with the doctor, the patient and the care giver have to carry on the care and precautions at home. Care at home may include the use of a catheter, an intentional diet, exercise, and natural remedies that can alleviate pain, inflammation and discomfort. It is important not to replace medical intervention with natural remedies in conditions such as these that may be life threatening. Natural supplements such as CBD don’t have officially recommended dosages required for the treatment of these conditions. Patients also respond to natural remedies differently from each other. Hence, it’s advisable to start by taking small test dose and see how your body responds to it. Some may suffer from side effects, which serves to hinder the process of healing which is the ultimate goal. It’s important to remain in contact with your doctor when you are managing urological problems at home. You’re also encouraged to journal the progress or lack there-of, so that your doctor can map the way forward regarding your condition. Your doctor will make sure that you’re equipped to overcome urological problems at home and possibly enjoy a clean bill of health.

Have you ever experienced urological problems? How have you been coping and managing this issue at home? Let us know in the comments below.