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All posts tagged with “Technology / Innovations News | Clinical Care.”



ACC issues new tool to provide guidance on using Apple Watch for heart health monitoring

05/26/25 at 03:00 AM

ACC issues new tool to provide guidance on using Apple Watch for heart health monitoring American College of Cardiology; ACC News Story; 5/20/25 The ACC has issued a new "Leveraging Apple Watch for Cardiovascular Care" tool, designed to provide guidance for clinicians and patients using health data collected while wearing an Apple Watch to effectively track and manage cardiovascular health. Through the tool, clinicians can establish best practices for incorporating Apple Watch data relevant to a patient's care plan, create an implementation plan for collecting and responding to data, and develop processes for working with patients to ensure they are using the watch correctly and seeking care where appropriate. The tool also advises when an Apple Watch should not be used, including clinically indicated rhythm monitoring where immediate alerts to a clinician are needed. 

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6 ways to successfully implement clinical communication tools

05/20/25 at 03:00 AM

6 ways to successfully implement clinical communication tools Forbes; by Judit Sharon; 5/19/25 In the high-stakes environment of healthcare, communication breakdowns can have life-or-death consequences. Yet too often, hospitals and healthcare systems assume that simply deploying new clinical communication and collaboration (CC&C) tools will solve the problem. The reality is more complex: Successful implementation depends just as much on operational alignment, cultural change and thoughtful execution as it does on the technology itself. To turn communication tools into real transformation, here are six ways to drive successful CC&C adoption.

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What is it like to die? University of Minnesota’s VR experience offers some answers.

05/20/25 at 03:00 AM

What is it like to die? University of Minnesota’s VR experience offers some answers. The Minnesota Star Tribune; by Richard Chin; 5/2/25 Our reporter returned from the Embodied Labs experience with some thoughts on what he’d like his last hours to look like. When the University of Minnesota offered to let me experience what it’s like to die, naturally I said yes. Aren’t we all morbidly curious about the undiscovered country, as Hamlet put it, from which no traveler returns? Except this time, happily, I would get to return because it would be a virtual death, an experience in a VR studio that’s part of the university’s Health Sciences Library system.

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HHS wants input on how to improve digital health tech for Medicare patients

05/19/25 at 03:00 AM

HHS wants input on how to improve digital health tech for Medicare patients Fierce Healthcare; by Heather Landi; 5/14/25 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) wants feedback on how it can develop better digital health tools for Medicare beneficiaries and drive adoption. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in partnership with HHS' health IT arm, now called the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC), is seeking public input on how best to "advance a seamless, secure, and patient-centered digital health infrastructure."

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[Philippines] Virtual mourning: How Filipinos utilize Facebook to express grief and seek support – A hermeneutic phenomenological study

05/17/25 at 03:05 AM

[Philippines] Virtual mourning: How Filipinos utilize Facebook to express grief and seek support – A hermeneutic phenomenological studyMarc Kenneth F. Cabañero, Ma. Teresa Tricia Guison-Bautista; 4/25This study explores how grieving Filipinos use Facebook to cope with loss and seek support, integrating traditional mourning practices with digital expressions of grief. Using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten bereaved Filipinos to examine their online grieving experiences. Thematic analysis identified three key themes: the blending of traditional mourning rituals with Facebook for emotional support, the validation and relief provided by online interactions, and the role of digital mourning in fostering healing. Findings suggest that social media enhances Filipino bereavement practices by strengthening community connections and preserving cultural traditions. The study emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive digital spaces and grief support services that integrate both online and offline mourning.

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Virtual nursing at Hackensack Meridian Health is making nurses and patients happy

05/15/25 at 02:15 AM

Virtual nursing at Hackensack Meridian Health is making nurses and patients happy Healthcare IT News; by Bill Siwicki; 5/12/25 In-hospital nurses can focus on more critical tasks and direct patient care while virtual nurses handle the routine monitoring and documentation tasks. Patients appreciate more personalized support and the overall hospital experience. Hackensack Meridian Health has made a conscious effort to identify ways to streamline administrative tasks for its bedside teams, minimizing non-clinical burdens for frontline staff. ... Early results show virtual nursing supports faster discharging procedures, coordinated care planning and optimization of in-unit nursing time through the shifting of the documentation burden.

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CMS seeks public input on improving technology to empower Medicare beneficiaries

05/14/25 at 03:00 AM

CMS seeks public input on improving technology to empower Medicare beneficiaries CMS Newsroom; Press Release; 5/13/25 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is taking bold steps to modernize the nation’s digital health ecosystem with a focus on empowering Medicare beneficiaries through greater access to innovative health technologies. The agency, in partnership with the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy/Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC), is seeking public input on how best to advance a seamless, secure, and patient-centered digital health infrastructure. The goal is to unlock the power of modern technology to help seniors and their families take control of their health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and access care more efficiently. ...

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AI tool uses face photos to estimate biological age and predict cancer outcomes

05/14/25 at 03:00 AM

AI tool uses face photos to estimate biological age and predict cancer outcomes Mass General Brigham - Technology & Innovation - Research; by Hugo Alerts, Ray Mak, Dennis Bontempi, Osbert Zalay, Danielle S. Bitterman, Fridolin Haugg, Jack M. Qian, Hannah Roberts, Subha Perni, Vasco Prudente, Suraj Pai, Christian Guthier, Tracy Balboni, Laura Warren, Monica Krishan, and Benjamin H. Kann; 5/8/25 Mass General Brigham findings suggest FaceAge tool could provide objective data to help inform treatment decisions in cancer care and other chronic diseases. Eyes may be the window to the soul, but a person’s biological age could be reflected in their facial characteristics. Investigators from Mass General Brigham developed a deep learning algorithm called FaceAge that uses a photo of a person’s face to predict biological age and survival outcomes for patients with cancer. They found that patients with cancer, on average, had a higher FaceAge than those without and appeared about five years older than their chronological age. Older FaceAge predictions were associated with worse overall survival outcomes across multiple cancer types. They also found that FaceAge outperformed clinicians in predicting short-term life expectancies of patients receiving palliative radiotherapy. Their results are published in The Lancet Digital Health.Editor's note: This summary article is published by the main source, Mass General Brigham. Various articles are being written about this new use of AI.

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'Patients just get violent' | Louisville healthcare workers describe attacks on the job, calling it a crisis

05/12/25 at 02:00 AM

'Patients just get violent' | Louisville healthcare workers describe attacks on the job, calling it a crisis ABC WHAS-11, Louisville, KY; by Shay McAlister, Joseph Garcia, Phillip Murrell, and MIchelle Zelli Right now Louisville’s nursing community is facing a crisis, saying they are under attack while on the job.  Since March, police have been called to three different Louisville hospitals after a nurse was assaulted. But those are only the attacks that are reported, several nurses told WHAS11 they face dangerous situations daily without the necessary support. ... The three incidents of violence against nurses sit on a map of hundreds of crimes reported at or near Louisville hospitals and nearby parking garages over the last year. According to LMPD’s crime data portal, 17 assaults were reported at Norton Hospital, 10 at Jewish Hospital, and 28 at the UofL Hospital parking garage over the last 12 months. ... “Many healthcare professionals that are harmed don't report it, and they don't report it because they don't think anybody will listen. And then there are others who think that it's part of the job. It is not part of the job,” CEO of the Kentucky Nurses Association Delanor Manson said. In 2023, Manson worked with lawmakers to formalize language requiring healthcare facilities to track incidents of violence and implement violence prevention strategies. It's a crisis for the career field. 

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Hospice AI

05/05/25 at 02:00 AM

Hospice AIA Hospice & Palliative Care Today compilation; 5/5/25We've seen several recent articles discussing the benefits of additional AI integration into hospice services.

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Ardent Health's first CDIO, a nurse, on the value of 'human-centric' technology

04/25/25 at 03:00 AM

Ardent Health's first CDIO, a nurse, on the value of 'human-centric' technology Healthcare IT News; by Bill Siwicki; 4/23/25 Anika Gardenhire, RN, chief digital and information officer at the 30-hospital health system, is working to improve the provider and patient experience with ambient listening, augmented intelligence and more. Nashville-based Ardent Health includes 30 hospitals and more than 280 sites of care in six states, including Idaho, Kansas, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas. ... 

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Why ScionHealth isn’t creating a new role for AI

04/22/25 at 03:00 AM

Why ScionHealth isn’t creating a new role for AIBecker's Health IT; by Naomi Diaz; 4/21/25 At Louisville, Ky.-based ScionHealth, CIO and Senior Vice President Robecca Quammen told Becker’s that AI governance is being treated as an extension of the CIO role, rather than a justification for creating a new executive position. Robecca Quammen: 

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Using technology to improve matching drug details in hospice care

04/21/25 at 03:00 AM

Using technology to improve matching drug details in hospice care Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare (PSQH); by Matt Phillion; 4/17/25 For Wise Hospice Options, prescribers had been spending an average of 15 seconds matching each flagged drug and 20 seconds per drug entering missing sig, or label, details. Recently, they incorporated clinical-grade AI from DrFirst into automating this process, enabling those same providers to spend two to three seconds per drug, with fewer medications flagged for manual review by pill icons. ... The AI implementation allowed Wise to standardize data from different systems into a workflow that allows clinicians to see complete information before ordering prescriptions, helping avoid delays and reduce errors. Clinicians continue to review medication information for accuracy and adjust based on discussions with the patient but require fewer clicks and keystrokes so they can make faster, more informed decisions. ... Why the impact on hospice is key: The first thing to consider, Faubion explains, is that when it comes to hospice patients, they are going to be on a lot of medications. ...

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One last game: student builds virtual reality experience for hospice patients

04/18/25 at 03:00 AM

One last game: student builds virtual reality experience for hospice patients Clemson News; by Sam Cannon; 4/15/25 At Clemson, a dedication to innovating health care and fostering wellness means more than just training the next generation of doctors and nurses. For Class of 2025 student Rob Martin, it has meant curating meaningful moments for members of his community. ... [Rob] joined the Tandem VR™ team, a concept invented by Olivia McAnirlin, Virtual Reality and Nature Lab co-director at Clemson, which helps people connect to past experiences and complete “bucket lists” with their loved ones. As part of this project, local hospice care patients were asked what they would want the chance to experience one more time before they pass. When the overwhelming response from patients was a Clemson football game, a research team of undergraduate and graduate students, practitioners and faculty got to work.

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Seeking human empathy, health insurers turn to AI

04/09/25 at 03:00 AM

Seeking human empathy, health insurers turn to AI Modern Healthcare; by Nona Tepper; 3/27/25 When Florida Blue wanted its call center employees to demonstrate greater emotional intelligence when dealing with customers, the nonprofit health insurance company enlisted a tutor incapable of emotion. A generative artificial intelligence, or genAI, chatbot instructs 30 Florida Blue customer service representatives on how to behave like human beings when interacting with other human beings. The chatbot guides workers on human behaviors, such as when to slow their speech, when to hasten a call to its conclusion and what to recommend to policyholders. The company plans to expand this pilot program to its entire 1,600-person call center team this year. [Continue reading ... access may be limited]Editor's note: Is this backwards? What happened to human kindness? Courtesy and core respect? I am a lifelong lover of new technologies. Still, I am surprised at this seemingly-backwards twist. For whatever works, may we learn and grow in "[behaving] like human beings when interacting with other human beings."

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7 common transformation mistakes and how to avoid them

04/07/25 at 03:00 AM

7 common transformation mistakes and how to avoid them CIO; by Patrizia Licata; 4/3/25 Just because technology solutions are readily available doesn’t mean transformation will automatically succeed. ... Knowing what’s at stake, here are some key mistakes and misconceptions to avoid in order to help ensure digital transformation success.

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Bill Gates AI jobs: 3 roles that will survive

04/01/25 at 03:00 AM

Bill Gates AI jobs: 3 roles that will surviveArchynewsy; 3/30/25...  Despite the potential for widespread automation, Gates identifies three key areas where human expertise will remain indispensable: creative work, those requiring high levels of emotional intelligence, and skilled trades. These professions share a common thread – they rely on uniquely human capabilities that AI currently struggles to replicate. ... Gates predicts substantial changes in sectors like healthcare and education, with AI potentially handling many diagnostic and instructional duties currently fulfilled by doctors and teachers. ... [Continue reading ...]

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Four security updates to get ahead of proposed 2025 HIPAA Amendments

04/01/25 at 03:00 AM

Four security updates to get ahead of proposed 2025 HIPAA Amendment Cisco Duo; by Katherine Yang; 3/31/25 Published in early January, the 2025 HIPAA Security Amendments are set to significantly enhance the protection of ePHI. The proposed changes are based off the US Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) goals of both addressing changes in the health care environment and clarifying what compliance obligations look like for regulated entities. Organizations have 180 days to reach compliance according to stricter standards of identity cybersecurity if the proposed updates pass. In order to be prepared, here are four things your organization or managed security service provider should focus on:  

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MaineHealth Memorial Hospital leverages telehealth in unexpected ways

04/01/25 at 02:00 AM

MaineHealth Memorial Hospital leverages telehealth in unexpected ways MaineHealth, North Conway, ME; Press Release; 3/312/25 When a patient presenting with stroke symptoms arrives at MaineHealth Memorial Hospital's emergency department, time is of the essence. It could take hours to arrange for medical transport and get that patient to a tertiary care center like MaineHealth Maine Medical Center to see a stroke neurologist. Using telehealth, these patients can receive this specialized care if it is necessary in less than 30 minutes. While telehealth is often associated with remote home visits, MaineHealth Memorial Hospital also uses it to enhance on-site care. Using remote consult technology, MaineHealth specialists can offer local care teams expert advice at the bedside or in the exam room. [Continue reading ...]

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Bioethics Artificial Intelligence Advisory (BAIA): An Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework for bioethical clinical decision support

03/29/25 at 03:25 AM

Bioethics Artificial Intelligence Advisory (BAIA): An Agentic Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework for bioethical clinical decision support Cureus; by Taposh P. Dutta Roy; 3/12/25 Healthcare professionals face complex ethical dilemmas in clinical settings in cases involving end-of-life care, informed consent, and surrogate decision-making. These nuanced situations often lead to moral distress among care providers. This paper introduces the Bioethics Artificial Intelligence Advisory (BAIA) framework, a novel and innovative approach that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to support clinical ethical decision-making. The BAIA framework integrates multiple bioethical approaches, including principlism, casuistry, and narrative ethics, with advanced AI capabilities to provide comprehensive decision support. 

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The power of data in enhancing hospice care at United Hospice

03/25/25 at 03:00 AM

The power of data in enhancing hospice care at United Hospice Mid-Hudson News, Hudson Valley, NY; by Mid-Hudson News Staff; 3/23/25 ... United Hospice CEO Cara Pace said data plays a crucial role in tracking patient health status, symptom management, and overall comfort. ... Hospice care must evolve to meet the changing needs of patients and families. By leveraging data, United Hospice can make informed decisions about service expansions, patient care enhancements, and operational improvements. Data-driven insights guide leadership in planning for the future, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to community needs while continuing to provide exemplary care. ... [Hospices] must be attentive to the experiences of both patients and their families. “By systematically collecting feedback through surveys and other data collection methods, United Hospice can assess satisfaction levels, identify areas for improvement, and address concerns proactively,” Pace said. “This continuous engagement fosters trust and strengthens relationships with families and the broader community.” ... [Continue reading ...]

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Digital Transformation 101: A handy primer

03/25/25 at 02:00 AM

Digital Transformation 101: A handy primerHealthcare IT News; by Bill Siwicki; 3/21/25 Robert Slepin, chief digital officer at SE Health and an emeritus CIO adviser at Epic, describes the key aspects of digital transformation that provider organizations need to understand, primary technologies involved and how to best organize the effort. Healthcare IT News sat down with him to discuss aspects of digital transformation efforts that provider organizations don't quite have a firm grasp on to begin with, the primary technologies involved in digital transformation, how to organize such a comprehensive effort as digital transformation, and his transformation effort at SE Health. [Continue reading ...]

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Community health workers and technology interventions' impact on palliative support globally: A Scoping Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

03/24/25 at 03:00 AM

Community health workers and technology interventions' impact on palliative support globally Journal of Palliative Medicine; by Alekhya Gunturi, Margarita Pertierra, Irma Elizabeth Huayanay Espinoza, Maya Kavita Ramachandran, Mpho Ratshikana Moloko, Karl A Lorenz; 3/20/25Background: Palliative care has the potential to relieve burdened global health systems but is in short supply in many low-resource settings. Community health workers (CHWs) and digital health tools/telephonic support have the potential to scale scarce palliative care resources and improve outcomes for seriously ill adults in home/community settings.  Conclusions: CHWs and digital health/telephony can improve quality of life, health care use, and caregiver support. Most research focuses on physical and psychological aspects of care instead of cultural aspects of care. Future research is needed to explore culturally tailored interventions in minority populations and low- and middle-income countries, as well as investigate emerging remote technologies to allow for scaling palliative care into home/community settings.Editor's note: Pair this with Hospice community responds to proposed DEA telehealth prescribing rule, posted 3/21/25.

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Hospice community responds to proposed DEA telehealth prescribing rule

03/21/25 at 02:00 AM

Hospice community responds to proposed DEA telehealth prescribing rule Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 3/20/25 A proposed rule by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) could impede timely access to medications for hospice and palliative care patients, according to members of the hospice community. ... If finalized, this proposed rule would require prescribers to register with the DEA before they are allowed to prescribe schedule II-V controlled substances, along with some monitoring and other requirements.  ... Implementation of the proposed rule would have adverse consequences for hospice and palliative care patients, according to the National Alliance for Care at Home. ... The Alliance made several recommendations to the DEA regarding the proposal: 

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AI scribes: Can technology do more than free doctors from data entry?

03/20/25 at 03:00 AM

AI scribes: Can technology do more than free doctors from data entry? Penn LDI - Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics; by Hoag Levins; 3/17/25 Since the widespread adoption of electronic health record (EHR) systems in the 1990s, the health care industry has been on a relentless quest to digitally optimize the doctor-patient interaction. Today, many predict this pursuit will be dramatically changed by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into nearly all aspects of EHR systems, transforming patient care and clinical workflows in ever more revolutionary ways. AI-powered EHRs are now theoretically capable of automating administrative tasks, providing real-time clinical insights, personalizing treatment plans, and allowing health care providers to focus more on patient care and less on data entry.

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