mHealth Ecosystem Workshop

There's still time to register for the mHealth Ecosystem Workshop on Thursday, December 09, 2010 from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (CT).

There is a lot of buzz in hospitals, clinics, and health plans as well with payers about the need to implement mHealth solutions. mHealth Initiative is holding a one-day mHealth Ecosystem Workshop December 9, 2010 a the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel & Conference Center to address the nuts and bolts of mHealth implementation: This is not a seminar but rather an interactive workshop where you can discuss with others your ideas, strategies, hurdles, and solutions.

Click here for more information.

Two Contests: Enter to win a Lenovo ThinkCentre M90z all-in-one PC

Win up to five (5) M90z PCs! There are 2 contests here: 1) Contest #1 is for a single Lenovo ThinkCentre M90z all-in-one PC; 2) Contest #2 is for a package of five (5) M90z units.

Click here for more details.

Check to see if your new PC is running 32-bit or 64-bit software

If you got a new PC recently, check to see if it's running 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7. This is especially important if you plan to use any older software (such as older electronic health record or EHR solutions) or older peripherals such as printers and scanners. I currently run 32-bit Windows 7 on all my machines because I'd rather have maximum compatibility with all older software and peripherals.

Recently, I worked with several physicians to help them reinstall Windows 7 on their newer PCs. The ones they had purchased had 64-bit software, so they had to reinstall the 32-bit OS. These days, most new PCs aren't coming with software disks, so the re-installation of an OS can be tricky.

Those of you who are still running XP may want to seriously think about switching to Windows 7. Support for Windows XP (with Service Pack 3) will be ending in 2014. Do you think you'll still have your current PCs in 2014?

Black Friday laptop deals

This year, I'm seeing some incredible Black Friday deals on laptops. If you need a new computer, this could be a good time to find some great deals (both online and in the stores).

Netbooks are going for $150.
Regular laptops are going for less than $350.

I'm also seeing some good deals on computer peripherals, desktop components, monitors, and much more. Are you a Black Friday shopper? I do most of my shopping online, but this year I went to the store to buy a new Samsung plasma TV for the house.

You can find most of the Black Friday sales by visiting either:
http://www.blackfriday.info/ or http://bfads.net.

Want a free PC? Lenovo is giving away some M90z all-in-one PCs!

Lenovo is getting ready to give away some M90z all-in-one PCs! There will be a contest coming up in the early part of December where Lenovo will give one M90z all-in-one PC to a winner.

In addition to that, Lenovo is looking for medical clinics, offices, educational groups, and other types of non-profit organizations that could use 5 new all-in-one M90z PCs. Specifically, they're looking for these types of organizations:

1) Organization must be located in US or Canada
2) Medical, education or similar community focus
3) Preference given to non-profits or organizations dedicated to social good
4) Must have concrete application for 5 touch-enabled Lenovo M90z’s

Stay tuned for all the details about the upcoming giveaways. In the meanwhile, I urge you "like" my 4 Facebook fan pages, because this will be required if you want to enter the upcoming contest:

1. http://www.facebook.com/MobileHealthComputing
2. http://www.facebook.com/MedicalSmartphones
3. http://www.facebook.com/MedicineandTechnology
4. http://www.facebook.com/NonClinicalJobs

The Lenovo M90z is a great all-in-one PC that also comes with the option for touch-screen navigation. You can mount this PC on the wall and use it in the clinical setting at the point of care, so it's a great computer that's very functional and versatile.

When is Mobile Health Computing Useful?

This is a guest post by Rachel Davis.

When is Mobile Health Computing Useful?

Mobile health computing is on the rise today, thanks to the many devices and applications that support initiatives in this sector. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mobile health or mHealth is “an area of electronic health or eHealth that is the provision of health services and information via mobile technologies such as mobile phones and PDAs. The difference between mHealth and eHealth is that the former focuses on behavioral and structural changes while the latter focuses on technology to drive the change, according to Peter Waegemann, founder of Mobile Health Initiative. So an improvement in mobile health computing is supposed to induce behavioral changes which in turn boost the health of the general population.

However, there are two catches to this theory:
• Not everyone has access to and/or can afford the devices and applications that drive mobile health computing.
• Mobile health computing is useful only if the people who have access to it use it to their advantage and attempt to gain the maximum possible benefits from it.

The first issue is slowly becoming a non-issue – what with the proliferation of handheld gadgets and the publicity they’re generating on and off the Internet, more and more people are rushing to buy them even though they cannot really afford them. They’ve become status symbols that just have to be owned, no matter what.

Read more »

The Dell Inspiron Duo - a novel convertible tablet

The Dell Inspiron Duo is not your "typical" convertible tablet.  The engineers at Dell have taken a fresh approach to the convertible concept.

With its innovative flip-hinge design, you can switch from touch to type in seconds.

The Dell Inspiron Duo is a slick touch-screen slate tablet that converts to a nice laptop with a 10.1" screen. It runs Windows 7 and weighs only 3.39 lbs. At $549.99, it would make a nice gift this holiday season. Learn more about the Dell Inspiron Duo at the Dell website.

iOS 4.2 brings multitasking to iPads

Apple has released iOS 4.2 to the iPad (and iPhone and iPod touch). This software update brings multitasking features to the Apple iPad. Plus, it allows you to have access to over 100 new features. Certain features are only available on the newest iPod touch models.

Apple's iOS 4.2 Available Today for iPad, iPhone & iPod touch

Major Software Update Brings Multitasking, Folders, Unified Inbox, Game Center, AirPlay & AirPrint to iPad

CUPERTINO, California-November 22, 2010-Apple® today announced that iOS 4.2, the latest version of the world's most advanced mobile operating system, is available today for download for iPad™, iPhone® and iPod touch®. iOS 4.2 brings over 100 new features from iOS 4.0, 4.1 and 4.2 to iPad including Multitasking, Folders, Unified Inbox, Game Center, AirPlay® and AirPrint.

Read more »

Incredible Black Friday deals on laptops and other PCs

I'm not in the market to buy a new laptop for myself, but I may be buying one for a relative. I started to glance through some Black Friday ads and I couldn't believe some of the prices for these laptops! If you need a GPS navigation unit for the car, you'll find some incredible deals as well.

If you're planning on upgrading your office PCs, here are a few tips to consider:

• Many new PCs now come with Windows 7 installed on them. You won't find any Windows XP computers. Don't assume that it's "easy" to install Windows XP on every PC running Windows 7. In many cases, you'll find that it's quite a headache.
• If you're buying a PC, check to see if it's running Windows 7 (32-bit) vs. Windows 7 (64-bit). There are still Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems that are not compatible with 64-bit software. Plus, your older peripherals (like printers and scanners) may not work if your computer is running 64-bit software. Fortunately, it's relatively "easy" to install 32-bit software over 64-bit software, but you'll need to have access to Windows 7 disks.
• Finally, consider purchasing an all-in-one PC instead of a traditional desktop + monitor combination. These all-in-one PCs will save space in your office. Plus, a number of them come with touch-screen options.

Happy shopping!

Samsung Galaxy Tab on every major US wireless carrier

It looks like the Samsung Galaxy Tab (7" Android slate tablet) will be available on every major US wireless carrier.  You won't need a MiFi to get online either. The following image is from Engadget where they cover the "Samsung Galaxy Tab price wars: US carriers face off."

A nice free antivirus protection option: Microsoft Security Essentials

For the past few weeks, I've been using Microsoft Security Essentials on a number of PCs at home and work. Microsoft Security Essentials runs well, it doesn't appear to slow down the computers by tying up resources, and it has protected each machine from a number of threats when I tested a few known virus and spyware threats. Overall, it's a "good" option (not great, but it's free) for those of you who need antivirus protection at home or at work. It runs in the background, it updates automatically, and you don't have to worry about expiring subscriptions and renewals.

Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free* download from Microsoft that is simple to install, easy to use, and always kept up to date so you can be assured your PC is protected by the latest technology. It’s easy to tell if your PC is secure — when you’re green, you’re good. It’s that simple.

Microsoft Security Essentials runs quietly and efficiently in the background so that you are free to use your Windows-based PC the way you want—without interruptions or long computer wait times.

You can download it for free at the Microsoft website.

10 reasons why doctors love the Apple iPad

Here are 10 reasons why doctors are falling in love with the Apple iPad:

1. They already use the iPhone, so the iPad just makes sense.
2. Long battery life means they don't need to walk around the hospital carrying an AC adapter with their tablet PC.
3. The iPad is simple. Doctors don't like complicated technology. They prefer simple. Thus, they don't feel threatened by the iPad.
4. They can use the iPad to entertain patients who are waiting in the waiting area of the exam room.
5. They'd rather carry a light iPad over a heavy tablet PC when they're using an electronic health record (EHR).
6. They can use the iPad to explain complex medical anatomy to their patients.
7. If they can't figure out how to do something on the iPad, they can ask their 10-year old kid.
8. The iPad is a true multipurpose tool: robust productivity in the clinical setting and pure entertainment for the kids at home.
9. They just like having the latest gadgets (even if they don't know how to use them).
10. Very easy to pinch-to-zoom. Who needs reading glasses now?

So, there you have it. It's no wonder that the iPad has gained such popularity in the health care industry. As more iPads get deployed in hospital systems and clinics, the iPad momentum will only continue to grow.  Do you have an iPad?

Google Chrome vs. Google Android

It appears like Google Chrome will be an operating system (OS) optimized for mobile devices that have built-in keyboards. Google Android is optimized for touch-input, so that's why you'll find this OS on smartphones and slate tablets.

So what if you have a convertible netbook/tablet that includes both a keyboard plus a touch screen? I think I'd prefer Android. I predict that we'll find more apps built for Android and eventually Chrome will get replaced by Android. Then again, Chrome could evolve to be the "desktop" version of Android.

Laptop theft is a leading cause of health data breaches

Here are more reasons why we should be using Cloud Computing in health care. According to this story on Government Health IT, laptop theft is a top cause of health data breaches:

Laptop theft is the most prevalent cause of the breach of health information affecting more than 500 people, according to the Health & Human Services Department, which last year began tracking data breaches by public and private healthcare organizations.

The fact that laptops are so easily stolen underscores the importance of physical security in the protection of health information, according to Adam Greene, senior health IT and privacy specialist in HHS’ Office for Civil Rights, which enforces the privacy and security rules under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Read the full story on Government Health IT.

Healthcare sector among top adopters of iPad

From Healthcare IT News

REDWOOD CITY, CA – The healthcare sector is among the top three industries seeing the heaviest adoption of the iPad for business use, according to data from Good Technology, a Redwood City-based provider of multiplatform enterprise mobility...

One reason the iPad is being adopted in the industry is because hospitals' current mobile devices have become a "barrier" due to their size, weight and battery life, said Nick Volosin, ISS director of technical services at Kaweah Delta Health Care District in California. The hospital is considering using the iPad in areas like pharmacy, emergency, dietary, home health, hospice, clinical engineering/bioMed and for private practice physicians and nursing supervisors...

Read the full story at Healthcare IT News.

Panasonic Sponsors 2011 World Heart Day

Secaucus, NJ (November 12, 2010) – Panasonic is proud to announce the company has become a corporate sponsor of the 2011 World Heart Day taking place on September 29. World Heart Day, created by the World Heart Federation was first celebrated in 2000 and was created to inform people around the world about the risks of heart disease and stroke. According to the World Health Organization, heart disease and stroke are the world’s leading cause of death, claiming 17.1 million lives each year.

“We are thrilled to welcome Panasonic, as a new sponsor of World Heart Day in 2011, said Kathryn Taubert, Senior Science Officer from the World Heart Federation. “Their support will mean we can further raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, and educate people on the steps they can take to lower their risk.”

Read more »

The Apple iPad "craze" is driving medical offices and clinics to deploy wireless networks

The other day, I was speaking with a number of physicians who were telling me that the recent iPad "craze" has caused people to switch from wired networks to a wireless network. They realize the challenges associated with wireless, but they're willing to face those challenges and risks so that they can use the iPad in the clinical setting.

Even though slate tablet PCs have been around for many years, they never gained enough traction and momentum in the world of health care. Tablet PCs have traditionally been expensive, heavy, and cumbersome. Now, the simple touch interface of the iPad has caused many physicians to embrace the slate form factor. They're even switching to wireless networks in their offices so that they can use their iPads. Soon, every major medical office (and even your small local medical offices) will be equipped with Wi-Fi networks.

Samsung Galaxy Tab is $399.99 on Sprint

The Samsung Galaxy Tab (7" Android slate) is appearing on almost every major wireless provider in the United States. Sprint is offering its customers a special three-day pre-sale of the Galaxy Tab for $399.99. That sounds like a good deal to me! You can read about this on Engadget.

40% off all ZAGGskins sale (Veteran's Day Sale)

If you're looking to protect your mobile device, don't miss out on this Veteran's Day Sale:

ZAGG's Veteran's Day Sale - 40% off all ZAGGskins

As a "thank you" to all who serve, ZAGG is having a 40% off all ZAGGskins sale from now through the end of the weekend.

HP Slate 500 for the holidays?

I was hoping to have the HP Slate 500 for the holidays, but now I'm not sure if that's going to happen. It appears like orders for the HP Slate 500 may be delayed a few weeks. If that's the case, then we may all need to wait for the New Year before we can get the Slate. I think the Slate 500 could become my main travel computer if I attach it to a removable keyboard.

I wonder how many people will get the Apple iPad this holiday season. I know that a number of shoppers are eagerly waiting for Apple to release the next version of the iPad (and I'm one of them). I'm also waiting before I buy an Android slate tablet. My Droid X is almost like a tablet given that it has a 4.3" screen. Of course, a 7" screen would be much nicer.

Verizon iPad commercial

I don't watch TV, but I try to keep up with some commercials by viewing them online. Here's the latest Verizon commercial about the iPad (plus MiFi combo):

2010 mHealth Summit: from Microsoft to the NIH #mHS10

The mHealth Summit Keynote Speakers:

Top thought-leaders in government, research, academia and industry will address the varied facets of mobile health, and how it is shaping the future of healthcare delivery in the U.S. and internationally, including the developing world:

* Dr. Julio Frenk, Dean of Faculty, Harvard School of Public Health and former Minister of Health, Mexico;
* Bill Gates, Co-Chair and Trustee, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation;
* Francis S. Collins, Ph.D., Director, National Institutes of Health;
* Ted Turner, Chairman, United Nations Foundation;
* Todd Park, Chief Technology Officer, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS);
* Aneesh Chopra, U.S. Chief Technology Officer; and
* Dr. Judith Rodin, President, The Rockefeller Foundation.

The tablet wars are up and running

According to researcher Strategy Analytics, Apple has 95% of the slate tablet market right now. They've sold almost 5 million iPads (and I'm sure they'll sell many more this holiday season). People who have smartphones are buying iPads. People who have computers are buying iPads. Even though it has similar capabilities found on a smartphone or computer, the iPad is gaining marketshare in the consumer market. At the same time, Google is making a very strong push to get a number of different computer manufacturers to release slate tablets running Android. Consumers are jumping all over these tablets! We're seeing them in coffee shops, libraries, airports, schools, and business settings.

So, how about the enterprise health care market? Will slate tablets become an integral part of the health care delivery system? I think they will and I can envision them playing a variety of roles such as diagnostics, patient education, integration with EHR and CPOE systems, and much more.

Deploying iPads? Think of the big device management picture

There's a nice article on CMIO titled, "Deploying iPads? Think of the big device management picture." Many healthcare organizations are deploying iPads, but people aren't entirely sure how healthcare professionals will utilize the Apple iPad in the clinical setting. Will clinicians merely utilize the iPad like a giant iPhone, or will they leverage the large screen to maximize the value of slate tablet devices like the iPad?

There's no doubt that the healthcare enterprise setting will evolve dramatically over the next few years. Physicians and nurses walking through hospitals won't be carrying paper records. We'll see mobile devices everywhere.

How the iPad is helping the disabled

There's an inspiring story on the NY Times about the Apple iPad and a disabled boy named Owen Cain. The iPad is so easy to use because of its touch screen navigation. We're seeing the iPad used to help children with autism. We're seeing the iPad used to assist patients who have a variety of disabilities. We're seeing the iPad used to provide speech for those who can't speak.

It's great to see how technology is improving health care in new and novel ways.

Get ready for the 2010 mHeath Summit in Washington D.C.

The 2010 mHealth Summit, a partnership of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), the National Institutes of Health and the mHealth Alliance, is the leading U.S. conference advancing cross-sector collaboration in the use of wireless technology to improve health outcomes. The 2010 mHealth Summit, to be held November 8-10 at the Walter E. Convention Center, will connect leaders in government, private sector/industry, academia and not-for-profit organizations to advance discussion and decision-making related to the intersection of mobile technology, health research, and policy in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.mhealthsummit.org.

Have you tried the MDMagazine app for your iPad?

The MDMagazine app is specifically designed for the Apple iPad. You won't find this app for the iPhone or iPod touch.

MD Magazine Mobile, a “re-imagined” version of the physician’s magazine, is a celebration of the lifestyle and culture of the physician.

MD Magazine includes in-depth profiles of innovative physicians, travel, finance, family, technology, and entertainment.

Much of MD Magazine is written by physicians, for physicians, all in a format that takes full advantage of the digital medium through interactive features, videos, and slide shows.

Get it here.