Fitbit Data Could Help Hospitals Battle Nurse Fatigue
A UW-Madison School of Nursing professor is using fitness trackers to monitor nurse movement in hospitals and reveal what causes nurse fatigue during hospital shifts.
Best Practices for Payer-Provider Partnerships
When healthcare providers and payers forge strong collaborations, it quickens the amount of time it takes to turn medical research into usable procedures, according to a report from the Alliance of Community Health Plans.
Fitbit Launches Wearables Coaching Service for Payers
Fitbit unveiled a connected wearables health platform on its new Fitbit Plus app Sept. 19, which integrates health coaching, activity tracking and virtual care services to help users manage chronic conditions.
Survey: 90% of Americans use Digital Health Tools
Consumers continue to embrace digital health tools, with 90% of respondents in a new Rock Health survey using at least one last year, up from 80% in 2016.
Wearable Biosensors Lack Clinical Impact: Research Required
New research shows that wearable biosensors have a limited impact on clinical outcomes. But digital health researchers aren't ready to abandon the promise of mobile technology.
Health Plans Encourage Wearables; Few Integrate Data
While health plans encourage wearables, the assessment of the benefits of wearables has been the target of several recent studies. Researches are interested in discovering the “stickiness” of the devices and their effect on wellness program success. The studies note that the Inside employer and payer wellness programs as well as the independent user reflect positively.
2016 Excellence in Behavioral Health Program Design
2016 is going to be a big year for Behavioral Health, thanks to The Excellence in Mental Health Act (ExACT) passed in 2014. the ExACT is a crucial step towards taking Behavioral healthcare off the back burner and sparking an important discussions on mental health. According to the National Council for Behavioral Health the program will “increase Americans’ access to community mental health and substance use treatment services while improving Medicaid reimbursement for these services.” The program has allocated over $1 billion to help protect and enhance community based mental health programs, which is the largest federal investment in behavioral health services in a very long time. Let’s take a look at the progress the Excellence in Mental Health Act has already made and what might be in store for 2016.
What HIPAA audits mean for your organization
We've talked about HIPAA audits before, but today, we want to go over what a HIPAA audit can actually mean for your organization. There are both positive and negative implications for the increased security around patient health information, so let's see what exactly they are.
Software-Related HIPAA Risks
We all know that HIPAA risks can in many shapes and sizes. But as the workday gets busy, it becomes easier and easier for breaches to happen--even when it's an accident. More specifically, software-related HIPAA risks are one common stumbling block. When ePHI information is compromised, it can result in a costly fine. Here's what you need to know about software-related HIPAA risks.
Hospital Acquired Infections are Down–But Is It Enough?
It’s unclear whether President Obama’s request for funding to combat HAIs will be met by Congress, but regardless of whether or not the funding comes from the federal government, hospitals will need to find the money somewhere to continue investing in HAI prevention, especially as it becomes more inextricably linked with reimbursement as we march forward this year.