Healthcare IT News - December 2008 - (Page 9)

www.HealthcareITNews.com December 2008 ■ Healthcare IT News O M M N T R Y Medicine gets personal IT’S A STORY that unfolds all too frequently at Nationwide Children’s Hospital: Parents, worried about their baby’s fever and severe abdominal pain, visit the emergency room – then learn that their precious child has neuroblastoma, a debilitating pediatric cancer that most often develops in infants’ adrenal glands. As little as two years ago, all children with neuroblastoma received the exact same treatment: chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, surgery and radiation. But today, in this post-genome, 2.0 technology-rich era, no one should receive a ‘one size fits all’ cancer treatment, but one tailored to the individual, based on the tumor’s genetic profile. This approach, one component of “personalized medicine,” is still in its early stages. The goal of personalized medicine is to deliver the right dose of the right therapy to each patient. However, effective, targeted, and less toxic therapies require quick access to genetic information about the patient’s tumor and the specific cancer type. The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Ohio bridging the worlds of pathology, genetics and medical treatment NewsMaker iNterview What is at the top of your to-do list as newly elected president of RSNA? Turn the attention of radiologists worldwide to the importance of quantitative imaging in the era of personalized medicine. Quantitative imaging and informatics can underpin our quality improvement efforts and illuminate the path to best practices. What is the greatest challenge facing radiology today? Commoditization. Teleradiology has expanded the marketplace of Newly elected president competition for image interpretaof the radiological tion, while loosening our grip on society of North quality control, (ironically) commuamerica nications skills, and professionalism. Professor of vascular Online physician rating services that and interventional lack standards for comparison have radiology at the added to the complexity and confuUniversity of arizona sion in the marketplace. College of Medicine More recently, online auctioning executive director of the of radiology services has appeared. american Board of As stewards of radiology practice, radiology and of the place of radiology in the medical profession among all of the clinical disciplines, we are failing. But there is hope (see answer to next question). Faster, Better expert analysis In much the same way that MRI and CT scans transformed non-invasive disease diagnosis in the 1970s, Virtual Microscopy – digitally formatted, diagnosticquality scans of diseased tissue samples on traditional microscope slides – is poised to revolutionize pathology’s standard review process of tumors. Whether VM is used for research, as it is now, or for patient analysis once it receives FDA approval, pathologists must be able to easily access and review these slides. The Center for Childhood Cancer at The Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital de veloped c us tom computer software STan ahalT DavID that enables patholoOhio BIllITer Nationwide Supercomputer gists to securely review Children’s digital slides over the Center Hospital Interne t, allowing multiple experts across the nation to simultaneously review cancerous tissue samples. This software also supports cancer research across the globe by improving access to the Center for Childhood Cancer’s Biopathology Center, one of the world’s largest repositories of pediatric and gynecologic cancer tissues. By pairing microscopy scans with each sample’s genetic code, or microarray, geneticists will be able to more quickly understand tumors’ genetic codes – with a goal of developing new ways to identify cancerous tumors. BIllITer see page 10 Gary J. Becker, MD “the goal of personalized medicine is to deliver the right dose of the right therapy to each patient.” Supercomputer Center are leading a nationwide effort to make this information more accessible, with the assistance of federal funding secured by Congresswoman Deborah Pryce and Congressman Ralph Regula and awarded by the Ohio Board of Regents. The project, called Virtual Microscopy to Microarray, or VM2M, is What is the greatest promise radiology holds for patients? The era of personalized medicine is here. Radiology’s proper place is one in which the imaging professional delivers the required quantitative information in a manner that is safe (including radiation safety), effective, patient-centered, timely, efficient, and equitable. In other words, quality care must have a fresh new look if we are to remain the stewards of medical imaging in the future. Becker see page 10 nO Will Obama make good on his IT promises? “Obama is already overextended on his promises to spend the taxpayer’s money. As he moves from campaign promises to the reality of the current financial situation, his focus will be on pleasing his core constituency (automobile unions, green initiatives) and other initiatives like healthcare IT will be pushed to the back burner. With support from the heathcare industry and HIMSS, he may support a less ambitious initiative – but the revolution in HIT will continute to be supported in large part by the private sector.” – Richard Stukey Crescent Bay Communications of an active role in people’s healthcare, it only makes sense that healthcare IT is an appropriate role for government. There are many organizations and institutions out there that need the resources to put electronic systems in place. Barack Obama is the man to do it. He has a vision for the 22nd century.” – Monique D. Wonders Beacon Partners “He has the support from citizens and Congress to do it. Due to the importance and criticality, it is an appropriate role for government (not to mention private industry has had decades to reform the health care system), but in a ‘mixed-solution’ involving all segments and stakeholders in the healthcare system.” – Eric McLaughlin Mid Rogue I.P. A. “The federal government, with its many involvements in healthcare, holds a huge stake. Efficiencies through automation are necessary to keep costs in-line.” – Anonymous “It always amazes me that politicians can so blithely promise billions of dollars for something without really knowing what the peoples’ health needs are. I do believe the government can provide structure and mandates, but I would rather our dollars be spent on providing low or no cost wellness and chronic condition management programs that will prevent the need for expensive invasive and/or acute-intensive care intervention. I do not believe information systems are the panacea for our healthcare issues. The American mind set and cultural beliefs and stigmas are more at the core of what is wrong with healthcare. The litigation and economic systems in this country have more to do with what care a person receives than whether or not he/she has an electronic record. I do not believe we are looking at the right application of the information captured or the utilization of the technology. More inadequate records are not what we need.” – Glynda Crunk HealtHcare it newsmOnitOr Q 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Will President-elect Barack Obama be able to make good on his promise to invest $10 billion a year over five years on healthcare IT? And is it an appropriate role for government? news 316 reader responses 58% MoNitor 42% yes “I believe that healthcare was one of his top priorities. Also, since leglislation has already been passed specifically for Medicare Part-D patients, making it mandatory for providers to use electronic prescribing, his healthcare bill and legislation go somewhat hand in hand. I do believe that this is an issue that he is committed to following through on right away. I think that since government is taking more nO yes To take future surveys, subscribe to our enewsletter, HealthcareITNewsWeek, or visit us daily on the Web at HealthcareITNews.com. “It is possible. Because the U.S. needs a specific sector to support the nation’s industry, but the difficulty is where the money is.” – Anonymous http://www.HealthcareITNews.com http://www.HealthcareITNews.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Healthcare IT News - December 2008

Healthcare IT News - December 2008 Contents AHIC 2.0 Debuts See How It Works Monitored to Health Right Decisions Neurologist Needed HiMSS Insider: Four to the Board Heartened Generation Next Clinical Toolkit: Inpatient EMRs Management Solutions: Asset Tracking

Healthcare IT News - December 2008

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