Adam Bosworth, Google's Vice President of Engineering, talked about his interests in the issues of health care and health information. When helping care for his mother who battled with cancer for four years and eventually died, he saw firsthand how challenging the health care system was in supporting caregivers and communicating between different medical organisations.
He found it incredibly challenging to get the right information that could help his mother make the right decisions in very difficult times. He felt strongly that patients need easy acess to medical information and be able to organize their own health information so that they can control their own health information.
In his speech " Connecting Americans to their health care : empowered consumers, personal health records and emerging technologies" at a national conference in Washington, D. C., he said that the lack of easily accessible, comprehensive medical records results in people suffering and dying unnecessarily. An efficient system would improve the standard of care by giving patients control over their health and medical information, patients would be able to easily retrieve and share their information in its totality and use it to ensure that they get the best possible quality of care. He is confident that increased and more trageted use of technology will help improve healthcare for all. Read more ….
Monday, December 18, 2006
Friday, December 15, 2006
Health News Bulletin - 15 December 2006
Drop in new breast cancer cases in the US could be linked to millions of women gave up HRT following reports questioning its safety.
Journal "Heart" study -the number of deaths caused by SADS is 8 times higher than estimate, average age of death was 32 and 63% were men.
BMJ study - people with higher IQ were healthier as a vegetarian diet was linked to lower heart disease and obesity rates.
BMJ study - proposals to improve patient safety as many incidents were found unreported, with doctors being the worst culprits.
BMJ report - 1 in 5 adults are obese in the UK, if left unchecked, could bankcrupt the NHS.
NICE guidelines on obesity incuding helpline numbers attached to oversize clothes.
Journal "Archives of Internal Medicine" - Height loss in old age is associated with increased risk of heart attacks and death.
Fat scan could reveal hidden fat and the precise location of fat has more of a bearing on health than simply being overweight.
Women who have epidurals during childbirth have more breastfeeding difficulties.
Clinical trials for a new type of dissolving stents to unblock diseased arteries and to perform further surgery on the artery.
The government is to tell the NHS England to balance the books as its first target.
The American Journal of Epidemiology - taking aspirin and other NSAIDs may halve the risk of developing an enlarged prostate but with possible side effects.
A new study found the prescription painkiller, dihydrocodeine, cheaper and safer than methadone, but as effective at treating heroin addicts.
Pfizer, the US drug manufacturer dropped heart and cholesterol drug torcetrapib after tests linked it to increased deaths and heart disease among trial patients
Excess weight increases the risk of developing several types of cancer.
Journal "Clinical Cancer Research" - extra genes, FGFR1, found in lobular breast cancer cells suggesting that blocking FGFR1 activity may slow, stop or reverse tumour growth.
Doctors' dilemmas and the need for medical ethics training.
Journal "Heart" study -the number of deaths caused by SADS is 8 times higher than estimate, average age of death was 32 and 63% were men.
BMJ study - people with higher IQ were healthier as a vegetarian diet was linked to lower heart disease and obesity rates.
BMJ study - proposals to improve patient safety as many incidents were found unreported, with doctors being the worst culprits.
BMJ report - 1 in 5 adults are obese in the UK, if left unchecked, could bankcrupt the NHS.
NICE guidelines on obesity incuding helpline numbers attached to oversize clothes.
Journal "Archives of Internal Medicine" - Height loss in old age is associated with increased risk of heart attacks and death.
Fat scan could reveal hidden fat and the precise location of fat has more of a bearing on health than simply being overweight.
Women who have epidurals during childbirth have more breastfeeding difficulties.
Clinical trials for a new type of dissolving stents to unblock diseased arteries and to perform further surgery on the artery.
The government is to tell the NHS England to balance the books as its first target.
The American Journal of Epidemiology - taking aspirin and other NSAIDs may halve the risk of developing an enlarged prostate but with possible side effects.
A new study found the prescription painkiller, dihydrocodeine, cheaper and safer than methadone, but as effective at treating heroin addicts.
Pfizer, the US drug manufacturer dropped heart and cholesterol drug torcetrapib after tests linked it to increased deaths and heart disease among trial patients
Excess weight increases the risk of developing several types of cancer.
Journal "Clinical Cancer Research" - extra genes, FGFR1, found in lobular breast cancer cells suggesting that blocking FGFR1 activity may slow, stop or reverse tumour growth.
Doctors' dilemmas and the need for medical ethics training.
Monday, December 11, 2006
BMJ article - authors' reply
The authors of the article " Googling for a diagnosis", H Tang and J Ng, made a number of points in their reply to the responses to their article posted on the BMJ website :
1. There is a general misinterpretation by the press that doctors/ patients could make diagnosis by using web search engines. They argued that diagnosis can only be made by doctors who are competent after years of training and clinical experience. Doctors should also critically appraised the articles they found from the web.
2. They pointed out that doctors make diagnosis, not Google, therefore there is no danger of Google misdiagnosing diseases.
3. It would be unwise to ignore the web as a resource of information if traditional sources have failed to answer these questions.
4. They believed the internet empowers both patients and doctors and may improve the quality of care when used properly.
5. Doctors in training are in good position to guide their patients to reliable websites, therefore they should learn how to use the Internet effectively.
1. There is a general misinterpretation by the press that doctors/ patients could make diagnosis by using web search engines. They argued that diagnosis can only be made by doctors who are competent after years of training and clinical experience. Doctors should also critically appraised the articles they found from the web.
2. They pointed out that doctors make diagnosis, not Google, therefore there is no danger of Google misdiagnosing diseases.
3. It would be unwise to ignore the web as a resource of information if traditional sources have failed to answer these questions.
4. They believed the internet empowers both patients and doctors and may improve the quality of care when used properly.
5. Doctors in training are in good position to guide their patients to reliable websites, therefore they should learn how to use the Internet effectively.
Monday, December 04, 2006
World AIDS Day
Free access to AIDS journals in recognition of World AIDS Day
1 December is the World AIDS Day. The publisher Mary Ann Liebert will provide complimentary access to everyone to all archival online issues of the company's AIDS journals through the end of December in recognition of World AIDS Day.
Press release - The company launched the 1st journal on AIDS in 1985 and has a policy that its publications are available electronically for free for many developing countries to ensure that important research and clinical information is available to those who may not have access to it. The founder of the company, Mary Ann Liebert, said " Providing developing nations with access to this cutting-edge research is critical……..Knowledge is prevention in itself…. "
The December free access is available for :
AIDS Patient Care and STDs
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses
Online collection of AIDS posters
In conjunction with the World AIDS Day, UCLA Library launched an online collection of AIDS poster from countries all over the world on 1 December. The collection is thought to be of interest to those who are interested in the history of HIV/AIDS epidemic and attempt to control it.
1 December is the World AIDS Day. The publisher Mary Ann Liebert will provide complimentary access to everyone to all archival online issues of the company's AIDS journals through the end of December in recognition of World AIDS Day.
Press release - The company launched the 1st journal on AIDS in 1985 and has a policy that its publications are available electronically for free for many developing countries to ensure that important research and clinical information is available to those who may not have access to it. The founder of the company, Mary Ann Liebert, said " Providing developing nations with access to this cutting-edge research is critical……..Knowledge is prevention in itself…. "
The December free access is available for :
AIDS Patient Care and STDs
AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses
Online collection of AIDS posters
In conjunction with the World AIDS Day, UCLA Library launched an online collection of AIDS poster from countries all over the world on 1 December. The collection is thought to be of interest to those who are interested in the history of HIV/AIDS epidemic and attempt to control it.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Health News Bulletin - 30 November 2006
Two broadband virtual-learning packages have been developed to help newly-qualified doctors learn basic skills and surgical procedures. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6172164.stm
Don't sit up, it's bad for the your back. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6187080.stm
Chemotherapy drugs may be more harmful to healthy cells in the brain. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6156961.stm
The Archives of General Psychiatry found older schizophrenia drugs may be as effective as the new medications, contrary to the widely held view that newer and dearer drugs are safer and more effective. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6175992.stm
A computer program that helps doctors find the nearest hospital cot for critically ill newborn babies has been launched. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6180132.stm
Patients survey will determine GP bonuses. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6180176.stm
RCS said it needs 50% increase in hospital consultants to guarantee the safety of patients. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6181966.stm
NEJM - 2 open access perspective articles about the safety of the drug Aprotinin and public health :
1)Dangerous Deception — Hiding the Evidence of Adverse Drug Effects.
2)Observational Studies of Drug Safety — Aprotinin and the Absence of Transparency
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/reprint/355/21/2169.pdf
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/reprint/355/21/2171.pdf
Journal Cell - scientists have discovered that the heart could come from stem cells that give rise to multiple cell types in the same local environment. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6173040.stm
NEJM study - blood thinning drug Bivalirudin (Angiomax) for patients with ACS, had similar rates of serious complications as the other drugs, but had significantly lower rates of serious bleeding. http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/355/21/2203?query=nextarrow
JAMA reports 4 cases where patients were given excessively high doses of fatal toxin, botox, in cosmetic treatments. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6165042.stm
Scientists have found how heart disease or stroke may trigger Alzheimer's diseases. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6164854.stm
Poll found GPs and hospital doctors doubted the security of a new national databases with 51% were unwilling to allow people's data to be uploaded without their permission. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6167924.stm
A study shows that people experiencing heart attack symptoms wait an average of 90 minutes before an ambulance is called. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6153402.stm
UK government fails to take account of expert advice to prevent a possible flu pandemic and stockpiles just one antiviral drug . http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6158310.stm
DoH to publish marketing code for hospital ads to attract patients under the Choice agenda. The BMA's GP committee said patients want money to be spent on their healthcare, not spent on advertising. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6164214.stm
A task force poll found doctors miss milk allergy symptoms in babies and did not know the best treatment. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6157490.stm
The Lancet study - Arimidex, a breast cancer drug, already used in Scotland, is more effective than standard treatment, the risk of the disease returning was reduced by almost half. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6158936.stm
BMJ report - NHS reforms harm patient care, but DoH claims the reforms give local NHS more flexibilty and freedom to run services to suit local needs. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6156152.stm
The Partnership for Patients project will allow members of the public to access choice of health provider through their local library. http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/detail.asp?ReleaseID=241528&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=True
Two drug companies plan to apply for a judicial review of NICE's restriction on the use of Alzheimer's disease drugs, donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6154668.stm
A study suggests fathers appear to determine the height of their child while mothers tend to influence how much body fat they will have. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6154220.stm
Don't sit up, it's bad for the your back. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6187080.stm
Chemotherapy drugs may be more harmful to healthy cells in the brain. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6156961.stm
The Archives of General Psychiatry found older schizophrenia drugs may be as effective as the new medications, contrary to the widely held view that newer and dearer drugs are safer and more effective. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6175992.stm
A computer program that helps doctors find the nearest hospital cot for critically ill newborn babies has been launched. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6180132.stm
Patients survey will determine GP bonuses. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6180176.stm
RCS said it needs 50% increase in hospital consultants to guarantee the safety of patients. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6181966.stm
NEJM - 2 open access perspective articles about the safety of the drug Aprotinin and public health :
1)Dangerous Deception — Hiding the Evidence of Adverse Drug Effects.
2)Observational Studies of Drug Safety — Aprotinin and the Absence of Transparency
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/reprint/355/21/2169.pdf
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/reprint/355/21/2171.pdf
Journal Cell - scientists have discovered that the heart could come from stem cells that give rise to multiple cell types in the same local environment. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6173040.stm
NEJM study - blood thinning drug Bivalirudin (Angiomax) for patients with ACS, had similar rates of serious complications as the other drugs, but had significantly lower rates of serious bleeding. http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/355/21/2203?query=nextarrow
JAMA reports 4 cases where patients were given excessively high doses of fatal toxin, botox, in cosmetic treatments. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6165042.stm
Scientists have found how heart disease or stroke may trigger Alzheimer's diseases. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6164854.stm
Poll found GPs and hospital doctors doubted the security of a new national databases with 51% were unwilling to allow people's data to be uploaded without their permission. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6167924.stm
A study shows that people experiencing heart attack symptoms wait an average of 90 minutes before an ambulance is called. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6153402.stm
UK government fails to take account of expert advice to prevent a possible flu pandemic and stockpiles just one antiviral drug . http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6158310.stm
DoH to publish marketing code for hospital ads to attract patients under the Choice agenda. The BMA's GP committee said patients want money to be spent on their healthcare, not spent on advertising. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6164214.stm
A task force poll found doctors miss milk allergy symptoms in babies and did not know the best treatment. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6157490.stm
The Lancet study - Arimidex, a breast cancer drug, already used in Scotland, is more effective than standard treatment, the risk of the disease returning was reduced by almost half. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/6158936.stm
BMJ report - NHS reforms harm patient care, but DoH claims the reforms give local NHS more flexibilty and freedom to run services to suit local needs. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6156152.stm
The Partnership for Patients project will allow members of the public to access choice of health provider through their local library. http://www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/detail.asp?ReleaseID=241528&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=True
Two drug companies plan to apply for a judicial review of NICE's restriction on the use of Alzheimer's disease drugs, donepezil, rivastigmine and galantamine. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6154668.stm
A study suggests fathers appear to determine the height of their child while mothers tend to influence how much body fat they will have. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6154220.stm
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Interesting responses to BMJ article
I have been following the responses to the BMJ article "Googling for a diagnosis--use of Google as a diagnostic aid: internet based study", there is still a lot of debate on this topic. Here are some interesting comments posted on the BMJ website by readers from all over the world :
While some clinicians were shocked by the publication and dismissed the findings of this paper, a few dermatologists found the Internet an indispensable clinical aid.
A resident found PubMedding yielded better search results than Googling
A SpR said the Internet empowers rural doctors as well as the public, but users will need to have a sound search strategy and focus on the accredited sources.
An IT professional with GP background said using Google does not reduce the value of his training, integrating the Internet into the daily work of physicians will enhance their diagnostic and therapeutic abilities.
A medical student/research assistant wrote that the Internet is a dangerous tool, it is important to teach and inform practicing physicians as well as medical students of the medical databases and the negative impact of Google and other search engines.
An Internet consultant who teaches doctors on using the Internet found many doctors cannot tell the differences between good sources and poor ones, when to use commercial medical databases or when to rely on general search engines. He urged medical professionals who require accurate and reliable data to consult a suitably qualified information professional.
The study "Googling for a diagnosis" has its limitations and weaknesses, but it demonstrates the current trend that increasing doctors use Google as a search tool for web-based clinical information. It also shows that there is a wealth of useful medical information available on the Internet. Google is the search engine of choice for many people because of its convenience and ease of use, it may not replace doctors, but it does have an impact on the daily lives of busy clinicians, on patients and their relationships with doctors.
While some clinicians were shocked by the publication and dismissed the findings of this paper, a few dermatologists found the Internet an indispensable clinical aid.
A resident found PubMedding yielded better search results than Googling
A SpR said the Internet empowers rural doctors as well as the public, but users will need to have a sound search strategy and focus on the accredited sources.
An IT professional with GP background said using Google does not reduce the value of his training, integrating the Internet into the daily work of physicians will enhance their diagnostic and therapeutic abilities.
A medical student/research assistant wrote that the Internet is a dangerous tool, it is important to teach and inform practicing physicians as well as medical students of the medical databases and the negative impact of Google and other search engines.
An Internet consultant who teaches doctors on using the Internet found many doctors cannot tell the differences between good sources and poor ones, when to use commercial medical databases or when to rely on general search engines. He urged medical professionals who require accurate and reliable data to consult a suitably qualified information professional.
The study "Googling for a diagnosis" has its limitations and weaknesses, but it demonstrates the current trend that increasing doctors use Google as a search tool for web-based clinical information. It also shows that there is a wealth of useful medical information available on the Internet. Google is the search engine of choice for many people because of its convenience and ease of use, it may not replace doctors, but it does have an impact on the daily lives of busy clinicians, on patients and their relationships with doctors.
Friday, November 17, 2006
My New Face
This is an extraordinary Channel 4 documentary featuring 2 cranio facial surgeons, Martin Kelly and Norman Waterhouse, who volunteer their free time, expert knowledge and skills to help children with severe disfigurements. These children come from very poor countries where there is no access to treatments and their lives are wrecked by the deformities, one boy was stoned by people in the village.
TV viewers caught a glimpse of the latest technology and surgical techniques, but the bravery of the children who have suffered so much from their disfigurements and the compassion and devotion of the surgeons have touched so many viewers and brought tears to their eyes. Their work have transformed these children's lives giving them hope that has been lost in the cruel world.
For more details about the work of the charity at "Facing the World" set up by the surgeons.
TV viewers caught a glimpse of the latest technology and surgical techniques, but the bravery of the children who have suffered so much from their disfigurements and the compassion and devotion of the surgeons have touched so many viewers and brought tears to their eyes. Their work have transformed these children's lives giving them hope that has been lost in the cruel world.
For more details about the work of the charity at "Facing the World" set up by the surgeons.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Health News Bulletin - 16 November 2006
Journal "Nature" - UCL study found cells in the heart can carry out essential repairs. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6143286.stm
Stroke survivors are not given vital information they need when discharged.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6147126.stm
A report recommended that babies born before or at 22 weeks should not be resuscitated. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6149464.stm
BMJ - Australian doctors found Google useful aid in difficult diagnostic cases, but UK experts said the internet was "no replacement" for doctors. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6132856.stm
US scientists found body's own immune system could be used to fight skin cancer. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6135308.stm
Journal Human Reproduction - heavy smoking may reduce female fertility. They believe that suggests tobacco makes the uterus less receptive. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6122442.stm
"Nature" magazine - UK scientists helped blind mice to restore their vision by transplanting immature retinal stem cells into their eyes, people could benefit in the same way. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6120664.stm
NEJM - treatment for periodontal disease in pregnant women does not result in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=55714&nfid=rssfeeds
BMJ - Australian doctors said that doctors should probably stop using pulmonary artery catheters because they do not benefit patients.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=55763&nfid=rssfeeds
Journal "Cell" - explains how the zebrafish mends a broken heart suggesting methods for coaxing the damaged hearts of mammals to better heal. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=55776&nfid=rssfeeds
NICE has approved Mimpara ( cinacalact) for the treatment of a serious complication of kidney disease.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=56033&nfid=rssfeeds
A pilot scheme is being launched to protect patients who are turning to the web because they cannot get the latest drugs on the NHS . http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6120138.stm
A new device that uses a computer to monitor the patient’s blood sugar levels and work out the precise dose of insulin needed could free children with diabetes from their reliance on blood tests and injections. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2439201,00.html
Prostate Cancer Charity says some doctors have been told by PCTs to ration the number of courses of taxotere that they prescribe on cost grounds.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6112568.stm
A survey shows that 1 in 3 people in the UK does not know the differences between common painkillers. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6112768.stm
UCLH NHS Trust developed a flat keyboard that could cut cases of the MRSA superbug. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6107892.stm
A small study found that an artifical pump, LVAD, combined with drug therapy may strengthen the heart of patients with advanced heart failure. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6108928.stm
Level of TB rose by 10.8% in 2005 in England, Wales & NI. "The increase is ….. a combination of TB disease developing in individuals who may have been infected ... in the UK, or as a result of travel to other countries where TB is common". http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6109228.stm
UK Scientists have created "mini livers" using stem cells from umbilical cords. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6101420.stm
JAMA - infants who died of SIDS had brain abnormalities that could not process the brain chemical serotonin , therefore increase the risks of cot death.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6102106.stm
A survey found that people would trust doctors most to tell the truth. Doctors have regularly topped the list ... since the poll began in 1983. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6105616.stm
Stroke survivors are not given vital information they need when discharged.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6147126.stm
A report recommended that babies born before or at 22 weeks should not be resuscitated. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6149464.stm
BMJ - Australian doctors found Google useful aid in difficult diagnostic cases, but UK experts said the internet was "no replacement" for doctors. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6132856.stm
US scientists found body's own immune system could be used to fight skin cancer. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6135308.stm
Journal Human Reproduction - heavy smoking may reduce female fertility. They believe that suggests tobacco makes the uterus less receptive. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6122442.stm
"Nature" magazine - UK scientists helped blind mice to restore their vision by transplanting immature retinal stem cells into their eyes, people could benefit in the same way. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6120664.stm
NEJM - treatment for periodontal disease in pregnant women does not result in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=55714&nfid=rssfeeds
BMJ - Australian doctors said that doctors should probably stop using pulmonary artery catheters because they do not benefit patients.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=55763&nfid=rssfeeds
Journal "Cell" - explains how the zebrafish mends a broken heart suggesting methods for coaxing the damaged hearts of mammals to better heal. http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=55776&nfid=rssfeeds
NICE has approved Mimpara ( cinacalact) for the treatment of a serious complication of kidney disease.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=56033&nfid=rssfeeds
A pilot scheme is being launched to protect patients who are turning to the web because they cannot get the latest drugs on the NHS . http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6120138.stm
A new device that uses a computer to monitor the patient’s blood sugar levels and work out the precise dose of insulin needed could free children with diabetes from their reliance on blood tests and injections. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2439201,00.html
Prostate Cancer Charity says some doctors have been told by PCTs to ration the number of courses of taxotere that they prescribe on cost grounds.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6112568.stm
A survey shows that 1 in 3 people in the UK does not know the differences between common painkillers. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6112768.stm
UCLH NHS Trust developed a flat keyboard that could cut cases of the MRSA superbug. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6107892.stm
A small study found that an artifical pump, LVAD, combined with drug therapy may strengthen the heart of patients with advanced heart failure. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6108928.stm
Level of TB rose by 10.8% in 2005 in England, Wales & NI. "The increase is ….. a combination of TB disease developing in individuals who may have been infected ... in the UK, or as a result of travel to other countries where TB is common". http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6109228.stm
UK Scientists have created "mini livers" using stem cells from umbilical cords. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6101420.stm
JAMA - infants who died of SIDS had brain abnormalities that could not process the brain chemical serotonin , therefore increase the risks of cot death.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6102106.stm
A survey found that people would trust doctors most to tell the truth. Doctors have regularly topped the list ... since the poll began in 1983. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6105616.stm
Friday, November 10, 2006
Ask Dr Google for the right diagnosis
"Is Google really the new GP service?", " For rare diseases, just try Google", "Can Google Diagnose Illness Better Than Doctors?"
These are just some of the news headlines this morning about the study of "Google aids doctors in diagnosis" carried out by Australian doctors in Brisbane, published in the online BMJ today. The researchers identified 26 difficult cases from the New England Journal of Medicine and did a Google search on each without knowing the correct diagnoses. Google found the correct diagnosis in 15 (58 per cent) of the 26 cases! The researchers said "Our study suggests that in difficult diagnostic cases, it is often useful to 'Google' for a diagnosis. ……..Web-based search engines such as Google are becoming the latest tools in clinical medicine, and doctors in training need to become proficient in their use." UK experts said the internet was "no replacement" for doctors.
For more details about the study, click on http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6132856.stm
These are just some of the news headlines this morning about the study of "Google aids doctors in diagnosis" carried out by Australian doctors in Brisbane, published in the online BMJ today. The researchers identified 26 difficult cases from the New England Journal of Medicine and did a Google search on each without knowing the correct diagnoses. Google found the correct diagnosis in 15 (58 per cent) of the 26 cases! The researchers said "Our study suggests that in difficult diagnostic cases, it is often useful to 'Google' for a diagnosis. ……..Web-based search engines such as Google are becoming the latest tools in clinical medicine, and doctors in training need to become proficient in their use." UK experts said the internet was "no replacement" for doctors.
For more details about the study, click on http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6132856.stm
Monday, November 06, 2006
Latest NHS copyright update
The National Library of Health has published an update at :
http://www.library.nhs.uk/forlibrarians/copyright
NHS CFH has offered to enter into negotiations with the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) in consideration of a corporate licensing agreement. While such negotiations are taking place NHS Trusts should refrain from discussions directly with the CLA.
http://www.library.nhs.uk/forlibrarians/copyright
NHS CFH has offered to enter into negotiations with the Copyright Licensing Agency (CLA) in consideration of a corporate licensing agreement. While such negotiations are taking place NHS Trusts should refrain from discussions directly with the CLA.
Pew Internet & American Life Project
According to a study released on 30 October 2006 by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, a Washington, D.C. nonprofit research group,113 millions of adults in the U.S. have gone online for medical advice and research. The search found about 10 million Americans search the Internet each day for health information, three-fourths of those were reassured that they could make an appropriate decision after their web search. However, few of these searchers pay close attention to the source and date of the information they had found . This could pose problems because medicine changes so rapidly that online medical information could be outdated.
To view the Pew Internet & American Life Project : http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/190/report_display.asp
To view the Pew Internet & American Life Project : http://www.pewinternet.org/PPF/r/190/report_display.asp
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
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