Traditionally bowel sounds and the ability to pass urine were signs of postoperative progress. Now there’s the smart phone sign. Researchers in this month’s Journal of Hospital Medicine studied 221 postoperative patients. They wanted to know if a patient’s use of a smartphone during the initial clinical assessment by a surgeon could be used as a marker for well-being ... Continue Reading about Smart Phone Sign – A Measure of Well-Being and Suitability for Discharge
3 Points on Potential Uses of Digital Adherence Monitoring
In this week’s New England Journal of Medicine Dr. Lisa Rosenbaum uses digital adherence monitoring to offer an overview of the complexities surrounding medication adherence. In Swallowing a Spy — The Potential Uses of Digital Adherence Monitoring she concludes that technology won’t make up for what doctors don’t have the time to do: For those of us who struggle, ... Continue Reading about 3 Points on Potential Uses of Digital Adherence Monitoring
Kardia Band for Apple Watch – 4 Lessons From the Hype Cycle
It’s been an interesting week to watch the news surrounding the Apple Watch. The FDA approved the Kardia Band - a new ECG sensor for the Apple Watch that allows the recording of a single-lead ECG with the capture of conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AF). Apple also announced its entry into cardiac research with the Apple Heart Study. In partnership with ... Continue Reading about Kardia Band for Apple Watch – 4 Lessons From the Hype Cycle
Google Maps and the Calorie Question
Google recently integrated calorie consumption information into their IOS Google Maps application. Mapping queries traditionally met with routes alone included information about calorie burn when walked. The feature was withdrawn when met with pushback from some claiming that this unsolicited information was detrimental to those with body image issues. The ... Continue Reading about Google Maps and the Calorie Question
Ionic – Fitbit’s Expensive Step Counter
Building on their long line of increasingly amped-up step counters, Fitbit announced the release of its latest product, the Ionic. Coming in at $300, the Fitbit Ionic brings all the usual suspects when it comes to smart watch features: 4 days of battery life, GPS, music, mobile payment, and a small handful of ‘apps.’ The Ionic releases with a dormant sPO2 meter which ... Continue Reading about Ionic – Fitbit’s Expensive Step Counter
Aetna’s Free Apple Watch
Chrissy Farr at CNBC broke news about clandestine discussions between Apple and Aetna over free watches for all (Aetna customers). The insurer, which covers 23 million, offers an Apple Watch to its 50,000 employees as part of its corporate wellness program. Now, Aetna is negotiating with Apple on a plan to offer a free or discounted Apple Watch, Apple's wearable ... Continue Reading about Aetna’s Free Apple Watch