CanadianEMR: EMR Comparisons, Ratings, Directory Services and Expert Discussions

Update — Only 42 Rooms Left for Tahiti Conference in 2013

The 2013 Technology in Clinical Practice Cruise Conference is almost sold out. The conference will take place March 27 to April 6, 2013, and we have just been informed by Paul Gaugin Cruises that there are only 42 rooms remaining until the ship is fully booked. Join the CanadianEMR faculty and 55 colleagues for this once-in-a-lifetime CME experience. Technology & EMRs now impact every part of healthcare. The course will provide a unique opportunity to learn about the latest in technology tools combined with Cardiology & Neurology topics. Presenters will cover a range of clinical topics, and will also describe how they are actually using technology in clinical practice to improve patient care.

The Paul Gauguin has limited space for 332 guests resulting in an intimate cruise and educational experience. You will get to know your faculty and co-attendees through 21.75 hours of accredited CME sessions, including 3.75 hrs of one-on-one time in the Doctors’ Lounge. Bring your clinical and technology problems to these interactive discussions and provide feedback in advance of the conference through an online needs assessment. This program has been developed for family physicians, specialists, and allied health professionals.

Presentations include: iPhone, iPad & Android: Clinical Value from Mobile Phones & Tablets, Arrhythmia Controversies — Should You Treat Rate or Rhythm? and Multiple Sclerosis — Does MS Mean More Sunshine? Learn more about the faculty and program

>> Don’t delay: Book Now

Apps as Medically Indicated Prescriptions

An interesting article in Technology for Doctors explores the question of Apps as prescribed treatment options for patients who have specific clinical conditions such as Diabetes or Depression. Canada Health Infoway has been funding a number of projects through the ImagineNation Outcomes Challenge, including a smart phone Apps challenge focusing on consumer health apps.

Similarly, the Office of the National Coordinator (in the U.S.) recently announced the Million Hearts Risk Check Challenge. The objective is “to inform millions of Americans who may be unaware they are at significant risk for CVD, encourage those who think they may be at risk to take action, and direct both to community pharmacies to receive blood pressure and cholesterol screenings”. Top prize is $100,000 for the winning App and up to five additional prizes of $5,000 each.

This support and interest in mobile Apps recognizes the high penetration and use of mobile phones as the primary access point to health information for many patients who may be suffering from any number of clinical conditions.

In a prior post, How Mobile Apps Are Changing Healthcare, I explored some of the opportunities for care that mobile apps are facilitating and the motivation in using the Apps.

The buzz of activity around mobile apps is unlikely to decrease anytime soon, so if you have a good idea and would like to make a difference, participate in the growing number of mobile App challenges.

In addition, if you are a clinician, EMR vendor, or someone with an idea for a mobile app, you are invited to submit a guest editorial to CanadianEMR for review and publication in the CanadianEMR blog and CanadianEMR eNewsletter (pending approval). Submit your ideas or articles to info@canadianemr.ca.