KCI, otherwise known as Kinetic Concepts, Inc., is a medical technology company that is globally leading the field. The mission of the company is to discover, develop, manufacture, and market the best innovative, technologically advanced therapies and products for wound care, tissue regeneration and therapeutic support systems.

They are headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, span more than 30 years and is historically known to have deep roots in the field of accelerated wound healing. Advanced wound care (V.A.C. therapy) is one of their growing business models. V.A.C. therapy (vacuum assisted closure) has been clinically proven to increase wound healing through unique equipments and methods while decreasing the overhead expense of treating patients with complex wounds.

There have been many studies on the benefits and results of V.A.C. therapy. Two of the studies were presented at the 22^nd Symposium on Advanced Wound Care/Wound Healing Society Meeting in Dallas, Texas. Two studies were accepted for oral presentation, with one ranking third among the top three selected for oral presentation at the symposium.

V.A.C. vs. AMWT (Advanced Moist Wound Therapy)

This study, reporting the healthcare utilization, hospitalization and surgical procedure cost differences between the use of KCI’s proprietary V.A.C. Therapy versus Advanced Moist Wound Therapy (AMWT) in patients with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), will be presented by Vickie R. Driver, DPM, MS, FACFAS.

Dr. Driver analyzed the data from a multi-center, 342-patient randomized clinical trial (RCT) that assessed the efficacy and safety of negative wound pressure therapy using reticulated open cell foam (NPWT/ROCF) as delivered by V.A.C. Therapy comparatively to AMWT in adult patients with diabetic foot ulcers.

“The study found that during the active treatment phase [112 days] of the RCT, patients with DFUs treated with V.A.C. Therapy had fewer hospital admissions and amputations,” said Dr. Driver. “This resulted in lower costs related to hospitalizations and surgical procedures compared to patients treated with AMWT.”

An additional abstract on NPWT using V.A.C. Therapy was selected for oral presentation. Michael N. Desvigne, M.D., FACS will present “Early Intervention Using Negative Pressure Wound Therapy: Does It Make a Difference in Compartment Syndrome?” This retrospective review of 8 patients indicated that early initiation of V.A.C. Therapy in study patients with compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy may enhance limb salvage by reducing edema and promoting perfusion.

Nine posters reporting the results of studies evaluating the use of KCI’s proprietary V.A.C. Therapy system to bolster split thickness skin grafts and to treat pressure ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers and other wounds will also be presented at SAWC. They consist of the following:

• Improving Split Thickness Skin Graft Take with V.A.C. Therapy
• Staged Surgical Closure in Combination with V.A.C. Therapy Increases Closure Success of Stage III and IV Pressure Ulcers
• Pediatric Wounds on the Foot Respond Favorably to V.A.C. Therapy
• Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in the Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcers for Managed Care Patients
• Effectiveness of V.A.C. Therapy in the Management of the Traumatic Open Abdomen
• Use of V.A.C. Therapy for Delayed Primary Closure of Fasciotomy Wounds: A Retrospective Review
• Early Intervention Using V.A.C. Therapy: Does It Make a Difference in Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection
• Early Use of V.A.C. Therapy in the Open Abdomen: Improved Outcomes with Reduced Times to Closure and Reduced Complications
• Early Intervention Using V.A.C. Therapy: Does It Make a Difference in Surgical Wounds?

“The data that will be presented at the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care adds to the extensive body of evidence supporting the clinical benefits of V.A.C. Therapy in treating the most serious wounds,” said Dr. Gilles Delecoeuillerie, Vice President of Global Medical Affairs and Clinical Sciences for KCI. “As a global leader in advanced wound care, KCI encourages research that complements the already impressive amount of scientific knowledge on V.A.C. Therapy.”

The Honeywell HomMed system is the smart choice for efficient remote patient telemonitoring – improving patient care quality, clinical, and financial outcomes, while providing the industry’s most advanced, integrated telehealth solutions at home and beyond.

There has been many studies to show the benefits of monitoring patients with a Honeywell HomMed System. One study archives the benefits for a patient with congestive heart failure. Dr. Mandeep Mehra at the Heart Transplantation Center in New Orleans, LA, performed the study. The dates of the study was from 3/2001 – 3/2004 and it spanned the monitoring of 1098 patients.

Outcome: Safer Medication Titration
• 80 yr old female, living alone, referred by MD office and placed on monitor for HTN. Initial BP readings were 211/119. Medications were titrated and medication regimen altered. BP stabilized over a two month period at 110/65-140/80.

Outcome: Prevent Re-hospitalization
• 76 yr old male, discharged from hospital after CHF exacerbation, experienced a 5# weight gain in 5 days with increased shortness of breath & fatigue. RN visit to assess patient. MD orders obtained for additional diuretics resulted in 10# weight loss and relief of symptoms. Medication and diet teaching were provided through home visits and phone calls.

Outcome: Provide for High Acuity, Complex Needs
• 61 yr old male with cardiomyopathy referred from MD. Placed on heart transplant list. Monitored pre-transplant prior to inotropictherapy, while on infusion and during immediate post-transplant period.

Outcome: Detect Potential Life-Threatening Conditions
• 34 yr old female discharged from hospital following a stroke, Was referred for physical therapy. Monitored during therapy. Developed HTN with BP 164/124. A large abdominal mass which was pressing on the adrenal gland was found. After removal of the abdominal mass, vital signs returned to normal.

Outcome: Increased Knowledge
• 62 yr old male-early Alzheimer's living with significant other. Has a diagnosis of diabetes out of control. Put on HomMed monitor and given glucose meter. Transmitting blood sugars in the 400-600 range. Assessment by case manager identified unreliable caregiver. Insulin not being administered at times and also incorrect doses being given at times. Also identified poor dietary compliance with meal preparations and food choices being offered to patient. APS referral made. Decision was made to move patient in with daughter, a more reliable caregiver. Patient was also referred to an endocrinologist. Blood sugars, although not perfect, improved significantly.

Outcome: Improved Care Team Management
• 65 yr old male, post CVA, admitted to homecare as a new enteralpatient. Pt. also had a diagnosis of diabetes. Pt. was set up with the monitor and given a glucometerby the case mgr. Pt. had trouble with blood sugar control and was also losing weight due to not tolerating tube-feedings and having a lot of diarrhea. A dietician was called in to consult. Transmitted blood sugar data, vital signs and weights were faxed to the dietician to assist her with making decisions as to changes to be made in tube feeding choices and tube feeding schedule. Patient immediately got loose stools under control, tolerated tube feedings and blood sugars were gotten under control.

Outcome: Identify Other Health Issues
• 62 yr old female admitted for wound care mgmt. Pt. placed on monitor by case mgr. to watch temps and BP. Pt. assessed to have episodes of anirregular apical pulse. Order obtained to add the ECG device to the monitor to download daily rhythm strips. The rhythm strips identified of episodes of bigeminalPVC’s. The patient was totally asymptomatic with PVC’s. Dr. ultimately madereferral to cardiologist, who ordered a holtermonitor, echo and stress test for the patient to evaluate cardiac status.

Four patient satisfaction surveys have been completed to date.
• The surveys were initially conducted by phone, after January 2004.
• The surveys were conducted by a volunteer from Hospice.
• 173 patients were reached for survey.
• 91% of the patients responding said they would use this type of monitor system again.

Patient Satisfaction Survey
The patients were contacted by phone and asked to rate the following on a scale 1-5. The were asked their opinion on the monitoring unit. They were asked to rate the following issues on a scale of 1-5:
-Ease of Use
-Scale-BP cuff
-Finger Probe
-Voice Prompt

They were also asked on the staff. There asked the following:
-Friendliness
-Knowledgeable
-Teaching/demonstration

From the reponses of the patient survey, a resounding percent rated the system at Excellent. 20% of them found it to be Good. 7% of them found it to be fair and a mere 1% found it to be Poor. The majority of patients that used the system saw the benefit of the system and would gladly use it again.

The care medical history bracelet is a simple but effective tool useful in so many emergency situations. The bracelet carries your medical history and is worn around your wrist comes with a USB drive and is made up of silicone. In short, this means that all your medical history that has ever been recorded is stored in this flash drive.

The good thing is that the flash drive is integrated with an easy to use program that allows medical staffs who have come to rescue just plug the drive into a PC and your medical history is displayed and they know the right medical procedure suits you and what to avoid.

The Flash drive

Well as expected, the flash drive comes with sections that carry different information which is all necessary to both you and the medical practitioners looking after your health.

Types of Data Stored on the Medical History Bracelet

Health History: This section carries records on appropriate symptoms in various categories that cover the different body systems (i.e. skin, heart, and blood, endocrine) you could still add more symptoms that you may have endured.
Injuries/Surgeries: This is a section that shouldn’t be skipped if you’ve had any or both. It is very crucial for medical personnel know your body history so that before they embark on any form of treatment they have an idea on how to approach it.

Medication: This section also shouldn’t be ignored since this is where you add your history with prescribed drugs that you had or have and the doctors will look at it and know what drugs he/she should give you since not all drugs are compatible.

Diagnostic data and health tests: Here is where you enter blood test results, BP/HR records and results of common tests. Moreover, you can add elements that are not on the list, for both diagnostic data and the tests. You can also list immunizations.

Durability: The flash drive is designed in a way that lets you get into water i.e. go swimming with it, walk in the rain as long as when you are done you wipe of the water on it to avoid rust. Good thing also is that the drive comes with enough space where you can upload more info such as if you are suffering from a rare disease and would like to alert the doctor so that he can be aware of it.

Added Features

The flash drive comes with lots in store some of the things that are packaged in the flash drive include the following:

• Internationally recognized medical alert symbol
• Instant access to lifesaving information during a medical emergency
• No special software needed to view information
• Software can only be installed on a computer running Microsoft Windows XP, 2000, Vista or 7
• Bracelet can be read on any computer: Medical information can be viewed from any PC or Mac with a USB drive

With all these features, it is safe to say the patented CARE Medical History Bracelet makes managing healthcare information, including emergency medical data easier.

The band known as the Care medical history bracelet is a new structural and health care band that contains all your medical history. The bracelet provides patients and even care givers the chance to manage/take care of you better since the medical band will give them a direction on how to.

The bracelet offers a tool that ends the continuing info gaps between the patient and medical practitioners, all the while promoting patient empowerment, and activism including health care safety.

Guide to Good Care

The wrist Care medical bracelet offers and stores all the record-keeping tools and materials needed by a patient or caregiver to effectively engage with the Health Care Service Delivery System, and to exchange critical patient health information with their care providers at every Care Event.

The bracelet is an electronic memory device, which lets patients or their caregiver to carry their vital medical info with them at all times in the form of a USB flash memory device packed in an easy-to-use and wear band. It allows for the easy download and access to medical info easily by plugging it into any computer with a USB port.

The e-manager software that comes with the flash drive offers an electronic format for vital health care info. Crucial health records can be easily input, preserved, and updated in the software version. Records are always accessible with digital flexibility.

The Navigator™, which imparts patients or caregivers, with an easy-to-use road map and tools, how to use the planning system materials in the Guide to Good Care and manage their overall Patient Know-how and treatment

Uses of the Bracelet

CARE Medical History Bracelet endorses the use of a customary tool by patients/caregivers to manage their health care and care experience. Research demonstrations that patients and caregivers who are more involved with their care tend to get better results. And better results deciphers to a decrease in errors, enhancements in communication, decreases in costs, and an energetically involved patient and caregiver who are more effective in navigating the complex health care management system.

CARE Medical History Bracelet addresses AHRQ approvals, and supports a consumer-driven health care system where patients and caregivers take an active role in the management of their care. And with your company’s help the results could be enormous.

Benefits of the Medical History Bracelet

The flash drive comes with its share of benefits that include some of the following:

• Improve communication with each patient/caregiver, follow-on in increased patient-centered care
• Help avert drug interfaces
• Help thwart medical errors by containing detailed medical information
• Accelerate medical care because of an informed medical staff
• Save money by stopping repetition of tests and medical procedures
• Support and enable quality care, while dipping stress, and saving time
• Support preventive health care
• Deliver patient education
• Assistance with Spanish guided software

These are some of the benefits accredited with use of the bracelet; there are many more other benefits that one discovers as they continue using it.

LSVT® Global founded the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), a ground-breaking and clinically-proven method for enlightening voice and speech in persons with Parkinson disease. This method of therapy is gaining popularity because of its effectiveness and clear cut results. Today, LSVT Global focuses in the progress of innovative and effective treatments for the speech communication (LSVT LOUD) and physical/occupational therapy (LSVT BIG) needs of persons with Parkinson disease as well as aging and other conditions including stroke, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome.

The LSVT® LOUD program itself is a rigorous voice treatment program based on motor learning theory and is given in 16 sessions in one month. Assignment consists of rigorous practicing outside the clinical setting – once a day on clinic days and twice a day otherwise. The LSVT® BIG program applies the values and method of LSVT® LOUD to refining major motor skills, to progress things like gait, limb movement, and balance. Overall, both program mechanisms absolutely impact the patient's quality of life.

How LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment) Works

LSVT emphases on the crescendos of speaking and addresses a horde of reasons why voice volume and clarity are lessened in Parkinson’s. The program entails four one-hour therapy sessions each week for one month (16 sessions in total) on a one patient per therapist basis. This muscle memory is a key point to the success of the program.

A diversity of exercises are used to improve vocal loudness as well as enhanced pitch and voice quality. Some of these exercises include the following:
• Practicing nourishing vowels sounds for as long as you can (i.e. take a deep breath and say ‘ah’ for as long as you can)
• Training pitch range (i.e. taking your voice as high and as low as you can).

Dominant to LSVT is that you are heartened to ‘think loud’.  You select ten personalized phrases you would usually use on a day-to-day basis and these phrases then become your assignment – you focus on these unceasingly, together with practicing vocal exercises for at least 15 minutes twice a day. It is believed that such a routine is the key to success. The more effort put in with working exercises and phrases, chiefly with the reassurance of family and care givers, the better the results should be.

Some have testified being fatigued after the second week but once they are over this obstacle, they begin to see developments.

Who does the LSVT Benefit?

Treatment is not appropriate for everyone with Parkinson’s and some people cannot obligate the time required, or simply feel that partaking is not for them.  You need to be tangibly able, medically stable and willing to put in the necessary effort.
It may be most helpful for people who are newly diagnosed and those who do not have significant memory problems. It takes a lot of incentive and commitment from you, your family and your speech and language therapist for LSVT to be successful but many find the benefits more than outweigh the effort required.

Negative-pressure wound therapy is a therapeutic method using a void dressing to stimulate healing in acute or chronic wounds and improve healing of first and second degree burns. The therapy comprises the well-ordered application of sub-atmospheric pressure to the local wound environment, using an airtight wound dressing connected to a vacuum pump.

The use of this method in wound management augmented dramatically over the 1990s and 2000s and a large number of studies have been published examining NPWT. NPWT appears to be useful for diabetic ulcers but further research is essential for other wound types.

V.A.C. THERAPY: Procedure

Overall procedure for V.A.C therapy is as follows: a dressing is fixed to the outlines of a wound and wrapped with a transparent film. A drainage tube is linked to the dressing through an opening of the transparent film. The drainage tube is also linked to a vacuum source, rotating an open wound into a controlled, closed wound. Whereas eliminating excess fluid from the wound bed to improve circulation and remove wound fluids.

When this process is done, it produces a moist healing environment and reduces oedema. The method is usually used with protracted wounds or wounds that are likely to present problems while healing.

Money-making products for the method are usually divided into three sets based the type of dressing used over the wound surface:

• Open-cell foam, gauze or honeycombed fabrics with an indented wound contact surface.
• Foam dressings are used to fill open hollow wounds and can be cut to size to fit wounds. The foam dressing is applied, filling the wound and then a film drape is smeared over the top to create a seal around the dressing.
• A vacuum tube is linked through an opening in the film drape to a canister on the side of a vacuum pump.

V.A.C Therapy can be steered using standard medical supplies such as open weave cotton gauze, transparent film, a flat drain and tubing that connects to a vacuum pump. The flat drain is crammed in gauze and this is then placed onto the wound. A film drape is used to cover the wound and create a complete seal, and then the drain is linked to the pump via the tubing.

The third type of dressing includes layers of non-woven polyester, joined by a silicone elastomer, and has a non-adherent wound interaction surface made up of many small semi-rigid dome structures.

V.A.C. THERAPY: Usefulness

There is now adequate evidence to show that V.A.C therapy is safe, and will hasten healing, to validate its use in the treatment of diabetes-associated chronic leg wounds. And while inserting pressure to these wounds they suck up any other forms of bacteria that could be lurking around thus reducing chances of the disease spreading.
V.A.C. Therapy endorses wound healing through Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT). By delivering negative pressure (a vacuum) at the wound site through a patented dressing, this helps draw wound edges together, remove infectious materials and actively promote granulation at the cellular level.

Article written by Nick Meyers. Posted in The Arab American News. Vol 28. Issue No. 1366 April 14-20, 2012

There are many home health care business in the state of Michigan, but few if any provide what Acute Home Health Care of Troy can.

Started from scratch by Iraqi American Yasser Al-Khafaji, 30, at the ripe age of 24 in his hometown, the company has distinguished itself with its commitment to being on the cutting edge of home healthcare technology, as well as a wide variety of services rooted in multiple languages, including Arabic, that allow it to serve a larger pool of customers.

The business has grown throughout the lower peninsula of Michigan and has even expanded with a location in Altoment Springs, Florida thanks in large part to these advantages, making Acute a company to watch.

"We're a service-based company with about 100 employees and we've got things in the works to expand and cover the whole state," said Al-Khafaji, noting pending 2012 additions in Wyandotte and Flint.

Employing a team of nurses, therapists, and other licensed healthcare professionals offering in-home visits to mostly senior clients, Acute provides a huge variety of services.

Among them are physical therapy, speech therapy, skilled nursing, nutrition advice through registered dietitians, occupational therapy, cardiac rehabilitation and much more.

Embracing the diversity of the Metro Detroit area, Acute offers workers capable of speaking Arabic, Farsi, Filipino, Hindi, Polish, Spanish, Urdu and many others, allowing them to bring their advanced technology and caring professionals into moony more homes.

Arabic in particular is popular in Metro Detroit, Referrals from Arab American doctors in the area are common.

"We've loaded up on Arabic-speaking nurses and served many patients that speak 100% Arabic; it is a challenge but as long as you have someone on the staff who speaks it you can communicate well enough to administer the care," Al-Khafaji said.

The commitment to a multi-lingual staff came as part of a vision Al-Khafaji had as he began his company, finding various professionals from different backgrounds through "a lot of online ads."

The high-tech aspect of the company is yet another way Acute stands out and helps to serve.

The VAC, or Vacuum Assisted Closure system, is an advanced wound closure system that works by applying localized negative (sub-atmospheric) pressure to promote healing in less time than other systems by removing fluid from the system.

The Anodyne therapy system is another example of the high-tech solutions offered by Acute, which substantially increases local circulation in order to temporarily reduce pain. The system utilizes highly efficient light-emitting diodes (LEDs) placed directly on the skin.

Home monitoring systems are also popular for seniors as is the CARE Medical HIstory bracelet, which is a waterproof wristband worn by mostly seniors containing all relevant medical information that can be plugged into any computer, PC or MAC, at a moment's notice to help provide the care needed especially during an emergency.

"The bracelet is definitely one of the technologies that sets us apart…God forbid someone passes out at home, the bracelet is especially good for dealing with seniors who don't know what medications they're on half the time," Al-Khafaji said.

The bracelet can also tell, for example, if someone perhaps is a diabetic who forgot to take their insulin along with other possible complications that may arise.

All of the extra services offered by Acute are free of charge to the customer who is insured, and Medicare as well as a wide variety of insurance plans are accepted. Many agencies only accept Medicare which has helped Al-Khafaji's company gan an edge. The company is also Joint Commission accredited, a distinction that is a testament to its quality and expertise.

Al-Khafaji learned of the various new medical technologies through countless hours of research while pursuing a Master's degree in business at Walsh College. His success is something that he hopes will encourage other to pursue their dreams and to use their own creative instincts and self-motivation to create their own businesses.

He did have an assist from his father, however, who is the owner of SHAN medical equipment, a popular company in the area also managed by his brother that sells various medical supplies. Now, the two have synergistic businesses that complement each other well and allow them to help others.

The family support system and knowledge base is yet another aspect of Acute that helped it become the wide-ranging, professional entity it is today.

"Family is definitely a big key, and of course the determination, hard work, and long hours," Al-Khafaji said. "We always treat our patients with the best possible care as well, patient care has always been number one for us."

Anodyne therapy is a kind of light therapy that is used to relieve the symptoms of pain, stiffness, muscle spasms, and circulation abnormalities. This procedure of treatment is usually given in addition to physical therapy. It works by relieving pain or cumulative circulation in the area where the patient is feeling pain.

Light therapy, also recognized as phototherapy, is the use of a dedicated machine to produce only a specific wavelength of the light spectrum via lasers, LEDs, fluorescent lamps, dichroic lamps, or very bright, full-spectrum light, for a set amount of time. Each wavelength in the light spectrum is said to possess specific qualities. It is those specific qualities that help reduce muscle spasms, stiffness and other symptoms of pain.

Photo Therapy

Normally, the infected body part is exposed in light therapy. Advocates claim that each wavelength may correspond with advantageous symptom relief of a specific medical condition. Light therapy machines are able to offer more of a predominantly useful wavelength than going out and getting exposure to direct sunlight.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, the goal of physical therapy or physiotherapy is to improve flexibility, restore function, reduce pain, and avert further injury by using a variability of methods, including exercises, stretches, traction, electrical stimulation, and massage.

Physical therapy (PT) is generally used for musculoskeletal injuries, joint pain or disorders, low back pain, cerebral palsy, and reintegration after injury or surgery, counting heart surgery or mastectomy. Numerous types of physical therapy address specific problems. Musculoskeletal physical therapy uses massage and joint movement to increase strength, motor control, and flexibility.

Cardiopulmonary physical therapy treats lung and heart conditions, such as cerebral palsy, asthma, and post-heart attack rehabilitation, by clearing the lungs of mucus, airing the lungs to ease breathing, or exercising to increase a patient's ability to move.

Peripheral neuropathy is predominant among people with diabetes and has a strong connection to the majority of diabetic foot ulcers and diabetes-related amputations. One possible option for helping these patients is Anodyne Therapy, a non-invasive treatment that has gathered praise in clinical studies and anecdotal kudos from podiatrists and their patients.

The device, which received FDA approval in 1994, reduces pain and increases circulation, according to the company Anodyne Therapy.

The Anodyne Therapy System uses monochromatic infrared energy (MIRE) to release nitric oxide from the patient’s red blood cells. The corporation says this progresses nerve function and is significant for making new blood vessels and healing wounds. As the company notes, “low levels of nitric oxide are common in people with diabetes and are a major factor in the poor circulation, loss of sensation, chronic falls, foot ulcers and pain of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.”

Infra-Red Light

Over the years, some wavelengths of infrared light have been proven to be more effective than other wavelengths in terms of increasing circulation. The wavelength of 890 nm that is used with Anodyne® Therapy Infrared Products has been validated through our published clinical data, and also through independent testing.
Anodyne Therapy offers accelerated results for patients that are looking for relief from many kinds of symptoms of pain. It is proven to work for many subjects and is increasing in popularity with many home care, hospital and medical facilities.

There is no telling when an emergency can happen. A matter of seconds is crucial when dealing with a life and death situation. Important information is crucial when dealing with someone’s life. It’s vital to have any kind of information on hand to help save a life in case of emergencies or accidents. This is why the Care Memory Band was created.

The Care memory band offers instant access to life-saving information during a medical emergency. The world’s first electronic medical alert band permits you to carry all your medical and emergency contact information on your wrist. The memory band plugs directly to the USB port on any PC. This flash-drive band comes with software to quickly load your personal data. Basically plug the band into the USB port on any computer and the forms pop-up for you to complete. It is not only simple and easy to use, but it’s also quick. The benefit of this fast process is that it is allowing you to do the things that you need to do.

With the CARE Medical History Bracelet and the preloaded CARE e-Manager Software, it is now easier for you to take control of your medical history. This powerful and easy to use software allows you to enter your comprehensive personal health history for detailed and instant access. When you enter your health history this in turn lets you then effortlessly download to the memory device in the band.

There is no preference to what kind of computer either. The band can be plugged into any PC or MAC and can be used to establish, save and synchronize information like drug info, medical conditions and history, doctor’s name, insurance information and more. It comes with software which is easy to steer and can be read in English or Spanish.
And since you’ll always have the CARE Medical History Bracelet with you, medical staff can quickly and securely observe records on the spot. You can access this important information whether you are in a doctor’s office or an emergency responder’s laptop. This means your general physician knows the tests your specialist ordered. This access allows anyone with access to help you according to your needs.

How It Works

The Care memory band system software is only used to load the patient data, for a whole family if needed. Any computer can read the bracelet data. Patient information is ordered into an easy to read file for quick access. This quick access and easy to read file is beneficial to both the patient and the care giver.

Some examples that can be viewed on the band would include information like a list of medications and medical conditions, insurance and primary physician information and emergency contact information.

With the Care memory band, it is easy for both the patients and medics to access updated and crucial info that will most definitely lead to the correct and proper medical care. You are also be able to electronically transfer or print all of this information for new health care providers, insurance companies and family files. This simple band can be a great tool for anyone. To have instant access that is customizable only to that specific person is an instant benefit. The Care memory band is a tool that patients should not be without.

The application of telehealth in the health care industry, particularly in hospitals and medical centers, offers two benefits. The two benefits are great prospective for refining the quality of services provided and the competence and efficiency of the personnel. The benefits for telehealth in the health care industry are easily noted by noting these two points, but there are other benefits of the telehealth systems.

This telehealth implementation also reduces the organizational expenses. The health of the patient is the purpose of these set systems. However it not only monitors their activity, but it also cuts down on overhead costs and unforeseen future expenses. Implementing remote patient management via a scaled telehealth program is one answer to the problem of high re-hospitalization rates for patients with chronic ailments. Hospital systems and integrated health care delivery networks (IDNs) can help lessen possible repayment deficits through the implementation of a well-designed telehealth program if CMS policy on early re-admissions takes place.

The HomMed Monitoring System

When it comes to patients' health, care and focus is needed seven days a week. Using the predictable pre-planned nursing schedule alone does not provide the time and care needed to fully care for a patient. There are the small incidences where a schedule just cannot answer. Symptoms can arise at any instant, and with many situations, a matter of hours can mean the difference between staying home and going to the hospital. It is important to be able to stay alert to these unique situations and be able to find a quick remedy if a situation were to arise.

The Honeywell HomMed Home Monitoring System offers users the best of both worlds: the comfort and freedom of staying at home and the security of daily monitoring and proper medical attention. Freedom is important to the patient. They want their freedom, but physicians must be able to give them that freedom and monitor them at the same time. The system assists with both those issues.

How it works

The monitor works by recording a number of the patients’ vital signs. Some of these vital signs include the heart rate, blood pressure, weight, oxygen saturation and temperature.

There is complete control when viewing what you want to see on the monitor. The monitor can be customized with other small numerous program/tools according to the users specifications. Some of the common details added to the system include glucose meter, PT/INR, spirometer, peak flow and ECG.

Honeywell HomMed, the market leader in providing telehealth and remote patient monitoring solutions, has successfully assisted quite a number of hospitals/clinics in implementing a telehealth program and it comes highly recommended by medical practitioners.

Economic Benefit

Results from telehealth clinical studies show positive, steering trends concerning reductions in Hospitalizations and ER visits. Honeywell HomMed has fashioned a pro-forma financial modelling tool to help customers approximate the DRG refund dollars at risk by the recent shift in policy at CMS and the possible economic benefit of implementing a well-designed, scalable telehealth solution.

The well-known health industry blog Telecare Soapbox wrote a blog entitled ‘Responsibility of the Market Leader”. In this article, the writer at Telecare Soapbox challenged the leaders in the health care equipment industry. They noted that it is the sole responsibility of any leader of that specific market to set forth a high standard. That standard is to expand the market. That market leader should do more than what is needed or considered par in that industry. The European Managing Director of Honeywell HomMed, Adam Wragg, responded to the writers at Telecare Soapbox.

Wragg explains that expanding the overall market is not the sole responsibility of any commercial market leader; building a viable business is. The sole purpose of any business is to grow that business, period. By building a viable business the products and services that are presented become less expensive and are effective even more.

From a commercial outlook several companies have done a more than adequate job of promoting Honeywell HomMed's Genesis system since 2005. They have used their advertising competence and fully leveraged the funding from the Assistive Technologies Grant. This was the purpose of the grant and we are glad to see it working so effectively. Numerous companies, for instance, charge for their support with the result that many telehealth adopters have to develop their own internal understanding and capabilities. Honeywell HomMed does not charge for training and support.

TeleCare comprises the distribution of health-related services and information via telecommunications technologies. TeleCare delivery could be as simple as two health professionals discussing a case over the telephone, or as refined as using videoconferencing to between providers at facilities in two countries, or even as complex as robotic technology. There are various degrees of what is defined as TeleCare delivery. TeleCare is an expansion of telemedicine and encompasses protective, encourage and restorative aspects. It is through this expansion that the industry must grow. Where there is a demand then there should be a need for supply. It is this demand that cause the growth of this healthcare sector.

HomMed Healthcare provides market leading TeleCare solutions that play a pivotal role in supporting older patients and those with long-term needs to live independently, by effectively managing their health and well-being.
HomMed state-of-the-art array of non-intrusive telecare sensors, such as the smoke, flood, bed and chair occupancy sensors work with Lifeline home units to offer an all-inclusive way of managing the risks to a person's health and home environment, 24 hours a day.

TeleCare solutions offer a way of distributing tailored care for patients with long term conditions in their own homes, improving quality of life and preventing avoidable hospital admissions.

In the end, Adam Wragg is thankful for the writer that wrote the article. He thanks him for his valuable information and foresight into the issue. The writer is enthusiastic about the changes that have taken place and must take place to carry the industry forward. Wragg does share worry and aggravation that a more diverse adoption has not happened yet. Wragg continues to make the conversation go by asking, “Now, how do we all make this happen?”

There are two brand new exciting products from Honeywell, which will focus on telehealth and remote patient care systems. These two products are the LifeStream Connect and the LifeStream View. These two new products are among a list of quality products created by Honeywell.

The LifeStream Connect and the LifeStream View are derived from the company’s LifeStream Telehealth Ecosystem department. Honeywell is known for delivering only the best products to the medical industry and it is dedicated to adding to this portfolio of high standard equipment. These two products are based on a broad podium launched by Honeywell HomMed in October 2007. They happen to share the same podium with the award-winning Genesis DM telehealth monitor that tracks both warning sign and vital biometric info from patients at home and transmits it to healthcare providers for monitoring.

These two products (LifeStream Connect and LifeStream View) will additionally upsurge the benefits of telehealth monitoring to patients and healthcare providers by providing more detailed access to health information, improving effectiveness and refining patient care.

LifeStream Connect

The state-of-the-art Honeywell HomMed LifeStream™ telehealth podium provides web-enabled, on-demand access to disease-specific symptom management (DSSM). The symptom management system also is customizable by diagnosis and symptoms. All this information is assimilated flawlessly with the Genesis™ DM telehealth monitor. This quick and easy access to records greatly assists in the monitoring of patients and many times proves vital to patient care.

Honeywell HomMed is proud to present the LifeStream Connect, a complete suite of HL7 interfaces that allows unified integration with the LifeStream remote patient care system. Connect enables unified incorporation of critical applications within a single podium to advance your workflow. With this benefit, Connect reduces cost by eradicating manual, duplicate data entry as well enhancing the quality and accuracy of clinical care. A complete patient record is at your fingertips, anytime it is needed.

LifeStream View

LifeStream View allows patients, families and healthcare providers laid-back, secure access to patient info via the Internet. This instant and secure access enables a more active and appropriate contribution in patient care. Doctors can access vital patient info from their laptops at any time. This quick access to the patient’s info allows the doctor to stay more up-to-date with their patients’ status and in turn this helps the doctors react more quickly to any changes in a patient's condition.

Patients as well as the patient’s families can also use LifeStream View to steadily access and track patient info in real time. The real time access can assist not only in the moment to moment stats, but can also help spot emerging health trends. The info is quickly organized into tabs and graphs that patients can disseminate to share with their physicians. This helps not only the physician, but also the patient. The aptitude to promptly and easily see both symptom status and critical biometric info, such as weight and blood pressure, encourages patients to take an active role in their health.

The new LifeStream™ podium gives anytime anyplace protected admittance to your patients’ personal health data, permitting smart patient care and aiding you to progress your outcomes. This open standards-based podium and web-enabled technology control the state-of-the-art Honeywell HomMed telehealth ecosystem, leveraging the supreme cutting-edge tools to flawlessly access patient health data and turn it into crucial info to manage your patients and your business.

With LifeStream™, you’ll be able to shorten your workflow. Get ahead of the arc in homogenising care distribution. Assimilate obtainable and upcoming submissions. Do more, and do it more professionally.

Attributes of the Honeywell Lifestream™ System

The Honeywell Lifestream™ system surely improves patient care, since it is very easy to work with, improving your output. Its web-based technology enables you protected entree to medical submissions wherever there’s an Internet connection.

The Lifestream™ provides a clinical viewer that easily enables you to access patient data records. The product comes with a readily made disaster recovery tool. The program comes safely secured by numerous stages of Honeywell security for data protection.

Other tools carried in this system include encryption, providing extra data safety. It also comes with security monitoring to identify endeavored imposition. Not forgetting extra security of two physical localities for data storage.

The program also comes with flawlessly assimilating critical apps within a sole platform to advance your workflow.

Telehealth: this constitutes as the distribution of health-related services and info via telecommunications technologies. This feature is also integrated into the program where medical practitioners use email to communicate with patients, order drug prescriptions and provide other health services.

The Telemonitoring System of the Lifestream System

This is also incorporated into the program and it involves remotely monitoring patients who are not at the same location as the health care provider. In short, the patient is allowed to be home but with a number of monitoring devices, these devices relay info via telephone to the health care provider.

Telemonitoring is popular with patients suffering from diabetes or hypertension. These patients can take advantage of systematic vital sign monitoring and constant provider feedback without having to travel to the health care provider. Telemonitoring is predominantly effective for people with diabetes and hypertension, because it is tremendously important for the vital statistics of such patients to be steadily monitored.

Advantages: Telemonitoring is a proficient way to collect essential patient information without a great time commitment. This efficient means of collecting information is also relevant to disease-based research, since a large amount of information can be collected and be recorded with little effort.

Telemonitoring is valuable to patients since they can obtain health care provider feedback on their vital statistics much more often than they otherwise might. Similarly, since the patient is more involved in his or her own treatment, the patient will become more aware of his or her vital figures and perhaps gain a better sense of what distresses these statistics and how the statistics in turn affect how he or she feels.