Archive for December, 2008
By Anna Gueldenhaupt, Europe
As you may know, His Royal Highness, Charles, Prince of Wales has long been a fan of homeopathy. According to Prince Charles, this interest has passed through generations of his family, with his grandmother always carrying a pouch of homeopathic medicine with her. Over the years, his interest in complementary medicine and homeopathy has increased. So it will come as no real surprise that the New Year will see the launch a new line of Duchy Original herbal tinctures.
However, there has been a lot of controversy over the years regarding the effectiveness of homeopathy from the British scientific community. This is something the consumer media has reported on. As a result of the negative reporting, a study published early in 2008, revealed in the Daily Telegraph that only 37 per cent of the 132 primary care trusts in the UK were still providing homeopathic services. The Royal London Homeopathic Hospital was fighting for survival after eight trusts cancelled contracts.
To counter this, another study released by the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital, found that homeopathy does provide benefits to patients and called for doctors to recognise it healing effects. The study tested 50 patients suffering from nasal allergies, giving different groups either a homeopathic tincture or a placebo. It found that patients who received the homeopathic tincture had a 28 per cent improvement in nasal air flow compared with 3 per cent for the placebo group.
So, even though there are opposing views it’s likely that Prince Charles’ new line of herbal tinctures will go a long way. It’s clear, however, that it’s vital to highlight how important it is to communicate scientific research in the right manner, ensuring that all aspects of a clinical trial are covered. This will avoid sensational and incorrect coverage of these kinds of topics.
December 23rd, 2008
By Jackie
In an effort to further “technologize” the historically resistant healthcare industry, Medicare recently announced a new incentive for physicians who “e-prescribe.” Beginning in January 2009, Medicare will reward any physician who chooses to scrap his/her traditional prescription pads and take paperless action. Physicians who jump on board in January will receive a two percent reimbursement bonus, which drops to one percent in 2011 and half a percent in 2013. The electronic alternative is expected to bring increased patient safety, decreased medical costs and greater efficiency, and don’t forget, shorter waits at the pharmacy.
Although the U.S. healthcare industry has regularly welcomed the latest innovations in devices and treatments, the industry as a whole has given significantly-less attention to advances in healthcare information technology, designed specifically to improve the way upon which healthcare is delivered. A strong percentage of physicians have resisted the upfront costs associated with these technology systems, and until now, haven’t had much reason, or incentive, to do otherwise. But with President-elect Barack Obama’s marked push for greater healthcare IT adoption, this initiative is only the beginning. With lofty plans to computerize all types of medical records, Obama believes that IT innovation will play a critical role in reviving our ailing healthcare system, saving the system millions of dollars in wasted care.
The implementation of these innovative healthcare IT systems requires more than just a physical change in a physician’s daily activity – it warrants a cultural shift amongst physicians and their staff. We’re asking physicians to step out of the paper age and embrace a very new concept that for many, is uncharted territory. But the end result serves as the most rewarding part of this whole change. Healthcare information technologies have the potential to significantly improve today’s medical care. I’d file this most recent initiative under: One small step for physicians, one giant leap for patients.
December 18th, 2008
By Lynda
As the New Year approaches, it’s time to reflect on the past year, what were the top blockbuster films, viral videos or unforgettable quotes of 2008? Time magazine has recently published its ultimate 2008 list – “The Top 10 Everything of 2008,” ranking every event this year from editorial cartoons to breakups to iPhone applications.
While the Olympics and Election take the cake with many of the best photos or impressive moments, Time Writer Alice Park wrote a detailed feature on the “Top 10 Medical Breakthroughs” in 2008. A few of the breakthroughs that topped the list include:
1. First Man-Made Neurons Created from ALS Patients’ Stem Cells
New stem-cell technique yields motor nerves from the skin of people with Lou Gehrig’s disease, or ALS.
3. Scarless Surgery
Making only a few internal incisions, California surgeons remove a woman’s appendix via her vagina.
4. Genomes of and for the Masses
A commercially available test makes it possible for anyone to map his entire genome and reveal some of its potentially useful, or simply interesting, secrets–for $399 and a little spit.
8. Alternative Test for Down Syndrome
No need for needles; a new genetic test may detect Down with a blood sample from the mom-to-be.
10. Stem-Cell Trachea Transplant
Spanish doctors give a woman a windpipe made from a donor trachea and her own stem cells.
It’s interesting to see genomics and personalized care highlighted multiple times on the list including some of the new genetic tests that have advanced treatment for breast cancer, down syndrome and Alzheimer’s. Looks like Businessweek was spot on when they highlighted genomics as an upcoming innovation with the potential to transform health care. See more on the Businessweek article in our post in June.
December 18th, 2008
By Cheri
A Colorado ABC affiliate ran a story today that, if you can look beyond the inherent gross factor, raises some interesting questions about the future of regenerative medicine. Shortly after birth, doctors discovered what they thought to be a tumor developing in the brain of the baby. The newborn underwent life-saving surgery to remove two small feet, hand, thigh and parts of an intestine, from its brain.
For years there has been debate in the medical community about regenerative medicine and there have been great advancements, including using porcine samples to act as scaffold for skin regrowth. The ability to regrow limbs would certainly be valuable, especially for the most disfigured of patients, including those injured in battle, fires or car accidents. Could this incident hold the key to unlocking advancements in this regenerative medicine?
December 17th, 2008
By Rachel
The European Commission recently announced legislative proposals aimed at ensuring everyone across the EU has equal access to reliable information on medicines, how and why they have been authorised, and how they are monitored. Once these proposals have been approved by the EU, pharmaceutical companies will be able to provide information on prescription-only medicines directly to patients – a first for the pharmaceutical industry.
The Commission advises that the information should be communicated through websites devoted to medicines, and through written answers to questions from patients and the general public. This is a logical step as studies have demonstrated that the general public are using the Internet more frequently to search for health-related topics. One study reported that, in 2008, 52 per cent of Europeans use the Internet for health-related research compared with 43 per cent in 2005. Therefore, there is a real need to provide patients, thier families and carers with accurate, up-to-date information on medicines from reliable Internet sources.
The Commission’s recommendations must not be misinterpreted as allowing direct to consumer advertising; this remains banned. In providing information to patients, pharmaceutical companies must ensure that it is non-promotional, fair and balanced. There will be a responsibility for communicators within pharmaceutical companies and those acting on their behalf to make sure standards are maintained and best practice guidance followed. With this in mind, a new code of conduct is called for. The Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries (ABPI) Code of Practice administered by the Prescription Medicine Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) in the UK, provides an example of how promotion to healthcare professionals, the media and patients is effectively regulated. The new recommendations also call for additional guidance on how the Internet can be used by the pharmaceutical companies, an area that has previously lacked clear guidance, especially in terms of the social media such as blogs, forums, communities, wikis, etc.
With appropriate monitoring and regulations around how pharmaceutical companies communicate directly with patients, this legislation can only be a positive for patients and the pharmaceutical industry. It can help patients gain a better understanding of their health condition, the medications they are taking and potentially aid compliance.
December 17th, 2008
