Technology is being developed that could reduce one’s time in the hospital — and prevent a visit entirely.
One company, Proteus Biomedical Inc., is testing a digestible chip that could be attached to medication would allow doctors to determine if their patients are taking their prescribed medications, the Wall Street Journal reports. The device would also wirelessly transmit patients’ vital signs.
Andrew Thompson predicted his company’s technology will generate new information giving doctors more choices to intervene when they notice a heart patient isn’t sleeping well, or is taking incorrect dosages of prescription medication, which could lead to congestive heart failure.
The Journal reports that dozens of companies are hoping that wireless technology will create a health care system that keeps folks healthier for less money.
Triage Wireless Inc. is now testing a device that would wirelessly measure vital signs of patients in their hospital rooms. Meanwhile, Corventis Inc. is developing a bandage-style senor that would measure one’s respiration, fluid status and physical movements, the Journal reports.
Intel Corp. is hoping to develop a mat to track a patient’s movements in an attempt to prevent falls.
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Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist and genomics professor at Scripps Research Institute, said annual savings from remote monitoring could be as much as $10.1 billion for American sufferers of congestive heart failure, $6.1 billion for diabetes and $4.9 billion for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
However, not everyone is sold on the claims new technology could save money.
Mark Holland, managing director of System Research Services, told the Journal there are “precious few” studies that back up such promises. He said if the costs associated with the new approaches are not covered, doctors and hospitals will not want to use them.
AND IN OTHER NEWS…
The Connecticut Hearst dailies featured a Web site today created by Benito Vazquez, of Greenwich, and Bryan King, of West Haven, that allows newlyweds to sell items they no longer want after getting married.
The site, MyWeddingIsOver.com, is designed to allow folks around the world to buy or sell items related to the wedding industry — including wedding gowns and contracts for wedding services never used.
Vazquez told the papers that while “a few other sites did this… they just focused on jewelry from American weddings.”
The site also serves as a place where people looking to start a business can sell their wares.
However, Vazquez said the site isn’t limited to those who were just — or are about to – get married. A clothing retailer from India has put a collection of saris on the site, he said.
The business duo hopes to eventually get on Oprah, King said.
