Google is well positioned to enter the personal health record market

Datamonitor believes that, through its brand strength, Google's entry into the personal health record market is likely to make personal health records a success and result in consumers becoming more knowledgeable about their health. While other companies have developed personal health records, the significance of Google's entry cannot be underestimated due to its unparalleled consumer reach.

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Handheldmed.com: targeting physicians of the future

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Health insurance: bringing the Brits back

The number of people taking out private medical insurance in the UK continues to fall, because of rising premiums. But premiums are on the rise because the number and cost of claims is rising. Insurers are trying to cut premiums through better claims management, but the real market opportunity is in developing innovative new products with lower premiums.

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Healthcare IT: BI spend to rise as scope of usage grows

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Healthcare IT: driving US presidential campaigns

The three leaders in the race for the US presidency; Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama and John McCain, have all cited technology in their campaigns for healthcare reform. However, while IT may feature in the next president's healthcare agenda, doubt remains as to whether any of the candidates will deliver fully on their proposals.

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Healthcare technology: German physicians demand health information online

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Heart failure: quality of care is a gamble in US hospitals

A study funded by Scios has found that four standard treatment measures key to treating heart failure are unwittingly withheld in a number of US hospitals. In order to address this issue, hospitals should look to improve educational programs for physicians, as well as considering an increase in the use of certain key cardiovascular drugs.

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Hope for Obama's healthcare IT plan

The election of Barack Obama has brought high expectations, with his "Change Can Happen" mantra signaling to many that a transformational and reforming administration is about to enter the White House. However, Obama's impact on US healthcare technology policy remains uncertain, and there is a risk that the improvements in healthcare IT may lose significance when up against bigger issues.

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Hospital infections: safety drive may scare off investment

The increasing incidence of antibiotic resistant hospital-acquired infections is to be tackled with a GBP12 million government scheme to monitor antibacterial use and improve infection reporting. However, plans to increase drug longevity by limiting their use could dissuade pharmaceutical companies from further investment in the field.

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Immunization against S. aureus has potential in selected target groups

Staphylococcus aureus bacteria have become a key concern in both the hospital and community setting. The spread of resistant strains, such as MRSA, underlines the urgent need for new strategies to treat and prevent these infections. Prophylactic vaccination of target groups could be a useful tool, but prudent group selection combined with alternative prevention strategies, will be key to success.

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