This Report provides an overview of the state of the art in RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) applications in healthcare delivery. It presents the findings of the first phase of a study to identify the policy options that can assist the development and applications of RFID in the delivery of safe and high quality care. The objectives of this first phase - the foundation upon which the rest of the study will be built on - were:
Following the publication of a study into the frequency of Adverse Drug Reactions, First DataBank has spoken out at the tragedy of these avoidable and sometimes fatal errors. The study by PLos One entitled "Adverse Drug Reactions in Hospital In - Patients: A Prospective Analysis of 3695 Patient-Episodes" was covered this week by the BBC and highlighted that "one in seven hospital patients experience adverse drug reactions, half of which are completely avoidable".
Increasing numbers of GP surgeries across London are opting to use the iPLATO text messaging capability to increase the uptake of self screening tests for Chlamydia. The iPLATO Patient Care Messaging system is being used to support initiatives aimed at addressing the dramatic increase of the infection, which according to the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) could be affecting 1 in 10 people under the age of 25 who are sexually active.
Good eHealth Report, January 2009.