POQD 2024-09-16

The ONC HTI-2 proposed rule aims to enhance health IT infrastructure and interoperability by addressing information blocking, which refers to practices that unreasonably interfere with electronic health information (EHI) access. Key provisions include new exceptions like the Protecting Care Access Exception and Requestor Preferences Exception, expanded privacy protections, and updates to existing exceptions and definitions to provide clearer guidelines for compliance. Stakeholders are encouraged to update policies, train staff, upgrade technology, and engage with legal counsel to ensure adherence to the new regulations.

Healthcare organizations, such as University Hospitals in Cleveland, are consolidating their electronic health records (EHR) systems to improve clinician efficiency and streamline patient care. By adopting a single EHR system like Epic, organizations can enhance data access, reduce login times, and increase overall operational efficiency. The consolidation process, though costly and complex, offers significant benefits, including improved billing practices, reduced no-show rates, and better clinical decision-making, ultimately supporting higher-quality patient care.

A report from EHR vendor eClinical Works reveals that while physician burnout rates have declined to below 50% for the first time since 2020, administrative burdens remain significant, with over 40% of physicians spending four or more hours daily on documentation. The survey of 120 healthcare professionals highlights optimism about AI's potential to alleviate these tasks, with 65% believing clinical documentation is the best application for AI, potentially saving two hours per provider daily. AI tools like Suki, DeepScribe, and Microsoft's Nuance can help improve patient interactions and satisfaction, although human review remains essential.

Bradley Merrill Thompson discusses the postmarket performance of AI-driven medical devices, highlighting their relatively low incidence of medical device reports (MDRs) compared to traditional devices. Analysis of FDA data shows AI devices, particularly in radiology, have fewer MDRs, with most issues related to inaccurate results rather than systemic safety concerns. Thompson concludes that current data do not indicate the need for heightened regulatory scrutiny for AI devices, suggesting instead that a balanced regulatory approach could enhance both safety and market speed.

Cleveland Clinic and the Novo Nordisk Foundation have announced a three-year fellowship focused on quantum computing and AI to enhance diagnostic accuracy, personalized medicine, and clinical trials. Funded with up to $6.2 million, the fellowship will support 12 early-stage researchers working on the intersection of quantum technologies and AI in biomedical research. The program includes industrial placements and collaboration opportunities with IBM researchers to foster practical application development and accelerate medical innovation.

In 1999, a decision to move an introductory biomedical and health informatics course online at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) led to significant advancements in online education and career development for Dr. William Hersh. Despite initial challenges with the nascent internet and distance learning skepticism, the course successfully met demand, leading to the creation of additional online courses, an MS program, and the AMIA 10x10 initiative to train informatics professionals. Over the years, evolving technologies and methodologies have maintained course relevance, making online education a scalable and effective means for ongoing professional development in informatics.

Arisa Health in Arkansas experienced a significant data breach affecting 375,436 individuals, with unauthorized access to sensitive patient information, likely due to a ransomware attack by the Hunter’s International group. Sun City Pediatrics in Texas and Calibrated Healthcare in California also reported cyberattacks compromising patient data, including Social Security numbers and medical records. Both organizations have offered credit monitoring services and are enhancing their security measures

Freshpaint, a leader in healthcare privacy software, has raised $30.7 million in a Series B funding round led by Threshold, bringing its total funding to $41.8 million. The funding will expand Freshpaint's platform, allowing healthcare organizations to use advanced marketing tools while maintaining compliance with privacy regulations. The platform enables healthcare providers to enhance patient engagement, optimize the patient journey, and leverage digital advertising, ensuring privacy protection and regulatory compliance.

Andy Molnar, CEO of the Digital Therapeutics Alliance, joins the FDA's Digital Health Advisory Committee to advocate for innovative digital health policies and patient access to evidence-based therapeutics. Arrive AI appoints John Gallina, former Elevance Health executive, and Jim Brainard, former mayor of Carmel, CA, to its board to enhance its automated delivery platform for healthcare. CareAbout Health hires Masoud Nourmohammadi as its new chief technology officer to leverage technology for value-based care improvements.

Disease surveillance is crucial for early detection of outbreaks and protecting global public health. The study explores national-level surveillance in five countries, highlighting challenges and opportunities in areas such as training, data tools, data sharing, and genomic sequencing. Key recommendations include developing a national training agenda, integrating efficient data management tools, establishing data sharing norms, and creating national genomic surveillance strategies to enhance public health preparedness, with National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs) playing a pivotal role in these efforts.