GE launches EMR

GE Healthcare, a subsidiary of General Electric, has launched an electronic management recording (EMR) system that is designed to enable ambulatory-care physicians and clinical staff to document patient encounters and exchange data with other providers, patients, and information systems, reports Wisconsin Technology Network.

The integrated tool, which is being deployed at Southern Colorado Clinic, is part of a GE Healthcare strategic initiative to provide clinical data "at the point of care, while also providing the tools to improve productivity and accelerate the revenue cycle [of hospitals and clinics]," Stephen Gorman, VP and GM for GE Healthcare Integrated IT Solutions, said in a release.

ECRI, a non-profit health services research agency with offices around the globe, will provide guidance on navigating some of the stumbling blocks associated with the convergence of medical devices and information systems during an audio conference scheduled for 15 November 2006, reports Medical Technology Europe.

"The escalating number of medical devices designed with software-based features presents new challenges for hospitals and healthcare systems. To ensure patient safety and optimal performance, clinicians and hospital staff must prepare for this integration of IT into a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic devices," says ECRI.

Healthcare organisations are falling under increased pressure from governments and insurers to implement customer-operated optical networks to provide virtually unlimited bandwidth and resilient, flexible network support, reports Lightwave.

These new applications will emerge as a critical process in aiding healthcare business improvements, enhance patient care and reduce costs.