Online diagnosis tool increases access to healthcare
Transcription
Online diagnosis tool increases access to healthcare
August 20102010 August Vol. 16Vol. No.17No. 8 11 FEATURES New on the ‘net 5 ■■ Outpatient, readmission data added to Hospital Compare site ■■ Safety features planned for radiation machines ■■ Automated calls increase colon cancer screenings Healthcare guide to the Internet ■■ Pediatrics 10 ■■ Sleep 17 disorders Site of the month 24 ■■ HealthyChildren.org is a newly launched parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, which consists of some 60,000 pediatricians working to promote physical, mental, and social health in infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Online diagnosis tool increases access to healthcare by Cynthia Johnson If you’ve had a sinus or bladder infection in the past, then you can probably identify the symptoms of a repeat infection without much difficulty. What you can’t always do is take additional time off from work to travel to a healthcare provider and pay for medical care each time these infections occur. In response to this rising need from patients who have relatively minor health complaints, one Minnesota health system is offering up a hightech solution. In May, Minneapolis-based Park Nicollet Hospital Health Services (www.parknicollet. com) began using technology by Minnesota-based startup Zipnosis, Inc. (http://zipnosis.com) to provide online and mobile diagnoses to meet the basic health needs of patients living in the state. “This is a way of offering care to the patient safely and at a lower cost,” says Jon Bylander, MD, FAAFP, an urgent care specialist at Park Nicollet Clinic. It also unclogs the system and increases access for those patients who really need to be seen and examined, Bylander adds. Getting a Zipnosis diagnosis A HealthLeaders Media publication Patients using Zipnosis can pay by debit or credit card. They do not need to have insurance to access the tool. Bylander points out that when retail clinics moved away from this cash-only model and began accepting insurance, they created a “whole new level of complexity” that Zipnosis, through its simplicity, intentionally avoids. After agreeing to pay for the service, a patient is asked to answer questions regarding his or her symptoms—think of it as digital triage. The tool converts the reported symptoms into a digital clinical note that it sends to a Park Nicollet clinician, who will provide the medical service to the patient. Using Zipnosis, the clinician responds to the patient with a diagnosis and treatment recommendation, if appropriate. The clinician may also prescribe medication to the patient at this point. Zipnosis sends a text message or e-mail to notify the patient that the clinician has responded. “We think there’s a better way to deliver real basic healthcare, and we think we can do that using ubiquitous technology,” says Zipnosis continued on p. 2 A HealthLeaders Media publication Online diagnosis tool continued from p. 1 CEO and cofounder Jon Pearce. “We’ve got a technology that plays on a lot of different devices, so I see growth there.” The company’s goal is to provide the service to patients using technology they already have; therefore, patients can access the device through their computer’s Web browser, a smartphone, or an Apple® iPad™. Although the majority of users access Zipnosis through a Web browser, Pearce notes that the iPad is quickly becoming a popular device, especially within the past month. Pearce describes three possible outcomes when using Zipnosis: A patient can receive medical advice for home treatment, instructions to visit a Park Nicollet clinic for further examination, or a diagnosis and prescription to treat symptoms. If the clinician needs to see a patient for further examination, the patient can make an appointment with Park Nicollet and he or she will be refunded the $25 service fee. “It’s integrated to fit your life,” Pearce says. “You don’t have to stop everything and get treated.” Park Nicollet reimburses Zipnosis based on a percentage of the service fee. Zipnosis does not charge hospitals any upfront costs for using the tool. This allows healthcare systems such as Park Nicollet to deploy the solution soon after they sign a contract. Editorial Board Group Publisher: Matt Cann Senior Editor: Carrie Vaughan [email protected] Editor: Cynthia Johnson Expanding the boundaries of healthcare in the North Star state Park Nicollet is using Zipnosis to broaden its boundaries of care by providing new and current patients with better access. The tool attracts patients because it allows them to avoid visits to places such as emergency rooms and retail clinics. “This helps provide healthcare to people who don’t have access to it because they live in a rural area, are incapacitated due to disability, or can’t take time off from work,” says Bylander. Pearce believes the technology solves a national issue, namely the inability to access care. “Most of Minnesota is rural, although we do have a couple of nucleuses of urban areas here,” he says. “Getting those people access to care is very difficult.” MICHAEL J. ACKERMAN, PhD National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD DOUGLAS E. GOLDSTEIN President JOHN S. LUO Assistant Professor ACE ALLEN, MD CEO Medical Alliance, Inc., EHealthcare.net, Alexandria, VA University of California, Los Angeles Today Communications, Inc., Shawnee Mission, KS THADDEUS GRIMES-GRUCZKA Independent Pharmaceutical and e-Health Strategist NAOMI BROERING Library Director President American Association for Technology in Psychiatry New York, NY DALE O’BRIEN, MD, MPH Medical Director JANE A. JACOBS Managing Editor Lorenzen Cancer Foundation, Pacific Grove, CA AHA Resource Center, American Hospital Association, Chicago, IL Mayoclinic.org, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN AHMAD RISK eHealth and Health Informatics Consultant WILLIAM M. DETMER, MD, MSc President & CEO DONNA L. KURKUL, MLS Information Specialist, Author, and Consultant W.C. Herrick Community Health Care Library, La Mesa, CA DIANA CULBERTSON Unbound Medicine Hadley, MA Clinical Assistant Professor University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA MARK LEAVITT, MD, PhD Chair ROSALIND F. DUDDEN, MLS, DM/AHIP, FMLA MedicaLogic, Hillsboro, OR Gerald Tucker Memorial Medical Library, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, CO Brighton, England HAMID SAMI, MD, MSc University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK DENISE SILBER Basil Strategies, Paris, France KATHERINE STEMMER FRUMENTO Director of Library Services Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, CT Medicine on the Net® (ISSN: 1085-3502 [print]; 1937-7606 [online]) is published monthly by HCPro, Inc., 200 Hoods Lane, Marblehead, MA 01945. Subscription rate: $229/year; back issues are available at $25 each. • Copyright © 2010 HCPro, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA. Except where specifically encouraged, no part of this publication may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without prior written consent of HCPro, Inc., or the Copyright Clearance Center at 978/750-8400. 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For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. 2 Medicine on the Net® August 2010 © 2010 HCPro, Inc. A HealthLeaders Media publication Lowering medical costs Narrowing scope to expand safety Zipnosis provides patients with a low-cost solution to minor health problems. For people who are uninsured or underinsured, access to care can be prohibitive, especially for basic health issues. Pearce says patients typically delay care until they decide to visit an emergency room or urgent care center, at which point they may pay close to $250 to receive a diagnosis. “This is a way of lowering that barrier,” he says. “For these real basic things, you don’t have to shell out a lot of money. You can go online and get a diagnosis.” Pearce argues that the $25 fee is comparable to an insurance copayment for an in-person appointment. Further, if a patient needs to make an appointment after using Zipnosis, the patient will know something more may be going on behind his or her symptoms and find it easier to justify the cost. “You know you need to take time off of work and make that commitment,” Pearce says. According to Bylander, the timing of Zipnosis couldn’t be better. It’s difficult for patients to take time off from work in the current economy since a growing number of companies are doing more with fewer staff, he says. When patients use Zipnosis, the hospital guarantees a response to their symptoms within an hour—sometimes it’s even quicker. “This is a low-cost way to target a demographic that doesn’t have time or want to spend a lot of money to come in for simple conditions,” Bylander says. Bylander is quick to point out that the service is only appropriate for treating minor health conditions, adding that its scope has to be narrow in order to be safe. He likens the service to antiquated nursing triage guidelines. In the past, Bylander says that nursing staff would become overwhelmed by patient phone calls, which resulted in “no real conversation and a lot of frustration.” Clinicians, in turn, had charts piling up, which impaired their ability to provide care to patients who were coming in for appointments. The digital triage platform within the Zipnosis technology provides Park Nicollet with a solution that enables it to focus on patients who visit the facilities for more in-depth medical care. “This is for the simplest of the simple conditions, and it needs to stay that way,” Bylander says. “The traditional model is to bring the person into the clinic, and that will never go away. It doesn’t replace good-quality care or examination.” According to Pearce, the tool is currently limited to colds, sinus infections, female bladder and yeast infections, canker sores, smoking cessation, and seasonal allergies—a list similar in scope to the diagnoses that many retail clinics treat. “These are all types of medical diagnoses and treatments that have clear guidelines behind them and clear risk profiles,” says Pearce. “We can easily weed out the real sick people quickly.” MON Subscriber Services Coupon continued on p. 4 Your source code: N0001 q Start my subscription to MON immediately. Name Title Options No. of issues Cost Shipping Total Organization q Print & Electronic 1 yr 12 issues of each $229 (MNETPE) $24.00 Address q Print & Electronic 2 yr 24 issues of each $412 (MNETPE) $48.00 City State Phone Fax Order online at www.hcmarketplace.com. Be sure to enter source code N0001 at checkout! 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Box 1168, Marblehead, MA 01945 Tel: 800/650-6787 Fax: 800/639-8511 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.hcmarketplace.com For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. © 2010 HCPro, Inc. August 2010 Medicine on the Net® 3 A HealthLeaders Media publication Online diagnosis tool continued from p. 3 In another month, Zipnosis will add acne to the list of treatable diagnoses. “That will hopefully get the high school kids engaged,” says Pearce. Patients and healthcare system embrace new option for care Initial patient response to the tool has been strong even though the Zipnosis-led marketing campaign behind it is only in its infancy. Current traffic to the site has been primarily by word of mouth. Pearce says the plan is to continue using word-of-mouth marketing efforts for the summer and to drive more traffic to the site when cold and sinus infection season begins. In the fall, Park Nicollet plans to launch a formal marketing campaign once it’s certain it can accommodate an increase in traffic from patients using the tool. “We’re working through that process and excited to see who will adopt it,” says Bylander. Statistics during the past two months show “good adoption” from patients living outside of Park Nicollet’s normal patient base, says Pearce. Approximately 5,000 patients have signed up to use the service since it launched in May. In that time, 600–700 people have used Zipnosis. Zipnosis users generally fit into two audiences: healthy, tech-savvy patients aged 18–26 and experienced adults aged 45–55 who are familiar with the telltale signs of a nagging health problem. “A lot of women get bladder infections,” says Pearce. “They just love Zipnosis.” Bylander says once the tool was explained to the staff at Park Nicollet, they understood the goals behind offering Zipnosis as a layer of care. “It’s a really compelling business case,” he says. “This is a really nice way to put some additional revenue back in the practice for the providers. It gives you credibility in the area, too.” Pearce points out that one of the failings of retail clinics was that they set up their own network of providers, a move that had benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, it facilitated clinic staffing; on the other, it alienated local physicians trying to provide care to patients in the area. Patients are looking for more convenient ways to access healthcare and technology is providing solutions. “Technology is moving forward, and if you don’t try to work with it, then you’re going to end up less competitive in the marketplace and you’re going to end up not being there for the patient,” says Bylander. Post-pilot plans During the one-year pilot, Park Nicollet will examine site statistics and determine how to integrate Zipnosis into its current model of patient care. “It will be one of several layers of tools,” predicts Bylander. “These tools will not be limited by proximity to Park Nicollet buildings, but by a patient’s access to the Internet.” Zipnosis doesn’t currently integrate with a patient’s Park Nicollet medical record, but patients can access their Zipnosis history in PDF format. Bylander says Park Nicollet would like to add the Zipnosis records to its electronic medical record (EMR) system. By doing so, these patients will have a medical record when they access Zipnosis in the future, which will improve patient safety. According to Pearce, adding a link to the Park Nicollet EMR is a “huge cost burden” at this point. “To provide a profitable $25 visit, you’ve got to make some choices.” Zipnosis plans to launch its product in a few other states this year. In the future, the tool will route patients accessing Zipnosis to the right clinical network for their state. “This works well in Minnesota, and it will work well in just about any other state,” says Pearce. H Editor’s note: To learn more about Zipnosis, you can view a local news station’s report on the service at http://wcco.com/video/?id=78592. For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. 4 Medicine on the Net® August 2010 © 2010 HCPro, Inc. A HealthLeaders Media publication New on the’net Compass Intelligence indicates the direction of growth in healthcare The healthcare IT market will experience continuous growth over the next five years, according to marketing and consulting firm Compass Intelligence. An InfoTech Spotlight article reports that healthcare organizations, including hospitals, private practices, and clinics, are estimated to spend $73.1 billion this year on IT products, whereas services and solutions expenditures are expected to climb to $85 billion by 2014. The increased healthcare IT spending is triggered by the government’s desire to get organizations to adopt electronic health records. New tools to help heart patients A new wave of smart implantable devices is transforming the care of people with heart disease and creating a bonanza for researchers. According to a New York Times article, the hope is that the devices, now being tested in clinical trials, will save lives, reduce medical expenses, and nudge heart patients toward managing their symptoms much the way people with diabetes manage theirs. The devices communicate directly with a patient’s doctor, sending signals about its functions and setting off alarms if things go wrong. Patients with the device have a small box attached to a phone jack in their home that transmits information directly to their doctor. If there are problems, the device sends the physician an immediate alert. Public still uninformed about electronic medical records A Harris Interactive/HealthDay poll of more than 2,000 adults finds that the vast majority are not using electronic tools to communicate with their doctors. According to an article in The Wall Street Journal, only 7% reported using an electronic medical record (EMR) “to capture medical information,” 9% said they use e-mail to communicate with a doctor, and 8% schedule medical appointments online. In addition, 42% do not know whether their primary care doctor uses EMRs for visits or treatments. Safety features planned for radiation machines Manufacturers of radiation therapy equipment said at a patient-safety conference that within the next two years, their new equipment and the software that runs it would include Automated calls increase colon cancer screenings At least 30% more people were encouraged to get screenings for colon cancer following automated phone reminders, according to a Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research study funded by the National Cancer Institute. The study, which is the first to examine whether automated calls can increase screenings for colon cancer, involved nearly 6,000 Kaiser Permanente members in Oregon and Washington who were overdue for screenings, according to a HealthLeaders Media article. Half of the group received automated calls stressing the importance of screenings and offering them free at-home test kits. If they failed to respond to that first call, a follow-up call—and a second follow-up call, if necessary— would be placed during six-week intervals. Within six months, 22.5% of individuals who received reminder calls ordered and completed a stool card test, compared with only 16% of those who did not receive reminder calls. The automated calls, recorded in English and Spanish, are about one minute long and cost less than $1 per call on average. After reviewing the results of the study, conducted in 2008, Kaiser Permanente in Oregon and Washington decided to use the automated phone calls to remind all of its members who are overdue for colon cancer screening. Results of the study appear in the July Medical Care. For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. © 2010 HCPro, Inc. August 2010 Medicine on the Net® 5 A HealthLeaders Media publication New on the ’net fail-safe features to help reduce harmful radiation overdoses and other mistakes, according to a New York Times article. Two associations representing the biggest manufacturers of radiotherapy equipment said their equipment would shut down if it did not detect that the treatment plan had been checked, that beam-modifying devices were correctly placed, and that the patient was properly positioned. HHS proposes tighter HIPAA Privacy Rule The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a proposed rule to modify the HIPAA Privacy, Security, and Enforcement Rules, extending HIPAA compliance requirements to subcontractors of businesses associates and strengthening patient rights to health information Some doctors join Facebook and Twitter, while others are wary of social media Some physician offices use social networking sites such as Facebook and TwitterTM to post news about their practice and the medical world at large. According to a USA Today article, many others are wary of the social media tools because of privacy and legal concerns. They are also not reimbursed for using the technology, so there is little financial incentive. Examples of physicians who use twitter include www.twitter.com/kevinmd and www.twitter.com/macobgynTwitter. privacy. According to a HealthLeaders Media article, the proposed modifications include: »» A requirement that business associates of HIPAA-covered entities be under most of the same rules as the covered entities »» Prohibition of the sale of protected health information without an authorization Bisognano to succeed Berwick as IHI CEO With the appointment of Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) president and CEO Don Berwick, MD, as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Cambridge-based nonprofit has named its executive vice president and chief operating officer Maureen Bisognano as its new head. Bisognano has been a frequent speaker at major conferences on quality improvement since joining IHI in 1995, according to a HealthLeaders Media article. She has also travelled globally to work with healthcare leaders. Before joining IHI, she was senior vice president of The Juran Institute, where she consulted with senior management on the implementation of total quality management in healthcare settings. Before that, she served as CEO of the Massachusetts Respiratory Hospital in Braintree, where she participated in the National Demonstration Project, the precursor to IHI. “Maureen Bisognano is the ideal successor to Don Berwick, who has led IHI with such extraordinary insight, vision, and drive since its founding in 1991,” IHI board chair A. Blanton Godfrey said in a statement. “Maureen has been Don’s chief partner in IHI’s management and evolution since she joined IHI in 1995. She is a prominent authority on improving healthcare systems and is well known and widely respected throughout the global healthcare improvement community.” For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. 6 Medicine on the Net® August 2010 © 2010 HCPro, Inc. A HealthLeaders Media publication New on the ’net »» New limitations on the use and disclosure of protected health information for marketing and fundraising purposes »» Expansion of individuals’ rights to access their information and to restrict certain types of disclosures of protected health information to health plans HHS grants $390 million for preparedness planning For the month of July, healthcare organizations will receive grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) totaling $390 million to strengthen their medical surge capability. According to a HealthLeaders Media article, HHS’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response will issue Weinberger named CEO of ACP Steven E. Weinberger, MD, has been promoted to executive vice president and CEO of the American College of Physicians (ACP), effective July 19. He will administer ACP’s activities in medical education and publishing, membership services, business development, and public policy. He succeeds John Tooker, MD, who announced his intention to step down last October. Tooker will serve as ACP’s associate executive vice president for one year to help the leadership transition. the 2010 funds through the Hospital Preparedness Program. The grants are intended to bolster the ability of hospitals and healthcare facilities to New proton beam cancer center could be the nation’s ninth Scripps Health and Scripps Clinic Medical Group are allowing their name and their doctors to help build a $185 million proton beam center for cancer therapy. According to a HealthLeaders Media article, the for-profit venture in San Diego could be the ninth accelerator in the nation and the second in the western United States when it opens in 2013. The center will be financed and owned by Advanced Particle Therapy, LLC, of Minden, NV, but will be managed by Scripps Clinic physicians. Construction has begun on the 102,000-square-foot center about five miles east of the Scripps campus. When complete, it will have the capacity to treat 2,400 patients per year for cancers of the prostate, pancreas, lung, head and neck, breast, colon, eye, and digestive system. respond to public health emergencies such as natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or acts of terrorism. CPOE systems miss one in three potentially fatal medication orders Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems can potentially miss half of routine medication orders and one-third of potentially fatal medication orders, according to a report by The Leapfrog Group. The report is based on a study of 214 hospitals that tested their CPOE systems using a Web-based simulation tool between June 2008 and January 2010, reports HealthLeaders Media. The simulation tool was used to see how often CPOE systems caught common medication errors. Adult hospitals involved in the study received 10 sample patients and 50 medication orders, and pediatric facilities received 10 sample patients and 51 medication For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. © 2010 HCPro, Inc. August 2010 Medicine on the Net® 7 A HealthLeaders Media publication New on the ’net orders. Most hospitals that adjusted their protocols after using the tool improved their performance. As a result of the report, The Leapfrog Group is calling on the federal government to ensure that the definition of “meaningful use” requires CPOE systems to be monitored on a regular basis. Meaningful use refers to a set of requirements that hospitals and physicians must meet to receive the incentive payments outlined in the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009. OIG: Medicare paid $1.2 billion for drugs with invalid prescriber numbers Medicare drug plans and beneficiaries paid pharmacies $1.2 billion in 2007 for more than 18 million Clinical studies fueled by EMR data At Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, NY, researchers are harnessing the power of more than a decade’s worth of electronic medical record (EMR) data using a software program called Clinical Looking Glass (CLG). According to a HealthLeaders Media article, the academic medical center developed CLG, which interprets and uses de-identified patient data to gauge the effectiveness of patient safety measures, identify and track public health threats, and provide data for professional articles and public studies. Researchers, physicians, and other clinicians run as many as 2,800 queries every month using the software. Examples include using the program to measure the impact of Medicare regulations on rehabilitation patients, quantify the reduction in radiation exposure for emergency department patients, and track the care and progress of diabetes patients over time. prescriptions that contained 527,749 invalid prescriber numbers, indicating the agency lacks adequate fraud FDA urged to issue identifier system for medical devices The Advancing Patient Safety Coalition, whose members include the American Hospital Association, the American Nurses Association, Premier, and VHA, urged the FDA to issue a proposed rule creating a unique device identification (UDI) system that supports national and worldwide needs. The group said that a UDI system is “critical to patient safety improvement initiatives, as well as implementing electronic health records and the delivery system reforms included in the recently enacted healthcare reform bill,” reports HealthLeaders Media. Unlike medications, medical devices cannot be identified in a “systematic and consistent manner,” the Coalition said, adding that the efficiencies gained through UDI could save the healthcare system billions of dollars, “which providers could reinvest in initiatives to improve the quality and safety of care.” detection procedures, according to a HealthLeaders Media article. “The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and Part D plans do not verify that prescriber identifiers” are valid, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) said in a report. “Nor do they apply claims processing edits to check prescriber identifiers against known format requirements.” The identifiers on 17% of the drug claims with invalid prescriber numbers did not conform to length or format specifications, and Medicare drug plans and enrollees paid pharmacies $213 million for records with invalid identifiers. EHR, operating cost hikes challenge practice managers Rising operating costs, managing finances amid Medicare reimbursement For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. 8 Medicine on the Net® August 2010 © 2010 HCPro, Inc. A HealthLeaders Media publication New on the ’net shifts, and installing electronic health records (EHR) are the top three challenges for medical practice managers, according to Medical Practice Today: What Members Have to Say, an annual survey from the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). The online survey of 1,798 people from February 12 to March 5 also found that “managing teamwork and group dynamics among physicians,” an organizational governance issue that MGMA introduced to the list this year, debuted at No. 8, according to a HealthLeaders Media article. Imaging groups reject call for FDA oversight of CT scanners Direct FDA jurisdiction over how CT scanners are used—including radiation dose requirements—would be a logistical nightmare because of the numbers and types of scanners in operation and the variety of imaging services they provide. According to a HealthLeaders Media article, the American College of Radiology (ACR) and the Society of Computed Body Tomography and Magnetic Resonance (SCBTMR) said in a joint statement that concerns surrounding imaging equipment could be addressed if the federal government required healthcare providers that use imaging equipment to adopt ACR safety standards. ACR/SCBTMR were responding to a perspective piece published in the June 23 New England Journal of Medicine, which suggested that direct FDA oversight of CT scanners and other devices that deliver radiation is needed to control patient exposure brought on by the overuse of imaging equipment by inadequately trained medical staff. CMS to combine quality reporting programs Physicians who report quality measures to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) under the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative using electronic health records will soon be able to combine data with physicians who demonstrate “meaningful use” of those records under the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009. The deadline for combining the two programs is January 1, 2012, under the new healthcare reform law, according to a HealthLeaders Media article. H Outpatient, readmission data added to Hospital Compare site The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has expanded the amount of information available on its Hospital Compare website to include 11 new outpatient measures, along with updated information on 30day mortality and readmission rates related to heart failure, heart attack, and pneumonia. According to a HealthLeaders Media article, data (as of March) from more than 4,600 acute care, critical access, and children’s hospitals can be found on the site; 80% are acute care hospitals that can receive financial incentives through Medicare’s inpatient prospective payment system. The site currently receives more than 1 million page views per month, “making it one of our popular resources for consumers,” Marilyn Tavenner, CMS acting administrator, said at a telebriefing. The 11 new measures capture elements of care for emergency department patients, observation patients, and outpatients. They include: »» Five measures specifying immediate treatments for outpatients with heart attack symptoms or chest pain »» Two measures specifying antibiotic use and actions to prevent infection of surgical wounds on the day of surgery »» Four measures specifying use of radiology and imaging, including CT scans, mammograms, and MRI For more information, visit www.hospitalcompare.hhs.gov. For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. © 2010 HCPro, Inc. August 2010 Medicine on the Net® 9 A HealthLeaders Media publication H EA LT H CA R E G U I D E TO T H E I N T E R N E T Focus: Pediatrics resources The ‘net holds an abundance of information on how to care for children from conception to young adulthood— even advice on how to get through those troublesome teenage years. The American Academy of Pediatrics site (www.aap.org) is the obvious place to begin. The site contains information on children’s health topics such as autism, car safety seats, obesity, and stress. You’ll also find academy publications, such as position statements. Environmentally conscious parents and healthcare providers will want to consult DrGreene.com. The website contains information about childhood development and diseases as well as insight into making changes to limit exposure to environmental dangers. Lastly, KidsHealth.org, part of The Nemours Foundation’s Center for Children’s Health Media, contains information about health, behavior, and development. You can access information specifically written for parents, children, or teens. Excellent **** Very good *** Good ** Fair American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry www.aacap.org Ratings: Content: **** Interface: **** Style: **** OUR SITE-RATING SYSTEM ***** Several pediatrics resources are described and reviewed in the following pages, as listed in the index below, using the five-star system to rate each on content, interface, and style. * Adequate Index: Pediatrics resources American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 American Academy of Pediatrics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 AskDrSears.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Caring for Kids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 DrGreene.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 KidsHealth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 National Institute of Child Health and Human Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 PediatricSuperSite.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Zero to Three. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is a membership-based organization of child and adolescent psychiatrists as well as other interested physicians. The organization works to promote an understanding of mental illnesses and to remove the stigma associated with them. It also works to advance prevention efforts and help children and adolescents access proper treatment. You can navigate this site using the links at the top of the page. The site also has a list of quick links on the left-hand side of the page that will display frequently requested content. You can click on links on the site’s home page to access featured content, such as news articles and links to online member services. Key features of this site include: »» Policy statements »» Fast facts »» A glossary of symptoms and mental illnesses »» Information on children and psychiatric medication »» Information for medical students, residents, and early career psychiatrists For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. 10 Medicine on the Net® August 2010 © 2010 HCPro, Inc. A HealthLeaders Media publication »» Resource centers on mental illnesses and disorders containing definitions, answers to FAQs, interviews, abstracts, and facts »» An ADHD guide for families »» Information on clinical trials »» Practice information surrounding access to care and the changing healthcare environment »» Information regarding educational offerings, including online continuing medical education »» Practice parameters Unique elements: The site contains videos of experts in child and adolescent psychiatry speaking about topics such as ADHD, divorce, and autism. You’ll find this feature in the For Families section. Comments: The site contains a child and adolescent psychiatrist finder. Cost: The majority of the content on the site is free, with certain areas restricted to members only. RSS XML link: None. Keywords: infant health, child health, adolescent health, young adult health, teen health, pediatrics, mental health, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AACAP. You can navigate this site using the left-hand navigation links. Some of the links have fly-out menus that allow you to select subtopics. You can also click on links on the site’s home page to access featured content, such as news articles, event information, and membership details. Key features of this site include: »» AAPD policies and guidelines »» Access to articles and brochures »» Information regarding educational opportunities »» Event information »» Dental health resources »» An online store »» Information regarding the Head Start Dental Home Initiative »» News articles related to pediatric dental health and the organization Unique elements: The site contains a Parent Resource Center, which includes FAQs, tips for busy parents, and parent education brochures. Comments: The site contains a Find a Pediatric Dentist lookup tool. Cost: The majority of content on the site is free, with certain areas restricted to members only. RSS XML link: None. Keywords: infant health, child health, adolescent health, young adult health, teen health, pediatrics, oral health, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, AAPD. American Academy of Pediatrics www.aap.org Ratings: Content: ***** Interface: ***** Style: ***** American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry www.aapd.org Ratings: Content: **** Interface: **** Style: **** The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) is a membership organization representing the specialty of pediatric dentistry. The mission of the organization is “to advocate policies, guidelines, and programs that promote optimal oral health and oral healthcare for children.” Established in 1930, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is a member organization of pediatricians who focus on the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. You can navigate this site using the top-level navigation links. You’ll also find a set of quick links to children’s health topics on the left-hand side of the page, including topics such as ADHD, autism, car safety seats, obesity, and stress. You can click on links on the site’s home page to access featured content, such as information about healthcare reform, summer safety tips, and advice on Internet safety. For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. © 2010 HCPro, Inc. August 2010 Medicine on the Net® 11 A HealthLeaders Media publication Key features of this site include: »» Information on countless children’s health topics, which you can navigate by topic (mental health, family health, and community health) or by age »» Information about AAP publications, such as AAP Grand Rounds »» Educational opportunities »» Information about the AAP’s priorities on health reform and other advocacy issues »» An online member center containing a wealth of resources »» Research information »» Policy statements »» Quality improvement information Unique elements: The site provides information about AAP campaigns, such as Back to Sleep, Bright Futures, and AntiDrug Campaign. Comments: The site contains an online bookstore that houses books, CD-ROMs, and PDA software. Cost: The majority of content on the site is free, with certain areas restricted to members only. RSS XML link: Visit http://aapnews.aappublications.org/rss/ for a complete list of feeds. Keywords: infant health, child health, adolescent health, young adult health, teen health, pediatrics, American Academy of Pediatrics, AAP. Together, they have published more than 40 books on pediatrics and parenting. They established this website to share their pediatric knowledge with healthcare professionals and the public. You can navigate this site using the top-level navigation links. Some of the links expand to reveal additional menu options when you click them. You’ll also find a set of main topics regarding pediatric information at the top of the site, including breast-feeding, medicine cabinets, vaccines, and attachment parenting. You can click on links on the site’s home page to access featured content, such as articles, news briefs, and answers to Ask the Expert questions. Key features of this site include: »» A Books link that takes you to an online store containing products by and/or approved by Dr. Sears. »» Answers to FAQs on topics such as sleep, childhood illness, and fussy babies. This section also includes a question of the week. »» Links to additional resources. »» Link to a Facebook page called Ask Dr. Sears. »» Event information. »» An A–Z index of topics on the site. »» A complete A–Z list of medications used for children. Unique elements: The best way to access information on the site is to use the search feature if you don’t see your topic listed in the main topics section. You’ll find information on everything from autism to yellow skin. Comments: The site offers a free e-newsletter. Click on the Newsletter link at the top of the page to sign up. Cost: Free. AskDrSears.com www.askdrsears.com Ratings: Content: **** Interface: **** Style: **** AskDrSears.com is a website by renowned pediatricians William Sears, MD, and his wife, Martha Sears, RN. For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. 12 Medicine on the Net® August 2010 © 2010 HCPro, Inc. A HealthLeaders Media publication RSS XML link: None. Keywords: infant health, child health, adolescent health, young adult health, teen health, pediatrics, AskDrSears.com. »» Links to additional content »» A Find a Doctor lookup tool »» An online bookstore Caring for Kids Unique elements: The site contains specific information regarding teen health. Comments: The site has a Facebook and TwitterTM (www. twitter.com/caringforkids) social networking presence. It contains information in English and French. Cost: Free. RSS XML link: None. Keywords: infant health, child health, adolescent health, young adult health, teen health, pediatrics, Canadian Paediatric Society, CPS, Caring for Kids. www.caringforkids.cps.ca Ratings: Content: ***** Interface: **** Style: **** Caring for Kids is a site that provides parents with information about their child’s health and well-being. The Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) developed the site. Most of the information on the site is based on CPS position statements. DrGreene.com www.drgreene.com Ratings: Content: ***** Interface: ***** Style: ***** You can navigate this site using the left-hand navigation links. You can also click on links on the site’s home page to access the site’s featured content, such as news articles, tips, and information based on ages and stages of children’s growth. Key features of this site include: »» Information regarding pregnancy and babies, such as nutrition, infant health, growth and development, and injury prevention »» Advice regarding vaccines for children and youths »» Topics of interest to maintaining a healthy body, including eating, health habits, healthcare, and other health information »» Advice on keeping children safe at home, at play, on the move, and during specific types of weather »» Advice on fostering growth, development, and literacy in children »» What to do when you have a sick child, including topics such as illnesses, infections, treatments, and procedures Pediatrician Alan Greene and other medical experts contribute to this site, which provides information about childhood development and diseases as well as insight into making changes to limit exposure to environmental dangers. You can navigate this site using the top-level navigation links. The home page contains a Most Popular Content section where you can view a list of frequently requested articles on topics such as hand-foot-mouth disease. You can also click on links on the site’s home page to access featured content, such as online forums and blog entries. Key features of this site include: »» Information on health topics, accessible by ages and stages or alphabetically »» An illustrated encyclopedia For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. © 2010 HCPro, Inc. August 2010 Medicine on the Net® 13 A HealthLeaders Media publication »» A pediatrics wiki page »» An ask the expert feature »» Scheduled online chats with Dr. Greene »» Featured “fast facts” on topics such as using houseplants to increase indoor air quality »» An archive of conversations with Dr. Greene on various topics, such as blocking mosquitoes and ticks, brown vs. white rice, and helping healthy food compete with fast food »» Blog entries by featured writers »» Recipes for healthy living »» News articles »» Product reviews for books, food, health and personal items, home and garden items, housewares, and toys Unique elements: The site contains an online forum (registration may be required) where site users can exchange ideas with one another. Comments: Users can follow DrGreene.com on Twitter (http://twitter.com/DrGreene). Cost: Free. RSS XML link: None. Keywords: infant health, child health, adolescent health, young adult health, teen health, pediatrics, Dr. Alan Greene, DrGreene.com. KidsHealth www.kidshealth.org Ratings: Content: ***** Interface: ***** Style: ***** KidsHealth is part of The Nemours Foundation’s Center for Children’s Health Media. The website contains information about health, behavior, and development from before birth through the teen years. When you enter the site, you need to select the audience that best describes yourself: Parents, Kids, or Teens. The site then displays information tailored for that specific audience. You can navigate this site using the left-hand navigation links. You can also click on links on your section’s home page to access featured articles, printables, and online calculators. This site contains information on the following topics: »» General health »» Infections »» Emotions and behavior »» Growth and development »» Nutrition and fitness »» Recipes »» Pregnancy and newborns »» Medical problems »» First aid and safety »» Doctors and hospitals »» Medications »» Information on how the body works (aimed at kids) »» A kids’ dictionary of medical words »» Games and activities to explore health and the human body Other resources on this site include answers to FAQs, recall information, and positive parenting advice. Unique elements: Users can sign up to receive the free KidsHealth weekly newsletter, which contains medically reviewed content. Comments: The site contains information in Spanish and English. Cost: Free. RSS XML link: None. Keywords: infant health, child health, adolescent health, young adult health, teen health, pediatrics, The Nemours Foundation Center for Children’s Health and Media, KidsHealth. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development www.nichd.nih.gov Ratings: Content: **** Interface: **** Style: **** The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) conducts and supports research on topics related to the health of children, adults, families, For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. 14 Medicine on the Net® August 2010 © 2010 HCPro, Inc. A HealthLeaders Media publication Cost: Free. RSS XML link: None. Keywords: infant health, child health, adolescent health, young adult health, teen health, pediatrics, National Institutes of Health, NIH, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD. PediatricSuperSite.com www.pediatricsupersite.com Ratings: Content: **** Interface: **** Style: **** and populations. It is one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). You can navigate this site using the top-level navigation links. Some of the links expand to reveal additional menu options. You can also click on links on the site’s home page to access featured content, such as news releases and information about programs. Key features of this site include: »» An A–Z list of health and human development topics, including Asperger’s syndrome, attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, mental retardation, and obesity »» Information about clinical research and trials, including listings of clinical trials »» Information about the institute’s health information campaigns on topics such as the importance of placing babies on their backs when they sleep and the importance of milk consumption during the childhood and teenage years »» Access to NICHD publications and materials »» Information about research supported or conducted by the NICHD »» Funding information for research and training »» News articles PediatricSuperSite.com is produced by SLACK Incorporated, publisher of Infectious Diseases in Children and Pediatric Annals. The mission of the site is “to be the global, definitive information source for pediatric professionals by delivering timely, accurate, authoritative, and balanced reports on clinical issues, socioeconomic topics, and industry developments, as well as presenting clinically relevant information on medical therapies for the benefit of the patient.” The articles on the site are reviewed by the chief medical editor and executive editor. You can navigate this site using the left-hand navigation links. You can also click on links on the site’s home page to access featured content, such as news articles, education opportunities, and event information. Key features of this site include: »» Information about vaccine-preventable diseases, such as flu and hepatitis A »» Articles on respiratory infections »» Dermatology-related information »» Information regarding emerging diseases, such as West Nile virus, HIV infections, and MRSA »» Allergy, asthma, and immunology content »» Information regarding gastrointestinal conditions »» Content related to developmental and behavioral medicine Unique elements: For each health topic you select, you will find information listed along the right-hand side of the displayed content. Examples of this additional information include links, clinical trials resources, and publications/ materials. Comments: The information on the site is available in Spanish and English. For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. © 2010 HCPro, Inc. August 2010 Medicine on the Net® 15 A HealthLeaders Media publication »» Information regarding adolescent medicine »» Practice management advice »» “What’s Your Diagnosis?” articles that detail interesting cases »» “Spot the Rash” articles that describe pediatric cases involving rashes »» Case challenges that let users try to unravel the cause of the patient’s symptoms »» Firm rounds »» Highlights from meetings »» Information regarding recently published journal articles »» A pediatric continuing medical education center that contains information regarding educational offerings Unique elements: The site features blogs and podcasts on a variety of pediatric topics and events. Comments: The site contains a Rotavirus Resource Center. Cost: Access is free with registration. RSS XML link: None. Keywords: infant health, child health, pediatrics, adolescent health, young adult health, teen health Pediatric SuperSite. Zero to Three www.zerotothree.org Ratings: Content: **** Interface: **** Style: **** Zero to Three is a national nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents to help improve the lives of infants and toddlers. The mission of the organization is to promote the health and development of infants and toddlers. Zero to Three is part of the National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. You can navigate this site using the top-level navigation links. There is also a Find It Fast drop-down list of children’s health topics on the right-hand side of the page, including topics such as brain development, health and nutrition, and mental health screening and assessment. You can click on links on the site’s home page to access featured content, such as news articles, featured resources, and downloads. Key features of this site include: »» Behavior and development information, including topics such as challenging behavior, early childhood mental health, health and nutrition, and promoting social development »» Free parent brochures and guides »» A Maltreatment section that contains information on child abuse and neglect, including content related to the effect of trauma, since the children most at risk are those under age 1 »» Early care and education information, including topics such as child care, early language and literacy, and a school readiness interactive tool »» Information on the organization’s involvement in public policy »» An online bookstore »» A free e-newsletter (visitors can sign up to receive it by entering an e-mail address in the field at the top righthand side of the home page) Unique elements: The site contains an interactive Baby Brain Map where users can select an age range and view hot spots that answer questions about how a baby develops during that period of growth. Click on Baby Brain Map from the home page to access this tool. Comments: The site contains downloads of the week. For example, when we reviewed the site, it contained a PDF titled “Healthy Minds: Nurturing Your Child’s Development from 18 to 24 Months.” Cost: Free. RSS XML link: None. Keywords: infant health, child health, pediatrics, National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families, Zero to Three. H For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. 16 Medicine on the Net® August 2010 © 2010 HCPro, Inc. A HealthLeaders Media publication H EA LT H CA R E G U I D E TO T H E I N T E R N E T Focus: Sleep disorder resources According to the National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, nearly 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems and nearly 60% have a chronic sleep disorder. The Internet contains many helpful resources to educate patients, family members, and healthcare professionals. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine is the only professional society dedicated to sleep medicine. Its site (www.aasmnet.org) contains features such as a blog, education opportunities, patient care standards, and news articles. You’ll also find a comprehensive list of other sleep disorder websites on the ‘net. Patients with narcolepsy and their healthcare providers will want to consult the Narcolepsy Network site (www. narcolepsynetwork.org). The national support organization’s site contains information about the disease, answers to FAQs, patient stories, and an online community. The National Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation. org) is another great site you can rely on for information. The foundation alerts the public, healthcare providers, and policy-makers to the importance of adequate sleep. It also helps those who suffer from sleep problems and disorders. The site contains information on sleep topics and disorders, an Ask the Expert feature, links to online communities, advice on sleeping smart, and a video and audio library. A number of sleep disorder resources are described and reviewed in the following pages, as listed in the index below, using the five-star system to rate each on content, interface, and style. OUR SITE-RATING SYSTEM ***** Excellent **** Very good *** Good ** Fair * Adequate American Academy of Sleep Medicine www.aasmnet.org Index: Sleep disorder resources Ratings: Content: **** Interface: *** Style: **** American Academy of Sleep Medicine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 American Sleep Apnea Association. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. . . . . . . . . . . 18 Narcolepsy Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 National Center on Sleep Disorders Research. . . . . . . . . . 20 National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 National Sleep Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 SleepEducation.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Established in 1975, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is the only professional society dedicated to the medical subspecialty of sleep medicine. It works to set standards and promote excellence in healthcare, education, and research. You can navigate this website using the top-level navigation structure. The links expand to reveal additional dropdown menu options. You can also access featured content on the site’s home page, such as education opportunities, an online store, and announcements. Key features of this site include: »» Information about the academy »» Volunteer information For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. © 2010 HCPro, Inc. August 2010 Medicine on the Net® 17 A HealthLeaders Media publication »» Information about education opportunities »» Certification content »» Advice on preparing for the board certification examination in sleep medicine »» Training opportunities to obtain skills »» Standards for quality patient care »» Access to journals containing scientific research in the field »» A job board for sleep medicine professionals »» A membership directory »» Sleep medicine news »» Information regarding the organization’s government relations »» Links to additional resources »» Information regarding recommended sleep centers and labs »» Position statements Unique elements: The site contains a blog you can access by clicking Media and then selecting SLEEP Meeting Blog. Comments: The site contains an online store. To access it, click the link in the upper right-hand side of the site. Cost: The majority of the information on the site is free, with certain areas restricted to members only. To learn more about membership, click on the About Membership link in the top-level navigation structure. RSS XML link: None. Keywords: sleep disorders, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, AASM. American Sleep Apnea Association www.sleepapnea.org Ratings: Content: **** Interface: **** Style: *** The American Sleep Apnea Association (ASAA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing injury, disability, and death from sleep apnea. The organization also works to improve the health and well-being of patients affected by this common disorder. You can navigate this website using the top-level navigation structure. The links open new pages that reveal additional menu options. You can also access featured content on the site’s home page, such as special notices and an online directory of products and services. Key features of this site include: »» Support group contact information »» Sleep apnea information for patients, parents, and practitioners »» An online sleep apnea forum (registration is required but free) »» Links to additional resources »» Recommended books »» Brochures »» Research information Unique elements: The site features an educational video for patients on the topic of sleep apnea. It explains the diagnosis and treatment options and reassures patients who are adjusting to treatment. Comments: The site contains an online directory of sleep apnea and snoring products and services. Cost: Free. RSS XML link: None. Keywords: sleep disorders, sleep apnea, American Sleep Apnea Association, ASAA. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov Ratings: Content: **** Interface: **** Style: **** CDC.gov is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) online communication channel. The site averages 41 million page views per month by providing users with reliable health information on topics such as diseases and conditions, emergencies and disasters, environmental health, travelers’ health, and workplace safety. For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. 18 Medicine on the Net® August 2010 © 2010 HCPro, Inc. A HealthLeaders Media publication You can navigate this website using the A–Z index on the home page, which is where you’ll find the sleep disorders information. You can also click on links to other content on the site using the navigation links on the home page. You can find more information on sleep disorders in the CDC Features section as well. Key features of this site include: »» Information about how much sleep people need by age »» Sleep hygiene tips, such as going to bed at the same time, sleeping in a dark room, making your bed comfortable, and removing televisions from the bedroom »» Information regarding the major sleep disorders: insomnia, narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and sleep apnea »» Data and statistics »» Information on the link between sleep disorders and chronic diseases Unique elements: The site contains a podcast titled No Rest for the Weary. Comments: The information on the site is available in English and Spanish. Cost: Free. RSS XML link: Visit www2c.cdc.gov/podcasts/rss.asp for a complete list of feeds. Keywords: sleep disorders, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC. Narcolepsy Network www.narcolepsynetwork.org Ratings: Content: ***** Interface: **** Style: **** Narcolepsy Network (NN) is a national patient support organization founded in 1986. It is a nonprofit organization that relies on member dues and donations to fund programs. Its efforts include educating, providing support and resources, advocating for people with narcolepsy, and promoting early diagnosis. You can navigate this website using the top-level navigation structure. The links expand to reveal additional drop-down menu options. You can also access selected content on the site’s home page, such as news and event information. Key features of this site include: »» Information about the disease »» Answers to FAQs about narcolepsy »» An Epworth Sleepiness Scale »» Stories from patients who have the disorder »» Information regarding treatment options, such as medications, lifestyle adjustments, and alternative therapies »» How to become involved with the network »» Clinical trials resources »» Information on raising sleep awareness »» Online brochures »» Educational materials »» Links to additional resources »» A Find a Sleep Center/Specialist lookup tool »» An online store »» News articles »» Event information Unique elements: The site contains an online community where like-minded individuals share their thoughts regarding narcolepsy. Click on the Online Community link to access this feature. Comments: If you would like to receive information from the network, you can click on the Register for E-mail Notices link on the site’s home page. For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. © 2010 HCPro, Inc. August 2010 Medicine on the Net® 19 A HealthLeaders Media publication Cost: Free. Registration is required to use Online Community feature. RSS XML link: www.narcolepsynetwork.org/feed Keywords: sleep disorders, narcolepsy, Narcolepsy Network, NN. Unique elements: The site offers an interactive sleep quiz aimed at patients and the public. Comments: The site contains a curriculum supplement for teachers who are interested in educating students about the topic. Cost: Free. RSS XML link: None. Keywords: sleep disorders, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, National Institutes of Health, NIH, National Center on Sleep Disorders Research, NCSDR. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute www.nhlbi.nih.gov Ratings: Content: **** Interface: *** Style: *** National Center on Sleep Disorders Research www.nhlbi.nih.gov Ratings: Content: **** Interface: *** Style: **** The National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR), located within the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), was established in 1993 to help combat the growing concern regarding sleep disorders in the United States. According to the site, nearly 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems, with nearly 60% having a chronic disorder. The center works to improve the health of Americans through research, training, technology transfer, and coordination. You can navigate this website using the left-hand navigation structure. Key features of this site include: »» Information regarding research, including announcements, funding information, conferences, and workshops »» Professional education information, including publications and materials, sleep academic awards, and resources »» Information regarding sleep in youth »» Interactive sleep quiz »» Publications and materials for patients and the public »» Links to additional organizations and resources The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides leadership for a research, training, and education program to promote the prevention of heart, lung, and blood diseases. The National Center on Sleep Disorders Research is part of this organization. You can navigate this website using the top-level navigation structure. There are additional links along the left-hand side of the page. You can also access featured content on the site’s home page, such as information regarding diseases and conditions, interactive tools, and news. To access the sleep disorders information on the site, you can enter the term in the search engine or access the information using the diseases and conditions index. Key features of this section include: »» Information regarding continuous positive airway pressure treatment, including who needs it, what to expect, the risks, and links to more information For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. 20 Medicine on the Net® August 2010 © 2010 HCPro, Inc. A HealthLeaders Media publication »» Insomnia content, including what it is, who is at risk, signs and symptoms, how physicians diagnose it, and treatment options »» Narcolepsy information, including a definition, thoughts on its causes, signs and symptoms, who is at risk, how physicians diagnose it, and treatment options »» Restless legs syndrome content, including a definition of the syndrome, its potential causes, who is at risk, associated signs and symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and treatment options »» Sleep apnea information, including other names for the disorder, what it is, what causes it, who is at risk, signs and symptoms experienced by sufferers, how it is diagnosed, treatment options, and links to more information »» Descriptions of sleep studies, including the types of studies performed, what they are, who needs to participate, what to expect, what they show, and risk factors Unique elements: The section contains a podcast on the topic of insomnia. Comments: This section contains information in English as well as Spanish. Cost: Free. RSS XML link: None. Keywords: sleep disorders, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, National Institutes of Health, NIH, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NHLBI. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke www.ninds.nih.gov Ratings: Content: **** Interface: **** Style: *** The mission of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) is “to reduce the burden of neurological disease.” The institute is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It conducts and fosters research, provides grants and fellowships, conducts programs, and collects and disseminates information. You can navigate this website using the left-hand navigation structure. You can also access featured content on the site’s home page, such as research funding information and clinical trial opportunities. The home page is where you will find an A–Z index of disorders. The sleep disorders information is where you can find Brain Basics: Understanding Sleep. Key features of this site include: »» A description of sleep activity »» Information regarding how much sleep people need »» A description of the usefulness of sleep »» Information about dreaming and REM sleep »» Content regarding sleep and circadian rhythms »» Information regarding sleep and disease »» Advice for getting a good night’s sleep Unique elements: The site contains separate links to information regarding four common sleep disorders: insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy. Comments: The site is available in Spanish and English. Cost: Free. RSS XML link: www.ninds.nih.gov/news_and_events/news_ articles/xml_RSS_news.htm Keywords: sleep disorders, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, National Institutes of Health, NIH, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NINDS. National Sleep Foundation www.sleepfoundation.org Ratings: Content: ***** Interface: **** Style: **** The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) alerts the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers to the importance of adequate sleep. The organization works to improve the quality of life for Americans who suffer from sleep problems and For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. © 2010 HCPro, Inc. August 2010 Medicine on the Net® 21 A HealthLeaders Media publication disorders. They do so by educating the public so that they can be properly diagnosed and treated. You can navigate this website using the top-level navigation structure. The links expand to reveal additional dropdown menu options. You can also access selected content on the site’s home page, such as featured articles, online polls, and an ask the expert feature. The home page also contains a Hot Topics section that contains articles regarding topical issues. Key features of this site include: »» Sleep facts and information »» Recommended sleep books »» Information regarding sleep topics and disorders »» An ask the expert feature »» Advice on sleeping “smart,” which includes an online sleep report card tool and information regarding the myths and facts associated with sleep »» A Find a Sleep Professional lookup tool »» Links to many online communities that allow users to share their thoughts with like-minded individuals concerned about sleep and sleep disorders (registration may be required) »» An online store »» Event information »» An online job board Cost: Free. RSS XML link: Visit www.sleepfoundation.org/primary-links/ subscriptions to view a complete list of available feeds. Keywords: sleep disorders, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, National Sleep Foundation, NSF. Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation www.rls.org Ratings: Content: ***** Interface: ***** Style: ***** Incorporated in 1992, the Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation (RLS Foundation) is a nonprofit organization that provides information regarding restless legs syndrome. The goals of the foundation are to increase awareness, improve treatments, and to find a cure for RLS through research. You can navigate this website using the top-level navigation structure. The links expand to reveal additional dropdown menu options. You can also access selected content on the site’s home page, such as meeting information, online forums, research updates, and more. The home page also contains a Hot Topics section that contains articles regarding topical issues. Key features of this site include: »» Information about the syndrome »» Advice on finding a healthcare provider »» Information for first-time visitors to the site »» Answers to FAQs »» Resources for clinical trials »» Information about brain bank tissue donation »» Support group information »» Research updates Unique elements: The site contains a video and audio library. You’ll find the links to these sections under the Sleep Facts & Information menu. Comments: The site is available in four languages: English, Spanish, Dutch, and French. For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. 22 Medicine on the Net® August 2010 © 2010 HCPro, Inc. A HealthLeaders Media publication »» Publications and brochures »» Links to additional resources »» An online store »» Chat rooms and discussion boards »» Access to the foundation’s newsletter, NightWalkers »» An online sleep evaluation »» Information regarding teens and sleepiness »» Information regarding sleep studies, such as overnight Unique elements: The site contains an online community that allows users to share ideas with like-minded individuals interested in sleep and sleep disorders. Registration is required but free. To learn more about this feature, click on the Online Community link on the site’s home page. Comments: You can find the foundation on Facebook and LinkedIn®. Cost: Free. Certain features, such as the online community, require free registration. RSS XML link: www.meltwaternews.com/magenta/xml/html/ 18/89/rss/104918.rss.XML Keywords: sleep disorders, restless legs syndrome, Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation, RLS Foundation. SleepEducation.com www.sleepeducation.com Ratings: Content: ***** Interface: **** Style: **** In March 2005, the AASM launched SleepEducation. com to address the rapidly growing demand for information about sleep. The website is a tool for patients and members of the public who are looking for information related to sleep, sleep disorders, treatments, and services. The goal of the site is to present accurate, scientific information in a concise manner that is easily understood by the public. You can navigate this website using the left-hand navigation structure. The links expand to reveal additional fly-out menu options. You can also access featured content on the site’s home page, such as news articles, access to information about disorders and treatments, and quizzes. Key features of this site include: »» Online quizzes on topics such as sleep and growing older »» Information on how sleep disorders specifically affect men, older adults, children, and women »» An online sleep diary (PDF) that users can print and use to document their sleep habits »» An online sleepiness scale studies, CPAP studies, home sleep tests, maintenance of wakefulness tests, and nap studies »» Content on a wide array of sleep disorders, including insomnia, bed-wetting, sleep apnea, hypersomnia, and movement disorders »» Information on common treatments used for sleep disorders, such as bright light therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, continuous positive airway pressure, medications, melatonin, oral appliances, and surgery »» Information regarding sleep hygiene (the healthy habits of good sleep) »» Case studies »» A sleep study dictionary Unique elements: The site features an online forum that lets users exchange ideas with other like-minded individuals. It contains a variety of topics. Registration is required but free. Click on the Forum Activity link on the home page to access this feature. Comments: The site contains a Find a Sleep Center lookup tool. Cost: Free. RSS XML link: None. Keywords: sleep disorders, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, AASM, SleepEducation.com. H For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. © 2010 HCPro, Inc. August 2010 Medicine on the Net® 23 A HealthLeaders Media publication SI T E O F T H E M O N T H HealthyChildren.org www.healthychildren.org HealthyChildren.org is a free newly launched parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). AAP members comprise 60,000 pediatricians working to promote physical, mental, and social health and wellbeing in infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. This unique website is both user-friendly and visually appealing. It contains information related to child health and parenting issues. It also contains information about AAP programs and activities, policies and guidelines, publications, and other resources. Per the site’s logo, the information it contains is “Powered by pediatricians. Trusted by parents.” If you want to learn more about the site, you can click on the Our Mission link and view the site’s promotional video. You can navigate this site using the top-level navigation links, which expand to reveal additional drop-down options in large menus. You’ll find a set of quick links to the most popular articles, books, and news on the site. You can also click on links on the site’s home page to access featured content, such as summer safety tips, news articles, and many others. Key features of this site include: »» Content arranged by ages and stages—from prenatal to young adult (18–21) »» Nutrition advice to help users make better choices that promote good health »» Fitness information, including articles on encouraging your child to be physically active, finding time to be active, how to get fit, and making fitness a way of life »» Content related to sports health based on the concept that youngsters develop sports skills in a sequence, so each sequence should be maxed out for that child »» Oral health content, since a healthy mouth and teeth are an important part of a child’s wellness »» Information about emotional wellness in children, including topics on how to build resilience in children, a child’s reaction to death, and how to avoid over-scheduling »» Safety information for children at home, at play, on the go, and in other settings »» Health management advice, including topics such as how to choose a pediatrician and information regarding a medical home »» Information on an abundance of health conditions, such as ADHD, chronic conditions, developmental disabilities, obesity, allergies, and asthma »» Advice on how to deal with injuries and emergencies when they arise »» News articles that users can filter by category »» Online tools including Ask the Expert, a pediatrician lookup tool, growth charts, immunization schedules, newsletters, safety checklists, and a symptom checker »» An online bookstore RSS XML link: Visit http://aapnews.aappublications.org/rss for a complete list of feeds. You can also follow HealthyChildren on Twitter (www.twitter.com/healthychildren). H For permission to reproduce part or all of this newsletter for external distribution or use in educational packets, please contact the Copyright Clearance Center at www.copyright.com or 978/750-8400. 24 Medicine on the Net® August 2010 © 2010 HCPro, Inc.