Image Sharing Technologies and Reduction of Imaging Utilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION: Image sharing technologies may reduce unneeded imaging by improving provider access to imaging information. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to summarize the impact of image sharing technologies on patient imaging utilization. METHODS: Quantitative evaluations of the effects of PACS, regional image exchange networks, interoperable electronic heath records, tools for importing physical media, and health information exchange systems on utilization were identified through a systematic review of the published and gray English-language literature (2004-2014). Outcomes, standard effect sizes (ESs), settings, technology, populations, and risk of bias were abstracted from each study. The impact of image sharing technologies was summarized with random-effects meta-analysis and meta-regression models. RESULTS: A total of 17 articles were included in the review, with a total of 42 different studies. Image sharing technology was associated with a significant decrease in repeat imaging (pooled effect size [ES] = -0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI] = [-0.25, -0.09]; P < .001). However, image sharing technology was associated with a significant increase in any imaging utilization (pooled ES = 0.20; 95% CI = [0.07, 0.32]; P = .002). For all outcomes combined, image sharing technology was not associated with utilization. Most studies were at risk for bias. CONCLUSIONS: Image sharing technology was associated with reductions in repeat and unnecessary imaging, in both the overall literature and the most-rigorous studies. Stronger evidence is needed to further explore the role of specific technologies and their potential impact on various modalities, patient populations, and settings

Commercialisation of eHealth Innovations in the Market of UK Healthcare Sector: A Framework for Sustainable Business Model.

This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Festus Oluseyi Oderanti, and Feng Li, ‘Commercialization of eHealth innovations in the market of the UK healthcare sector: A framework for a sustainable business model’, Psychology & Marketing, Vol. 35 (2): 120-137, February 2018, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.21074. Under embargo until 10 January 2020. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.Demographic trends with extended life expectancy are placing increasing pressures on the UK state-funded healthcare budgets. eHealth innovations are expected to facilitate new avenues for cost-effective and safe methods of care, for enabling elderly people to live independently at their own homes and for assisting governments to cope with the demographic challenges. However, despite heavy investment in these innovations, large-scale deployment of eHealth continues to face significant obstacles, and lack of sustainable business models (BMs) is widely regarded as part of the greatest barriers. Through various empirical methods that include facilitated workshops, case studies of relevant organizations, and user groups, this paper investigates the reasons the private market of eHealth innovations has proved difficult to establish, and therefore it develops a framework for sustainable BMs that could elimiesnate barriers of eHealth innovation commercialization. Results of the study suggest that to achieve sustainable commercialization, BM frameworks and innovation diffusion characteristics should be considered complements but not substitutes.Peer reviewe

Assessment of innovative technologies application in medical imaging in Portugal

Dissertation presented as the partial requirement for obtaining a Master's degree in Information Management, specialization in Information Systems and Technologies ManagementFor the past few years, despite the Portuguese government announcing the upgrade of the Portuguese healthcare system, it is possible to verify the missing investment in that infrastructure, equipment and services. The lack of quality and the unavailability of modern equipments and infrastructures are some of the usual complaints of the healthcare providers and patients. This study aims to analyze and explain, the gaps between innovative technologies available in the market and the present implemented technologies in the Medical Imaging area in Portugal and, with the collected data, build an explanatory model of the motivations for the lack of investment. For the collection data purposes, 102 subjects were inquired, from multiple Portuguese hospitals and healthcare clinics related to medical imaging, with physicians, suppliers, service providers, and Senior Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technicians roles. After analyzing the data, it is possible to conclude that Portuguese medical imaging services need updated equipment and improved technology, more human resources, and training. Managers of healthcare organizations, mainly from the public sector, are motivated primarily to save costs due to the increasing healthcare organizations' expenditures. These facts are incurring in wrong diagnoses, patient dissatisfaction, and lack of confidence in Portuguese healthcare providers

The Diffusion of Second Generation Statistical Techniques in Information Systems Research from 1990-2008

Second generation statistical techniques like Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) are being used more frequently by IS researchers to evaluate theoretical models. The purpose of this study is three-fold. First, we aim to ascertain whether there is a “fit” between IS researchers choice of analytic method and theoretical models when they use second generation techniques. Second, we seek to determine the degree to which IS researchers have internalized knowledge about second generation techniques. Finally, we want to see how these factors have changed over time. Analysis of four leading IS journals between 1990 and 2008 matched the use of second generation techniques to rational reasons for using a specific analytic technique and the degree of knowledge internalization found in 265 published empirical articles. In the early period (1990-2002), we found the use of second generation techniques was not associated with rational choices or reasons for their use. In the later period (2003-2008), we found their use was associated with rational choice and there was a higher degree of knowledge internalization. Our findings suggest that, over time, researchers were able to leverage their internalized knowledge of second generation techniques when testing mediation and moderation models as indicated by the higher ratio of internal to external method citations. The paper concludes with implications for IS research

A holistic review and framework for sustainable business models for assisted living technologies and services

Despite heavy investment in health and social care sectors in the UK, large scale deployment of assisted living technologies and services (ALTS) continues to face significant obstacles, and the lack of sustainable business models (BM) is widely regarded as one of the greatest hindrances. Based on a systematic review of previous studies, this paper identifies current trends in digital technologies and how they are used in assisted living. We categorise and analyse these technologies and through the lens of diffusion of innovation theory (DOI), we review the concepts and frameworks of BM as used in the literature to suggest conceptual frameworks for sustainable BMs for scalable ALTS in digital economy. This is expected to help in reducing the pressure on the already stretched health and social care services in the UK and other similar economies. Our approach suggests that BM canvas and DOI innovation diffusion characteristics are complements, not substitutes

Success and failure in eHealth

Introduction In the field of eHealth, there seems to be a gap between promising research and clinical reality. This master thesis aims to give insight in patterns that can be found regarding the possible outcome in terms of success and/or failure. An in-depth review of workflow will be done, to get an understanding of the implications of eHealth on workflow. Methods Using a systematic article search, papers have been collected regarding the subject of this thesis. Through multiple search strategies, one final search string has been formulated. This final search string led to 903 papers. These papers have been assessed on relevance using qualitative methods. This resulted in 258 papers, which have been categorised by topic, entity and success or failure. After categorisation, the topic of workflow has been selected for an additional in-depth full-text review. Results The categorisation led to 27 categories. The categories are separated among the following entities: patient, health professional, health system and all. The first three have been separated in terms of success and failure as well. This led to a quantitative overview of different categories, for different actors in terms of success and failure. Workflow appeared to be essential for the possible success or failure of eHealth implementations. It is important to include workflow in the design of the tool as well. Conclusion Different categories show a unique combination in success and failure, and to what entity they belong. The category costs appeared to be mostly based on the health system and is attributed to failure. Therefore it is a pre-requisite for the implementation of eHealth. Other categories like quality healthcare and user expectations seem to target on success. The category legal was smaller than anticipated, which could have been caused by categories that are closely linked to each other