AR dogs in the waiting room: innovations in patient experience
Consumer Control
Virtual fishing. Guided meditations. A customizable “puppy”—using Augmented Reality (AR). UC Health is upping its patient distraction techniques, using leading technologies to engage patients while they sit in the waiting room.
Source: HealthcareIT News
CA considers expanding school health clinics
Consumer Control
CA Governor Gavin Newsome is poised to sign a bill that would allocate $100 million to creating new school health clinics and enhancing existing ones, which would improve access to free medical, dental, and mental health services in many communities where children and their families may otherwise struggle to access care. But the inclusion of reproductive counseling—while not typically involving on-campus pregnancy terminations—is raising objections from anti-abortion activists.
Source: RecordNet
FDA opens access to OTC hearing aids
Consumer Control
Of the 30 million Americans who suffer from hearing loss, only about one-fifth are currently using hearing aid devices. But thanks to a new ruling by the Food and Drug Administration, consumers will be able to acquire hearing aids in retail stores—without relying on expensive exams and fittings. Commissioner Robert Califf, M.D., asserted that the move will enable convenient and affordable access while encouraging innovation and competition in hearing aid technologies.
Source: The FDA
DIY blood tests spell consumer convenience and control
Consumer Control
Thanks to experimentation spurred by the pandemic, new technology—as simple as a pin-prick and a light vacuum—enables anyone to collect their own blood sample and send it in for analysis. In addition to saving time by skipping a lab visit, people can also elect to keep their data private.
From The Medical Futurist
Two women scientists in Brazil invent new vaccine to increase global access
Consumer Control
By developing an mRna COVID-19 vaccine that differs from the Moderna and Pfizer formulas, these two scientists are helping Brazil and other middle-income and developing nations manufacture their own vaccine supplies—and bypass the licensing fees that render the original vaccines primarily only available in rich countries.
From NPR
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