An Elsevier news brief is stressing the need for a business case for evidence-based medicine (EBM) to improve the U.S. healthcare system. The brief culminated from a roundtable discussion of healthcare industry thought leaders at the CMIO Leadership Forum in Chicago last fall.

Albany, NY, April 28, 2013 -- GBI Research, leading business intelligence provider has released its latest report, Cloud Computing in Pharmaceutical Research and Development Virtualization of Data through the Cloud Optimizes Next-Generation DNA Sequencing and Clinical Trials Data Management, which provides insights into the key applications of cloud computing in the research, development and sales effectiveness within the pharmaceutical industry. The report provides an understanding of technological concepts in cloud computing, including cloud computing service models, deployment models and key stakeholders. Information on the major players in the cloud computing space is followed by an overall assessment of the technology in terms of benefits and restraints.

An InformationWeek survey of 1,297 U.S. health IT professionals found that while their salaries lag slightly behind other IT sectors, workers feel secure in their employment and demand for their skills is on the rise. The online survey was conducted from November 2012 to January 2013.

Clinical leaders identify electronic, evidence-based order sets as tremendously effective at improving clinical decision support (CDS). Well-implemented order sets streamline workflow, drive computerized physician order entry (CPOE) and improve core measures right at the point of care.

The Department of Health & Human Services has declared 2013 the year of implementation of Meaningful Use (MU) and no rulemaking regarding Stage 3 will occur before 2014. While the numbers regarding incentive payments and EHR adoption continue to increase, I would say that many healthcare providers are questioning the whole initiative.

Lean methodology, adopted from the Toyota Production System which was originally conceived after World War II, has been hailed as a way to save costs, streamline efficiencies and reduce waste in virtually any endeavor. Healthcare has been slow to adopt the strategy, but those organizations that have can attest to its value to patients and employees.

Telemedicine’s potential is vast, but before it can be realized, a number challenges must be overcome. High-speed bandwidth still is not available in some areas of the country, and telemedicine’s role in the transition to a fee-for-performance model needs to be supported by clearer reimbursement guidelines. Just how close are we to meeting healthcare needs at anytime, from anywhere?

Derrick Suehs, chief quality officer of Crouse Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y., discusses the difference between good and great patient care. "I've begun to realize the difference between good and great comes down to passion and purpose. I suspect many people will dismiss this conclusion as overly simplistic, but I disagree," Suehs writes in an editorial published by Hospital Impact.