A new study from researchers at Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Dentistry reports on linking electronic health records and electronic dental records to provide better care and outcomes for individuals with Sjögren's disease, an autoimmune disorder that can affect the entire body, including teeth. Their work may have implications for other systemic autoimmune diseases, including lupus and possibly rheumatoid arthritis.
Sjögren's is a chronic autoimmune connective tissue disorder affecting four million Americans plus an unknown number who are undiagnosed. Patients with this condition may also have other autoimmune disorders.
Historically, because of the separation of dental and medical care, electronic medical and dental records are not linked or routinely shared. Dental providers rely on patients to report their diagnosis of Sjögren's as this information is not conveyed by their physicians. As a result, dentists typically recognize the patient's condition late in the disease process when tooth decay leading to significant tooth loss is manifested.
The Regenstrief and IU researchers linked electronic health records from the Indiana Network for Patient Care of individuals with Sjögren's disease with their electronic dental records. Fewer than a third of patients diagnosed by their physicians had informed their dental providers of the diagnosis. Without this information, dentists didn't know to provide treatment which could help preserve teeth and Excellerate overall health.
This is one of the first studies to characterize how physicians diagnose Sjögren's in community practice settings and to illustrate different clinical presentations of the disease using matched electronic dental and health records.
Sjögren's is difficult to diagnose because it has many symptoms which are similar to those of other conditions and there is no single, definitive test for Sjögren's. The most common symptoms include dryness of the mouth and eyes, tooth decay, fatigue and chronic pain. But major organ involvement, neuropathies and lymphomas may also occur.
In the United States, the average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis is three years, allowing the disease to initially progress unchecked. Nine out of 10 individuals with Sjögren's are women.
"We conducted this research because of the huge oral disease burden that Sjögren's patients experience which leads to premature tooth loss by the time they're in middle age," said study senior and corresponding author Thankam Thyvalikakath, DMD, MDS, Ph.D., who leads the Regenstrief Institute-IU School of Dentistry Dental Informatics Program.
"In spite of the fact that patients with Sjögren's disease typically have a high level of awareness regarding their health, because they don't inform their dentist, they end up losing their teeth, which can have a huge impact on their quality of life. They may be unable to hold full-time jobs because they have a lot of dental decay and have missing or damaged teeth. Without the information from the patient's electronic medical record, dentists don't have a complete picture and don't know to evaluate treatment which could preserve teeth."
"We believe the methods we developed in this study and our results can lead to more large-scale studies to understand the disease over time, which may have the potential to topple silos and for earlier diagnosis than the current three-year lag and for earlier treatment," she added. "We are thinking beyond dentistry. We are thinking about an inclusive health care system, not one in which dentistry, like mental health, is considered a stepchild."
"Dentists see many patients, especially women, with nonspecific symptoms, like joint pain and fatigue, but it's very difficult for a dental professional to know about their patient's complete list of medical conditions," said study first author Grace Gomez Felix Gomez, BDS, MPH, Ph.D.
"If the patient, who has not been diagnosed with Sjögren's, mentions dry mouth symptoms, perhaps the dentist should go ahead and do some preliminary salivary flow test to help identify the cause, which could be Sjögren's. If it is, the dentist could then refer the patient to a rheumatologist or other medical specialist to rule out underlying conditions. Further confirmation on the diagnosis of Sjögren's also requires a referral to oral medicine and/or oral pathology specialists."
"This is a goal we hope to facilitate by showing the benefits of linking electronic dental and medical records. Unfortunately, Medicare and many health insurances do not pay for tests and treatments performed in dental offices, which makes working together with physicians more difficult for oral health providers. Screening and awareness of Sjögren's and its symptoms should be spread through educational programs targeting women to encourage them to talk to both medical and dental clinicians."
The Indiana Network for Patient Care (INPC) was created by Regenstrief Institute and is one of the largest and longest running health information exchanges. The INPC is managed by the Indiana Health Information Exchange. Regenstrief provides access to the data for purposes of research. The INPC includes more than 73,000 clinical practices, health systems and other providers with more than 20 million patients and more than 16 billion clinical data elements.
The work is published in the journal PLOS ONE.
More information: Grace Gomez Felix Gomez et al, Characterizing clinical findings of Sjögren's Disease patients in community practices using matched electronic dental-health record data, PLOS ONE (2023). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289335
Citation: Toppling information silos to link electronic dental and health records (2023, August 23) retrieved 24 August 2023 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-08-toppling-silos-link-electronic-dental.html
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In an era where technology reigns supreme, its profound impact on various aspects of our lives is undeniable. Technology has revolutionized how we navigate the world, from communication to entertainment and beyond. The convergence of technology and medical diagnosis has given rise to various innovative tools and methods that redefine the diagnostic process, enabling medical professionals to make accurate and timely decisions. Here, we delve into utilizing technology to aid in medical diagnosis, exploring how these advancements are shaping the future of healthcare.
Vast patient data, including medical records, images, and genetic information, can now be processed to extract valuable insights. Machine learning algorithms can identify complex patterns that might elude human analysis, enhancing diagnostic accuracy. Researchers are developing algorithms to predict disease outcomes, identify potential risks, and suggest personalized treatment plans based on a patient’s genetic makeup.
Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool, especially when access to medical expertise is limited. Patients can connect with certified worldwide through video consultations, enabling timely diagnosis and consultation. Remote diagnostic tools, such as wearable devices and home monitoring kits, provide real-time data to healthcare professionals, allowing them to track patients’ conditions and adjust treatment plans accordingly. This technology is particularly valuable in managing chronic conditions and post-operative recovery.
Precision or personalized medicine involves customizing medical decisions, practices, and interventions for individual patients. Technology plays a pivotal role in this approach by analyzing a patient’s genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to determine the most suitable treatment options. This targeted approach improves the accuracy of diagnosis and minimizes trial-and-error in treatment, leading to better patient outcomes.
AI-powered algorithms can analyze medical images, such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, with remarkable accuracy. These algorithms assist radiologists in detecting anomalies, making early-stage diagnosis more efficient. AI’s ability to process vast amounts of visual data in seconds significantly reduces the time required for diagnosis, allowing medical professionals to focus on interpretation and decision-making.
Surgeons can use VR to simulate complex procedures, enhancing their skills before entering the operating room. AR overlays real-time information onto a surgeon’s field of view during procedures, offering guidance and improving precision. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize medical training, Excellerate accuracy in surgeries, and refine diagnostic techniques.
Online platforms allow certified from diverse fields to review and discuss complex cases, contributing their expertise to arrive at a comprehensive diagnosis. This collaborative approach enhances diagnostic accuracy, especially in complex and rare conditions, and ensures that patients receive the best possible care.
Integrating technology into medical diagnosis is not just a trend; it’s a fundamental shift that holds immense promise for the future of healthcare. As we stand at the crossroads of medical innovation, it’s imperative to recognize that while technology offers unprecedented advancements, the synergy between human expertise and technological prowess will truly revolutionize the diagnostic landscape. Embracing technology enriches our diagnostic capabilities, yet the collaborative spirit of organizations reminds us that compassion and community remain integral. Together, we stride into a future where cutting-edge technology and unwavering human connection harmonize for optimal medical care.
Once you sign up for Life Protect 24/7, the company ships an activated device about the size of a pager to you, so there’s no need to program the device yourself. Once it arrives, you need to charge the unit for three to four hours before using it. The device functions anywhere in the U.S. and Canada.
The medical alert device comes with an instruction booklet, a detachable lanyard to wear the device as a pendant and a charging cradle If you’re wearing the device and need assistance, one push of the button connects you to a member of Life Protect 24/7’s medical care specialist team, who stays on the line with you until your emergency situation is resolved—for example, until an ambulance arrives after a fall. The care specialist also notifies your emergency contact if necessary or if you provide instructions to do so.
The company recommends testing the device when you first receive it. If you push the button, you’ll see two lights: one red and one blue. Once you’re connected to the response center, you’ll see a solid blue light, followed by an alert sound, indicating that you’re going to be speaking to an agent. At that time, make sure to announce that you’re testing your device.
A blinking red light indicates that you need to charge your device, and it becomes a solid red light when the device is fully charged. The company recommends charging your unit once every 30 days for a full three hours. However, you can also opt to charge it nightly (as you might charge your phone).
Although not a new phenomenon, health misinformation became even more widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new poll from KFF finds that many Americans still encounter misinformation often and don't know whether to believe it.Just over 2,000 adults took part in the survey, which was conducted between May 23 and June 12. Participants were asked about 10 false health claims related to COVID-19, reproductive health and gun violence.Related video above: Can doctors spread misinformation?At least 4 in 10 people said they had heard each statement, the report found.When presented with the statement "More people have died from the COVID-19 vaccines than have died from the COVID-19 virus," 47% labeled it as definitely false. But about 20% of respondents said it was definitely or probably true.As for reproductive health, only 30% of respondents said the statement "Sex education that includes information about contraception and birth control increases the likelihood that teens will be sexually active," is definitely false.Looking at gun violence, only 22% said that the statement "People who have firearms at home are less likely to be killed by a gun than people who do not have a firearm" is definitely false.Relatively few people said that any of the false claims were "definitely true," the study authors found. However, at the same time, roughly half to three-quarters of the participants weren't exactly certain whether each of the claims was true, describing them as only "probably true" or "probably false."The report also asked respondents where they heard or read misinformation on health courses and whom they trusted the most when that information was disseminated.Eighty-one percent of respondents said they would put at least a little trust in health information reported by local TV news stations, followed by national network news, such as ABC, CBS or NBC, at 72%; local newspapers at 71%; and online news aggregators such as Apple, Yahoo or Google News at 64%.People who relied on Newsmax, OANN, Fox News or social media for their health information were more likely to have heard at least one of the five false COVID-19 claims in the survey.About a quarter of the participants (24%) said they used social media at least weekly to "find health information or advice." This group included mostly Hispanic and Black people, as well as people in low-income households.Of the people who used the social news aggregation and discussion site Reddit every week, 1 in 6 say they would have a lot of trust in the health information they found there. Weekly TikTok, YouTube and Twitter users also expressed a lot of trust in the health information they see on those platforms."Adults who frequently use social media to find health information and advice are more likely to believe that certain false statements about COVID-19 and reproductive health are definitely or probably true," the report authors wrote.Of all the information sources asked about in the survey, many people said they trust their doctors the most, with 93% of respondents saying they trust them for "at least a fair amount" of health information and recommendations.U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called health misinformation "a serious threat to public health" in a 22-page advisory that urges individuals to take responsibility to limit the spread of misinformation."Health misinformation is a serious threat to public health. It can cause confusion, sow mistrust, harm people's health, and undermine public health efforts. Limiting the spread of health misinformation is a moral and civic imperative that will require a whole-of-society effort," he said.Misinformation can take the form of things like comical memes circulating online, misleading graphics or cherry-picked statistics.In 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a Community Toolkit on health misinformation that provides guidance for people who see or hear health-related content that they aren't sure about.The agency advises checking with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or your local public health department to see whether there might be any truth to the claim. You can also ask your health care provider if they have more information.Search online to see if the claim has been Checked by a credible source such as government agencies or peer-reviewed medical journals.If the information is on a website, check the "About Us" page to learn more about whether it might be credible,At the end of the day, the HHS says, if you aren't sure about the content you see online, do not share it with others.
Although not a new phenomenon, health misinformation became even more widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. A new poll from KFF finds that many Americans still encounter misinformation often and don't know whether to believe it.
Just over 2,000 adults took part in the survey, which was conducted between May 23 and June 12. Participants were asked about 10 false health claims related to COVID-19, reproductive health and gun violence.
Related video above: Can doctors spread misinformation?
At least 4 in 10 people said they had heard each statement, the report found.
When presented with the statement "More people have died from the COVID-19 vaccines than have died from the COVID-19 virus," 47% labeled it as definitely false. But about 20% of respondents said it was definitely or probably true.
As for reproductive health, only 30% of respondents said the statement "Sex education that includes information about contraception and birth control increases the likelihood that teens will be sexually active," is definitely false.
Looking at gun violence, only 22% said that the statement "People who have firearms at home are less likely to be killed by a gun than people who do not have a firearm" is definitely false.
Relatively few people said that any of the false claims were "definitely true," the study authors found. However, at the same time, roughly half to three-quarters of the participants weren't exactly certain whether each of the claims was true, describing them as only "probably true" or "probably false."
The report also asked respondents where they heard or read misinformation on health courses and whom they trusted the most when that information was disseminated.
Eighty-one percent of respondents said they would put at least a little trust in health information reported by local TV news stations, followed by national network news, such as ABC, CBS or NBC, at 72%; local newspapers at 71%; and online news aggregators such as Apple, Yahoo or Google News at 64%.
People who relied on Newsmax, OANN, Fox News or social media for their health information were more likely to have heard at least one of the five false COVID-19 claims in the survey.
About a quarter of the participants (24%) said they used social media at least weekly to "find health information or advice." This group included mostly Hispanic and Black people, as well as people in low-income households.
Of the people who used the social news aggregation and discussion site Reddit every week, 1 in 6 say they would have a lot of trust in the health information they found there. Weekly TikTok, YouTube and Twitter users also expressed a lot of trust in the health information they see on those platforms.
"Adults who frequently use social media to find health information and advice are more likely to believe that certain false statements about COVID-19 and reproductive health are definitely or probably true," the report authors wrote.
Of all the information sources asked about in the survey, many people said they trust their doctors the most, with 93% of respondents saying they trust them for "at least a fair amount" of health information and recommendations.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy has called health misinformation "a serious threat to public health" in a 22-page advisory that urges individuals to take responsibility to limit the spread of misinformation.
"Health misinformation is a serious threat to public health. It can cause confusion, sow mistrust, harm people's health, and undermine public health efforts. Limiting the spread of health misinformation is a moral and civic imperative that will require a whole-of-society effort," he said.
Misinformation can take the form of things like comical memes circulating online, misleading graphics or cherry-picked statistics.
In 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services published a Community Toolkit on health misinformation that provides guidance for people who see or hear health-related content that they aren't sure about.
The agency advises checking with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or your local public health department to see whether there might be any truth to the claim. You can also ask your health care provider if they have more information.
Search online to see if the claim has been Checked by a credible source such as government agencies or peer-reviewed medical journals.
If the information is on a website, check the "About Us" page to learn more about whether it might be credible,
At the end of the day, the HHS says, if you aren't sure about the content you see online, do not share it with others.
Senior doctors and dentists in New Zealand announced their intentions to strike Monday following unsuccessful pay negotiations with New Zealand’s public health agency, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand. This will mark the first time that the union representing senior medical officials, the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists, has gone on strike.
In a press release, the Association of Salaried Medical certified stated that 80 percent of their members voted in favor of the strike after negotiations for an adjusted pay rate failed between the association and Te Whatu Ora. The association claimed that their request comes after two years of “real pay cuts,” amounting to an 11 percent decrease in real-term pay for senior medical officials.
Executive director of the association Sarah Dalton stated:
Te Whatu Ora will not even pay senior doctors and dentists the bare minimum to ensure their staff do not take a real-terms pay cut for the third year in a row. Every employee in New Zealand deserves to have the value of their income maintained, especially when they are performing critical front-line tasks and being asked to cover as many staffing shortages as our doctors currently are.
President of the association Julian Vyas joined Dalton’s concerns, adding that continued underfunding may exacerbate understaffing issues in the professions. Vyas said that association members have consistently warned of overwork and burnout amidst a “critical shortage of senior dentists and doctors.” Vyas said the real-term pay cuts have forced many to consider leaving the public health sector.
Speaking to reporters, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins urged the association to return to negotiations. He said, “We do value the work that our senior doctors do,” and continued, “I don’t want to see any of our medical workforce on strike and I think the best way to resolve those issues is around the bargaining table.” Te Whatu Ora echoed Hipkins’ appreciation for senior doctors and dentists, stating, “We know our workforce is under pressure and addressing this across the health sector is top priority.”
According to information obtained from Te Whatu Ora by Radio New Zealand, senior medical officials in New Zealand currently receive up to $318,000 per year, with the average base salary coming in at around $238,500, excluding “additional salary payments and superannuation.” Te Whatu Ora has offered a pay increase for the year 2024 amounting to somewhere between $15,000 and $26,000, with an additional lump sum payment of $4,000.
However, in a Tuesday press release, Dalton disputed the figures. She stated that 2022 salaries for senior medical officials ranged from $219,992 to $235,337. She also stated that Te Whatu Ora never offered the association a $26,000 pay increase. “Their figures about average earnings of a senior doctor, pay increases they claim to be offering and number of new senior doctors they have recruited are hard to fathom, news to us and have not been discussed during bargaining,” said Dalton.
New Zealand is currently experiencing a cost of living crisis, which has drawn other professions to go on strike as well. Most recently, high school teachers went on their first ever strike after negotiations with the Ministry of Education fell through. The strike was eventually resolved through an August collective agreement.
The strike will take place over the course of two to four hours on September 5, 13 and 21.
Aug. 19—CORBIN — Lisa Long APRN, Weight Loss Specialist, was the guest speaker on July 27 for the Corbin Rotary Club.
Long was instrumental in establishing the Weight Loss Clinic at Baptist Health Corbin. The task of losing weight can be overwhelming, especially if you are trying to do it on your own. At the Baptist Health Weight Management Clinic, you can enroll in a supervised medical weight-loss program which is one of the safest ways to lose weight. If past diet and exercise attempts were not enough to help you lose weight and keep it off, then the providers at Baptist Health who specialize in weight loss can help you.
Long is available to create individualized weight-loss plans based on your medical history, current medications, lab work and health goals. She will also address nutrition, exercise, lifestyle modifications and when indicated, the prescriptions of appropriate medications to aid in weight-loss efforts. To make an appointment with her or for more information, contact 606.523.8770.
