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What We're Reading: AMA Issues Mobile Health Guidelines
What we’re reading, November 21, 2016: 1 in 4 US children do not have access to essential healthcare, even though many are insured; the American Medical Association has released guidelines for the safe use of mobile health devices and applications; the FDA will delay finalization of its policy on the regulation of laboratory-developed tests.
Though the number of uninsured children in the United States has dropped to a record low 3.3 million, a recent report by the Children’s Health Fund has found that 1 in 4 children do not have access to essential healthcare. The study reported that even children with insurance can encounter barriers that prevent them from receiving primary care or specialty care, including financial obstacles and geographic barriers. According to the study, repealing the Affordable Care Act could exacerbate the problem by leaving over 3 million children suddenly uninsured.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has released guidelines on the safe and effective use of mobile health tools, which include mobile applications, fitness trackers, and other digital devices. The AMA recommends that digital tools should follow evidence-based best practices and support patient-centered care. It also said that physicians should receive legal counsel on patient privacy standards and educate patients on the possible privacy risks of some unregulated health apps.
The FDA had previously said that it would release its final guidelines on the regulation of laboratory-developed tests by the end of 2016, but a spokesperson recently announced that no final policy would be issued until the new administration of President-elect Donald J. Trump is in effect. Those in favor of applying medical device regulations to these unregulated tests have expressed concerns that the tests could produce inaccurate results and lead to unnecessary treatment.
Standard Criteria for Loss of Ambulation Needed in DMD
April 19th 2024A recent study suggests the differences between ambulation definitions for patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can impact the identification of ambulant vs nonambulant individuals, and standard criteria across settings are needed.
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Overcoming Employment Barriers for Lasting Social Impact: Freedom House 2.0 and Pathways to Work
April 16th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are bringing you a special month-long podcast series with our Strategic Alliance Partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our second episode, in which we learn all about Freedom House 2.0 and the Pathways to Work program.
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Early Involvement Critical in Treating Immunotherapy-Induced Overlap Syndrome
April 19th 2024A series of case studies reveals the importance of early diagnosis and involvement of special teams of clinicians when dealing with potential cases of overlap syndrome, which encompasses myocarditis, myasthenia gravis, and immune checkpoint inhibitor–related myositis.
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Making Giant Strides in Maternity Health Through Baby Steps
April 9th 2024To help celebrate and recognize National Minority Health Month, we are kicking off a special month-long podcast series with our strategic alliance partner, UPMC Health Plan. Welcome to our first episode, which is all about the Baby Steps Maternity Program and its mission to support women throughout every step of their pregnancy journey.
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