Case Study: Compatibility Testing of Pre-Filled Syringe Stopper Technology with Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide Terminal Sterilization Process.

STERIS and W.L. GORE collaborated on a case study testing the compatibility of a new prefilled syringe plunger design with VHP terminal sterilization.

Outcomes of a home telehealth intervention for patients with heart failure.

We evaluated the efficacy of two telehealth applications, delivered by telephone and videophone, for improving outcomes of patients following hospital discharge for an acute exacerbation of heart failure. The outcomes measured were patient self-efficacy, satisfaction with care and knowledge of and compliance with prescribed medications. At hospital discharge, patients were randomly assigned to either control (usual care), telephone or videophone groups.

Evaluation of home telehealth following hospitalization for heart failure: a randomized trial.

Previous studies have found that home-based intervention programs reduce readmission rates for patients with heart failure. Only one previous trial has compared telephone and videophone to traditional care to deliver a home-based heart failure intervention program. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a telehealth-facilitated postdischarge support program in reducing resource use in patients with heart failure.

Nurse and patient communication profiles in a home-based telehealth intervention for heart failure management.

Objective: This study compared differences in nurse and patient communication profiles between two telehealth modes: telephone and videophone, and evaluated longitudinal changes in communication, nurse perceptions, and patient satisfaction.

Methods: Subjects were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating a 90-day home-based intervention for heart failure. Telephone (n=14) and videophone (n=14) interactions were audio taped and analyzed using the Roter Interaction Analysis System.

Nurse and patient communication via low- and high-bandwidth home telecare systems.

We examined nurse-patient communication on two videoconferencing systems: a video-phone (PSTN video) and a PC-based system (IP video). The former used data transmission via a modem at 33.6 kbit/s and the latter via a local-area network at up to 512 kbit/s.

Interactive video specialty consultations in long-term care.

Objectives: To assess provider and resident satisfaction with and outcomes of specialist physician consultations provided via interactive video to residents of a long-term care (LTC) center.

Design: Cross-sectional survey.

Setting: Two Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMC) and a state LTC center.

Telehealth for elders and their caregivers in rural communities.

The use of technological strategies in providing care for patients and their families at distant locations has been available since the 1950s. Today's telehealth approaches are proposed to offer considerable promise for enhanced service delivery in rural and other underserved communities. Technology-based delivery methods, such as videophone skill training, and one- and two-way interactive computer networks, are envisioned as contributors for improving rural residents' access to services, individualizing rural health care, increasing rural health practitioners' continuing education opportunities, and improving quality and cost-efficiency of care.