Archive for informatics
A nimbler way to track alcohol use: mining Twitter and Google searches
Large, survey-based studies are a slow, expensive way to collect rigorous public health data. New research, focusing on alcohol use, shows that mining Twitter and online searches could enable public health professionals to get immediate, localized insights, spot emerging trends, and even measure the effects of interventions. “Online user-generated data are fluid and nimble — ... Read More about A nimbler way to track alcohol use: mining Twitter and Google searches
Natural language processing captures new insights on patient safety
Safety monitoring at Boston Children’s Hospital is getting even more thorough, thanks to natural language processing systems. Aided by machine-learning algorithms, these systems are capturing problems that clinicians didn’t explicitly flag through a safety reporting system, but documented in their notes. The net result is further opportunities to improve care. Natural language processing, or NLP, ... Read More about Natural language processing captures new insights on patient safety
CHIP-ing away at health and medicine for 25 years: A look back
In 1994, when CHIP was formed, the dotcom boom was just dawning. iPhones and social media (except for the earliest versions) were more than a decade away. Bill Clinton was president. Isaac Kohane, MD, PhD, had just completed a fellowship in endocrinology at Boston Children’s Hospital under the mentorship of Joseph Majzoub, MD. He wanted ... Read More about CHIP-ing away at health and medicine for 25 years: A look back
After GWAS studies, how to narrow the search for genes?
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) look at large populations to find genes that contribute to common, multi-gene traits like height or obesity. These comprehensive investigations frequently turn up large numbers of tiny genetic variations that show up more often in people who are tall, obese, etc. But this association doesn’t mean the variant actually helps cause ... Read More about After GWAS studies, how to narrow the search for genes?
Families and data scientists build insights on Phelan-McDermid syndrome
This is the third year that Jacob Works has made the trip down to Boston Children’s Hospital from Maine. With research assistant Haley Medeiros, he looks at pictures, answers questions, manipulates blocks and mimes actions like knocking on a door. His father, Travis, and another research assistant look on through a window. “At first, we ... Read More about Families and data scientists build insights on Phelan-McDermid syndrome
Cloud-based complex care platform empowers clinicians and families alike
For children with complex medical needs, care coordination across medical specialties is a major pain point, as is communication across multiple provider systems. And patients aren’t the only ones feeling the burden. Consider these startling statistics: $25-$45 billion is wasted annually in the U.S. due to poor communication in health care.$45 billion has been invested in ... Read More about Cloud-based complex care platform empowers clinicians and families alike
cTAKES: Turning clinical notes into knowledge
My mother often says that my handwriting is so bad I should have been a doctor. Luckily, digital systems like electronic medical records (EMRs) and computerized pharmacy ordering systems have largely taken the legibility factor out of medicine, especially when it comes to doctors’ and nurses’ notes. Those notes—attached to millions of patient records—have the ... Read More about cTAKES: Turning clinical notes into knowledge