This thread points out the variety of problems that naturally arise for a given hardware solution - each practice will have their own pros and cons of using a think like a memory stick for patients. Prices on hardware will certainly continue to drop, but as is pointed out assuming continuous hardware access everywhere is dubious.

If memory serves me correctly (no pun intended), the hospital where I
worked at (1,200 employees) between 1996 and 2000 generated about
20MB-30MB per outpatient per year.  Inpatients have quite a bit more
data obviously.

But, given that you can currently get 60%-90% compression on ASCII
text, it's conceivable that even a 128mb stick could hold 200 MB of
data - a good place to start.  But, I risk splitting hairs here . . .

Anyway, I was asked about the use of smart cards in the same vein at
JavaOne in 2002, and my response was that you don't need the entire
record on the memory stick.  Just enough basic information and some
keys so the patient can authenticate to the new doc's system and give
him/her permission to request electronic copies of patient records.
You can also use a smart card for that, or even the card sized CDROMS
for more data if needed.  A smart card with authentication code that
also can be used as a credit card for payment - great idea.

It was mentioned by someone else in this thread to just store keys
(like a Kerberos ticket), which is a good start.

Dave Forslund also pointed out at the same conference to me that
OpenEMed fits nicely on a memory stick.  If you throw some JINI code
(discovery services) in the mix, you have a unique way for disparate
systems to follow patients around wherever they go.

It all assumes the docs involved use compatiable EDI interfaces and
trust each other, however - I think *that's* where the real challenges
lie.  Would a doc in Australia, for example trust data from a doc here
in the Northwest United States?  How about if the doctor was from
Columbia/HCA who got cited for filing erroneas health care claims
(which are based on DRGs, etc. . )?

--Richard







On 2003.06.13 14:47 Horst Herb wrote:
On Sat, 14 Jun 2003 05:32, Thomas Beale wrote:

> Can anyone see a use for an EHR on a USB-stick?

My practice gets an average of two new patients per week, and loses
about 1
patient every month through migration. All these patients need to
transfer
their health records, and it is a terribl PITA to update our fully
computerized health records manually. Would be a dream if the patient
just
walked in with an USB stick or CF card or CD-ROM in some form of data
exchange format.

Horst





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