Healthcare – Digital IT News

Telehealth Providers Praised for Convenience and Speed, but Experiences Vary

Taylor Graham — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:00:15 +0000

Telehealth, once hailed for its ability to overcome socioeconomic and geographic barriers and seen as a crucial tool during the pandemic, is now a focal point in U.S. healthcare delivery. But is it meeting patient expectations? According to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Telehealth Satisfaction Study, the results are mixed. While telehealth usage has grown and many patients report positive experiences, not all interactions have been ideal. Satisfaction varies significantly across providers, and questions persist about its effectiveness for certain types of care.

“The telehealth marketplace has grown rapidly and although its usage has been normalized in recent years, we’re still in a growth phase where individuals can have vastly different experiences based on the providers they use, their medical conditions and even things like the quality of internet and phone connections where they live,” said Christopher Lis, managing director of global healthcare intelligence at J.D. Power. “Most consumers agree that telehealth is tough to beat when it comes to convenience and accessing care quickly, but it is not the ideal channel for all healthcare encounters. The wide variation in patient experience is something telehealth providers, insurers and public health officials will want to monitor closely.”

Following are some key findings of the 2024 study:

Overall satisfaction varies widely: Overall patient satisfaction with direct-to-consumer telehealth providers is 730 (on a 1,000-point scale), which is down one point from 2023. Overall patient satisfaction with payer-provided telehealth offerings is 708, up 18 points from a year ago. This wide variation between the two categories of providers and within individual providers profiled in the study suggests that patients are experiencing significant variability in their perceived quality of care and ease of accessing care.
Convenience is king, but barriers persist: The top reasons patients cite for using telehealth services are convenience (65%); ability to receive care quickly (46%); and having a condition that is covered by a telehealth visit (30%). The top barriers making the telehealth experience difficult are internet/cellular connectivity difficulties (25%); limited services provided (25%); and data security concerns with personal/medical information (15%). Overall, 65% of telehealth patients experienced at least one barrier during their telehealth visit.
Biggest gaps in experience: Among specific services in which patients indicate that they would prefer to use telehealth, reviewing medication options and chronic care follow-up are the two areas in which the gap in customer experience is largest. Nearly three-fourths (74%) of those having an easy experience with a medication review said they would use telehealth again, while only 58% who had a difficult experience said they would use it again. When following up on a chronic condition, 44% of patients who had an easy experience said they would use it again, while only 28% of those who had a difficult experience said they would use it again.
Experience varies across socioeconomic and demographic groups: Overall satisfaction with telehealth providers is highest among patients covered by Medicaid, those living in urban environments and those in Gen Y¹ and Gen Z. Satisfaction is lowest among patients covered by Medicare and private insurance, those living in suburban environments, and those in the Boomer and older generations.

Study Rankings

MyTelemedicine ranks highest in telehealth satisfaction among direct-to-consumer brands, with a score of 747. Doctor On Demand(743) and Teladoc Health(743) each rank second in a tie.

Humana ranks highest among payers of health plan-provided telehealth services, with a score of 747. Florida Blue (734) ranks second and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (733) ranks third.

The U.S. Telehealth Satisfaction Study, now in its fifth year, measures customer satisfaction with telehealth service experience based on seven factors (in order of importance): level of trust; visit with provider met my needs; people; digital channels; ease of receiving care; scheduling of appointment; and helping to save me time or money. The study is based on responses of 4,070 healthcare customers who used a telehealth service within the past 12 months. It was fielded from September 2023 through July 2024.

See the rank chart for each segment at the website here.

In addition to measuring patient perceptions of their telehealth providers ability to meet their expectations, the study also provides a series of measurable and actionable Key Performance Indicators for satisfying patients. Visit the website to see the results.

Kontakt.io’s Sticker Tag Sets a New Benchmark for Asset Tracking

¹ J.D. Power defines generational groups as Pre-Boomers (born before 1946); Boomers (1946-1964); Gen X (1965-1976); Gen Y (1977-1994); and Gen Z (1995-2006).

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Kontakt.io’s Sticker Tag Sets a New Benchmark for Asset Tracking

Taylor Graham — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 17:30:45 +0000

Kontakt.io has launched the Sticker Tag, an ultra-thin, adhesive BLE tag designed for tracking small, flat, or disposable assets.

Designed for rapid deployment at scale, Kontakt.io’s Sticker Tag offers a wide range of use cases across healthcare and other industries, including tracking mobile phones, tablets, patient charts, logistics pallets, office supplies, and many more.

As part of Kontakt.io’s turnkey solutions delivered as a service, the Sticker Tag creates foundational data that not only allows every enterprise to gain a real-time view of asset locations and movements, driving loss prevention; it also feeds into an AI-powered platform that turns data into insights and uncovers operational opportunities to cut waste, streamline capacity, improve experiences, and generate ROI.

The Sticker Tag is playing a key role in the healthcare industry’s largest Real Time Location Services (RTLS) deployment, in which Kontakt.io has partnered with a large health system. The initiative involves more than 180 facilities, 300 locations, 500,000 assets, and 41,000 licensed beds.

“Kontakt.io is a trusted partner for leading health systems and other industries because we consistently invest about 30% of our revenue in product innovation to create new solutions for evolving customer needs,” said Rom Eizenberg, Chief Revenue Officer and Head of Product Innovation at Kontakt.io. “Our commitment to extracting value from the data our customers create sets Kontakt.io apart.”

Key features of Kontakt.io’s Sticker Tag include:

Flat and Unobtrusive: Ultra-thin and weighing only four grams, including the battery, the Sticker Tag fits on daily-use items and small hand-held devices without disrupting the user experience.

Real-Time Tracking: BLE-connected, the tag comes with advanced RF performance combined with Kontakt.io’s Location Engine. Supported frames include Cisco Spaces, iBeacon, Eddystone, and Telemetry.

Fast and Scalable: Lightweight and cost-effective, the Sticker Tag is operational immediately, activated individually with a smartphone (Android or iOS) via NFC or in a batch at shipping for large-scale deployments. It can enable asset management use cases ranging from a few dozen to hundreds of thousands of assets.

Long-lasting, Eco-Friendly Battery: The Sticker Tag ensures uninterrupted tracking of assets with three options for battery life: 90 days, 1 year, and 2.2 years. Plus, unlike typical batteries, this battery is built with biodegradable, non-toxic materials.

To learn more about Kontakt.io’s Sticker Tag, visit the website here.

Open Kitchen Showcases Advanced IoT Software with AI Energy Management

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ProMaxAI Boosts Efficiency and Profitability for Urgent Care Centers

Taylor Graham — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 17:00:17 +0000

Exdion Health has introduced ProMaxAI, a new AI-powered tool in its technology suite designed to revolutionize the medical coding and reimbursement industry. Exdion Health offers a variety of cutting-edge revenue cycle management solutions to help healthcare companies enhance efficiency and increase profitability.

The company currently offers a tech suite that helps U.S. urgent care centers and other healthcare entities, automate their medical coding process. A 2023 report by the American Medical Association (AMA) estimated that coding errors cost the healthcare industry approximately $36 billion annually in lost revenue, denied claims and potential fines. Exdion Health offers the first smart AI coding platform that combines rule-based and machine-learning tools to improve documentation, educate providers, optimize revenue and boost revenue velocity.

Its flagship product, ExdionACE, a proprietary auto coding engine, is tailored exclusively for urgent care centers and can create a more efficient claims process, free of human error, when it comes to key challenges including rejection or denial of claims, compliance and missed revenue. ExdionACE is electronic medical records (EMR) agnostic, meaning it can work seamlessly with any practice management system.

The company’s latest groundbreaking platform, ProMaxAI, is poised to further enhance the operational efficiency of urgent care centers by optimizing their revenue cycles through advanced AI technology. ProMaxAI, a revolutionary communications tool, expands upon the capabilities of the ExdionACE system, offering real-time feedback on coding errors and omissions—an unparalleled feature in today’s market. Additionally, the platform incorporates a sophisticated AI chatbot, referred to as “Genie,” which is readily available to address any inquiries providers may have regarding the findings. This immediate feedback mechanism enables providers to refine their chart documentation, resulting in more accurate and compliant billing practices.

Thomas Camp, President and Head of Exdion Health, stated that ProMaxAI will revolutionize the operations of urgent care centers and enhance their financial success by leveraging business intelligence to deliver actionable insights.

“The primary challenge our customers face is the lack of comprehensive data needed for making strategic operational and financial decisions. Our innovative ProMaxAI tool is designed to empower leadership teams and practice administrators, enabling them to take real-time actions with confidence,” stated Camp.

Lohith Reddy, Executive Vice President of Exdion Health, said the objective of the Exdion AI tech suite is to enhance the efficiency and profitability of healthcare centers by optimizing processes and accelerating operational performance.

“Leveraging the power of AI in your business ensures accurate and up-to-date medical coding, enhanced compliance and maximized revenue,” added Reddy. “Not only does it unlock hidden revenue, but it also simplifies coding and compliance processes, allowing clinicians to refocus on patient care.”

For more information on Exdion Health and the new ProMaxAI platform, visit the website here.

DecodyGPT is the World’s First Precision Health GPT Launched

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Telepsychiatry Care Expanded Through Talkiatry and Magellan Health

Taylor Graham — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 17:30:39 +0000

Talkiatry has announced a partnership with Magellan Health, Inc. to expand telepsychiatry services throughout California.

People who experience depression are almost twice as likely to utilize telehealth services compared to those who are not depressed. Virtual care can eliminate psychological, cultural, and linguistic barriers to treatment while saving patients time and money. This is particularly relevant for residents of rural Californian counties like Shasta, Lake, and Humboldt, where the suicide rates are more than double the state’s average. By bridging the gap in healthcare access, telepsychiatry care holds the potential to provide much-needed support to many underserved Californians.

“This collaboration gives millions of Californians struggling to access psychiatric care a pathway toward quality treatment,” said Robert Krayn, CEO and co-founder, Talkiatry. “Our psychiatrists will enhance Magellan’s comprehensive suite of behavioral health services, ensuring that every member, regardless of income, age, ethnicity, or zip code, receives the most effective and compassionate care possible.”

With its personalized, high-quality mental health services that combine the convenience of digital platforms with the empathy of one-on-one care, Talkiatry’s 300+ full-time, licensed psychiatrists treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and more. Available in 43 states, Talkiatry covers more than 70% of commercial lives in the US through partnerships with 60+ insurance providers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, and Humana.

“We are pleased to expand our behavioral health services to include Talkiatry. This important addition will bring telepsychiatry services to members in California,” said Chris Daher, vice president, network development and provider relations, Magellan Health. “We are dedicated to improving health through the use of technology and increasing access to skilled behavioral health clinicians through telehealth that will help to improve members’ overall wellbeing.”

To learn more about Talkiatry telepsychiatry care services, visit the website here.

Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant Available for US Ambulatory Clinics

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DecodyGPT is the World’s First Precision Health GPT Launched

Taylor Graham — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 17:00:51 +0000

SelfDecode is excited to unveil DecodyGPT, a revolutionary new feature poised to redefine precision health. As the world’s first precision health GPT, this cutting-edge tool leverages artificial intelligence and personalized health data to deliver customized insights, guidance, and solutions to users in an unprecedented way.

At the core of this revolutionary feature is SelfDecode’s proprietary precision health technology, a sophisticated AI system trained on vast datasets of genetic information, lab test results, lifestyle factors, symptoms, conditions, and health goals. By seamlessly integrating these data points, DecodyGPT offers users an unparalleled level of personalized guidance and support, empowering people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

“With DecodyGPT, we’re taking personalized health to the next level,” says Joe Cohen, Founder and CEO of SelfDecode. “This isn’t just another chatbot – it’s a sophisticated AI health coach that understands your unique genetic makeup, health history, and individual goals. Whether you’re managing chronic conditions, optimizing your wellness routine, or simply seeking answers to your health questions, DecodyGPT is there to guide you every step of the way. It’s like ChatGPT, but can answer health questions specifically designed for your body.”

Key features of Precision Health GPT include:

Personalized Guidance: Receive tailored recommendations and insights based on your DNA, lab results, lifestyle choices, symptoms, and health objectives.
Real-Time Support: Access instant responses to your health-related queries, 24/7, without the need for appointments or waiting times.
Holistic Approach: Benefit from a comprehensive analysis that considers multiple factors influencing your health, including genetic predispositions, environmental factors, current symptoms or conditions, and goals.
Continuous Learning: Precision Health GPT continually evolves and learns from user interactions, ensuring that recommendations are always up-to-date and relevant.

This groundbreaking feature marks a significant step forward towards truly personalized healthcare. By harnessing the power of AI and data-driven insights, SelfDecode is empowering individuals to take control of their health.

“As we continue to advance the frontiers of precision health, our mission remains clear: to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to live healthier, happier and longer lives,” adds Cohen. “With DecodyGPT, we’re making personalized health accessible to everyone, revolutionizing the way we approach wellness and disease prevention.”

DecodyGPT is now available to all SelfDecode users, offering a transformative new way to navigate the complexities of health and wellness. To learn more about DecodyGPT and experience the future of personalized health, visit the website here.

Meet Your Digital Self, a Work for Humankind Project Released by Lenovo

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Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant Available for US Ambulatory Clinics

Taylor Graham — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 17:00:18 +0000

Oracle has announced the general availability of the Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant for ambulatory clinics in the US. This mobile solution integrates generative AI, clinical intelligence, multimodal voice and screen-driven assistance, and streamlined workflows into a unified platform. This allows healthcare providers to focus entirely on their patients. Integrated with the Oracle Health Electronic Health Record (EHR), this solution enhances the doctor-patient experience by combining clinical automation, conversation-based note generation, and suggested clinical follow-ups directly at the point of care.

For example, providers no longer need to interrupt appointments to navigate through drop-down menus or scroll through screens to find information. They can instantly access critical elements of a patient’s medical history, such as the latest blood test results, simply by asking Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant. During the appointment, the solution captures comprehensive notes with the preferred templates the provider uses currently in the patient’s EHR record, saving hours of caregiver time each day.

Unlike other solutions, Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant aids in note generation in minutes rather than hours and supports next-step actions, including drafting referrals and prescription orders for approval, and scheduling follow-up labs and appointments. This helps improve the accuracy of medical records and workflow efficiency.

Physicians at 13 early adopter organizations, including Billings Clinic, Covenant Health, Hudson Physicians, St. John’s Health, and T.J. Regional Health, saved on average more than four and a half minutes per patient and 20-40% in documentation time daily.

“Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant is the most important EHR technology update that I am going to see in my career. Since the 1990’s, EHR’s have turned physicians into keyboard junkies. This will change that,” said James Little, MD, primary care physician, St. John’s Health. “Our physicians who have been using this technology have been able to document their patients’ visit in real-time, allowing them to leave at the end of the day with good, quality notes. Time spent after hours documenting is no longer needed.”

“While building relationships is essential to understanding my patients and how to best treat them, it’s difficult to do that sitting behind a computer screen,” said Dr. Ryan McFarland, family medicine practitioner, Hudson Physicians. “Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant has been a game-changer in this regard. I can simply talk to and focus on my patients, while in the background the system is capturing all the details, notes, and next-step actions. Not only does this lead to a better experience for me and my patients, but it has significantly diminished the time I take post-appointments or after-hours updating notes.”

More than just eliminating clicks, the solution automates the entire documentation process and synchronizes it back to the patient’s individual medical record without copying and pasting. This automation significantly reduces the manual work that contributes to burnout. To ensure oversight and control, providers complete the interaction by reviewing, modifying, and approving the notes and next-step actions on their computer or mobile device.

“Practitioners spend upwards of 20-35% of their time on administrative work. This isn’t sustainable and contributes to burnout. We need our providers focused on patient needs,” said Seema Verma, executive vice president and general manager, Oracle Health and Life Sciences. “Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant’s groundbreaking AI technology solves this problem and brings the joy back to the practice of medicine and healthcare.”

What other practitioners have to say:

“What I appreciate most about Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant is the ability to regain eye contact and calmly pay attention to what the patient is really telling me,” said Dr. Alicia Brooks, Medical Director Fort Loudoun Primary Care, Covenant Health. “Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant helps me not waste time in the exam room having patients repeat themselves because I’m trying to get their information into the system. I can focus on understanding their concerns and working through a clear diagnosis and plan to thoroughly meet their needs. This is much more satisfying to me and the patient.”

“Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant is saving me a lot of time, up to 10-12 minutes per patient,” said Patricia Doolin, APRN, T.J. Regional Health. “The notes are more accurate, I get to see more patients, and I get more sleep at night!”

“I love Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant! It’s so cool and so smart,” said Dr. Marjorie Albers, MD, Billings Clinic. “It’s letting me see more patients, and I’m getting out an hour earlier. I only spend a minute or two editing the note.”

For more information about the Oracle Clinical Digital Assistant, visit the website here.

Oracle Climate Change Analytics Cloud Service Announced

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Ai4 2024- North America’s Largest AI Event Coming Soon

Taylor Graham — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 16:30:21 +0000

Media registration is now open for Ai4 2024, North America’s largest event for AI visionaries. Ai4 will gather nearly 5,000 attendees from over 75 countries, scheduled from Monday, August 12 to Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV. The event will feature over 150 AI exhibits and more than 350 speakers. Ai4 serves as the epicenter of the AI ecosystem, where industry executives and top tech innovators meet to promote the adoption of artificial intelligence and advance the field responsibly.

“AI has widespread influence and is weaving its way into every imaginable industry,” said Michael Weiss, Co-Founder Ai4. “Industries across the board are working to figure out how to best use it, which takes time, experimentation and real-world collaboration and testing. Ai4 is where leaders come to explore the state of generative AI, discover the latest applications, and discuss best practices in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.”

Ai4 offers a unique platform for cross-industry executives and top tech innovators with a use-case oriented approach to content that provides a common framework for thinking about what AI means to each industry and job function. In covering industries from tech, education and financial services to government, healthcare, retail, and real estate, media will have the opportunity to report on groundbreaking announcements and gain industry insights from the world’s leading AI voices.

The event will feature renowned speakers such as Geoffrey Hinton, the Godfather of AI, who will deliver the opening keynote address at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, August 13. Other notable speakers include Andrew Yang, 2020 Presidential Candidate and founder of the Forward Party, Karin Timpone, EVP and Chief Marketing Officer for Major League Baseball, and head data scientists from prominent companies like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Johnson & Johnson, Nordstrom and more.

With interactive exhibits, expert panels, hands-on workshops, and networking events, Ai4 serves as the hub for the AI community. Special event highlights include AI trainings, the AI Policy Summit, the Official Afterparty, the Women in AI Reception, the AI Research Summit, and the AI Art Exhibition. Registered journalists will have access to Ai4 leadership and top speakers for interviews, seating at all keynotes, dedicated workspace and complimentary access to show events and receptions.

This event attracts enterprise leaders, government decision makers, disruptive startups, investors, research labs, academics, non-profit and trade associations, open-source projects, media, analysts, and more. With 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies represented, Ai4 provides the most influential arena for idea-sharing and technological progress on the planet.

To learn more about Ai4 2024 or to register, visit the website here.

Addressing the Labor Shortage in the Field Service Industry

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Step Into Spectacular at LG’s InfoComm 2024 Showcase

Taylor Graham — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 17:00:46 +0000

LG Business Solutions USA is showcasing a stunning lineup of commercial digital displays, ad-enabled EV chargers, laptops, projectors, system management software, and more at InfoComm 2024. Attendees will discover how these innovations can enhance business communications, streamline daily operations, improve user experiences, and generate new opportunities for differentiation and recurring revenue in nearly any commercial setting.

According to LG Business Solutions USA’s Head of Marketing Dave Bacher, with more than 40 innovative LG products on display, booth visitors can “Step Into Spectacular” and experience cutting-edge solutions to suit a wide array of commercial projects.

“LG is leading the way forward at InfoComm 2024 with groundbreaking displays, business tools and control capabilities, empowering integrators and business owners to deploy easy-to-use systems that deliver consistently excellent experiences for business owners, employees and customers,” Bacher said. “From retail stores and drive-thrus to offices and schools, integration pros are using LG’s vast selection of displays, laptops, EV chargers and intuitive software solutions to help commercial customers outfit virtually any size property with impressive visual experiences and real-time content control.”

As they approach the LG booth (W2125), they will be wowed by the giant new 1.9mm fine-pitch “Kinetic LED” designed for diverse settings such as shopping malls and airports. The striking installation presents a 20-foot-wide by 12-foot-tall kinetic screen consisting of several LED fine pitch (model LSBC019) panels that move in sync with atmospheric music to display vibrant digital art. The display offers high-dynamic range capability with a wide color gamut and high contrast ratio that make it ideal for presenting eye-catching imagery, including generative content. Installation and panel alignment are simplified through a click-and-lock system, even when used on a 90-degree corner to create a seamless multi-side visual experience.

Once inside the booth, visitors can browse through multiple zones that exhibit various technologies and solutions suited to distinct commercial sectors.

MicroLED displays can be found throughout LG’s booth, including the new 136-inch Next Generation MicroLED and 118-inch All-in-One with a 0.6mm pixel pitch that can instantly turn any space into a captivating media experience. The MAGNIT MicroLED with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) will also be on display. This model delivers excellent low-grayscale performance, ensuring superior image clarity and enabling users to see exactly what’s happening during the darkest scenes. The MAGNIT MicroLED display is also certified for color consistency over a wide viewing angle.

In the Luxury Retail Zone, attendees can preview the impact of LG’s double-sided display that features an 86-inch LED for window viewing and a 75-inch LCD for customer messaging indoors, a retail concept display that leverages a 30-inch Transparent OLED display, a 55-inch Transparent OLED that offers unique content opportunities and a 37-inch Ultrawide Stretch display that enables banner or column messaging to maximize space utilization.

The tech immersion continues in the Café and Bakery Zone, where the brand shows additional applications for its Transparent OLED displays including a touch-capable model. Another highlight is the upcoming 79-inch Stretch display that offers a 1.5mm, 1.8mm or 2.5mm pixel pitch and 32:9 aspect ratio. This zone also features signage displays from 32 inches to 110 inches, as well as a 27-inch touchscreen kiosk for ordering and a 16-inch LG gram laptop ideal for backend employee needs including content control for displays.

In the Drive-Thru Zone, integrators can experience the sun-defying performance and resilience of LG’s high brightness outdoor displays that range from 22 inches to a bold new 86-inch model that offers 4K Ultra HD resolution and 3,300 nits of brightness, enabling a wide range of drive-thru ordering configurations.

The Education Zone shows how LG signage can be deployed for campus messaging alongside in-class learning technologies such as LG gram laptops and the popular 75-inch LG CreateBoard, a multi-touch digital whiteboard that offers educators enhanced content sharing capabilities and deeper student engagement.

Demonstrating solutions for office, campus or hospitality projects, the Meeting Room Zone presents a variety of large screen solutions including a 105-inch LCD model and a 171-inch LED All-in-One with stereo speakers, which each feature a 21:9 aspect ratio optimized for Microsoft Front Row. This is also where booth visitors can experience the amazing picture quality, color and impact of LG’s MAGNIT technology through a 136-inch All-in-One MicroLED model with a 0.7mm pixel pitch and a build-to-size model with a 0.9mm pixel pitch. An additional marine-grade DVLED display shows that LG is also addressing outdoor spaces, making it an ideal partner for even the most unique projects and needs.

In the Sports Bar Zone, LG shows how various digital displays can be implemented for messaging, entertainment and interactive experiences with its new high-brightness window facing 75-inch display, a 55-inch transparent OLED display, a touch-enabled 30-inch transparent OLED display, and a 65-inch UHD display.

The LG SHIELD Zone showcases LG’s new security platform for webOS 6.0 devices, a powerful cybersecurity system with five layers of protection, including Connected Service, Application, OS, System and Hardware. LG’s security platform is invaluable for any business utilizing digital signage, offering protection against a range of cyber threats including hacking, malicious software, ransomware, and more. This software is particularly crucial for businesses that share confidential data and information, as it helps safeguard against intellectual property infringement as well. This zone also highlights a sampling of LG’s latest commercial projection solutions.

Showing that LG has solutions that go beyond traditional display functions, the booth also highlights two versions of the new LG Level 2 EV Charger featuring enclosures by Melitron. One is outfitted with a 22-inch LG display, and the other with a 55-inch LG display, each offering owners messaging opportunities and the ability to develop new revenue streams through paid advertising.

Integrators familiar with LG know that the company’s platforms are a major part of its value and performance proposition, and visitors to the Software Solutions Zone can learn about the new LG Business Cloud, a multi-service SaaS cloud platform that provides integrators and business owners simple access to the powerful capabilities of LG ConnectedCare, LG Pro:Centric Cloud, LG Pro:Centric Stay and LG SuperSign Cloud.

Finally, LG’s 97-inch OLED and a 37-inch stretch displays highlights the “Better Life for All,” program, the company’s robust ESG (environment-social-governance) commitments to people and the planet. The program’s six key focus areas – carbon neutrality, circularity, clean technology, decent workplace, diversity & inclusion and design for all – align with ESG goals of major customers.

Learn more about what LG products to expect at the Step Into Spectacular InfoComm 2024 display booth here.

LG CreateBoard and IGEL Spearhead a Digital Signage Revolution

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Meet Your Digital Self, a Work for Humankind Project Released by Lenovo

Taylor Graham — Tue, 28 May 2024 15:00:08 +0000

Lenovo has launched the latest version of its Work For Humankind project, called ‘Meet Your Digital Self’. This initiative emphasizes the potential of smarter technology and AI to drive change and support mental health professionals in tackling the global youth mental health crisis. It addresses the challenges young people face due to the disconnect between their real and online lives, with 67% of Gen Z feeling this disparity leads to loneliness and anxiety. Despite 49% of Gen Z finding it easier to express themselves online, 60% wish they could have difficult conversations with family and loved ones in person.

Sarah Kendrick, Clinical Director at Mental Health Innovations, the charity running the UK’s Shout 24/7 text support service said, “One in eight people globally grapple with a mental health condition, with Gen Z experiencing the greatest impact, where that figure rises to one in five. The type of AI innovation in Lenovo’s ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ social experiment shows promise as a way in which generations with different understandings of online personas can meet and understand each other.”

In this first-of-its-kind social experiment, Lenovo pioneered the use of AI made possible by its broad portfolio of technology, from mobile phones and PCs to infrastructure, software, services, solutions, and cloud. The combined technology brought to life the entire online personas of two Gen Z project participants as lifelike avatars capable of having unscripted, natural conversation.

The experiment facilitated impactful, heartfelt conversations between the participants, their family members, and the avatars – conversations that might not have happened otherwise, in real life. The family members either didn’t know about their Gen Z participant’s online world or didn’t understand and accept it: be it their career choices or gender identity. By asking the digital avatars questions and having real-time conversations, each family member gained invaluable insights into their Gen Z loved one’s true self as expressed in the online world and were able to better understand and reconnect in real life. The project is a pioneering proof of concept demonstrating the positive impact technology can have in advancing positive change in the youth mental health epidemic, which has been worsened by their struggle to balance two distinct online and offline identities.

The 3D avatars not only resembled each participant but were built to be able to respond to real-time conversation – adjusting their tones, movements, and facial expressions based on the discussion. To do that the avatars were trained on data that came directly from each participant’s online persona.

According to new research from Lenovo, almost half (48%) of Gen Zs say talking to a trained professional would give them the confidence to talk more openly with the people they love in the real world.

In an effort to expand mental health support and resources for people in need, Lenovo has partnered with several organizations, such as Shout, a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging service based in the UK; Crisis Text Line, a non-profit organization that provides free, 24/7 confidential text-based mental health support in both English and Spanish for anyone in the US and Puerto Rico; and Anata no Ibasho in Japan. These organizations train real people who are then supervised by mental health professional staff, offering support to millions in need.

The digital versions of the two Gen Z participants were created by weaving together data from across their social media, blog, and forum handles securely with their consent. The data was trained and tested, and the project designed and brought to life with Lenovo devices, services, software, servers, and cloud solutions. This is the first time ever that Lenovo solutions have come together to develop an avatar of this kind. Devices and solutions include Lenovo ThinkStation workstations; ThinkCentre desktop computers; Lenovo Legion, ThinkBook and Yoga laptops; Lenovo tablets; ThinkVision monitors and accessories; motorola razr smartphones; ThinkEdge SE450 Edge Server; AI Professional Services and Lenovo | Dropbox Cloud Storage.

“Technology can become the bridge that shortens distances, making powerful human-to-human connection faster and more accessible to people in moments of need,” said Dr. Shairi Turner, Chief Health Officer at Crisis Text Line. “Whether someone is in a classroom, at a family event, or lying awake at night, the power of a text conversation with another human offers solace in anonymity and compassion without judgement. It is truly brave to reach out for support.”

Crisis Text Line reports that more than 70% of its texters are under the age of 25. Its text-based service helps people of all ages but was specifically created for young people allowing for on-demand support through text message.

Anyone who sees themselves in these films, struggling to reconcile their online and offline identities and more deeply connect with their friends and family, or who simply needs advice on how to reach out to someone close to them, can reach out for support by messaging Shout (UK), Crisis Text Line (US), or Anata no Ibasho (Japan).

“We recognize the importance of achieving a healthy digital balance for our overall mental wellbeing,” commented Emily Ketchen, global vice president and CMO of Intelligent Devices Group and International Markets at Lenovo.“With huge advancements in AI and smarter technologies, now is the time to explore and pilot creative new ways to use technology like AI thoughtfully and responsibly, for the greater good. Lenovo is uniquely positioned to lead here thanks to having one of the industry’s broadest portfolios of smarter technology—from AI devices to IT solutions—that can work seamlessly together to benefit our society and the next generation. Ultimately, we hope that through our ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ social experiment we can spark meaningful conversations that contribute to the mental wellbeing of individuals and communities worldwide.”

Chinatsu Hoashi, Gen Z participant from Japan comments: “Taking part in the ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ social experiment has definitely helped strengthen relationships with my family. By using technology and AI, I was able to open up more and convey what I always wanted them know. This has had a positive impact on my mental health, as I can finally express feelings I have been avoiding telling people because I was too embarrassed.”

Oscar Jackson-Walsh, Gen Z participant from UK comments: “Taking part in this social experiment has helped me to become more confident and bridge the gap between myself and my online persona. It has also enabled me to have more open conversations with my family around my identity, which has not only made me feel more loved and accepted than ever before, but also less alone and anxious in a family space.”

About Work For Humankind

‘Meet Your Digital Self’ is the latest evolution of Lenovo’s Work For Humankind platform showcasing how technology brings people together for the greater good. What began in 2020 as a way to step into the daily lives of 10 young women driving change in their communities has evolved into a groundbreaking, multi-year movement that showcases technology as a catalyst for impact, from Robinson Crusoe Island to cities and countries around the globe. Work For Humankind delivers on Lenovo’s vision of creating Smarter Technology for All through world-changing innovations.

With ‘Meet Your Digital Self,’ Lenovo creates the next chapter in this exciting campaign and aims to create a meaningful conversation around the positive impact that technology can have on society’s wellbeing, including supporting mental health professionals.

Watch the ‘Meet Your Digital Self’ videos here at the website.

Integrated IGEL OS License Compatible Lenovo Devices Now Available

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Improving Pediatric Mental Health Care in the Digital Age

Hari Prasad — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:59:49 +0000

Children are now born into a digital world, so it’s natural for there to be concerns about the detrimental effects of social media, on a child’s mental health. Studies have shown a correlation between increased social media use and symptoms of depression, anxiety, cyberbullying, sleep disturbance, and other behavioral problems among young adults. Given these alarming findings, the role of a pediatrician has never been more critical in identifying and addressing these issues and safeguarding the well-being of their young patients.

The Complexities of Screening for Mental Health Issues

Screening young people for mental health needs is a delicate process that requires a nuanced approach. Pediatricians are required to navigate the delicate balance between probing for personal, social, and clinical information while creating a safe, non-judgmental environment where children feel comfortable sharing their concerns candidly. As an example, many children are reluctant to disclose the extent of their social media activity, their feelings, their interactions, episodes of bullying, etc. especially if they fear that their parents or caregivers may react negatively to their candid answers.

A new wave of screening and triage tools can help providers identify children who may need additional support or confidential services. These tools can be integrated into the pre-arrival check-in process or telehealth platforms, allowing patients to disclose sensitive information privately before their appointment. Some studies have shown that patients are more forthcoming on a remote pre-arrival questionnaire than when they are speaking one-on-one with their doctors or in front of their guardians.

Challenges in Obtaining Honest Answers

One of the significant challenges pediatricians have to grapple with is obtaining honest and accurate information from their young patients. Their reluctance stems from not wanting to share personal information with an adult, but also a fear that their parents might gain access to that information. This can include instances of depression, sexual activity, substance abuse, social media addiction, and domestic violence. This makes it essential for pediatricians to build trust and rapport with the children and their families.

The Role of Multiple Stakeholders in Children’s Health

When addressing the impact of social media and mental health on children, it’s crucial to recognize that pediatricians are just one of the vital stakeholders. Schools, religious institutions, sports teams, special needs programs and other community organizations all play a significant role in shaping a child’s well-being and social media usage. As we say, “It takes a village,” but oftentimes disparate objectives & goals being followed by these stakeholders can cause friction when it comes to a child’s care such as the coach who believes a doctor is too abundantly cautious in suggesting when a child can safely return to the sport.

Ways Technology Can Help

Direct, open communication: These allow minors to communicate directly and privately with their providers removing the barrier that a guardian might present.
Patient Privacy and Confidentiality: Healthcare organizations need to ensure that their systems and processes comply with privacy regulations like HIPAA. This includes implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive patient data, as well as providing clear privacy policies and consent forms for patients and their parents about how information may be shared with others.
Secure Communication Channels: Offering telehealth services requires secure and encrypted communication channels to protect the confidentiality of patient-provider interactions. This could involve implementing video conferencing platforms with end-to-end encryption or secure messaging systems for text-based communication.
Separation of Patient Records: Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems should have the capability to separate and restrict access to certain parts of a patient’s record based on sensitivity and age. This would allow young patients to have private conversations with healthcare providers without their parents having automatic access to that information.
Age-appropriate Interfaces: Pre-arrival check-in and patient portals should be designed with age-appropriate interfaces and language to ensure that young patients can understand and navigate the system comfortably. This could involve simplified interfaces, visual cues, and clear explanations of confidentiality policies.

Conclusion

Addressing the complex interplay between social media usage, mental health, and overall well-being in minors require a collaborative and multi-faceted approach. While pediatricians play a crucial role in screening for mental health issues and providing medical guidance, it’s essential to recognize the influence of all the other stakeholders in a child’s life, including schools, religious institutions, sports teams, and community organizations.

By working together and fostering open appropriate communication among all stakeholders, we can create a supportive and nurturing environment that empowers children to make informed decisions about their social media usage, prioritize their mental health, and thrive in today’s digital world.

In addition, by leveraging cutting-edge technologies, pediatricians have the digital tools they need to navigate the complexities of modern healthcare and address the unique challenges posed by social media. To learn more about how these technologies can improve pediatric care, visit the Yosi Health website here.

IGEL Collaborates with Insentra and Insight to Assist Western Health

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