A Medical Device Daily

ERT (Philadelphia) reported the launch of its comprehensive suite of electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) solutions. As the ePRO market continues to grow, ePRO tools have increasingly become more sophisticated, with development reflecting the diverse needs of sponsors and facilitating compliance by the patient, ERT said.

ERT says its VIAPad solution has the capacity for complex diaries, questionnaires and visual scales, alongside the ability to streamline mid-study changes. The VIAWeb solution enables all patients to use a standard internet browser at home or work to securely log into their study diary or assessment and complete necessary information, the company noted. This is ideal for patients busy at work, with little time to visit a clinical trial site. The VIAPen is a digital pen that offers the simplicity of paper-based methods with the dual advantage of digital data collection. Completing the suite of solutions offered is the VIAPhone, otherwise known as an Interactive Voice Response device. The VIAPhone enables a patient to use a standard landline telephone or cell phone to feedback information. For people reluctant to embrace more innovative technologies or with reduced physical function, this provides the perfect solution.

In other HIT news:

• iNTERFACEWARE (Toronto) released Iguana 4.5, the latest version of its HL7 interface engine. With new capabilities including improved user management, faster log searching and FTP support, Iguana 4.5 enables healthcare organizations to create an HL7 interface securely in seconds, the company said. By ensuring the timely and reliable delivery of patient information, hospitals and healthcare organizations are able to improve patient care while reducing costs.

• Quest Diagnostics (Madison, New Jersey) said its Care360 electronic health record, version 2010.2, is 2011/2012 compliant and was certified as a Complete EHR by the Certification Commission for eligible Health Information Technology, an ONC-ATCB, in accordance with the applicable eligible provider certification criteria adopted by the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). The 2011/2012 criteria support the Stage 1 Meaningful Use measures required to qualify eligible providers and hospitals for funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.