Working out, or just working, what's playing in your ear?
"This one's David Archuleta."
For some docs, the playlist may have nothing to do with rock and everything to do with rhythm. They’re listening to heartbeats on their iPods.
"Listening to the heart is still one of the basic skills of the art of medicine, when we see patients."
On the website cardiosource, heart sounds for listening practice have been among the top downloads every month and not just by interns and residents.
"We're finding many of the adult, older quote unquote cardiologists moving toward mp3 players as well."
On average, most docs can correctly identify heart sounds 40% of the time. In a recent study, doctors who listened to 5 heart sounds at least 400 times on their iPods were 80% accurate.
Veteran nurse, Margie Fortino, is trying out another way to improve care. The e-lert system is like an electronic intensive care unit. Personnel monitor patients 24-7 with software. They also control high resolution cameras mounted in each room. Fortino can zoom in close enough to double check the fine print on medical devices.
"You can anticipate the needs of a patient, and you can pick up subtle changes a little earlier."
It's technology that could save lives and keep medical professionals on the job
For more information, contact:
Megan Chiplock, news department
Temple University School of Medicine
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 707-1731
Megan.chiplock@temple.eduMargie Fortino, critical care nurse
University of Pennsylvania
Margaret.fortino-mullen@uphs.upenn.edu
