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Bausch + Lomb, IBM developing app to provide patient data at point of care
Surgeons and staff will be able to access biometrics, refractive data and IOL calculations with mobile devices in the operating room.
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Bausch + Lomb and IBM are collaborating on an innovative app for Apple’s iPhone and iPad that is designed to give cataract surgeons patient data in the clinic and operating room, the two companies announced earlier this year.
The app will manage patient data across the iPhone and iPad platforms, and host health-related data on IBM’s Cloud platform, Bluemix. Cataract surgeons will have access to customized IOL options and other data to plan and execute procedures more efficiently.
A pilot study to test the app is expected to begin later this year, according to Andrew Chang, senior vice president and general manager, U.S. Surgical, Bausch + Lomb.
“We’re working to develop the app requirements and information management design and will perform the pilot study later this year. In doing so, we’re working with a group of ophthalmologists — some of the best minds from around the world — who are critical contributors to this project,” Chang told Ocular Surgery News.
The MobileFirst for iOS team, part of IBM Global Business Services, will design and develop the app. The IBM side of the platform is part of an automated health initiative using IBM’s Watson, a multifaceted cognitive computer system. The app will run on an existing infrastructure.
“It’s all about cognitive computing. IBM already has similar programs to advance the treatment of diabetes and develop a workplace health technology focused on improving heart health. It is a perfect marriage with IBM’s data management capabilities, computing and analytics driven by our deep clinical knowledge in surgical devices in ophthalmology,” Chang said. “That’s the beauty of it. We can take modules of other specialty areas, hospital systems, and really utilize it to our strength, so that’s what we’re doing.”
Filling a need
According to Chang, surgeons are already using mobile devices for many other aspects of their lives; however, there is not yet a digital solution for accessing patient data in the OR.
“Today, many cataract surgeons consult patient data in the OR via printouts or notes created during preop patient office visits, which can often be bothersome and inefficient. Now, with this app, surgeons will have the ability to access each patient’s surgical information in one place, receive intuitive feedback for IOL selection and help improve future procedures, while driving greater efficiencies in managing patient flow — an incredible benefit for practices,” Chang said. “We’re continuously evaluating the market and what is available to our customers — where there are gaps, opportunities and learnings from other industries.
Improving efficiency, saving time
Accumulated and accessible patient data will include IOL power calculations, corneal topography and other biometric information, and patient lifestyle preferences. The data will enable surgeons and staff to generate comprehensive, integrated patient profiles to help them select IOLs and plan surgical procedures. The app will also contain historical surgical data that can be used to support positive clinical outcomes for future cases.
“Bausch + Lomb’s vision is to optimize the app to collect data over time, resulting in a cognitive app that applies machine-based learning and predictive analytics to deliver real-time insights to surgeons,” Chang said.
“If you think about all aspects of the patient process flow — the patient’s office visits, staff time, surgeon prep — it takes a lot of time to compile the information needed to conduct IOL calculations. If we can help bridge that gap and take some of the human error factor out, then we’ve helped to make a real difference for our customers and their patients,” he said. “We have also learned from industry thought leaders that achieving optimal refractive outcomes is not necessarily technology driven, but a result of having all the data together in one place. This helps surgeons to make the best informed decisions possible for their patients.”
Chang said that the app will not be an adjunct to electronic medical records.
“Our goal is not to tackle the EMR world. It is to fundamentally change how surgeons and their staff manage patient information throughout the entire cataract procedure, from planning through postoperative follow-up, to help drive greater efficiencies in managing patient flow for surgeons’ practices and help improve patient outcomes,” Chang said. – by Matt Hasson
- Reference:
- Bausch + Lomb and IBM collaborate on innovative app for iPhone and iPad for cataract surgeons on IBM cloud. https://www-03.ibm.com/press/us/en/pressrelease/49663.wss.
- For more information:
- Andrew Chang can be reached at Bausch + Lomb, 50 Technology Drive, Irvine, CA 92618; email: andrew.chang@bausch.com.
Disclosure: Chang is senior vice president and general manager, U.S. Surgical, Bausch + Lomb.