The Problem

Potential Remedy

1) NEW 2008: Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Sun exposure is a major factor in more than 90% of all skin cancers. One blister-ing sunburn in childhood increases a person's chances of getting skin cancer later in life.

Develop communication tools to better inform children, teens, and young adults about the seriousness of sun exposure. Provide visuals to demonstrate how skin is affected over time.

2) NEW 2008: Physicians do not adopt science-based, user-centered IT tools or systems if they are too difficult to use, too time consuming to learn, or disrupt workflow.

Develop technology tools or a system for health care professionals that 1) provides easy ordering and/or access to test results; 2) determines eligibility for claims; 3) provides access to patient demographic information; 4) improves the ability to exchange messages between physicians, patients; and caregivers; and 5) improves physician workflow.

To increase use: 1) Increase the awareness level of available products; 2) demonstrate benefits and ease of use when incorporated into a workflow; 3) provide training, 4) address different needs of physicians and other staff, 5) provide trial access, 6) resolve barriers to use, and 7) document user feedback for product updates.

3) NEW 2008: There are inadequate collaborative infrastructures to adopt IT tools.

Develop widespread health IT adoption procedures that lead to transformation of a health care system. — Include products 1) whose health benefits outweigh their manageable costs; 2) that incorporate a strategy for use; 3) that incorporate successful adoption lessons from other industries; 4) that include stakeholder incentives; and 5) multi-benefits to patients, family members, health professionals and the general public.

4) NEW 2008: Low 'health literacy' increases a patient's chance of death ; studies show that many can't grasp the information on medical labels or forms.

Develop products, tools, interventions or programs to improve patients' comprehension of health information by teaching individuals to understand basic health-related materials such as prescription bottles and appointment slips.

5) Children and youth are engaging in behaviors that increase their risk for cancer later in life , i.e., overeating, minimal exercise, smoking, excessive sun exposure, etc.

Develop cutting edge games as interventions for young adults. These "serious games" can educate youth about cancer, particularly in the areas of risk assessment, screening and treatment options, and survivorship issues. Applications must include scientific merit, innovative media, and outcome measures for evaluating the impact of the final product.

6) A recent NCI HINTS survey indicates that most Americans do not know when or how often to get cancer screening tests.

Develop a “reminder system” that includes information about the appropriate initial and follow-up ages for breast, cervical, colon, prostate, lung and skin cancer screening exams. Include pros and cons of screening and resources.

7) Care giving in the home is vital to the future of healthcare . However, current healthcare systems provide no systematic support for caregivers.

Develop:
a) tools, resources and strategies to support caregiver needs and promote patient and family-centered care.
b) methods to leverage and partner the knowledge and resources of both federal and local agencies, as well as industry, non-profit and other such organizations.
c) outreach programs to increase awareness of senior leaders and policy makers on the role of care giving.

8) Most patients do not understand the complex topic of genetic testing or their options.

Develop tools to educate patients about genetic testing. These tools can teach patients how to make informed and appropriate decisions. Final products should be engaging, interactive, provide maximum privacy and minimize stress, and provide current news and program updates in advances in specific types of genetic testing.

9) There are inadequate collaborative infrastructures to actuate positive dietary changes .

Develop:
a) collaborations with influential public figures in entertainment-education to increase knowledge about healthy eating practices.
b) strategies to disseminate nutrition information to a diverse audience with the purpose of minimizing current confusion about what foods enhance or diminish our health.
c) communication modes to convey evidence-based information on nutrition and healthy eating practices to a wide audience not currently being reached.
d) measures to monitor and evaluate the impact of developed communication products.

10) There is a lack of standardized systems and effective tools to capture family health histories for use in medical environments.

Develop products with standardized features that can:
a) download information into health IT systems on all types of chronic diseases, medications, treatments, screening outcomes, x-rays, etc..
b) digitally store handwritten information.
c) generate and display subsequent questions based on previous answers.
d) display existing informatics while interactively collecting data.
e) scan while prompting clinicians to complete a report.
f) interactively suggest treatment.
g) upload patient histories, progress reports or results from current exams.

11) There is inadequate communication with patients and their families during end of life .

Develop programs to improve communication about accurate prognoses, patient values and preferences at end of life.

Develop training programs for physicians and/or pediatric oncologists around:
a) end-of-life care issues,
b) emotional support,
c) projecting hope,
d) communicating with patients and their families,
e) accessibility,
f) palliative care and access to a palliative care team or pain service,
g) the shift to end-of-life care and adequate pain control,
h) ethical training to negotiate diverse changing norms regarding end-of-life decision making,
i) psycho-social issues, spiritual matters, difficult-to-raise topics, living wills, and
j) support systems for caregivers.

12) Most people are unaware of self (needs, emotions, behavior, etc.) and do not understand that this unawareness impacts choices that could lead to the onset of chronic diseases.

Develop programs that will enhance self-awareness and identify strengths, vulnerabilities, limitations, personal beliefs, emotions and experiences that impact health. Products should utilize inter-personal skills, information processing skills, and cultural aspects, and assist individuals in how to listen to their body to improve physical and emotional self-awareness.