Cell Phones: Answering the Call for TBI Patients

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

Could cell phones play a key role in treating traumatic brain injury? A robust group of clinical, technology, and research experts working out of the Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC) would argue yes. The concept, created by Col. Ron Poropatich, M.D., involves upgrading personal cell phones with unique software that would enable case managers and staff in care facilities to send targeted reminder messages to individuals regarding their specialized treatment plans.

The system is simple yet has the potential to create lasting change in warrior care. Right now, the plan targets community-based warrior transition units (CBWTUs), which provide outpatient care to Army National Guard and Reserve members with TBI after they are released from inpatient medical facilities. To date, eight CBWTUs exist, located in the North Atlantic and Southeast regions of the U.S. This study is being conducted through three CBWTUs located in Rock Island, Ill., Virginia Beach, Va., and Concord, Mass. Additional CBWTUs will be added as the project progresses.

“A formal communications structure was set up well in advance to ensure smooth transfer of information and coordination between the oversight team and the CBWTUs,” says project manager Holly Pavliscsak. Medical directors, platoon sergeants, case managers and project liaisons in each of the CBWTUs are all involved in managing the Web-faced portal, which serves as a database for message distribution and monitoring.

Through the program, every eligible soldier that comes into one of the designated CBWTUs will have his or her personal cell phone upgraded with the mCare application. Once upgraded, the phones will receive SMS text messages announcing new treatment and program information, when available, and appointment reminders, when applicable. Even with the special software, cell users must open the secure application by entering a password before being able to access the appointment reminders, as well as important health and medical information related specifically to their treatment plan.

http://www.health.mil/Press/Release.aspx?ID=618

Military studies shed light on brain injuries

By Gregg Zoroya – USA Today
Posted : Wednesday Apr 8, 2009 16:33:32 EDT

ARLINGTON, Va. — Military scientists are learning how roadside bombs — the most common weapon used against U.S. troops in on the battlefield — harm the brain even when there is no other physical damage, according to research results released by the project’s lead scientist.

Researchers discovered a sliding scale of injury ranging from brain cell inflammation to cell damage or cell death, depending on the power of the blast, said Army Col. Geoffrey Ling, a neurologist at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.

Future research that builds on these findings may lead to ways battlefield medics can use a combination of helmet sensors and over-the-counter pain reliever to identify and treat mild cases of blast-caused brain injury, Ling said.

Scientists also found that brain damage from an improvised explosive device can be made worse for those riding inside an armored Humvee because materials in the vehicle magnify the blast wave effect, Ling said.

http://www.militarytimes.com/news/2009/04/gns_braininjury_darpa_040809w/

U.S. Soldiers Electrocuted By Improper Wiring in Iraq

American servicemembers in Iraq face an unexpected threat: faulty wiring.  At least 13 have been killed.  During the second half alone of 2006, nearly 300 electrical fires were reported.  Two soldiers died.

Electricians warned the contractor about the unsafe conditions, which they said were due to unlicensed supervisors and Iraqi contractors who did not understand the hazards.

Some electrocutions occurred in showers. One soldier, a Green Beret, died when an improperly grounded pump sent a lethal jolt of electricity through his body when he turned on the water.

According to this CNN report, the Army has known about the danger of electrocution since the beginning of the Iraq war.

An Army probe found contractor KBR guilty of negligent homicide for failing to ensure that electrical work was completed by qualified electricians.  The report is currently being reviewed by the Criminal Investigation Command at Ft Belvoir, Virginia.

Read more here.