Advancing Care Through Technology
Horizons in Hemophilia, March 2012
By Barbara A. Konkle, MD, Chair, American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network Board of Directors and Director, Translational Research, Puget Sound Blood Center.
Technology is everywhere in our lives. We connect anytime and anywhere by phoning, texting or instant messaging. We “Google” answers instantly and access an ever-growing number of “apps” to manage our finances, play games or log vital health information on the go.
But can technology help our understanding of bleeding and clotting disorders? Can it be used to improve care and support the needs of our children? One organization is helping the community find out: The American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network (ATHN). ATHN uses technology for care and research in new, important and exciting ways.
A non-profit started in 2006, ATHN has partnered with over 125 HTCs to establish a safe, secure national database to improve care for patients with bleeding and clotting disorders – including HTCs in our region.
Now, HTCs are inviting patients to join by agreeing to add their health information to the ATHNdataset. This vitally important information will be used for the common good to improve the lives of those with bleeding and clotting disorders.
The ATHNdataset is:
- Confidential: all information used to identify individuals is removed
- Simple: no special blood tests, procedures, or treatments are required
- Secure: it will only be used for research and advocacy.
One of the greatest benefits of the ATHNdataset is its power to begin addressing questions that haven’t been answered before about bleeding and clotting disorders, inhibitors and treatment. The ATHNdataset opens the door to new possibilities for this community, now and for future generations.
The value of the ATHNdataset lies in your participation. The more patients contribute their information, the more certain we can be that the ATHNdataset represents the whole community.
That's a benefit to you — and to the entire community. Ask your HTC how you can join today and visit https://www.athn.org/ to learn more.