During the year-long study 200 high-risk patients over the age of 60 with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart failure, lung disease, will use a medical monitoring device to take their vitals: blood pressure, weight, sugar levels and peak air flow. This information is collected in a central database at the Mayo Clinic where the patient’s primary medical team will have secure web access. Clinicians will also be able to use the videoconferencing system to observe and communicate with their patients.

Microsoft thinks so and is looking for new ways to use technology to improve personal health care using X-Box, computers and cell phones.

“New developments in technology promise to help transition healthcare from expensive clinical settings into private residences, encourage behavioral modifications that emphasize prevention rather than treatment of illnesses, and make it easier for family caregivers to monitor loved ones and take action in case of an emergency,” says Athan Bezaitis,

Telemedicine has long been thought a pathway to better care but according to New York Times columnist Pauline Chen “telemedicine has failed to take hold in the same way that other, newer technologies have.”

Chris Gibbons, Associate Director, John Hopkins Urban Health Institute: “If we are serious about developing technology solutions for healthcare problems, we must have a greater focus on the users (patients, caregivers as well as providers) and their problems, issues, needs and concerns. We must then use this information to develop effective technology solutions for user defined needs.” Following are his first 5 predictions for 2010 healthcare technology trends: