HealthVault service - Microsoft’s latest health related software

2008-10-13 18:15:01 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Business, Technology, Top Stories)

Health Vault service was launched two years ago by Microsoft. This service enables people to store their medical records and manage them safely with the help of an online database. Following this, Microsoft has constantly been making an effort in developing health care related software’s in consultation with various prominent providers of prescription drugs.

These companies include CVS Caremark and Boston, American Well, a health start up based in MA, etc. Presently Microsoft is partnering Scripps Health based in San Diego in a bid to study and research effects on the health and lifestyle due to personal genome testing.

At least 10,000 people will be subjected to genetic scans. This study which will be sponsored by Navigenics and Affymetrix, firms based in Bay Area will be conducted on people affiliated to the Scripps Health System which is a nonprofit organization.

Participants on whom the study will be conducted will be informed of their generic risks of various conditions like obesity, diabetics, cancer of certain types, heart attack, etc. Study will focus on their lifestyle changes after coming to know of the health risks. Research will range over a period of 20 years with periodical questioning and surveys. Participant’s privacy will be protected with encrypted coding saved in a secure database says Scripps.

The role of Microsoft in this study involves the Health Vault account which can be accessed by the participants. They will be able to store their information on lifestyle changes and clinical details and even share them with their health care providers.