NEWS — APRIL 2005
HEALTH CARE NEWS
Skin Care & Dermatology
British Beauty Market
As reported by RedNova, survey research suggests that the British market for beauty and health treatments (manicures, massages, etc.) generated an estimated 1.45 billion pounds in 2004. Male grooming accounts for some of the strong growth that’s been demonstrated since 1998. Revenue gains are attributed to the increased number of salons and higher prices that are being charged for treatments.
Danish Study Identifies Demographic Groups At Highest Sunburn Risk
Using high-tech wristwatch monitors and diaries, Danish researchers studied the behavior and sun exposure patterns of 340 subjects. The average age of participants was 30. Not surprisingly, 91% of sunburn days happened away from work, and individuals who were sunburned averaged 6.4 hours of sun exposure. Most sunburns (90%) occurred during May, June or July. Approximately 79% were burned when sunbathing or exposing their shoulders to the sun. Groups with the most sunburns were teenagers, indoor workers, and "sun worshippers". These individuals experienced more sunburns than other "outdoor" groups (children, gardeners, and golfers). Age 20 represented the peak number of sunburns. Women demonstrated more days of risky sun exposure behavior than men but used sunscreen more often. Study findings are presented in the April issue of the Archives of Dermatology.
Johnson & Johnson’s First Quarter 2005 Financial Results
Johnson & Johnson generated $12.8 billion in sales during the first quarter of 2005, demonstrating an 11.0% gain over 2004. The change was attributed to operational growth and foreign currency exchange rates. Diagnostics posted a 16.0% increase, which was strongly driven by international sales. Worldwide pharmaceutical sales reached $5.8 billion, demonstrating 7.0% growth over the same period in 2004. Consumer segment sales increased 11.4%, accounting for $2.28 billion in the first quarter of 2005, compared with approximately $2.05 billion in 2004. The AVEENO and RoC skin care lines were identified as products that contributed to sales growth. Johnson & Johnson operates more than 200 companies with approximately 111,000 employees in 57 countries.
Patterns Help Dermatologists Identify Melanoma
In the April 2005 issue of Archives of Dermatology, an article points out the value of overall pattern recognition as a means for dermatologists to distinguish melanoma lesions from skin moles. The standard "analytic formula" (asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, and diameter) could be improved upon by learning what dermatologists rely on and providing that information to the general public and other physicians. Interestingly, dermatologists’ perceptions were relevant to making an accurate diagnosis of melanoma, some which of involved a feeling that the lesion had an overall irregularity with reference to moles and beauty marks, an "ugly duckling sign," or recent changes.
SkinMedica-Dow Prescription Dermatology Product Partnership Expands
Last week, SkinMedica Inc. (Carlsbad CA) and Dow Pharmaceutical Sciences (Petaluma CA) expanded an agreement to develop and market topical steroid products. Dow’s patented drug delivery technologies will be used for a second steroid product, which will be jointly developed and submitted for approval. SkinMedica will handle product commercialization in an ongoing strategy to license or acquire such rights. In addition to the delivery technology, Dow brings expertise in clinical and regulatory affairs to the partnership.
Telehealth
The Beryl Companies' National Sales Team
As an investment to achieve its growth plans, The Beryl Companies' (Bedford TX) national sales team is being expanded to include five sales professionals. Supporting the "Beryl difference" corporate mission, the team will serve the needs of current and future clients. From 1985 to the present, more than 500 hospitals, hospital systems, and other health care organizations have been served by The Beryl Companies. Offerings include class/seminar registration health information, telephone nurse triage, and physician/service referrals.
Expansion of Medcor's National Injury Triage Service
With 24/7 toll-free injury triage services, Medcor Inc. (McHenry IL) has expanded the call center with additional registered nurses. The National Injury Triage Service serves companies with multiple work sites to manage occupational health programs and provide support to help employees recover and return to work. Medcor On-Line includes proprietary triage algorithms and software that nurses use to determine the severity of workers' injuries and recommend what steps they can take. Companies benefit from decreased medical costs, while employees receive assistance to make informed decisions about the medical services they may need.
Hispanic Web Site for Doctor-Consumer Consultations
With 300,000 covered participants, eDocAmerica (Miami FL) has expanded its web site with enhanced navigation and a Spanish version of online services. Consumers use eDocAmerica to communicate with board-certified physicians at any time. Clients include associations, corporations, and insurance companies that extend the service to their employees and members. Secure access enables users to take advantage of a medical library, nurse advice line, personal health assessments, and weekly health tips. The Company serves participants within the United States and in 26 other countries.
IntelliCare's 2005 Telenurse of the Year Award
Eileen Reed, R.N., has been recognized by IntelliCare (Portland ME) as the 2005 Telenurse of the Year. Nurses within IntelliCare and among the Company's software clients are evaluated by a panel of experts. The criteria involve categories such as improving the patient experience, advancing the telenursing profession, and/or pursuing professional growth as a telenurse. IntelliCare's medical call center operations serve more than 250 hospitals, health systems, health plans, group practices, and employers throughout the United States.
National Health Service Health Care System Review
A March 2005 review identified communication failures in NHS Direct's after-hours coverage in Northumberland (England). Various recommendations were made to address weaknesses in the system: Inadequate skill levels of Agency doctors, low infirmary admission levels during weekends, etc. Improvements should provide patients with greater access to local general practitioners (GPs) and increase the number of specialist GPs in community hospitals.
One of the problems may be the expectation that nationally established criteria may not be appropriate for a large rural area such as Northumberland. Some recommendations will be implemented immediately, while others are on the schedule to be added.
