Innovations in technology offer convenience to patients, allow physicians to monitor patients from afar and offer promise in genetics-based diagnoses, according to leading experts scheduled to speak at the 2018 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition.
The Pediatrics for the 21st Century symposium, "Leveraging New Technologies to Transform Child Health," kicks off the national conference from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, at Chapin Theater at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. The conference, expected to attract more than 17,000 attendees, offers educational and hands-on workshops during hundreds of pediatrics-centered sessions held through Tuesday, Nov. 6.
"Technology is rapidly changing the face of healthcare, and we believe pediatricians should be at the center of shaping the practice of the future," said Chelsea Bodnar, MD, MPhil, FAAP, a member of the executive committee of the AAP Section on Telehealth Care, who is speaking at the event.
"Pediatricians cannot afford to ignore the way the world has changed. We have an obligation to continue to adapt and bring the science and compassion of high-quality pediatric care into the technology-enabled lives of the families we serve."
The Pediatrics 21 symposium features:
1:50 p.m.-2:10 p.m.
Kristopher Jones, JD, MS, a parent partner to the AAP, will offer his perspective as a father of three young children who also has a background in technology. Parents today demand accessibility, convenience and speed. He will offer suggestions on how pediatricians can integrate technology into their practice to improve families' experience.
2:30 p.m.-2:50 p.m.
Nephi Walton, MD, FAAP, reviews the role of genetics as a road map to future health. Using technology, a physician may be able to combine a patient's clinical data with genomics to diagnose complex disorders and guide patient care.
3:30 p.m.-3:50 p.m.
Kim Newell Green, MD, FAAP, examines how wearables that generate data on a patient's vitals may be used to enhance patient care.
3:50 pm-4:15 p.m.
Lisa Costello, MD, FAAP, discusses the use of social media for advocacy in healthcare, and how medical students are learning how to use technology through simulation and education.
To view the full Peds21 list of speakers and topics, visit http://aapexperience.org/peds-21. The symposium will also include original research abstracts during a poster session from 2:55 p.m. to 3:25 p.m. Highlights include:
- Helping Families Find Resources through a New Innovative Smartphone App
- CHANGE Asthma: A Novel Approach to Health Education through Gamification
- Mobile tools can be effective in increasing developmental and mental health screening and referral rates
- Pediatric Telemedicine Response to a Natural Disaster
News media wishing to attend must first register in the national conference Press Office, located in room W208AB at the Orange County Convention Center, to receive a press badge.
For more information on the symposium, or for media access to research abstracts under embargo, contact AAP Public Affairs at 630-626-6177, or at [email protected]. From Nov. 2-6, public affairs staff are available in the press office in room W208AB at the Orange County Convention Center, or by phone at 407-685-5404.
Online group programs aid weight loss but face hurdles