New device provides "key" to breast cancer survivorship

A new USB device could play a “key” role in helping women maneuver life after a diagnosis of breast cancer. Vital Data LLC has partnered with the VCU Massey Cancer Center to develop the Pink Key, a “consumer empowerment type of technology” that encourages breast cancer survivors to stay engaged in their own medical care.

The device is similar to Vital Data’s VitalKey USB drive, which allows subscribers to keep an electronic version of their medical records nearby in case of emergencies.

Dr. James Khatcheressian helped develop the Pink Key, a new USB divice that encourages breast cancer survivors to stay active in their health care.

“The Pink Key goes a step further,” said Tom Blue, Vital Data’s chief operating officer. In addition to medical records, “it’s a library of content and there’s also some functionality that allows for the management of appointments.”

“It gives women all the information their doctors have. It keeps patients involved in their own care,” explained Dr. James Khatcheressian, assistant professor with the VCU Department of Internal Medicine, who authored much of the content that appears on the Pink Key.

Over the years, Khatcheressian developed paper-based tools to help survivors follow bestpractice guidelines as they managed life after breast cancer. His system worked well, but as technology advanced, he surmised that an electronic version would work even better.

“He had been doing research and publishing how breast cancer patients should have their medical information on some sort of portable media,” said Blue. “When we learned of his theory that these patients should all have their records on a USB drive, we thought this was a happy coincidence.”

Vital Data had already developed a USB device that could store medical records for the general population. With Khatcheressian’s help, the company set about customizing a similar device for breast cancer patients.

The result is the Pink Key, which combines basic medical records, screening guidelines and research. As research evolves, the information delivered through the Pink Key will continue to be updated, giving survivors and their doctors access to the latest findings.

“Breast cancer is a condition that can recur years after an initial diagnosis, so a person is never entirely out of the woods. Because of that, people will end up back in the care of a primary care doctor, not a breast cancer specialist,” said Blue. “This is a tool that, in addition to the practical functionality, enables a person to stay up-to-date on the latest surveillance guidelines for this condition.”

It will even prompt women when it’s time to schedule their next mammogram and give detailed instructions on how and when to do monthly breast self-exams.

The first women are already giving this new device a test run.

“We will continue through October to really build a consumer advisory panel of Pink Key users and extricate what they think about it or what could be better about it,” said Blue.

The Pink Key is currently available through physician’s offices.

Subscriptions start at $13.95 per month.

For more information on the Pink Key, visit www.vitalkey.com or call (877) VITAL-KEY.