WASHINGTON, Nov. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Speaking at the
U.S. News & World Report Hospital of Tomorrow forum Tuesday,
Northrop Grumman Corporation's (NYSE: NOC) Amy Caro, vice president of health IT programs,
said advances in genomics and more widespread use of molecular data
will enhance healthcare and improve health outcomes but ensuring
the security of personal data is key to its accelerated use.
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Genomics is the field of study based on identifying and
analyzing a person's complete set of DNA and it is beginning to
help the medical community predict, diagnose and treat various
conditions, although complete genome-sequencing is not yet widely
used.
Caro said genomics and proteomics, which is the study of
proteins, their structures and functions, will "usher in a new era
of personalized medicine, resulting in more accurate diagnoses and
targeted treatments that work more effectively." She also said it
could lower costs through increasing preventative care, eliminating
unnecessary treatment and reducing negative outcomes such as
adverse drug reactions.
As an IT systems integrator, Northrop Grumman will be serving as
a "value-added facilitator" between the producers and users of this
information. The company's role, Caro said, extends beyond IT
integration to "incorporate increasing levels of scientific
expertise to analyze and visualize data, manage data and ensure the
secure exchange of information."
Northrop Grumman is currently developing a number of genomic and
proteomic projects in partnership with universities and other
companies, utilizing its IT expertise to enable genetic information
to be integrated, analyzed and visualized for clinical purposes
across healthcare systems.
"Northrop Grumman's focus on the role of information systems
will accelerate the translation of genomic findings to clinical
care, with the ultimate goal of helping this nation increase
healthcare efficiency, reduce healthcare costs and improve health
outcomes for its citizens," Caro said.
U.S. News & World Report sponsored the forum Nov. 4–6 in
Washington, D.C., to examine the
most pressing challenges facing the hospital industry and surface
answers from the nation's most distinguished health care experts
and thought leaders.
Northrop Grumman is a leading provider of health IT solutions
and services, supporting the continuum of health and human services
for federal civilian, military, state, local and international
customers. Through the integration of health expertise and
information technology, the company supports national health goals
to enhance benefits systems solutions, increase the quality and
efficiency of healthcare and improve the health of the population.
Additional details are available at
www.northropgrumman.com/healthit.
Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing
innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems,
cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and
commercial customers worldwide. Please visit
www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
SOURCE Northrop Grumman Corporation