Microsoft is participating in a study of patients from the Overtown neighborhood in Miami, aiming to kick the level of care associated with diabetic populations up a notch via the implementation of collaborative technology. Focused on diabetes management, The “Overtown Health Education and Access Through an Information Technology Utilization Project” study is a joint effort between the Redmond company, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, the City of Miami, and Resolute Solutions.

“Considering that diabetes is one of the leading illnesses in the United States, the ability for patients to more accurately track and manage their condition can have a meaningful impact on their personal health as well as the cost containment for our customers,” said Jack Hersey, general manager for the U.S. Public Sector Health at Microsoft. “These types of solutions can be replicated and implemented in any hospital or clinic in the country.”

Manny Diaz, mayor, City of Miami, applauded the Overtown Health Project as an integral part of the evolution of the Elevate Miami public/private partnership. Through Elevate Miami the city aims to open up access to technology to residents for a variety of needs, from business to health.

With the Overtown Health Project, patients will be able to benefit from a feedback loop designed to bridge the gap with their primary care physicians. For the study, the organizations involved will make use of a number of Microsoft technologies, such as Office SharePoint Server, Microsoft Dynamics CRM, HealthVault and Office Communications Server.

“In our experience implementing Microsoft technologies targeted to healthcare space solutions, we have seen positive results for the provider and the consumer. We are very excited about the possibilities with this project that should deliver a system where patients are actively engaged with the system to influence the quality of their health and well-being,” added Hedy Foreman, co-CEO of Resolute Solutions.