-
APRNs enjoying increasing autonomy
Keith Carlson Healthcare AdministrationAdvanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) have been enjoying steadily increasing autonomy, and their importance to the smooth operation of the overall healthcare system cannot be denied. Shortages of primary care physicians in a variety of settings has emboldened the rise of APRNs; meanwhile, even the Department of Veterans Affairs is finding broad support in their push for APRNs to practice autonomously within the VA system.
-
EHRs not always designed to share end‑of‑life directives easily
Scott E. Rupp Healthcare AdministrationAn end-of-life directive is one of the most sensitive, emotional decisions ever made by a patient. Even when documented, not all are followed, however. Sometimes, patient end-of-life preferences are not pursued because providers and caregivers can't find the patient's instructions in the electronic health records, according to a Minneapolis StarTribune article.
-
Medicare can actually push HEMS toward rationality
Mark Huber Healthcare AdministrationMany would argue that the helicopter air ambulance industry in the U.S. as currently constructed is economically irrational and unsustainable. Too many helicopters, flying too few hours, charging patients whatever they like and a political backlash not far in the distance. The question is, what can we do about it?
-
Telehealth gets ethical
Scott E. Rupp Healthcare AdministrationTelehealth efforts continue to gain traction as more health systems explore ways to implement the strategies to meet patients and move more people to out-patient care. With the growth have come the vendors, the technology and the regulation. Now comes a set of ethics guidelines from the American Medical Association.
-
Physicians still battling NPs over turf with no solutions in sight
Joan Spitrey Healthcare AdministrationIn the wake of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposal to allow full practice authority for all VA advanced practice nurses (APRN), the turf battle over who is best suited to provide healthcare has been fired up again. Although this is not a new battle, the tides have been changing in favor of more authority for ARPNs, which causes the question of quality care to be raised once again.
-
Ransomware: Healthcare’s latest cyberthreat
Christina Thielst Healthcare AdministrationRansomware attacks are a form of digital extortion and a way for hackers to easily monetize health information by holding it hostage. The 2016 Ponemon Institute Study of Privacy and Security of Healthcare Data reveals that criminal attacks are the leading cause of data breach among healthcare organizations, and 45 percent of healthcare organizations and their business associates are worried about ransomware.
-
iPharmacist: Will robots take over the profession?
Jason Poquette PharmaceuticalThe year is 2116 and Mr. Smith approaches the counter of his local ABC Pharmacy. There are no lines as he casually moves into one of the open booths and seats himself into a comfortable and private dispensing chamber. Air conditioned, with pleasant music playing in the background the cyber-pharmacy screen lights up as he is greeted by the video-pharmacist welcoming him to ABC. After tapping the screen to answer a few questions and inserting his driver’s license and credit card into the device, an on-screen pharmacist begins to address him personally.
-
Nurses and the transgender patient community
Keith Carlson Medical & Allied HealthcareIn the 21st century, increasing acceptance of transgender lifestyles is allowing many transgender individuals to more readily interface with health care providers and institutions. However, transgender individuals still face humiliation, judgment, intimidation and gross maltreatment within the health care industry, and recent lawsuits corroborate that fact. Nurses can be at the forefront of providing the transgender community with comprehensive, sensitive and compassionate care.
-
Will CHIME’s new best practice office improve cybersecurity?
Scott E. Rupp Healthcare AdministrationDoes it matter that the College of Healthcare Information Executives (CHIME) is trying to combat cybersecurity threats? Is it really the organization that should be tackling this issue? Apparently, its leadership thinks so. Late last month, the organization released a statement announcing the creation of the CHIME Cybersecurity Center and Program Office. The center aims to lead efforts to improve information sharing, develop and spread best practices and "encourage greater collaboration across the industry and with federal agencies."
-
APRNs gaining respect, but resistance still remains
Joan Spitrey Medical & Allied HealthcareIn an effort to increase veterans' access to healthcare, the Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing to amend its medical regulations and allow full practice authority for all VA advanced practiced registered nurses (APRNs). This action comes in response to the growing crisis for timely medical care for the nation's service men and women. The VA would join a growing number of states that currently allow them to practice independently.
All Healthcare Administration Articles