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RECOVERY trial update: Dexamethasone shows promise for treating COVID-19
Dorothy L. Tengler Medical & Allied HealthcareThe Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy (RECOVERY) trial, with an estimated enrollment of 12,000 patients, is currently testing some suggested treatments for the disease. Although the results of this trial are not available until July, interim trial results indicate that dexamethasone, which is used to reduce inflammation in other diseases, reduced death rates by about a third among the most severely ill COViD-19 patients admitted to hospitals.
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COVID-19 and national responses, part 2 of 2: The United States and around…
Keith Carlson Medical & Allied HealthcareAs the summer of 2020 begins, the COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of abating. In fact, as many economies open up, spikes in infections are on the rise. While some attribute this phenomenon to increased testing, others also point to increased community transmission. Now that we find ourselves on the brink of six months of this global battle, what can we say about the pandemic response in the bigger picture?
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What benefits do employees want the most?
Grace Ferguson Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementPrior to COVID-19, healthcare coverage, paid time off, and retirement plans often ranked as the most desired benefits among employees. During the pandemic, these benefits — while still highly valued — have experienced distinct changes. For example, what employees want in healthcare benefits has taken on new meaning.
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10 ways to start promoting equity and stop racism
Simma Lieberman Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementI've worked in diversity, equity and inclusion for over 25 years. Because of my work, I get calls and emails every day from non-black, mostly white people who want to know what they can do end racism and inequality, particularly in the workplace. The people who contact me range from hourly employees to clients who are CEOs of corporations and executive directors of nonprofits. In response, I decided to put together a starter list of actions. Below are 10 basic actions you can begin taking.
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The new study on COVID-19 transmission that can help convince every patient…
Lisa Mulcahy Medical & Allied HealthcareAs a healthcare professional, you know the critical importance of face masks for stopping the spread of COVID-19. You no doubt also know that some of your patient population is not in compliance with doing so, which is a very worrisome issue. However, a brand-new study from researchers Renyi Zhang, Yixin Li, Annie L. Zhang, Yuan Wang, and Mario J. Molina, "Identifying airborne transmission as the dominant route for the spread of COVID-19," can offer you the informational support your physicians and staff need to communicate the importance of mask-wearing to these patients.
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Care specialties most affected by COVID-19 revealed
Scott E. Rupp Medical & Allied HealthcareAs COVID-19 continues to ravage the U.S. healthcare system, reaching its viral hands into nearly every specialty, some are reeling more than others, a new study points out. The study, published in mid-June by FAIR Health, estimated the drop in healthcare utilization for nonhospital providers. As expected, elective procedures have cratered. To that end, oral surgery experienced the most significant reduction in usage in March 2020, declining 80% compared to a similar period in 2019. Gastroenterology was the second largest decline, with a 73% drop in March and a 77% decline in April.
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Pandemic leads to calls for increased domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing
Bambi Majumdar PharmaceuticalThe emergence of the COVID-19 crisis has revealed the glaring truth and danger of how dependent the U.S. is on pharmaceutical imports. Critical shortages of vital pharma and medical resources have hindered the federal government's pandemic response efforts. Experts now say it's time to reduce the reliance on other countries that America has built up over decades in this sector.
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Infographic: The basics of muscle pain and how to fix it
Brian Wallace Medical & Allied HealthcareMusculoskeletal problems are often caused by working conditions and are a leading cause of disability worldwide. In the U.S., an estimated 264 million workdays are lost each year due to back pain alone. This infographic outlines the causes of pain and impact and efficacy of physical therapy and other treatments.
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COVID-19 testing costs make a huge impact as payers wrestle with 2021 premium…
Scott E. Rupp Medical & Allied HealthcareAs uncertainty continues to surround COVID-19 and its impact on care and health systems, two new thorns are beginning to dig into the conversations about healthcare's future: costs of testing and planning for insurance rates despite the current chaos. According to a report commissioned by America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), diagnostic testing for COVID-19 may creep past $25.1 billion annually. Meanwhile, antibody testing costs could touch more than $19 billion.
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5 steps companies can make in the fight for racial justice
Damon Sayles Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementThe death of George Floyd in Minneapolis has lit a global fire to where more people of all colors, creeds and orientations are expressing their opinions in favor of social justice, racial equality and human rights. Some are inquiring about what they can do to help the cause. Others are clueless as to what needs to be done in work and recreational environments. Some have even asked if it goes beyond a donation — which it does. As corporate America continues to cope with racial injustice, here are a few things companies can do to better the advancement of equality.
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