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Study: Hospital charges are spiking
Seth Sandronsky Medical & Allied HealthcareHospital charges were spiking before COVID-19 hit the U.S. A new study from National Nurses United/California Nurses Association (NNU/CNA) looks at Medicare cost reports for 4,203 hospitals in fiscal year 2018. These hospitals "are charging on average over $417 for every $100 in their total costs." The study was released on Nov. 17. "This is one of the most egregious examples of what you have with a system based on profit, not patient need," Chuck Idelson, spokesperson for the NNU/CNA, told MultiBriefs by phone. A case in point is patients who need healthcare but avoid it due to hospital costs. That is especially risky during the COVID-19 pandemic, which is exploding across the U.S.
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Video: The clinician’s 2-minute guide to serious illness conversations
Liz Eddy and Alyssa Ruderman Medical & Allied HealthcareSixty-eight percent of physicians have reported being unprepared to address end of life with patients. COVID-19 has led clinicians to face these conversations head on without the patients' loved ones in the room. Utilizing research from Dr. Atul Gwande and Dr. Richard Balaban as well as research and firsthand experience from Dr. Michael X. Jin, we have developed a digestible guide to addressing end of life with patients.
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Esalen evolution: A retreat for the next age
Lark Gould Recreation & LeisureIn troubling times, an oasis of calm can may be the missing piece that bridges the chaos of the present to the fortunes of the future. Enter Esalen. The renowned wellness and retreat center has completely transformed its operations and purpose to create a safe environment for people to unplug, explore, contemplate and forge deeper connections with the self, one another and nature — and to bring that wisdom back to their community. Its new program to help battle the isolation, loneliness and social justice issues, dubbed “Creating Connection through the Rituals of Esalen,” is a unique five-day opportunity to create rituals around important life transitions.
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When politics and public health collide
Keith Carlson Medical & Allied HealthcarePublic health in the United States has been an intrinsic aspect of national well-being for more than a century. Without the mostly invisible public health machine, we would see all manner of preventable ills ravage our society. When cynically wielded, political power can wreak havoc with public health, and the COVID-19 pandemic is a timely example of how politics run amok can interfere with even the most basic protective measures. A negative or combative intersection of public health and politics costs lives, and this is where we must push back.
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3 reasons to unplug during a vacation
Deborah Ike Religious CommunityWith all the chaos and uncertainty we've faced this year, we could all use a few days to relax and recharge. Hopefully, you'll be able to take some time off once Christmas services are over (whatever those end up looking like). While it's tempting to stay plugged in to what's going on at the office, there are a few reasons why you should avoid work email while on vacation.
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How water helps boost student mental health
Sheilamary Koch and Ayla Reguero Koch EducationMost of us have experienced times when an ocean, river rapids, a waterfall or a very cold swimming pool has demanded our attention or inspired awe. Water is indeed a powerful force of nature. However, it’s not commonly thought of as part of the educator’s toolkit (unless perhaps you’re teaching Montessori or marine biology). This article may change your mind. Oceans and water in general can be used by educators to benefit student learning both as a mindfulness tool and a boost to brain functioning.
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Telehealth is changing healthcare — patients are telling us so
Scott E. Rupp Healthcare AdministrationIf 2020 has taught us nothing else, it's that telehealth that is likely here to stay. But why? Convenience is critical to its success, but it can bridge the gap of care between caregivers and patients during the pandemic. It's proving to be a legitimate solution to reaching patients in underserved areas. Telehealth technology is no longer a concept but a tried and mostly trusted solution for care delivery. Since the height of the pandemic, patients' use has fallen, but people still like what it has to offer, and its use seems to be reaching critical mass.
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Missed diagnosis: Travel amnesia
Lark Gould Travel, Hospitality & Event ManagementIs travel becoming a distant memory? After seven-plus months of lockdown by a global pandemic, an overlooked side effect may not be so obvious as a persistent cough or intermittent fatigue, but it is making its mark none the less: Travel amnesia. Americans are not only missing travel right now, they are struggling to remember what it felt like. But for all that forgetting, Americans say travel is their most frequently recalled happy memory, more than special occasions or personal achievements. In fact, the majority cite creating lasting memories as a primary motive for trips, according to a recent study conducted on behalf of Hilton.
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Improving in-person and remote instruction: Critical elements
Howard Margolis EducationRemote teaching alone cannot easily and fully create and sustain many of the critical elements needed to meaningfully advance struggling learners’ academic, social, and emotional progress. These elements include listening and acting with empathy; helping parents successfully address COVID-19’s anxiety producing obstacles and dangers; understanding how to help struggling learners achieve their IEP or section 504 goals; and helping them take well-earned credit for their efforts and accomplishments.
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Study: A substantial number of patients have deferred care during the COVID-19…
Scott E. Rupp Medical & Allied HealthcareRoutine patient care received a devastating blow earlier this year as the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged healthcare facilities, countless communities across the country and shut down elective procedures. According to a new study on patient care's impact during the pandemic, almost half of all U.S. employees deferred care because of the pandemic, Willis Towers Watson said. The global advisory firm surveyed a statistically valid 4,898 workers reporting that as many as 44% deferred medical care at some point during the pandemic.
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