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Nurturing positive nurse-physician relationships

Keith Carlson Medical & Allied Healthcare

When it comes to patient care, both nurses and physicians are crucial to the delivery of positive medical outcomes. In terms of the relationship between the members of nursing and medical teams, seamless cooperation and communication are what make the team approach truly successful. Thus, the nurturing of positive nurse-physician relationships is central to the earnest pursuit of high-level teamwork and results. In simplistic terms, poor relations between nurses and their physician colleagues can either be strengthened with respect or derailed by disrespect.

New reasons to establish a rural primary care practice

Lisa Mulcahy Medical & Allied Healthcare

Many new doctors and established primary care physicians looking to relocate avoid setting up shop in rural areas. In fact, a study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that only 10 percent of doctors practice in rural communities, and just 3 percent of medical students intend to do so. Why? Bigger profits may be had in large cities, of course. Yet research shows that there are significant upsides to physicians who choose to treat patients in more distant locations. Shift your perspective by considering these important benefits.

FDA warns of EpiPens getting stuck in their carrier tubes

Tammy Hinojos Pharmaceutical

In a medical emergency, every second matters. For people with life-threatening allergies, quick and easy access to treatment can have life or death consequences. One common epinephrine auto-injector for allergic reactions is having some trouble. Some EpiPen, EpiPen Jr. and authorized generic versions of the product may not easily slide out of their carrier tubes, which could block quick access to the life-saving device in an emergency. This, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in a letter to healthcare professionals on Nov. 2.

Transcranial direct current stimulation linked to improved object naming…

Lynn Hetzler Medical & Allied Healthcare

Using transcranial direct current stimulation can improve object naming following a stroke, according to the results of a new study. Transcranial direct current stimulation is a type of medical procedure that can stimulate brain activity with low, direct current. More than 795,000 people suffer strokes each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and disability. About one-third of all strokes results in aphasia, according to the National Aphasia Association, which impairs patients’ ability to speak and process language.

Pharmacies big and small struggle for profit

Jason Poquette Pharmaceutical

Accounting, legal services, dentists and physician offices are frequently listed as some of the most profitable U.S. businesses. Noticeably absent from any such list is pharmacy. But when it comes to specialty pharmacy, maybe they are the exception to the rule? It doesn’t appear so. Large revenues don’t compensate for incredibly thin margins, and therefore making a profit is challenging for them as well. I guess when it comes to making a profit in pharmacy, size really doesn’t matter at all.

Healthcare mergers, transactions down by volume, but still very active

Scott E. Rupp Healthcare Administration

Even if the stock market seems to be tipping into bear territory, healthcare investors may still be in the full gallop of a bull economy. According to new reporting by PwC, the third quarter of 2018 continued the streak of at least 200 deals each quarter since the end of 2015. Pleasantly, or surprisingly, there have been at least 250 quarterly deals since Q3 of 2017. Despite the glowing report, it’s not all roses in healthcare for investors. The quarter saw the fewest number of deals in a quarter since Q1 2017 and there were declines in value compared to both the previous year and quarter.

For Dr. Michael Fine, healthcare is necessary for a stronger democracy

Michael Monasky Medical & Allied Healthcare

If Dr. Michael Fine had his way, he would see and care for everyone free of charge: no cost for maternal care and newborn deliveries, vaccinations, all doctor visits; free or nearly free medications, treatments, and necessary special medical care. Rhode Island-based family medical specialist Fine writes in his new book, "Health Care Revolt," that $1 trillion is spent unnecessarily for healthcare that should be spent instead on education, parks, libraries, community centers, and other amenities needed by the public. This is the part of healthcare glut that Fine believes is our lost legacy to democracy. Dr. Fine believes that democracy depends upon a safe and peaceful society that shares its prosperity.

Utah public employees cross Mexican border for cheaper drugs

Michelle R. Matisons Pharmaceutical

Two decades ago, Sen. Bernie Sanders crossed the Mexican border to call attention to the plight of American citizens who cannot afford expensive, potentially lifesaving drugs. Since that time, we have seen some progress on the issue — including recent federal Medicare drug legislation and new state laws as well. It’s not unusual to hear about someone having to cross the Canadian or Mexican border to purchase cheaper pharmaceutical drugs. After all, the average prescription drug for a chronic condition costs $13,000 a year, and since 2009, Medicare drug spending has grown by roughly 9.5 percent yearly.

Study shows larger brain region for stress in those with depression

Dorothy L. Tengler Mental Healthcare

According to the World Health Organization, 322 million people worldwide were affected by depression in 2015. In the U.S., 16.1 million adults aged 18 years or older had experienced at least one major depressive episode in the last year, which represented 6.7 percent of all adults. Depression, a leading psychiatric disorder, is also the leading cause of disability among people ages 15-44 years. Although the cause remains unknown, it is thought that depression results from a chemical imbalance, but the disease itself may be more complex.

Simple steps to cut your hospital’s malpractice risk

Lisa Mulcahy Healthcare Administration

As an administrator, you know that eliminating as much risk as possible when it comes to malpractice and patient safety is job No. 1. Outside of the complex legal advice and institutional safeguards you already have in place, it's always a good idea to double back and make sure that your staff is implementing more simplistic, yet equally vital, steps during the course of daily patient care duties. Utilize these scientifically backed advice pieces of advice to keep your hospital covered.

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