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Research shows that physicians could be better served by EHRs
Scott E. Rupp Healthcare AdministrationSixty-three percent of physicians say electronic health records (EHRs) have led to improved patient care, and 66 percent are at least somewhat satisfied with their current systems. However, a large portion see room for improvement, translating to 59 percent who think EHRs need a complete overhaul; 40 percent who think there are more challenges with EHRs than benefits; and only 18 percent saying they are "very satisfied" with their current systems, a new report by Stanford Medicine points out.
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Help your doctors and nurses work better together
Lisa Mulcahy Healthcare AdministrationA great hospital administrator is always looking for ways to improve patient care and satisfaction. One very important component toward achieving that goal is properly integrating the collaboration between doctors and nurses — but unfortunately, this key relationship is rarely optimized. How can you encourage your doctors and nurses to work in tandem more closely and effectively to help your patients achieve better outcomes? Try these research-proven strategies.
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Reducing the need for corticosteroids in treating severe asthma
Dorothy L. Tengler Medical & Allied HealthcareSevere asthma includes up to 20 percent of asthma patients who have frequent and severe symptoms despite aggressive therapy with anti-inflammatory and other controller medications. Current treatments for severe asthma often include high doses of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to control exacerbations. Reducing the need for corticosteroids with alternative treatments is preferable because these medications are associated with serious side effects from prolonged use, including multi-organ toxicities and immunosuppression.
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Parts of Obamacare deemed unconstitutional by DOJ
Joan Spitrey Healthcare AdministrationEver since the 2010 Affordable Care Act went into effect, it has been entrenched in court battles. One controversial provision in the law was that if Americans chose not to get health insurance, they faced a potential penalty. In 2012, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Congress' ability to fine those who did not get health insurance as it deemed the financial penalty basically a tax. However, on June 7, the Justice Department said that the requirement for people to have insurance — the individual mandate — was unconstitutional.
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How house calls can benefit patients — and your practice
Lisa Mulcahy Healthcare AdministrationIn today's modern healthcare environment, you may think that house calls have gone the way of the horse and buggy. Not so: research shows that in recent years, the number of house calls made to out-of-the-office Medicare patients has more than doubled. Interestingly, this same study notes that those house calls are made by a smaller number of physicians than in previous years — leading to plentiful care opportunities for doctors who do practice in the real world.
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HHS delays 340B program rule — again
Scott E. Rupp PharmaceuticalThe Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has pushed back a decision on the 340B Drug Pricing Program to July 2, 2019. If the proposed rule goes through, it would impose civil monetary penalties for drug manufacturers that knowingly and intentionally overcharge hospitals for outpatient drugs. According to the HHS' Health Resources & Services Administration, the 340B program enables covered entities to stretch scarce federal resources as far as possible, reaching more eligible patients and providing more comprehensive services.
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Wanted: Meaningful nurse retention strategies
Keith Carlson Healthcare AdministrationAt a time in history when nursing shortages and nurse attrition can be devastating, healthcare organizations must find ways to attract and retain the best nurse candidates. We all know that high-quality nursing care and engaged nurse employees are crucial for patient satisfaction. With reimbursement often tied to patient satisfaction, the need to retain an excellent nursing workforce cannot be overstated.
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Are antidepressants and bladder medications contributing to dementia?
Dorothy L. Tengler Medical & Allied HealthcareDementia is the leading cause of dependence and disability. The number of people living with dementia worldwide is currently estimated at 47 million and is projected to increase to 75 million by 2030 and triple by 2050. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer's disease is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that affect the brain over time. A new landmark study led by the University of East Anglia (UK) and funded by Alzheimer's Society, however, indicates that antidepressants and bladder medications may be linked to dementia.
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New ways to help your patients comply with medical instructions
Lisa Mulcahy Medical & Allied HealthcareEvery doctor has to deal with a difficult, frustrating fact: some patients simply don't follow their recommendations properly. Obviously, this situation is worrisome in that it can lead to adverse outcomes, hospitalizations and drug interactions. There's good news, though: researchers have been looking into innovative ways for physicians to encourage more convenient compliance. Try these fresh, proven tips to help your patients more effectively focus on participating in their own care.
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Anti-pollution technology emerges in skin care
Cherie Buziak RetailWhat's the common factor between walking briskly down the street to your next appointment, running on your favorite trail or sleeping restfully at night? It’s exposure to pollution, and it's inescapable. We face pollution whether it is day or night, or if we are inside or outside of our homes and buildings. When it comes to our bodies, our lungs are our best built-in defense against pollution, but skin is the largest organ of the body and the first contact with pollutants. We need personal care products to prevent, protect and repair our bodies from pollutants.
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