For those afflicted with dementia, whether through Alzheimer's disease or other underlying cause, the presence of a "best friend" can make a huge difference in continued quality of life. Avamere Health Services in Oregon has adopted the 'Best Friends' program to encourage Avamere staff members to be patient advocates and caregivers. Staff receive six hours training based upon the methodology of Alzheimer's care developed in the 1990s by David Troxel and Virginia Bell. Caregivers learn to familiarize themselves with the life stories of these patient-partners, to respect and indulge their preferences and encourage remaining capabilities, no matter how limited. The approach leads to fewer conflicts, and residents, in turn, feel safe and valued.
The Lindner Center of HOPE will open in August 2008 funded by a $39 million gift from the Lindner family, which will help complete the new building in Mason. That up-front money also will help recruit doctors and research staff. The center is being designed from scratch, giving organizers plenty of latitude to create what they hope will be a national model for mental healthcare.
A study conducted by Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center shows that many children hospitalized for influenza had already been in the hospital at least once before during a flu season, which would have been a good time to vaccinate them against the virus. The national study, published in the February 2008 issue of Pediatrics, suggests that providing flu shots for children who happen to be in the hospital during flu-vaccine season could help prevent more hospitalizations and complications from the flu.
Doctors keep licenses despite lawsuits, sexual assaults, even patient deaths thanks to Wisconsin's lax system of oversight that favors doctors over patients. A Journal Sentinel review of five years' worth of disciplinary action found that the board is slow to look into complaints, keeps many of its investigations secret and rarely imposes serious discipline, even when patients die.
Patients admitted to the top-rated hospitals in the United States have an average 27 percent lower risk of dying than patients admitted to other U.S. hospitals, according to a study by an independent healthcare ratings organization. The analysis also found that patients who have surgery at the top-rated hospitals have an average 5 percent lower risk of complications during their hospital stay.
One in five District residents has no regular source of healthcare, and rising rates of hospital visits suggest declining access to doctors and community clinics, according to the most comprehensive report ever of D.C. health issues. The report looked at data on chronic disease, insurance, hospital capacity and emergency services and found much wanting, concluded the Rand Corp., the nonprofit research organization that the D.C. Council commissioned to help the city move forward.