Janice Simmons, Senior Editor

Comparative effectiveness research is not a new concept. However, understanding what CER is, what it does, and what it could do has seemingly taken on a life of its own in recent months. Depending on who you talk to in Washington or even throughout the country, opinions have widely varied: some say it could be an effective way to promote quality healthcare while others say it could hinder patient choices—hurting provider and patient relationships. [Read More]

April 23, 2009

Editor's Picks

Military Records for Veterans Link Up Through Lifetime EHRs
When Deb Howard, 42, of Kingwood, TX was discharged from the military in 1992, she was given eight years' worth of her paper medical records in two tattered and worn out folders. Although the records include valuable health information, including every illness with which she had been diagnosed and every drug for which she had been prescribed during her military career, she says she has no idea where those records are now. That may now change. [Read More]

Small, Larger Hospitals Face Different Culture of Safety Challenges
Although the general principles of what goes into creating a culture of safety are the same at small and large hospitals, both types of facilities are facing different hurdles when addressing the topic. [Read More]

Doctors push for more scans in stroke cases
The first three or four hours after a stroke are the most crucial. For most stroke patients, receiving a clot dissolving drug shortly after arriving at a hospital can reduce the effects of stroke and limit permanent disabilities. But for some patients, with a certain type of stroke, such a drug can actually increase bleeding in the brain and boost the risk of death. [Read More]

Are You Part of a Top Leadership Team?
HealthLeaders Media is gearing up for its fifth year of the Top Leadership Teams in Healthcare program that recognizes the best in senior leadership teamwork at hospitals, health plans, and medical group practices. This year's winners will be honored during HealthLeaders Media '09: The Hospital of the Future Now, an event planned for October 15-16 at The Palmer House in Chicago. If you and your organization have an outstanding teamwork story to share, go to the Top Leadership Teams site to learn more about the six categories, download an entry form, and submit your entry. The deadline to submit is April 30. [Read More]

This Week's Headlines

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Drug deals tie prices to how well patients do
New York Times - April 23, 2009

Medical Flight Safety Takes Center Stage in DC
Scott Wallask, for HealthLeaders Media - April 22, 2008

In rare cases, stray tools found in surgery patients
Hartford Courant - April 22, 2009

Hartford Hospital remains on probation
Hartford Courant - April 21, 2009

Webcasts/Audio Conferences

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Compensation Packages to Recruit and Retain Physicians in Today's Economy (April 28)

Marketing Neurosciences: Service Line Strategies for Marketers (April 29)

Service Lines Strategies Workshop: Cardiovascular Physician Alignment (May 12)