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Editor's Picks
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Physicians reluctant to report harmless errors
If you prescribed an antibiotic to a 67-year-old pneumonia patient whose medical chart said he was allergic to the drug, would you report the error even if there were no complications? Researchers at the University of Iowa asked physicians that question in a study measuring physician error reporting. Though most respondents said they would report the error if complications arose, only 43 percent said they would report the incident if no harm came from the mistake. [Read More]
Lawsuit over forced rectal exam raises ethics questions
This New York Times blog considers ethics questions surrounding the case of a construction worker who refused a rectal exam after being admitted to an emergency room for a head injury. According to the patient, the ED staff attempted to hold him down to administer what it deemed a necessary procedure, but the patient struck a doctor before being sedated and later arrested for assault. The patient is now suing the hospital. [Read More]
Life-saving checklist nixed due to technicality
Many in the healthcare industry are upset at a decision by the Office of Human Research Protections to classify a checklist of safety procedures as medical research, effectively delaying the implementation of similar safety initiatives nationwide. Peter Pronovost, MD, developed the checklist and has found indisputable evidence that it saves lives. However, federal authorities say the checklist amounts to conducting an experiment without a patient's consent and should require formal consent and oversight from an institutional review board. [Read More]
Software analyzes patient-physician interaction
When it comes to researching how physicians interact with patients, startup technology company Verilogue, Inc., has decided to move beyond traditional focus groups and patient interviews and go directly to the source. The company has developed software that analyzes recorded patient-physician interactions, compiles a transcript, and stores the conversations--stripped of identifying information--in a database for pharmaceutical and other healthcare researchers to learn from, according to this Philadelphia Inquirer report. [Read More] |
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Business Rx
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Consider Benefits, Drawbacks of Automating Patient Interactions
Automating portions of the patient encounter--such as the initial call or patient check-in--can provide cost savings, but patients aren't always receptive to these technologies. Consider the benefits and drawbacks before pursuing automation technologies. [Read More] |
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Physician News
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Hospital-based doctors targeted for Medicaid rate cut keepMEcurrent.com - January 17, 2008
Waits grow in emergency rooms
Washington Post - January 17, 2008
Doctors plan new hospital in Ohio
Cleveland Plain Dealer - January 17, 2008
2008 predictions for trends in healthcare
Kansas City Star - January 17, 2008
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| From HealthLeaders Magazine |
Why Is The ED Such A Pain?
 The emergency department has a culture all its own with a unique set of challenges to match. It's also your hospital's window to the community. So you'd better make it work. [Read More]
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PhysicianLeaders Forum
Physician Supply: Surplus or Shortage? Some experts are still debating whether we have too few or too many physicians, but evidence suggests we're heading for a shortfall and had better prepare for it, says contributor Mark Smith. [Read More] | |
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Audio Feature
Rules of Engagement: Alegent CEO Wayne Sensor talks about why Alegent felt the necessity of hosting the Power to the Patient forum to educate hospital leaders on ways they can invite consumers into healthcare. | |
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