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Editors Picks
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Mortality rates hit Hospital Compare site
CMS has posted mortality rates for U.S. hospitals on its Hospital Compare site, making the information available to consumers for the first time. Donald Berwick, president and CEO of the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, praised the posting, saying "We are in an era of change at last." But are we really? Consumers have paid little attention to Hospital Compare thus far-when things like staff response and patient satisfaction have been posted-so what makes us think they'll pay attention this time? [ Read More]
The next wave of lawsuits?
Betsy McCaughey, chair of the Committee to Reduce Infection Deaths, writes in her August 14 Wall Street Journal guest commentary that hospital infections will be the next wave of class-action lawsuits and will surpass the number of those who sued over exposure to asbestos. McCaughey says a recent verdict that awarded a patient who acquired MRSA more than $2 million should be a warning to all hospitals that infections are no longer considered an "unavoidable risk." [ Read More]
Can sharkskin fight hospital infections?
A Florida company is marketing a Contact paper-like product that can disrupt an infection's ability to spread. The company says the product's surface, patterned like sharkskin, prevents the growth of bacterial films for 21 days. The company's CEO says the product is perfect for a facility that is looking to bring down its infection rates, without the use of chemicals or heavy metals. [ Read More]
Dr. Robot is on call
Imagine talking to patients face-to-face, even if you're not in the room. Pomerado Hospital in California is using interactive robots to bring doctors and patients together, even if their physicians aren't physically located in the hospital. The hospital hopes the virtual visit technology will help doctors provide better care more often, increasing the quality of a patient's hospital experience. [ Read More]
Report says VA hospital dismissed concerns
The latest report from the investigation of the Marion (IL) Veterans Affairs Hospital shows that hospital leadership failed to act when questions were raised about a surgeon who is being blamed for the deaths of nine hospital patients. Marion's story is a perfect example of how the failure of strong leadership can contribute to the failure of medical staff at a hospital. [ Read More]
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This Week's Headlines
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From HealthLeaders Magazine |
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Help the Uninsured (Without Going Broke)
| Sure, your organization offers sophisticated, compassionate care. But the patients of tomorrow will want much more than that. [Read More] |
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