Robust EHRs, inpatient physical rehab and staff levels minimize 'weekend effect'

Loyola University Health System researchers have come up with strategies for reducing the so-called "weekend effect."
Their study focused on factors that reduced the length of hospital stay, which affects outcomes, following urgent surgeries performed on weekends.
The researchers found that having electronic health record systems, inpatient physical rehab and more nurses per patient helped reduce the length of stay. Robust wound and pain management programs and home healthcare also played a part, according to an article in PM 360.

Home health programs and full EHR adoption are the key factors, according to an opinion piece in Becker's Infection Control & Clinical Quality. Read More

Measuring What Matters: Using Data To Drive Action

We must focus on measuring what matters. Data that only serve to illustrate that a problem exists—or even that progress is being made—are not enough. At the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), we are working to catalyze a social movement to help build a “Culture of Health.” To accomplish this goal, we need data that illustrates for people and organizations—across a wide range of sectors—the roles they can play, the actions they can take, and the relevance to their communities.  Read More

Telemedicine: A Solution To Address The Problems Of Cost, Access, And Quality

Telemedicine Increases Access To Care

According to a recent global survey by Cisco, 74 percent of patients prioritize access to health care services over in-person interactions with health care providers, and 70 percent said they were comfortable communicating with providers via text, email, or video, in lieu of an in-office visit. Furthermore, nearly 60 percent of doctors are willing to conduct a video visit with their patients, according to a nationwide survey of more than 2,000 primary care physicians released by American Well.  Read More

'Uber-Like' Health Apps Aim To Bring Back House Calls

Several companies have launched "Uber-like" doctor-on-demand applications that could make house calls popular again. However, the services are not yet covered by insurance, and some physicians have raised concerns about the quality of care patients receive through such apps. AP/Philadelphia Inquirer. Read More

HIEs Can Help Significantly Reduce Unnecessary ED Tests

A new study finds that leveraging data from health information exchanges can significantly reduce unnecessary laboratory tests and radiology exams at emergency departments. The study's principal researcher notes clinical liaisons, or scribes, could be key to realizing the benefits of HIEs. Modern Healthcare et al.  Read More

Online Patient Platforms Can Improve Epilepsy Management

A new study published in the journal Neurology finds that online patient platforms can help individuals with epilepsy better understand and self-manage their conditions. The study examined veterans' experience with the PatientsLikeMe platform. Medscape. Read More

CMS Launches Rating System on Home Health Compare Website

CMS for the first time has unveiled star ratings for home health agencies on its Home Health Compare website. The agency awarded five stars to just 239 out of 12,261 eligible home health agencies, while 201 agencies received one or 1.5 stars Health Data Management, Kaiser Health News. Read More

AARP: Older adults willing to use mHealth, but tools must be simpler, easier to wear

Consumers age 50 and older are willing to embrace activity and sleep trackers, but not without some changes to the devices, reveals a new collaborative report by AARP Project Catalyst initiative and Georgia Tech HomeLab.  The overall feedback from the research is that effectiveness and usability are key elements to consumer use and trust... Read More

HIT Implementations Negatively Impact Clinical Workflow

A new study conducted across six ambulatory care practices from two participating healthcare organizations found health IT-caused interruptions to clinical workflow across all study clinics and work roles. The study, funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, examined the impacts of HIT implementation on healthcare workers’ workflow in a diverse set of ambulatory care practices. A total of 120 clinicians and clinic staff participated in the study.  Read More

Patients Dubious About Telemedicine

According to the survey, which included more than 500 U.S. adults over age 18, nearly 65 percent of respondents said they would be somewhat or very unlikely to choose a virtual appointment, while only 35.4 percent stated the opposite. Read More

Forbes: Standing Between You And All The Benefits Of Telemedicine: The AMA And The Federal Government

Forbes/Opinion Jul 9, 2015 @ 11:44 AM

The same organization that thinks you shouldn’t be able to get a prescription from a Teladoc doctor you have never met, thinks it’s perfectly okay for you to get a prescription from an “on call” doctor who you have also never met, who is subbing in for your regular doctor and who probably isn’t looking at your medical records when he orders the prescription.  Read More

‘Telehealth' expands mental health provider's reach

 There just aren’t enough psychiatrists and advanced nurse practitioners to serve all the people who need one — especially in rural areas. The Nurse Practitioner said that

she was skeptical at first; would patients open up to her “online” as well as they do in person? But she said it’s worked especially well for adolescents and young adults, who find technology like Skype and FaceTime “second nature.” “It’s almost less intimidating for them,” Nottingham said. Read More