RWJF News Digest - Human Capital

More Doctors Charging for Services Once Free

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Skipping an appointment or requesting a print out of medical records may hit patients' wallets now. In South Florida's extended weak economy, medical experts say a growing number of doctors are taking a lesson from airlines and banks by charging separate fees for services that used to be free. Doctors say their incomes are being squeezed and while they want to best serve their patients, more budget-conscious patients are skipping annual checkups, follow-up visits and screening tests.

Why We Need More Minority Doctors

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

"I’m an ER physician,” says Alden Landry, MD, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. “When I walk into patients’ rooms and introduce myself as their doctor, often older black women will say, ‘Thank you for being my doctor! I’m glad you’re going to be taking care of me.’ They say they feel more comfortable with me as their physician.” Landry is black and believes he is helping to lead the movement to diversify medicine and make patients feel as though their concerns are truly heard and not dismissed.

What Doctors Say to Patients Even When They're Not Talking

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

For nearly two decades, it has been mandatory for medical schools to teach students better communication skills with patients. Studies have shown that improved communication enhances the patients' outcomes and can reduce health disparities, particularly among persons of different cultural and racial backgrounds. However, there is one element of a doctor's communication that may not change easily: their body language and facial expressions.

Approved: Central Michigan Medical School Receives 'Go Ahead' to Open

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Mich., has received accreditation for the new medical school set to welcome its first class of future doctors in summer 2013. The accreditation was postponed from last fall to prepare for the stringent process. The University of Michigan, Michigan State, Wayne State and Oakland universities now have medical schools, and Western Michigan hopes to accept the first class at a new medical school in 2014.

Survey: Some Physicians Not Honest with Their Patients

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Despite wide institutional acceptance of a medical professionalism charter that endorses honesty and openness in a physicians' interaction with patients, not all doctors comply, according to survey results published in the February 2012 issue of Health Affairs. The survey findings were surprising and don't bode well for health care that is truly "patient-centered."

Keeping Readmission Rates Low with Treatment Guidelines

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Low hospital readmission rates are reaching a new level of importance. Beginning in 2013, hospitals with "excess" readmissions will face financial penalties. Those ranking in the highest quartile in the country could lose 1 percent of their Medicare reimbursement in the first year, 2 percent in the second, and 3 percent in the third. That amounts to about $850 million in the first year. Several hospitals are experiencing success in low readmissions through a similar thread: detailed treatment guidelines.

Teaming Up to Teach Better Medicine

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Sometimes, even educators must be educated. The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education is teaming up with the Perelman School of Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as part of a new Med Ed program, which aims to teach medical school professors techniques about how to effectively teach medicine. The program, which will have an initial cohort of just 25 people, will launch in July.

Philadelphia Hospital Switches to All-RN Model

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

In a move that defies conventional wisdom, Hahnemann University Hospital in Philadelphia is replacing less expensive workers with people who are paid more. Michael Halter, the hospital's chief executive officer is transforming the entire hospital to an all-RN model based on a pilot study that indicated using all registered nurses lead to greater patient and nurse satisfaction.

Engineering a High-Performance Emergency Department

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

The list of real challenges to an emergency department improvement includes being open 24 hours a day to treat anything from a scratch to a stroke, and requires a multi-disciplinary team of doctors and nurses to work together quickly and efficiently for the patient. In a new HealthLeaders Media Rounds case study, the physician, nurse and executive leaders dive into specific steps they took to dramatically improve key ED performance metrics, including ambulance diversions, wait times, door-to-admit times and others.

AMA Offers 'Weigh What Matters' App to Promote Health

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

The American Medical Association's (AMA) latest app could be very useful to the general public and may indirectly help employers encourage workers to be healthier. The free "Weigh What Matters App" encourages users to talk with their physicians to set personal health goals for their weight, eating, and activity. Users can track their progress by making daily entries and will have their body mass index (BMI) calculated.

Teaching Doctors How to Close Life's Last Door

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

No one likes to talk about death—not the dying and not the doctors trained to heal, not prep their patients for the morgue. Through a four-week geriatric clerkship, Boston University School of Medicine students are learning how to help their dying patients discuss fears and sorrows. Lectures instruct students how to be human beings as much as doctors, and that emotional connections with dying patients are as essential to good care as a stethoscope.

Pedal to the Metal: IOM Report Serves as Nurse Leader Catalyst

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Many Southern states mobilized quickly last year in order to begin the process of meeting the goals outlined in the Institute of Medicine’s and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s report “The Future of Nursing: Leading Change, Advancing Health.” The IOM recommendations were the catalyst last year for Southern states to form action coalitions and launch targeted efforts to improve nursing education and leadership. Laying the groundwork in 2011 was a crucial step that brought together key people who will see efforts through the reform era, particularly in Florida, North Carolina and Texas.

Milwaukee High School Students Explore Futures in Health Care

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Nearly two dozen students from James Madison Academic Campus in Milwaukee, Wis., visited the Medical College of Wisconsin as part of their participation in Milwaukee Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Youth Health Service Corps (YHSC) program. AHEC is a national mentor program with the goal to identify students interested in health careers and assist them in bridging the gap between their career aspirations and realization of those careers.

Patient Engagement Versus Physician Engagement – Which Comes First?

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

So if providers (physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals) expect patients to become more engaged in their own care, isn’t it fair for patients to expect their physicians to also get more involved in their care? If you look closely at “proxy measures” for physician engagement, you will see that this is a legitimate if not equally important line of inquiry.

How One Hospital Entices Doctors to Work in Rural America

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

Recruiting doctors to live and work in rural America is a chronic problem. Most health centers try to attract workers with big salaries and expensive homes. A tiny hospital in a southwest Kansas town with a population of 855 people, dirt roads, one gas station and dial-up Internet is using a new reverse-recruitment model to attract doctors.

Big Hospital Merger Plans Part of Dizzying Day for N.J. Medical Industry

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

It was a dizzying day for the New Jersey hospital industry Wednesday, as executives from five North Jersey hospitals announced plans to sell, explore a merger, and seek a new buyer to shore up their stake in the state’s competitively "harsh" health care market. The changes have forced hospitals to rethink their business model.

Missouri Medical School Joins Kansas City High School to Boost Minority Enrollment

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

The University of Missouri School of Medicine is teaming up with a Cristo Rey Catholic Kansas City high school in a bid to boost minority enrollment in health care and science. The medical school hopes its partnership with the national Cristo Rey prepatory high school network will broaden the educational opportunities available to students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Safety-Net Hospitals Up to Par in ED Length of Stay

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Compliance with proposed emergency department (ED) length-of-stay measures for admitted, discharged, transferred and observed patients does not differ significantly between safety-net hospitals — those that provide significant levels of care to low-income, uninsured and vulnerable populations — and non-safety-net hospitals, according to a study. The findings, published in the February 1 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), may address concerns that safety-net hospitals could be at risk of reduced funding by failing to meet certain performance measures.

Video Conferencing in Health Care: Adding a Vital New Dimension

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

A recent report "Video Conferencing and Health Care: A New Chapter in Collaboration," implies that video conferencing can have a considerable, richer and satisfying impact on care outcomes and patient and practitioner satisfaction when it is properly integrated into health care systems and working practices. It will play a vital role in the development of e-health as a central tenet of health care evolution if an in-person consultation is not possible.

Nursing School Dean Places Priority on Educating Underserved Populations

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Sandra Tucker, PhD, JD, RN is the dean of the School of Nursing at Southern University at Shreveport in Louisiana (SULSA). Since 2004, she has been praised for her work at the school, including developing its accredited registered nursing program within one year. While leading at the school, she has emphasized connections with the undeserved community, designing the registered nursing program to address the needs of its economically and educationally disadvantaged population. Her efforts have proven effective.

Country Doctors: Iowa Doctor Believes Best Career is Rural Family Medicine

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

William Durbin, MD, of Waterloo, Iowa, believes rural family medicine is the best career. Durbin is biased and his philosophy is uncommon among many doctors. National Institutes of Health statistics say about 20 percent of Americans live in rural areas, but only 9 percent of doctors choose to practice there. The result is weeks and months to see doctors—and more visits to the emergency room.

RWJF-Funded Study: Mandatory Overtime Caps for Nurses Having Effect

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

State-mandated caps on nurses' mandatory overtime hours have been effective in reducing overtime hours for new RNs, according to a study of nurses in 34 states. The study is part of the RN Work Project, a 10-year longitudinal study of newly licensed RNs (NLRNs) that began in 2006 and is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). Past research has demonstrated that fatigue caused by long hours without sufficient rest between shifts can lead to mistakes that imperil both patients and nurses.

Doctor Report Cards: Prescription with Side Effects (Opinion)

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Medicare is making its claims files available to insurers, employers and consumer groups so they can prepare report cards on individual doctors. The files will reveal such things as how many times doctors perform particular procedures and how often their patients develop preventable complications. All of this is intended to benefit the patient, however, another outcome is predicted as well: that doctors will be increasingly reluctant to take on the toughest patients.

University of Texas Medical Branch Launches Doctoral of Nursing Program

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston will welcome its first class of candidates for the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree this semester. The new program was approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in October 2011, with an emphasis on "pursuing the highest achievement in clinical practice while developing leadership skills,” said Pamela G. Watson, dean of the School of Nursing.

Physicians Have a Natural Role as Advocates (Opinion)

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

As physicians, we are often called upon to be advocates for our patients. Sometimes they have no other person to turn to. To benefit our patients, we willingly put in long hours of work, we regularly pursue continuing education; we spend time consulting other doctors and health professionals. This advocacy role also may include the unpleasant but necessary engaging in battle with health insurance companies, family and other health care providers to ensure our patients' welfare is adhered.

Oklahoma Regents Address Rural Doctor Shortage, Seek Funding

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education approved a budget request Thursday that would fund the Oklahoma Healthcare Physician Shortage Initiative. The funding request would give $1 million each to the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, as well as $2 million to regional and community colleges to help increase the number of medical school students.

Men Still a Minority in Nursing

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Since University of Arizona College of Nursing student AJ Tio was young, he has been caring for his grandmother. Tio's caregiver experience encouraged his current nursing career pursuit, despite the stigma of entering a field dominated by females. This semester the College of Nursing welcomed 54 new students into its program. Only five are men.

Why Are Heart Doctors Leaving Practice to Work for Hospitals?

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

In Philadelphia and nationwide, insecurity about falling insurance payments and the impact of impending health care changes are driving droves of cardiologists—among the highest-paid doctors—to leave private practice and become hospital employees. The doctors are seeking to protect their income and get relief from the hassles of managing a business, as pressure mounts to reduce costs and invest in expensive computer systems. Hospitals, meanwhile, want closer relationships with doctors as changes loom that will reward efficiency and care coordination both in and out of the hospital.

Johns Hopkins Unveils New Hospital

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Johns Hopkins will give media the first glimpse this week into its new $1.1 billion hospital with its 560 private rooms, 33 operating rooms, new adult and children's emergency rooms. The 1.6 million-square-foot building replaces older facilities built in 1930s-1950s and plans to offer state-of-the art imaging and surgical equipment and a "hotel like" atmosphere with gardens, artwork, sound-proofing, Internet and food options. Patients will move into the new hospital at end of April.

Depressed Patients Benefit from Primary Care Team Models in Managing Illnesses

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Depressed patients with other chronic illnesses are 76 percent less likely to take their medications, research has shown. This can be especially vexing for primary care physicians often tasked with caring for a patient's mental and physical illnesses. A team-based approach to primary care can help depressed patients with other chronic illnesses better achieve their clinical goals, according to a study in the January/February issue of the Annals of Family Medicine.

Doctors Want Focus on Social Justice

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

In a 2010 study co-authored by fellow doctors at schools throughout the country and published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, Fitzhugh Mullan — a professor of medicine and health policy at George Washington University — began to explore the link between medicine and social justice. The study — “The Social Mission of Medical Education: Ranking the Medical Schools” — evaluated medical colleges based on the social justice work undertaken by their graduates. Findings from the study drew controversy of results discovered among prominent institutions to those of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Kaiser Permanente Offers Patients Android App for EMR Access

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Kaiser Permanente announced Tuesday that its nearly 9 million patients can now securely access their electronic medical records (EMRs) from a free, new Android mobile app. Through this app, patients can access lab results, email their doctors, schedule appointments and refill prescriptions.

Penn State Nursing School Seeks to Increase Recruitment, Retention Efforts

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

In 2011, the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing undergraduate program was composed of about 60 percent white, non-Hispanic students. Penn State School of Nursing professor Brooks Carthon will work to recruit underrepresented minorities to the school through a grant received from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s “New Connections” program. New Connections is designed to introduce new scholars into the field of nursing and to expand diversity.

Doctors Refer More Patients to Specialists

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

In a study published Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine, researchers from Harvard Medical School found that doctors referred patients to specialists twice as much from 1999 to 2009. While some of the referrals lead to necessary treatments, other test and procedures did little to benefit the patient. So why are doctors quicker to refer patients to specialists?

Hospitals Hiring Doctors to Prepare for Reform

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Hospitals made disastrous decisions in the 1990s in hiring doctors. Now, they’re again buying physician practices — saying better management will make the difference this time. The American Hospital Association (AHA) reports the number of doctors working for hospitals has increased by 32 percent since 2000, a trajectory that’s accelerating as medical companies prepare for health care reform. Such is the case in Florida hospitals.

A Doctor to Watch Over You

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

In the new system of ‘global payments,’ patients will have more contact with their primary providers — like it or not. Doctors will "hover" over their patients to increase contact with their patients. Doctors will be motivated to do this not only because it’s better care, but because they will earn more money if they keep their patients healthy—and thus out of hospitals, emergency rooms, and specialists’ offices.

Joining Forces to Fight Strokes

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

With a touch of a button, a University of Virginia Medical Center physician in Charlottesville is able to examine a stroke patient at Culpeper Regional Hospital. Physicians and educators from both hospitals demonstrated an emergency scenario with a mock patient and new stroke alert and management system, Stroke Telemedicne and Tele-Education program, at the 70-bed facility on Thursday.

Why Doctors Can't Predict How Long a Patient Will Live

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

While not all assessments of how long someone will live results in life-or-death clinical decisions, addressing prognosis remains a challenge for most doctors. But a group of physicians at the University of California San Francisco set out to study prognosis techniques in older patients, and found very little.

Ohio to Boost Training of Doctors in Patient-Centered System

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Ohio will invest $1 million to train medical professionals in a health care system where patients have greater access to their doctors and the focus is on staying healthy. The funding will be used to train doctors, nurses and office staff members in 50 practices across the state to help transition their practices into patient-centered medical homes.

Controlling Nurse Labor Costs

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Controlling labor costs is essential for a strong bottom line and, increasingly, health care finance leaders are looking to reduce personnel costs, particularly for the nursing staff. By taking a new approach to nurse overtime, the use of supplemental labor, and retention efforts, organizations can save money without sacrificing jobs. One area to control costs is overtime.

AAFP Defines Role of Pharmacists, Family Physicians in Health Care Delivery System

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) has issued a revised position paper to help define the professional relationship between pharmacists and family physicians in an integrated health care delivery system. The revised position paper is a response to increased efforts by pharmacists to expand their influence and scope of practice.

Doctors Should Weigh Cost in Treatment, ACP Says

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Per the American College of Physicians (ACP), physicians should consider data on cost-effectiveness when making treatment recommendations and ought to behave professionally when using social media. Those are among the recommendations in the sixth edition of the American College of Physicians' ethics manual, updated for the first time since 2005 to include guidance on topics such as genetic testing, catastrophic care and pay-for-performance.

AMA President: A New Model of Patient Care

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Medicare accountable care organizations (ACOs) have been discussed at length since the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Peter W. Carmel, MD and President of the American Medical Association, responds to the concerns and to encourage physicians considering the ACO path, a new model of patient care.

What Doctors Know — and We Can Learn — About Dying

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

A story caused stir regarding an orthopedic surgeon who, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, chose not to undergo treatment. The surgeon died some months later at home, never having set foot inside a hospital again. There is good evidence that physicians have thought out end-of-life issues more thoroughly than laypeople and are more likely to decline medical intervention. Why would doctors choose to avoid the very procedures they deliver to patients daily?

Four Massachusetts Medical Schools Pledge to Train Doctors in Veteran Care

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

More than 100 medical schools across the country, including four in Massachusetts, have pledged to invest resources in training future physicians to treat war veterans and their family members, ensuring that their education includes the latest information about diagnosing and treating combat-related issues such as traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychological conditions. The commitment was made as part of Joining Forces, a program supporting families of veterans spearheaded by First Lady Michelle Obama and Jill Biden.

New AAMC Report Stresses Role of Behavioral and Social Sciences in Medical Education

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Understanding how lifestyle, behavior, and economic status affect health, and applying this knowledge to medical practice is vital for future physicians, according to a new report from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). “Behavioral and Social Science Foundations for Future Physicians” is designed to help medical educators understand what behavioral and social sciences to include in their curricula, and provides a framework to help prepare future physicians to address complex social challenges and unhealthy behaviors that can lead to premature death, chronic disease, and health care disparities.

Do No Harm — And Keep An Eye On Costs

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

An infrequently heard word to guide future health care procedures has sparked concerned and supportive responses from primary care providers. The American College of Physicians hit a nerve when it released an updated ethics manual calling for doctors to provide "parsimonious care"— in other words, "to practice effective and efficient health care and to use health care resources responsibly."

The National Nurse

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

On December 15, 2011, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) introduced HR 3679, The National Nurse Act of 2011. The legislation, co-led by Rep. Peter King (NY-3), would elevate the existing Chief Nurse Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service to the National Nurse for Public Health, a new full time leadership position that can focus nationally on health promotion and disease prevention priorities.

Georgia's Medical Schools Take Steps to Limit Pharmaceutical Money Flow

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

In recent years, doctors have come under increased scrutiny about the money they receive from drug companies. Georgia medical schools are now taking steps to better police these relationships in order to avoid the appearance of biased research. It's part of growing trend to limit the influence of pharmaceutical money and protect the integrity of academic research.

PTSD, TBI to Get More Emphasis in Medical Schools

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

More than a hundred allopathic and osteopathic medical colleges have promised First Lady Michelle Obama they will include courses on post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) for doctors-in-training. Michelle Obama will officially announce the collaboration agreed to by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine on Wednesday morning in Virginia.

Project Puts Records in the Patients' Hands

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Patients have a legal right to their records, though access can prove difficult. What would happen if patients could review their records at home, study them? The goal of involving patients more in their own care has lead to development of Open Notes, a research collaboration to address patient attitudes toward shared medical records.

Myths About Concierge Medicine

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

From perceived bad demographics to "my patients aren't wealthy," myths abound concerning concierge medicine (CM). Unfortunately these myths prevent good doctors from converting their practices to CM. Reviewing and debunking those myths can allow doctors considering this option to provide better value to quality to their patients.

Where Have All the Doctors Gone?

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Communities with more primary care doctors enjoy better health, yet those physicians are a dying breed. Mary Elizabeth Sokach is a primary care provider in a rural Pennsylvania community 15 miles west of Scranton and practices from her converted house. Medical schools are turning out fewer doctors like Sokach and producing more specialists which is forcing more schools to try new tactics to combat the looming shortage of primary care providers.

Virginia Coalition Takes on IOM Report

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Shirley Gibson, RN, MSHA, FACHE, and president of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System in Richmond, has seen many attempts to improve nursing, but the latest is working, she said, thanks to the 2010 influential Institute of Medicine (IOM) "Future of Nursing" report and the Virginia Action Coalition. Virginia nurses have developed five successful work groups to advance their work including education progression and team-based care, based on the report's recommendations.

Report Finds Most Errors at Hospitals Go Unreported

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Hospital employees recognize and report only one out of seven errors, accidents and other events that harm Medicare patients while they are hospitalized, federal investigators say in a new report. Yet even after hospitals investigate preventable injuries and infections that have been reported, they rarely change their practices to prevent repetition of the “adverse events,” according to the study, from Daniel R. Levinson, inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Why Recruiters are Favoring Less Experienced Physicians

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

It seems like a no-brainer: a more experienced physician translates to more patients who trust his abilities, and therefore, more patients who frequent his practice. But according to a new survey of 1,000 physicians put forth by The Medicus Firm, a national physician search company, that’s not what physician recruiters are favoring. When it comes to physician hiring, it appears experience isn’t an asset.

Proposal Calls for Medical Teamwork Between Doctors, Nurse Practitioners

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Doctors and nurse practitioners are proposing changes to the law that currently requires a physician to supervise a nurse practitioner. The proposed changes wouldn't grant nurse practitioners autonomy to treat patients. However, it would allow for more flexibility in coordinating patient care and could provide patients better access to treatment in areas where health care workforce shortfalls exist.

Some Doctors Going Broke

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Taking out loans to make payroll and to keep their private practices afloat, some American doctors harbor an embarrassing secret: they are going broke. This quiet reality is claiming a wide range of casualties, including family physicians, cardiologists and oncologists. Industry watchers say the trend is worrisome as it robs communities of a vital health care resource.

Population Health Pays Off

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

When Dallas-based Baylor Health Care System moved away from conventional methods to an integrated behavior-driven, patient-centered model to treat diabetic residents, improved patient outcomes were experienced within 12 months of model implementation. A similar population health care mentality may seep into more hospitals, leading them to edit their playbooks.

Top 12 Concerns for Health Care Providers

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Third-day readmissions, patient experience scores and meaningful use of electronic health records are among 12 concerns weighing heavily on the minds of physicians and health care providers for 2012.

ACPs' Ethics Manual Examines Emerging Issues in Medical Ethics

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has released the sixth edition of its Ethics Manual, published as a supplement to the current issue of Annals of Internal Medicine, and available online at www.annals.org. The manual is intended to facilitate the process of making ethical decisions in clinical practice, teaching, and medical research, and to describe and explain underlying ethics principles, as well as the physician's role in society and with colleagues.

Do Clinicians Need Their Own DWI Rule?

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

Doctoring While iPhoning (DWI) isn't the same as Driving While Intoxicated. But doctors should know better than to engage in such behavior. A recent report in the New York Times cited several disturbing examples of nurses, doctors, and technicians in critical patient care situations using tablets, computers, and smartphones to check Facebook, shop on E-Bay or text friends.

Four-Year Degree Requirement for Nurses Up for Debate in New York

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

New York legislators have received support from nursing associations and health policy groups for a proposed “BSN in 10” initiative, requiring all nurses to earn a bachelor's degree within 10 years of having their associate's degree. But some are concerned the additional requirement could discourage would-be nurses from entering the field when they are needed most.

A Medical School More Like Hogwarts

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

It's been clear now that medical school students may begin with an aspiring behavior and by the end of four years, are burned out or depressed. Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., is one school finding success with its Student Wellness Program to reduce the stresses of medical school and empower students.

Mentoring Programs Teach Medical Students Medicine, Empathy

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Sometimes a simple conversation can provide lessons just as valuable as those learned in a classroom or gleaned from a book. That’s the premise behind the University of New Mexico School of Medicine mentoring program which pairs students with elderly individuals to learn more about treating and relating to patients of different ages.

Keeping Patients Coming Back

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, establishing a quality physician-patient relationship is a major predictor in patient loyalty. Although physician-patient studies continue to reveal the importance of quality customer care, that nearly 46 percent of U.S. patients still feel disconnected and dissatisfied with their health care provider. .

Patients Eager to See Physicians’ Notes, Physicians More Reluctant

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Patients are enthusiastic about the potential benefits of having access to their physician’s notes about their visit, but physicians are more wary about the potential downsides of sharing such information, suggest results of a survey published in the Annals of Internal Medicine this week.

Show Doctors the Value in Social Media and EMRs

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

The common perception is that older doctors are more adverse to technology, especially when it comes to electronic medical records (EMRs). Recent data cited in American Medical News, however, says that isn’t true. Value is a better predictor of technology adoption than age.

1-in-20 Physicians Now on Doctors-Only Social Network

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

They're not Facebook-like numbers yet, but after seven months Doximity has signed up about one out of every 20 U.S. physicians for its LinkedIn-like networking service. This amounts to more than 30,000 doctors, or twice as many on LinkedIn. With LinkedIn and other mainstream social networks, there are no privacy protections in place that will keep physicians on the right side of patient privacy laws.

How States Are Keeping Doctors from Moving Out

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Widespread concerns about physician shortages have many states working to keep doctors trained in medical schools and residency programs there from crossing state lines to practice medicine. On average, only 39 percent of U.S. physicians practice in the same state where they went to medical school. Forty-eight percent practice in the state where they completed graduate medical education, according to AAMC Center for Workforce Studies report released December 2.

Concierge Medicine Grows Despite Recession

webmail@rwjf.org — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

The recession has not stopped some South Floridians who value personalized medical care from paying $1,500 a year or more to guarantee a same-day appointment with their favorite doctor. Frustrated with long office waits and feeling rushed during examinations, many pople have switched to concierge practices that charge an annual fee for what they consider top-notch care, including minimum 30-minute physician visits and access to the doctor's cellphone number.

Nurses: Practicing to Potential

webmail@rwjf.org — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

On every front—from high-level policy discussions to day-to-day bedside practice—nurses are becoming a more vocal and instrumental component in improving the complex health care puzzle. For nurses, it means more leadership opportunities and greater professional satisfaction. As a three year Robert Wood Johnson Health Policy Fellow, Deborah Trautman, PhD, RN, is serious about getting nurses involved in shaping health care policy.

Doctors and Patients: Spiritual Care is Important Too

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Often before surgery, patients grappling with illness or fear of death have asked Michel Boileau, MD, a longtime Central Oregon urologist, to pray with them. Boileau had years of medical education and hundreds of hours of practice before becoming a full-fledged doctor. But, he said, he had absolutely no training in how to respond to that question. Now, there's a movement to bring spirituality back into medicine.

Family Physicians Find Regional Extension Centers a Mixed Bag

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

The establishment of regional extension centers, or RECs, in 2010 was widely seen as an opportunity for physicians, including family physicians, to more quickly and effectively adopt health information technology, for use in a meaningful way. However, some family physicians have found their REC to be a critical resource in extending their use of health IT, while others have found they provide spotty service, at best.

As Doctors Use More Devices, Potential For Distraction Grows

webmail@rwjf.org — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Hospitals and doctors’ offices, hoping to curb medical error, have invested heavily to put computers, smartphones and other devices into the hands of medical staff for instant access to patient data, drug information and case studies. But like many cures, this solution has come with an unintended side effect: doctors and nurses can be focused on the screen and not the patient, even during moments of critical care.

Joint Commission Highlights Health Care Worker Fatigue

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

An article in the November 2007 issue of The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety reported that nurses working more than 12-hour shifts and residents working recurrent 24-hour shifts were involved in three times more fatigue-related, preventable adverse events. In addition, health care professionals who work long hours are at greater risk of injuring themselves on the job.

Study: More Doctors Needed in Colorado by 2016

webmail@rwjf.org — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

A new study released Monday by the Colorado Health Institute suggests the state will need up to 141 new primary care doctors and other health professionals by 2016. That's a 3 percent increase in the workforce to serve the expected 510,000 newly insured Coloradans. Colorado University Medical School also recently increased its class size to 160. But when those students graduate, they face some major hurdles in becoming primary care providers, like repayment of medical school debt.

Survey: 73% of Physicians "Not Excited" About Future of Medical Physicians

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

A recent Deloitte survey has revealed the depth of skepticism of physicians, as 73 percent of physicians said they are not excited about the future of medicine and roughly 70 percent think "the best and brightest" people will no longer pursue careers in it. The report, "Physician Perspectives About Healthcare Reform and the Future of the Medical Profession," surveyed a random sample of 501 physicians.

Law Enforcement Can Access Databank Without Doctors' Knowledge

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Physicians and other health professionals no longer will be notified if someone accesses information about them through the National Practitioner Data Bank for an investigation, according to a federal rule that takes effect December 23. The rule, an exemption to the Privacy Act, is meant to prevent tampering with evidence and is limited to law enforcement agencies, according to the Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration, which administers the data bank.

The Accountable Physician

webmail@rwjf.org — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Ellis M. Knight, MD, MBA, went into medicine as an idealist. But about five years ago he began to question whether his practice of medicine was measuring up to the expectations, desires, and motivations he had when he entered medical school. The answer: not so much, which was "crushing" to him and a similar feeling among other physicians he queried. Solution: Starting an accountable care organization (ACO).

Federal Government Provides Incentives for Paperless Medical Records

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Ohio hospitals and doctors are cashing in for ditching paper charts in favor of electronic patient records. Summa Health System’s Akron City and St. Thomas hospitals recently received more than $5.1 million in federal incentives after meeting initial goals for adopting computerized health records.

Five Reasons Why Physicians Need to Use Social Media

webmail@rwjf.org — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

Physician participation in social media is a health care imperative according to Kevin Pho, MD, a practicing internist and the founder of KevinMD.com. However, many physicians remain skeptical about the value of social media. Pho suggests several reasons why physicians need to embrace social media. One reason is that physicians can serve to direct patients to reputable online sources to dispel myths.