Over-the-Top Risky: Overuse of ADC Overrides, Removal of Drugs Without an Order, and Use of Non-Profiled Cabinets
Whether used as a full decentralized drug distribution model or for limited distribution of controlled substances, PRN (as needed) medications, and first doses only, ADCs today are often interfaced with electronic health record systems in both large and small healthcare settings.
Rapidly Accelerating Use of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Demands Ethical Analysis
The proliferation of AI and robotics use is inescapable, so how can the associated ethical challenges be identified and addressed? It was only last year that the FDA released model 1.0 of its software precertification to provide an initial tool to test AI and machine learning technology.
Healthcare Extends Into the Online Community
As consumers take more control over where they seek healthcare, they’re using their social networks to spread the news about their preferred choices. The result is that physicians are now being tasked with protecting their reputations in the digital world.
When in Crisis Mode, Let Everyone Follow the Data
During normal times, managers often make decisions based on their knowledge and experience; analysis of data to varying degrees informs that decision-making process. Circumstances change at an easily manageable pace, errors in judgment can be corrected, and the impact of those poor choices is often insignificant.
A Prescription for Social Determinants of Health
A September 2019 study published in JAMA found that only 24% of hospitals and 16% of physician practices reported screening for five key social factors that affect health outcomes. Those factors, as defined by CMS’ Accountable Health Communities model, are food insecurity, housing instability, utility needs, transportation needs, and interpersonal violence.
Improving Antibiotic Stewardship at Urgent Care Centers
As care continues its move deeper into communities and away from traditional medical campuses, urgent care centers are exploding in growth. In 2018, there were 8,100 urgent care centers, up nearly 27% from 2014, according to Consumer Reports. Those centers see an estimated 160 million patient visits each year, according to the Urgent Care Association.
Safer Surgery Through Higher Precision
OrthoGrid, a Salt Lake City–based medical technology provider known for orthopedic platforms, has developed what is being called the only patented intraoperative alignment and distortion correction solution on the market.
How Patient Tracking Data Can Drive Patient Safety
While hospitals have long been looking for the right blend of strategies for improving throughput, today health systems have insight into entirely new levels of data, often available in real time, that can help identify flow bottlenecks as they happen. More EDs are now turning to data-rich patient tracking systems to improve patient flow, especially during peak times with high patient volume.
Doctors Should Not Have to Decide Who Lives or Dies
In these times, there is no avoiding unpleasant decisions. But we can choose who makes those decisions. There is a world of difference between the ethical rules that govern the care of patients and the ethical rules that govern public health. Clinical ethics prioritize each individual and leave little room for utilitarian calculations. By contrast, in public health ethics, the value of individual lives is overshadowed by the needs of society.
The Future of Work in Healthcare: A Strategic Approach to Bridging the Generational Divide
Aging clinicians, who started their careers in a healthcare environment that prioritized spending time with patients above all, maintain excellent relationship-building skills but may not stay on top of all the technological developments. On the flip side, younger clinicians are generally comfortable and competent in the use of technology, but may not have spent as much meaningful time at the patient’s bedside as their seasoned colleagues.