Rapidly Accelerating Use of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Demands Ethical Analysis
The proliferation of AI and robotic 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.
COVID-19: Hospitals Should Consider CoP Carefully Before Deciding on DNR Policy
As the nation grapples with the 2019 novel coronavirus that leads to COVID-19, clinicians and others in facilities—many in areas becoming overwhelmed by the number of patients with COVID-19 experiencing extreme problems breathing—have discussed whether to implement blanket “Do Not Resuscitate” orders for COVID patients, according to news reports.
Study: Busy Surgeons Pose a Risk to Patient Safety
The report from Coverys takes a look at five years of closed medical malpractice claims data from 2014–2018 to provide insight into the root causes of surgery-related claims and evidence-based recommendations to help mitigate future risks in the delivery of care.
Protect Medical Devices From a Cybersecurity Threat
A recent survey of approximately 60 C-level healthcare executives from CynergisTek brings the issue into sharper focus. Though about one-third of executives considered medical device security one of the top five risks facing healthcare, most reported they lack an effective strategy to assess the risks posed by medical devices.
Coronavirus: Infectious Disease Expert Shares Lessons Learned From Other Recent Outbreaks
The swine flu pandemic hit the United States in 2009 and 2010, with about 12,500 deaths and an estimated 60.8 million cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During the 2014–2016 Ebola outbreak, 11 people were treated for the viral disease in the United States, with two deaths.
4 Ways You Haven’t Thought About Using Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Almost overnight, telehealth providers reported an upswing in demand as key barriers to widespread telehealth usage vanished, including consumer awareness and physician and consumer acceptance. To quell the spread of disease and direct patients to the most appropriate setting, the CMS changed access requirements and reimbursement restrictions, and many other payers have followed suit.
Despite Federal COVID-19 Stimulus, Many Hospitals Could Face Layoffs Within Two Months
Nearly all hospitals would lose an average of $2,800 per COVID-19 patient case if reimbursement rates aren’t raised, according to Strata, with some losing between $8,000 to $10,000 per case.
The study concluded that without a 35% reimbursement rate hike, many hospitals will exhaust cash flows within 60 to 90 days.
Problem-Solving in Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Older People
Health literacy plays a key role in the management, control, and prevention of disease in general. However, it is of particular importance in diabetes, due to both the disease’s chronicity and its effect on quality of life. Effectively, health literacy levels directly influence overall quality of life, especially in the elderly population.
Coronavirus: Tiered Staffing Recommended to Bolster Critical Care
To address the anticipated shortage of ICU staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, SCCM is proposing that U.S. hospitals adopt a tiered staffing model that integrates experience ICU personnel with reassigned hospital staff members. The integrated ICU personnel would be used to staff non-traditional ICUs created in repurposed hospital spaces such as post-anesthesia care units.
Human Performance Limitations in Medicine: A Cognitive Focus (Part 2)
In this case study, with nearly 600 medication labels prepared per day, the atmosphere was rife for potential error. Many drugs have similar-sounding names, and during the labeling process the technician is likely to be multitasking, under time pressure, and subject to multiple interruptions (not to mention a consistently noisy environment).