MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'empowerment'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:52:44 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077684&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpatient-empowerment-has-the-potential-to-be-problematic%2F2011.07.29 Let me say first that I am a practicing primary care doctor who is very much focused on patient centered care.  Though I cannot go back to being a patient who is unaware about what a doctor does, the terminology she uses, or what the importance of certain test results are, I can empathize with the overwhelming amounts of information, challenges, and stressors patients and families can have in navigating the healthcare system to get the right care.  This is the reason I wrote my book. However, over the past few months I’ve noticed a particularly disturbing trend.  Patients are not consulting doctors for advice, but rather demanding testing for diagnoses which are not even remote possibilities.  A little knowledge can be dangerous particularly in the context of little to no clinica... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077684 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 21:00:00 +0100 5077684 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5036228&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fconfusing-compliance-with-engagement-in-our-health-care%2F2011.07.17 Twenty percent of people who leave their doctors’ offices with a new prescription don’t fill it. Up to one-half of those who do fill their prescriptions don’t take the drugs as recommended. These individuals are considered non-compliant. But does that mean they are not engaged in their health care? Engagement and compliance are not synonyms. I am compliant if I do what my doctor tells me to do. I am engaged, on the other hand, when I actively participate in the process of solving my health problems. This new prescription is an element in that process. If I am engaged in my care, I might want to learn about this medication. Such as:  what it can and cannot do to ease my pain or slow the progress of my disease; what side effects it might produce and what I should do about them; how l... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5036228 Sun, 17 Jul 2011 18:00:40 +0100 5036228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921422&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftreatment-success-depends-largely-on-patient-participation%2F2011.06.10 Ten days ago a post here mentioned the 14th ICSI / IHI Colloquium. I said the Society for Participatory Medicine was well represented, including: Jessie Gruman, four time cancer patient and founding co-editor of our journal, gave an important breakout session, about which I’ll be writing soon. (Jessie is founder and president of the excellent Center For Advancing Health.) Jessie’s talk was so good it had me going nuts on Twitter – I couldn’t keep up with all the “tweet-worthy” things that came out of her mouth. Well, I’ve just re-read her text, and it brought back why I went nuts. I was going to write about it, but I’m just going to post the full text. For those who don’t know, last fall Jessie underwent surgery for her fourth cancer; she has some experience. (more&#8... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921422 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:00:53 +0100 4921422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883715&cid=t_103998_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2011%2F05%2F31%2Fperspective-on-patient-empowerment%2F Quintiles asked me to write an essay on patient empowerment for their New Health Report, that was just released. Here’s what I wrote: When patients are diagnosed with a chronic illness, they face a maze of decisions, questions and options that can be overwhelming. Doctors, insurance providers, pharmaceutical companies and online communities all offer important resources to help patients make these decisions and answer their questions. But patients do not always realize their own power. Patient voices can be elevated to not only direct their own health and healthcare, but also to influence the development of new treatments, decide how value is defined in healthcare and improve the perception of patients as knowledgeable participants in the conversation about their own health. As patie... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883715 Wed, 01 Jun 2011 03:49:02 +0100 4883715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828983&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F05%2F17%2Fa-psychologist-and-a-superhero%2F Psychology has spilled over into pop culture in many ways throughout the years. For instance, in 1911, one psychologist saved Coca-Cola by conducting rigorous studies into caffeine’s effects on cognition and sensory and motor abilities. In 1929, another inspired his nephew’s successful public relations campaigns, which linked smoking cigarettes with female empowerment, if you can believe it. Since 1895, other psychologists were directly involved in advertising, using surveys and other new ploys to get us to buy their products. (You didn’t need toothpaste to clean your teeth; you needed it to make you sexier.) One psychologist even changed the comic book world and influenced an entire movement (that would be the feminist movement). In the early 1940s, Harvard psychologist William ... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828983 Tue, 17 May 2011 10:30:00 +0100 4828983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4797773&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpatient-education-at-its-best-an-example-from-griffin-hospital%2F2011.05.07 A vital aspect of participatory medicine is helping patients learn how to participate. This week I saw a great example of someone who’s doing it right. Here’s the story, including the patient aid for download. We hear a lot about “patient-centered”: patient-centered care, patient-centered thinking, everything. Frankly, a lot of it strikes me as patient-centered paternalism: people mean well, but patients sense that the thinking didn’t happen while standing in patients’ shoes, because the advice, policies, and publications just don’t hit home. It’s like somebody guessed what you want, instead of knowing (because they’re like you). A couple of years ago I learned about Planetree, a terrific, small organization in Connecticut that’s been thinking from the patient’s point... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4797773 Sat, 07 May 2011 20:00:15 +0100 4797773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4771025&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-physician-with-neck-cancer-just-as-frightened-as-any-other-patient%2F2011.04.30 Two years ago we wrote “Let’s hear it for the ‘d-patients’” — doctors who become e-patients themselves. We said “D-patients prove that patient empowerment is anything but anti-doctor. Heck, sometimes it’s a doctor preservation movement.” A new article in our Journal of Participatory Medicine provides a compelling example: A Physician’s Experience as a Cancer of the Neck Patient: The Importance of Patient Participation. The author, Itzhak Brook MD, makes our point: I am telling my personal story in the hope that health care providers will realize the difficult challenges faced by a patient diagnosed with cancer and undergoing extensive surgeries. I am also discussing the importance of active participation of the patient and their family members in all phases of care. Jo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4771025 Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:00:00 +0100 4771025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4527981&cid=t_103998_147_f&fid=39266&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCreationInteractive%2F%7E3%2Fc5veIxZafxo%2F In conclusion, an empowered patient is somebody who speaks up and takes action in general and patient engagement is about being in a partnership, being a stakeholder in this “participatory medicine”. To conclude, I’ll give you a review of the key insights on the future of the patient: The patient will play an active role in healthcare The future is to change the culture of the patient and the culture of healthcare professionals Participatory medicine will be the norm Think achievement more than adherence. Words are important. Envision your communication as a partnership (a two-way conversation valuable to both) Use the digital environment to achieve great outcomes (Source: Creation Interactive) Creation Interactive blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4527981 Mon, 28 Feb 2011 09:38:35 +0100 4527981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4414520&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fdiabetes-bingo%2F2011.01.29 Recently, I reconnected with a long-lost local PWD (person with diabetes) named Ryan. Last time Ryan and I saw one another we were talking about diabetes goal-setting and dealing with wicked bouts of burnout. And this week I received an email from him with a brilliant idea about how to stay motivated towards setting — and reaching — diabetes-related goals. “I’ve had this ‘pyramid’ for about three months now. Just something that I keep near my desk to keep me focused on my diabetes. After completion of the pyramid, I have no clue what I will do but some kind of celebration will be in order,” he wrote, and attached a slide to his image. And when I opened it, I was like “whoa.” He had created a pyramid of his diabetes goals. Tangible... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4414520 Sat, 29 Jan 2011 20:00:28 +0100 4414520 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399524&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-second-opinion-is-good-but-a-third-or-fourth%2F2011.01.26 A few years ago I started writing a book on what it was like to be a cancer patient and an oncologist. This morning I came upon this section on second opinions: Is It OK To Get A Second Opinion? Definitely. And there’s no need to be secretive about it, or to worry about hurting the doctor’s feelings. Second opinions are routine in fields like oncology, and are often covered by insurance. Be up-front: Any decent oncologist can understand a cancer patient’s need to find a doctor who’s right for them, with whom they’re comfortable making important decisions. And in difficult cases, some specialists appreciate the chance to discuss the situation with another expert. So a second opinion can be beneficial to patients and physicians alike. When things can get out of hand, though, is whe... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399524 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 14:00:50 +0100 4399524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377569&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-window-into-cancer-research%2F2011.01.20 Exciting Time with World Renowned Experts from Patient Power® on Vimeo. *This blog post was originally published at Andrew's Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377569 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:00:10 +0100 4377569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4349513&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhen-patients-are-empowered-by-serious-diagnoses%2F2011.01.14 I am really excited about serving as the emcee for next week’s Personalized Medicine World Conference in Mountain View, California near San Francisco. I also will be the moderator of a panel discussion on patient empowerment. As I prepare, I am interviewing the panelists and their stories are very inspiring. One panelist is Bonnie Addario. Bonnie had been an oil company executive in the Bay Area. She began having chest pain. Was it her heart? No. Was it a nerve problem? No. Doctors were stumped. Bonnie was frustrated, but she was also a woman of action — a “powerful patient.” She went on her own for a full body scan. The news was not good. A lung cancer tumor was wrapped around her aorta and other vessels. It was inoperable. But, fortunately, chemotherapy and radiation shrunk t... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4349513 Fri, 14 Jan 2011 23:00:49 +0100 4349513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309608&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpersonalized-medicine-a-2011-resolution-for-you%2F2011.01.04 You are an individual right? To your mom and dad you are/were like no other. Hopefully your family and friends continue to see you as one-of-a-kind. Had you considered your doctor should see you that way too? Not as yet another one with diabetes, or heart disease, or cancer, but as a singular human being with biology that may be different from even the next person through the door with the same diagnosis. This is the age of “personalized medicine” and it will accelerate in 2011. It is our responsibility as patients to ensure the power of this concept is leveraged for us each time we interact with the healthcare system. This is especially true as we manage a serious chronic condition or a cancer. Now, in research and in clinical practice there are refined tests to determine what our spe... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309608 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 19:00:47 +0100 4309608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245395&cid=t_103998_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F12%2F09%2Fand-the-winner-is%2F We’re excited to announce that CureTogether is a winner of the Amgen/Ashoka Changemakers Patient Empowerment Competition! The winners were announced here yesterday. The $10,000 prize will help us to improve CureTogether for our members, and spread it to more people who can be helped. Everyone who is reading this – do something extra nice for yourself to help us celebrate! ! (Source: The Collective Well) The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245395 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:12:39 +0100 4245395 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225250&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthecommunications.files.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2Fphysician-recommendation-styles.jpg “I recommend.” These are two word which, when spoken by a physician to a patient have tremendous power to change behavior. That assumes of course a trusting relationship between patient and physician (but that’s a topic for another day.)   Take the colonoscopy. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that adults aged ≥50 years get a colonoscopy every 10 years. In 2005, 50 percent of adults aged ≥50 years in the U.S. had been screened according to these recommendations. Not surprisingly, the rate of colonoscopy screening is much lower than that of other recommended adult preventive services. I was curious: Why?   Here are two interesting facts: 1. Studies show that patients cite “physician recommendation” as the most important motivator of colorectal sc... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225250 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:00:35 +0100 4225250 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4203159&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ffeeling-pretty-thankful%2F2010.11.25 It’s Thanksgiving here in the States, and I’m feeling pretty thankful. While the day is reserved for turning hand tracings into turkeys, it’s also a good day to highlight what I’m thankful for this year: I’m thankful that we have a backyard that the cats can go [potty] in, because I was tired of cleaning that litterbox. (And I’m also secretly glad that our neighbors have a ridiculous cat that comes over and starts trouble with ours, because when they pile into the bushes out back and cause the shrubbery to vibrate with their Andy Capp-style battles, it cracks me right up.) I’m thankful for our family and friends, who have helped Chris and I adjust to our new lives as “parents” and who make “home” a place that matters.... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4203159 Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:21 +0100 4203159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179381&cid=t_103998_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F11%2F18%2Fplease-vote-and-help-curetogether-win-10000-in-the-amgen-changemakers-contest%2F Hi everyone, Just a quick note to let you all know that CureTogether is a finalist in the Amgen/Changemakers Empowering Patients Competition!! Thank you for being part of this. Please vote today – we have a good shot at winning the $10,000 grand prize if we get enough votes in the next 13 days. It can be your good deed for the day! Please take half a minute to cast your vote. THANK YOU so much!! Wishing you all a wonderful day, Alex (Source: The Collective Well) The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179381 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:58:46 +0100 4179381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4097933&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fnew-survey-1-in-10-cell-phone-users-have-health-or-medical-apps%2F2010.10.24 A new survey from the Pew Internet & American Life Project shows how the proliferation of smart mobile devices is causing a shift in the way users are accessing data and information on health. Some of the most interesting findings are related to the substantial number of users who actually have applications that help them manage and track their health. Some key findings from the survey: *17 percent of cell owners have used their phone to look up health or medical information on the Internet; 29 percent of cell owners ages 18 to 29 have done such searches. *9 percent of cell phone owners have apps they use to help track and manage health. *The heaviest use of health or medical related apps was by young adults: About 15 percent of those ages 18 to 29 have such apps, compared to 8 percen... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4097933 Sun, 24 Oct 2010 13:00:07 +0100 4097933 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4065367&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-reality-of-participatory-primary-care%2F2010.10.13 No matter where one stands on appropriateness and advantages of each patient being involved in self-diagnosis and treatment of their own medical problems there are two inevitable conclusions: •    First of all, self diagnosis and treatment are as natural as breathing and as impossible to extinguish as thought itself. •    Secondly, given today’s healthcare system, there always will exist a dynamic tension between self-determination of the individual patient and the powerful healthcare system which often insists on patients falling back in line and complying with orders. Few would argue against the need for a powerful alliance that embraces the benefits brought to the table by both the practitioner and the patient. Simplistically, the physician would carry the role of healthcare... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4065367 Wed, 13 Oct 2010 14:00:06 +0100 4065367 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040512&cid=t_103998_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F07%2Fwhen-the-care-isnt-evidence-based-and-the-provider-doesnt-listen-why-patient-empowerment-matters%2F There has been a lot of recent discussion about empowered patients, e-patients, and participatory medicine – all shorthand for patients being actively involved in their own medical care and decision-making rather than simply accepting the authority of medical providers who issue recommendations and orders that patients then follow. The recent stories of two of my close relatives perfectly illustrate the problem of provider-patient relationships in which the patient is expected to simply accept the advice they’re given, and the hazards of doing so. First, a menopausal female who went to a doctor for a pelvic exam. She checked “frequent urination” on the intake form, and her provider – without asking any questions or exploring the patient’s feelings abou... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040512 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:52:47 +0100 4040512 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040747&cid=t_103998_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Frobert-whitakerthe-speech-that-had.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040747 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 03:46:00 +0100 4040747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4036927&cid=t_103998_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Frobert-whitaker-speaks-at-alternative.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4036927 Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:41:00 +0100 4036927 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4027157&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fever-google-your-doctor%25e2%2580%2599s-name%2F2010.10.03 Andrew takes you behind the scenes of what health information people are searching for online, and how we know: Popular Health Search: Your Doctor’s Name from Patient Power® on Vimeo. *This blog post was originally published at Andrew's Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4027157 Sun, 03 Oct 2010 22:00:01 +0100 4027157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003414&cid=t_103998_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fupdate-alternatives-mental-health.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003414 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 21:31:00 +0100 4003414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3983394&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpatient-empowerment-is-it-what-americans-really-want%2F2010.09.19 Empowered patient. Consumer driven healthcare. Transparency. Access to their full medical records online. Review the latest news and you’ll discover more books and articles recommending patients be advocates for themselves. The pitch? The only way to get the best care is to be thorough, informed, and always asking questions. This perspective is understandable because advocates have observed a healthcare system that provides inconsistent quality, too many preventable medical errors, and overtreatment resulting in unnecessary injuries and deaths. Even I’ve written a book saying the same thing, and I hate to write.  The public is urged to take charge of their health and their healthcare. When they have a problem, ask the doctor questions. Do research. If they need a proc... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3983394 Sun, 19 Sep 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3983394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3972983&cid=t_103998_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F09%2F15%2Fcrowdsourced-patient-experience%2F This is for you. As part of our entry for the Ashoka Changemakers’/Amgen Foundation Patients| Choices| Empowerment competition, we put together this video with stories from some of our members. It’s to thank you and show you how people are being helped and how we’re moving forward. I hope you enjoy it! Please also feel free to enter a comment at the Ashoka site to show your support for CureTogether winning the competition. Thanks!! (Source: The Collective Well) The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3972983 Thu, 16 Sep 2010 03:27:42 +0100 3972983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3969202&cid=t_103998_180_f&fid=38609&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDavidSeah-BetterLivingThroughNewMedia%2F%7E3%2F58w5FcmRsWI%2F Amanda Pingel emailed me the other day about joining her Bureau of Idea Approval by submitting a design for a certificate. The Bureau (or BIA) is something that Seth Godin wrote about in Tribes: wouldn’t it be great if everytime we had an idea, there was some official body that somehow made it OK to pursue them? For those of us who need the looming authority of an external agency to take action, the Bureau officially serves you in that role. In fact, Amanda has taken on this responsibility herself so you don’t have to. But you’re not completely off the hoo; as Amanda writes: I also hereby deputize you into the Bureau of Idea Approval. Whenever you hear an idea that’s worth spreading, present its creator with a certificate. Whenever someone approaches you to ask yo... David Seah - Design, Development, Inspiration, Empowerment blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3969202 Tue, 14 Sep 2010 22:36:31 +0100 3969202 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3935855&cid=t_103998_113_f&fid=38494&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcuretogether.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F09%2F06%2Fcuretogether-honored-with-amgenashoka-changemakers-award%2F We are so excited! CureTogether’s entry into the Ashoka Changemakers patient empowerment competition won the Early Entry Prize for best idea entered by the early deadline! From the competition website: The Amgen Foundation is supporting the Patients| Choices| Empowerment competition with Ashoka’s Changemakers to answer the question of how we can elevate patients’ voices to improve health outcomes globally. Submit your solutions, or nominate a project, in this challenge that empowers patients to make decisions with confidence and clarity, in concert with people who care and can help. Congratulations to the Early Entry Prize winner: CureTogether – Crowdsourced Patient Experience. Learn how they are working to empower patients HERE. Prizes: Enter before the competition dea... The Collective Well blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3935855 Mon, 06 Sep 2010 08:31:12 +0100 3935855 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3914999&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-10-not-100-most-powerful-people-in-your-health-care%2F2010.08.30 In case you haven’t seen it, a list of the 100 Most Powerful People in Health Care was [recently] published. In thinking about this list I realized that, in reality, these people had little to do with my patients’ health care delivery. So how did they became the most powerful people in health care? Quite simply, they are not the 100 most powerful people in health care, but rather they are the 100 most powerful people overseeing the funding of health care — at least for the moment. In as little as 11 months, many of the people on this list will be gone or have moved on to their next money-making venture. So who are the most powerful people in health care? (more…) *This blog post was originally published at Dr. Wes* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3914999 Mon, 30 Aug 2010 14:00:00 +0100 3914999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845101&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmy-brother-the-red-sox-and-a-wrong-diagnosis-gone-right%2F2010.08.08 How often do people get the wrong diagnosis? Too often. There are things you can do help protect yourself. Things like, asking questions, being sure everything makes sense to you, not doing anything you’re not sure about. At Best Doctors, helping people do this is what we do every day, and so I want to tell you a story. It’s about my brother. I want to tell it to you it because it will help you understand the important work we do here, and because of something very special that happened for him this weekend. (more…) *This blog post was originally published at See First Blog* (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845101 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 18:00:59 +0100 3845101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3776381&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fthe-%25e2%2580%259ci-get-it%25e2%2580%259d-moment-in-direct-pay-primary-care%2F2010.07.21 After seven years, my wife has finally stopped asking me for “The Power of DocTalker” story of the day. Now when I start with the details of the latest case report justifying the model, she stops me with “I get it, I get it! Go write the case report up and post it on your website for others to ‘get it,’ too.” Case reports center on the mission of our medical practice, with points regarding care that include quality, accessibility, convenience, affordability, empowerment, trust, and price transparency. Because our patients pay us directly for the service and don’t necessarily expect any insurance “reimbursement,” we are a very unique practice. We adhere to the points in our mission and also outperform all our local competition — i.e. medical ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3776381 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 14:00:32 +0100 3776381 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3729846&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fwhats-in-your-wallet-learnvest-ceo-alexa-von-tobel-shows-the-contents-of-her-money-bag%2F Keeping track of your cash, coins, and credit cards seems like something you should learn how to do in high school, but some of us still haven’t mastered the art of organizing our wallets. If you ever find yourself digging through crumpled receipts or wishing you hadn’t left certain cards at home, check out these tips from LearnVest. (And check out LearnVest’s original post for more details and a peek into Learnvest CEO Alexa von Tobel’s personal wallet.) What to keep in your wallet: Credit Card – LearnVest suggests having two credit cards in your name: One for regular use, another for emergency use only. Keep the emergency card tucked away at home, and keep the other in your wallet at all times. Cash – The key here is not too much, not too little. Between $25... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3729846 Tue, 06 Jul 2010 18:22:14 +0100 3729846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3701668&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fblisstree-video-of-the-day-7%2F There are a lot of crappy things going on in the world right now. From oil spills to financial turbulence to wars that seem to drag on forever, and everything in between, it’s easy to feel like there’s nothing we can do about anything. Turns out, some problems are a lot easier to fix than you might think. So here’s your dose of inspiration for the day. It’s called The Girl Effect: Post from: BlissTree The Girl Effect: (Inspirational) Video of the Day (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3701668 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 15:00:53 +0100 3701668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3699495&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhow-doctors-think-vs-how-patients-think%2F2010.06.25 If you want to see the difference between how doctors and patients think, read Jerome Groopman’s “How Doctors Think” and Thomas Goetz’s “The Decision Tree.” The contrast is striking. “How Doctors Think,” while offering a comprehensive review of the cognitive missteps made by physicians, is terminally physician-centric in its analysis of the relationship we share with patients. ”The Decision Tree,” while offering a novel blueprint for self-reliance in health, seems almost sheepish in its recognition that physicians are even really that important. The muted physician cameos of “The Decision Tree” stand in stark contrast to Groopman’s Harvard-trained masters of the universe. (more…) *This blog post was originall... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3699495 Sat, 26 Jun 2010 00:21:16 +0100 3699495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3621686&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fsocial-health-and-patient-empowerment-are-we-in-a-bubble%2F2010.06.01 I regularly talk to my patients’ parents about social health. What parents do, what they think, and how they socially experience their child’s health problems has become an interest of mine. I can hear it now: “Of course patients won’t discuss their social health activities with you, you’re a doctor.” Perhaps, but I don’t think so. Actually, I’ve had some very interesting open dialog with a few of my long-term patient-parents. Many have children suffering with chronic diseases such as Crohn’s disease, eosinophilic enteropathy, and the like. The relationships I cultivate are open, and the nature of my dialog has been just as consistently open as other aspects of our relationship. Interestingly, while nearly all have used online search to understand their disease, mos... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3621686 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:00:21 +0100 3621686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3533841&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fa-family-medicine-leader-what-it-is-what-it-takes%2F2010.05.04 What is a leader? What is a family medicine leader? Giving a clear and concise answer to these questions have been a challenge for me as I have taken on different leadership tasks and positions. I can’t believe that it was 10 years ago when I gave my first speech in seeking national office for my professional organization. I was in the final year of my residency, and my colleagues had to convince me to “just give it a go.” I had done a bunch of stuff on the state level. But, I didn’t feel my game was ready for “prime time” -– meaning being on a national stage. I remember that speech like it was yesterday. My heart still pounds and my hands still get sweaty thinking about it. At the time, it was the most stressful couple of minutes of my life. (more…) *This blog ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3533841 Tue, 04 May 2010 18:00:00 +0100 3533841 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2872101&cid=t_103998_180_f&fid=38612&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fpickthebrain%2FLYVv%2F%7E3%2FHb_cpr88RO8%2F Every moment of every day is a new beginning for your life through the words you choose to use. Words make up your thoughts and ideas. They shape the images in your mind, coloring what you perceive and believe. In the world around you, words make up text messages, tweets, and on your Facebook page they explain your pictures, your past and your plans. They make up the laws that rule much of your experience. Yet all this being true, we seldom stop to think about the ongoing power of the words we use and string together, the empowerment of words at our disposal when used effectively, or the power unleashed against us at our peril when words are used without awareness. Our mind is the light we shine second by second on the words we choose from the infinite lexicon before us. It is critically i... PickTheBrain | Motivation and Self Improvement blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2872101 Wed, 07 Oct 2009 16:44:05 +0100 2872101 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2469588&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34958&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.counsellingresource.com%2F%7Er%2Fpsychology-philosophy%2F%7E3%2FUzsfq_HdVDE%2F Our conceptualizations of the situations we find ourselves in can not only place us at a disadvantage, but can literally do us harm.Tags: abuse and trauma, character disturbance, Freud, history, neurosis vs character disorder, relationships, self-esteem, series on personal empowerment (Source: Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life) Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2469588 Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:42:47 +0100 2469588 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2452692&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34958&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.counsellingresource.com%2F%7Er%2Fpsychology-philosophy%2F%7E3%2FxrnqEiHJjMg%2F There's no need to "red flag" action that you're willing to take if the disturbed character won't change. Don't threaten, just take action.Tags: character disturbance, communication, relationships, self-esteem, series on personal empowerment (Source: Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life) Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2452692 Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:15:04 +0100 2452692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2424197&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34958&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.counsellingresource.com%2F%7Er%2Fpsychology-philosophy%2F%7E3%2FagL9kK52WCI%2F If you find yourself "drained" in a relationship, chances are you're doing way too much to make things work and not keeping the weight of responsibility where it belongs.Tags: in practice, relationships, responsibility, series on personal empowerment, therapy (Source: Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life) Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2424197 Wed, 20 May 2009 09:45:39 +0100 2424197 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2416769&cid=t_103998_86_f&fid=38272&url=http%3A%2F%2Flaikaspoetnik.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F18%2Fweb-2-0-and-health-care-reform-two-dutch-examples-1%2F The theme for the next Grand Round hosted by Healthcare Technology News is Healthcare Reform. “We’ll be publishing a wide range of articles, from those that share anecdotes about why we need to improve the health care system, to examples of innovations and care that are working well, through to the policy recommendations that we [...] (Source: Laika's MedLibLog) Laika's MedLibLog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2416769 Mon, 18 May 2009 02:17:28 +0100 2416769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405391&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34958&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.counsellingresource.com%2F%7Er%2Fpsychology-philosophy%2F%7E3%2FRA7LCFLQVMU%2F Ultimately, people have power only over one thing: the execution of their free will.Tags: boundaries, character disturbance, dependence, depression, independence, relationships, responsibility, series on personal empowerment (Source: Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life) Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405391 Thu, 14 May 2009 10:02:18 +0100 2405391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405392&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34958&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.counsellingresource.com%2F%7Er%2Fpsychology-philosophy%2F%7E3%2Flci3Qaexmdw%2F A person always loses power when they fail to set and enforce reasonable limits.Tags: character disturbance, parenting and children, relationships, series on personal empowerment, social skills (Source: Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life) Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405392 Tue, 12 May 2009 10:20:19 +0100 2405392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2398801&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34958&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.counsellingresource.com%2F%7Er%2Fpsychology-philosophy%2F%7E3%2F8BZhg2wPTao%2F Knowing the kind of person you're dealing with can give you valuable insight into the types of values they're likely to hold, their dominant attitudes and beliefs, and their typical modus operandi when it comes to dealing with other people.Tags: character disturbance, communication, empathy, Freud, neurosis, relationships, series on personal empowerment (Source: Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life) Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2398801 Fri, 08 May 2009 08:55:05 +0100 2398801 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376201&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34958&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.counsellingresource.com%2F%7Er%2Fpsychology-philosophy%2F%7E3%2FnOxTkbKFyeI%2F I know so many people who got into destructive relationships in the first place because even though they saw the warning signs of problem behaviors, they spent too much mental time and energy guessing about the person's motives.Tags: character disturbance, in practice, neurosis, relationships, responsibility, tools of empowerment (Source: Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life) Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376201 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 12:21:10 +0100 2376201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2463562&cid=t_103998_180_f&fid=38602&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.armstrongmethod.com%2Fblog%2Fare-ready-to-soar-in-life-business%2F I’m curious. Do you get up every morning excited because you’re riding the wave of your dreams? Are you living your life powerfully and by choice - doing work you enjoy, feeling good in your skin, having financial security and being involved in relationships that support you? Or, have you been holding back and settling for a little less (or far less) money, love, freedom and laughter than you want and deserve? What if you could learn from 9 successful daring women who have blazed the trails and are now enjoying the rewards of their success – financial security, fulfilling relationships, and personal freedom – each willing to share with you their inspiring story and powerful knowledge? I’d like to personally invite you to join me and 8 other daring successful female entrepreneurs... Armstrong Method blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2463562 Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:28:54 +0100 2463562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2192635&cid=t_103998_88_f&fid=38264&url=http%3A%2F%2Fms2group.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fdark-side-of-hospital-staff-empowerment.html Now... before someone starts crying out...We are all for staff empowerment. In fact, it is intrinsically woven into everything we do and help our clients accomplish. So much so that two of our clients submitted the patient flow transformational initiatives we helped them implement as their Magnet Status accreditation projects. One of them has already received that coveted certification and the other is in the midst of that process.Needless to say, a well executed staff empowerment initiative is critical to true Hospital transformational change and the key to sustainable long term results.Having said that...A poorly executed staff empowerment program can be extremely detrimental to staff culture and can set an organization behind for several years.The purpose of this post is to illustrate t... Emergency Room Efficiency blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2192635 Mon, 02 Feb 2009 00:32:00 +0100 2192635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2073822&cid=t_103998_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2F02%2Fcivic-pioneers-case-study-review%2F The Civic Pioneers Case Study Review looks at case studies of 12 projects focussing on community empowerment. It also offers a simple analysis of the lessons learned from these experiences and represents valuable learning for practitioners and policy makers. Posted in Deprivation, Equity, Grey Literature, Poverty, Social Capital, Social Exclusion, Stakeholder Engagement   Tagged: Empowerment, Grey Literature, Local Authorities, Social Capital, Stakeholder Engagement    (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2073822 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 10:55:25 +0100 2073822 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2018181&cid=t_103998_113_f&fid=35756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.medical20.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fbusinessweek-is-covering-health-20.html Businessweek published yesterday an interesting article about Health 2.0 and the concept of "Patient empowerment".For consumers, Its a great 3 pages article with very interestings samples and real life stories. Its called : "Patients as Partners."Enjoy and share it with your colleagues and patients.You even can watch an additional slideshow on Businessweek with so many examples of Health 2.0 ventures ( some of them are not clear cut Health 2.0 but more Medicine 2.0- like sermo). (Source: Medical 2.0) Medical 2.0 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2018181 Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:12:00 +0100 2018181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1927799&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F11%2F02%2Fhow-well-do-psychiatrists-involve-patients%2F Not very, according to recently published research. Goss and her colleagues (2008) wanted to test how much psychiatrists involve patients in therapeutic decisions and to determine whether there were any defining characteristics (on either the patient’s or the psychiatrist’s part) that contributed to patient involvement. What’s so great about patient involvement? Well, previous research has shown that the more involved a patient is in the decision-making of their treatment, generally the better the outcomes for the patient. They tend to feel more better, sooner, than patients who are uninvolved in the process. Patients who are involved also report higher satisfaction rates with treatment. This is a small study of only 16 Italian psychiatrists, but the researchers exami... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1927799 Sun, 02 Nov 2008 12:16:55 +0100 1927799 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1652305&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F07%2F24%2Fdo-lurkers-benefit-from-online-support-groups%2F According to recently published research, yes. Online support groups, available for more than two decades now, are an invaluable lifeline for millions of Internet users. They cover virtually any topic imaginable, ranging from health concerns like cancer and M.S., to mental health concerns such as depression and ADHD. (At Psych Central, we host over 140 such support groups in our Psych Central and NeuroTalk communities.) People typically find two things on such support groups — information and emotional support. The information is unique, because it’s not something you’ll find on a dry, static medical article. And it’s surprisingly accurate, because misinformation is quickly corrected by other community members before it’s allowed to propagate. Emotional sup... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1652305 Thu, 24 Jul 2008 19:37:08 +0100 1652305 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1605818&cid=t_103998_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F07%2F11%2Fhealth-informatics-review-report%2F builds on the Next Stage Review by considering the support role that informatics offers for the delivery of better, safer care of patients, improving the NHS through better research, and planning and management.  For patients it should empower them to make more informed choices about health and care. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1605818 Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:39:24 +0100 1605818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1537837&cid=t_103998_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F23%2Fdisruptive-innovation-what-does-it-mean-for-the-nhs%2F explores how innovation in service models, consumer behaviour and technology might disrupt or improve the way the NHS works and how organisations should respond to this. It suggests that some of the most significant areas of change for the NHS will come from the ability of technology to empower people. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1537837 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 05:47:13 +0100 1537837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1521931&cid=t_103998_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F06%2F15%2Finformation-to-patients-empowering-the-individual-or-advertising-by-another-name%2F Briefing from the NHS Confederation on Information to patients: Empowering the individual or advertising by another name? to provide an overview of the recent consultation on the laws governing information to patients and the NHS response to this. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1521931 Sun, 15 Jun 2008 15:17:35 +0100 1521931 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1388980&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34753&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.relaxedtherapist.com%2Fensure-that-your-client-can-say-stop%2Frapport%2F Ensure that your client can tell you to stop or to go away. All but the most severely disabled clients should be able communicate these instructions and should be encouraged to do so. Professional codes of conduct require informed consent to treatment. Clients with cognitive damage or impaired communication pose a major problem for therapists and support workers. Informed consent may be beyond the capabilities of the client and may instead be granted by a relative or guardian. When the client is obviously distressed, therapists and carers face a dilemma: should they continue with the intervention sanctioned by the guardian or should they suspend, even abandon their intervention? Clients who lack the capacity for informed consent may still make smaller decisions relating to their care. Two ... The Relaxed Therapist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1388980 Tue, 22 Apr 2008 05:54:24 +0100 1388980 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1386810&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34753&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.relaxedtherapist.com%2Fmy-client-wont-do-as-i-say%2Fwhatif%2F One of the major challenges to the therapeutic alliance arises when the client fails to follow the therapist’s advice. Therapists can often be heard to complain that clients reject their instructions (sorry, “advice”) out of hand: Don’t they want to get better? Why won’t they do as they’re told? When considering how you will respond to a client who is not following your advice, there are three questions you should ask yourself: why should your clients do anything you say? why should your client do what you’re saying now? why wouldn’t clients follow your suggestions? Why should clients do anything you say? Take a moment to consider your role and relationship to your clients. Are you: a taxi-driver: your client presents you with a destination to which ... The Relaxed Therapist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1386810 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:16:01 +0100 1386810 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1377956&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34753&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.relaxedtherapist.com%2Faim-for-reliability-before-availability%2Frapport%2F Reliability is more important than availability in the long run. Clients who know when you are not available can make informed choices regarding alternative sources of support. I once worked with a client who rang her GPs so frequently and insistently that they established a rota for taking her calls. She bombarded every new therapist with telephone calls. I told her she could call me between 1030 and 1130 on Monday or Thursday and that if I was on another call, I’d call her as soon as I finished. She rang me twice the first week and two more times in the next six months. She also called her GPs and CPN less frequently. Many therapists feel a duty to respond to client’s crises. Who better to address a difficult situation: the therapist who has listened carefully to the client&#... The Relaxed Therapist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1377956 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 05:13:31 +0100 1377956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1371922&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34753&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.relaxedtherapist.com%2Fcheck-your-client-can-read-and-write%2Ftips%2F Checking that your client can read & write assists both you and them. Attempting to use questionnaires, journals or bibliotherapy with someone hiding their illiteracy could end your intervention before it has begun. Literacy isn’t essential in therapy: psychological therapies aren’t called “talking cures” for nothing and physical therapies usually require little in the way of reading or writing. Clients who cannot write can keep pictorial records or use voice recorders (now built into many mobile phones) to keep notes of thoughts or actions. Much of the literature therapists would wish to hand out to clients could, with a little effort, be offered as graphics or video & audio recordings. The difficulty for most therapists will be in identifying clients who... The Relaxed Therapist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1371922 Tue, 15 Apr 2008 08:01:39 +0100 1371922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1301788&cid=t_103998_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F03%2F13%2Fcommunity-empowerment-in-practice%2F Community empowerment in practice: lessons from Communities First looks at community empowerment in local governance and service delivery which has become a key component of government policy in the UK. However, there are critical challenges to achieving this in practice. This research sees the Joseph Rowntree Foundation use 9 case studies to consider: It considers: how far partnerships have developed and evolved to empower communities; the relationships communities have with other representative channels; the extent to which communities have influenced other agendas; the overall impact of regeneration partnerships. It finds that: Community members responded positively to the opportunities for participation provided by Communities First and, as they began to recognise their own ro... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1301788 Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:22:13 +0100 1301788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1219429&cid=t_103998_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F02%2F09%2Fmental-health-act-commission-twelfth-biennial-report-risk-rights-recovery%2F finds that there are severe funding issues faced by providers of mental health services in that: Patients deemed to be a threat to themselves or others are being denied hospital beds while commissioners disagree with regard to funding. The Mental Health Act Commission has found practitioners are being told to delay sectioning people with urgent mental health needs until primary care trusts ascertain who should pay for their treatment. The problem is caused by high bed occupancy levels and the need for PCTs to balance budgets. This has encouraged PCTs not to detain patients who have travelled from other areas until the home PCT has agreed to pay. Thse practices are unsuprisingly condemned in this report. (Source: Fade Library) Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1219429 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 07:29:37 +0100 1219429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1187095&cid=t_103998_86_f&fid=36669&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffadelibrary.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F01%2F30%2Fin-a-place-of-fear%2F Mental Health Act Commission Eleventh Biennial Report (In Place Of Fear) questions whether all inpatient mental health services provide their patients with acceptable levels of security, care, or a sense of being treated as  someone who matters. It welcome the Government’s announced refocus on inpatient services and call for it to concentrate on building up these aspects, in place of the fear that many patients have of services and that many people have of mentally disordered people.  The importance of breaking such ‘circles of fear’ for Black and minority ethnic patients are particularly welcomed. There is evidence that inpatient services are losing staff and resources to community services, but that pressures on inpatient beds remain high. Over half of all wards are full or have ... Fade Library blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1187095 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:29:28 +0100 1187095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=959831&cid=t_103998_140_f&fid=35438&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwrithesafely.wordpress.com%2F2007%2F10%2F18%2Fhow-to-kill-empathy%2F This was especially useful tonight, but his speeches are often a thing of beauty, both intellectually and emotionally, and there are a ton of them at youtube. I’ll save my own impressions for later so as not to mar the experience of the viewer, but just offer thanks for Dr. John Breeding, who has taken [...] (Source: Writhe Safely) Writhe Safely blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=959831 Thu, 18 Oct 2007 05:56:38 +0100 959831 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=825456&cid=t_103998_135_f&fid=35263&url=http%3A%2F%2Fronhudson.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fbridget-grays-letter-to-hip-hop.html OK, so I am impressed with this video. I found it in a myspace bulletin posted by a friend of mine. You might wonder why I am posting a letter to hip hop from a spoken word performer, and why I might present you the option of hearing her feelings exposed. It is simple. I am for the empowerment of everyone and the cutting of our shackles. It is time for empowerment of women and freedom from superficial, material emptiness. It is time for conscious awareness of the messages we share. Please note that the use of the N-word in this piece is an integral part of the message and although it may be taken offensively, it is used to make a point. I would love to hear what you think of this piece. Thank you to my friend A* for your inspiration.Categories: Bridget+Grey A+Letter+to+Hip+Hop spoken+word... 2sides2ron blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=825456 Tue, 28 Aug 2007 04:16:00 +0100 825456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=795121&cid=t_103998_135_f&fid=35263&url=http%3A%2F%2Fronhudson.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F08%2Fguest-writer-m-c-m-lokman-hossain-of.html M.C.M. Lokman Hossain of Bangladesh is Deputy Director of Finance at theAsian University of Bangladesh. Please welcome him and his article for the International Carnival of Pozitivities.RonAIDS - A weapon of mankind destructionAIDS is a devastating worldwide pandemic, impacting not only those who are infected, but also their families, the society, the healthcare system, the national economy sphere. Typically HIV/AIDS affects young and middle-aged adults, 10% of HIV infections occur in individuals 50 years and older (CDC). Gender inequity, poor statues of women, lack of proper sexual (safe-sex) and reproductive knowledge, risky Behaviour, sexuality and age are important factors structuring such vulnerability. Gender inequality or Unequal power in sexual relations leads to the sexual double ... 2sides2ron blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=795121 Mon, 13 Aug 2007 13:42:00 +0100 795121 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=611523&cid=t_103998_117_f&fid=34612&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedoctorweighsin.com%2Fjournal%2F2007%2F5%2F16%2Fnew-competition-disruptive-innovations-in-health-care.html Disruptive innovations are new technologies, processes, or business models that blow status quo products out of the water and, eventually, replace them entirely. Here are some examples: • Automobiles replaced horses • Semiconductors replaced vacuum tubes • Digital cameras are in the process of replacing film cameras  Lord knows we could use a big dose of disruptive innovation in health care. Most of us are still getting care in a delivery model that is more than 50 years old. And many of us would say it no longer works well.  "Minute Clinics" are often cited as an example of a disruptive innovation in health care, although these retail-based, nurse practitioner run urgent care clinics still have a long way to go before they replace the more tradition... The Doctor Weighs In blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=611523 Wed, 16 May 2007 20:56:27 +0100 611523 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=580038&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomensbioethics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F04%2Fsign-on-to-microbicide-development-act.html Women and girls are the new face of HIV/AIDS worldwide. As of 2005, 17.3 million women aged 15 years and older were living with HIV – 48% of the global total. In the hardest hit region of the world, sub-Saharan Africa, women comprise 59% of all adults living with HIV/AIDS. There are a myriad of effective HIV prevention tools – condoms, mutual monogamy, and STI treatment – but these are not available to most women. In many countries, women do not have the social or economic power necessary to insist on condom use and fidelity, or to abandon partnerships that put them at risk. Microbicides are a class of products currently under development that women (and men) could apply topically to prevent HIV and other sexually-transmitted infections. These user-controlled prevention technologies ... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=580038 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:48:00 +0100 580038 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=483532&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=34867&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.thediabetesblog.com%2F2007%2F03%2F20%2Ftai-chi-for-diabetes%2F Filed under: Type 1, Type 2, Childhood, Adult Onset, Lifestyle, Exercise, Books, ProductsTai Chi for Diabetes is easy to learn, effective and safe. It is designed to prevent and improve control of diabetes. The program will help to improve muscle strength, increase heart and lung activity, as well as improve balance and harmonize mind and body. Gentle exercise helps people with diabetes by improving the control of blood glucose level. Tai chi is a gentle exercise with strong emphasis on mental relaxation, it is reasonable to assume tai chi can help to control diabetes by improving cellular uptake and glucose metabolism. Tai chi can also help mitigate the effects of stress, which is shown to make the control of diabetes worse. Tai chi reduces stress and improves relaxation. The major proble... The Diabetes Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=483532 Tue, 20 Mar 2007 04:00:00 +0100 483532 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=486730&cid=t_103998_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomensbioethics.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F02%2Fun-panel-on-hivaids-and-female-genital.html Who: IHEU -- Appignani Center for Bioethics, Population Communications International and Femmes Afrique SolidariteWhat: UN Panel on Health and Empowerment: The Impact of HIV/AIDS and FGMWhere: 777 UN Plaza, New York CityWhen: Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2007 12:00 PM-1:45 PMContact: 212-687-3324 (tel) | 212-661-4188 (fax) | www.iheu.org/bioethics | E-mail: AnaLita@iheu.orgOn Wed, Feb. 28, 2007 a panel of bioethicists, physicians and activists will discuss "Health and Empowerment: The impact of HIV/AIDS Epidemic Worldwide and Female Genital Mutilation in African Diaspora Communities" at the United Nations under the auspices of the Division for the Advancement of Women, Commission on the Status of Women.The panel will discuss the health and empowerment of women, focusing on the international HIV/AID... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=486730 Sat, 24 Feb 2007 19:49:00 +0100 486730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2561332&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34753&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.relaxedtherapist.com%2F%3Fp%3D58 Ensure that your client can tell you to stop or to go away. All but the most severely disabled clients should be able communicate these instructions and should be encouraged to do so. Professional codes of conduct require informed consent to treatment. Clients with cognitive damage or impaired communication pose a major problem for therapists and support workers. Informed consent may be beyond the capabilities of the client and may instead be granted by a relative or guardian. When the client is obviously distressed, therapists and carers face a dilemma: should they continue with the intervention sanctioned by the guardian or should they suspend, even abandon their intervention? Clients who lack the capacity for informed consent may still make smaller decisions relating to their care. Two ... The Relaxed Therapist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2561332 Mon, 23 Oct 2006 07:00:45 +0100 2561332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2580261&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34753&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.relaxedtherapist.com%2F%3Fp%3D57 One of the major challenges to the therapeutic alliance arises when the client fails to follow the therapist’s advice. Therapists can often be heard to complain that clients reject their instructions (sorry, “advice”) out of hand: Don’t they want to get better? Why won’t they do as they’re told? When considering how you will respond to a client who is not following your advice, there are three questions you should ask yourself: why should your clients do anything you say? why should your client do what you’re saying now? why wouldn’t clients follow your suggestions? Why should clients do anything you say? Take a moment to consider your role and relationship to your clients. Are you: a taxi-driver: your client presents you with a destinat... The Relaxed Therapist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2580261 Fri, 20 Oct 2006 07:00:13 +0100 2580261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2561333&cid=t_103998_109_f&fid=34753&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.relaxedtherapist.com%2F%3Fp%3D57 One of the major challenges to the therapeutic alliance arises when the client fails to follow the therapist’s advice. Therapists can often be heard to complain that clients reject their instructions (sorry, “advice”) out of hand: Don”t they want to get better? Why won”t they do as they”re told? When considering how you will respond to a client who is not following your advice, there are three questions you should ask yourself: why should your clients do anything you say? why should your client do what you”re saying now? why wouldn”t clients follow your suggestions? Why should clients do anything you say? Take a moment to consider your role and relationship to your clients. Are you: a taxi-driver: your client presents you with a destinat... The Relaxed Therapist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2561333 Fri, 20 Oct 2006 07:00:13 +0100 2561333