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 'hospital patients'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:55:57 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169505&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FBov28GLllG4%2Fconsumer-powers-choosing-hospital.html An excerpt from Doctor, Your Patient Will See You Now: Gaining the Upper Hand in Your Medical Care (Rowman & Littlefield).The casual attitude people demonstrate when choosing doctors incurs a steep price. Let’s direct our attention to your consumer powers when choosing a hospital.The imperative ‘caveat emptor’ (let the buyer beware) carries the most consequence when you purchase health care. When it comes to hiring a hospital’s services, it’s more caveat empty than caveat emptor.Read the rest of Your consumer powers when choosing a hospital on KevinMD.com.Category: Patient | Tags: Hospital, Patients | 8 comments (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169505 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 19:00:58 +0100 5169505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5158838&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FzSOQ7a1exfs%2Ftop-10-musts-hospital-visit.html Whether you are going to the hospital for an outpatient procedure or whether you will be admitted to the hospital for medical illness or surgical procedure, there are certain things you must know and certain things you must do in order to ensure that your reasonable expectations will be met.Read the rest of Top 10 musts for your hospital visit on KevinMD.com.Category: Patient | Tags: Hospital, Patients | No comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5158838 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:00:34 +0100 5158838 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118564&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2Fc7dDX2pqrnM%2Fwork-hour-restrictions-improve-patient-safety.html Darshak Sanghavi recently wrote an excellent piece in the New York Times summarizing the controversy over resident work hours.The topic has been discussed here frequently, with ramifications ranging from the fact that errors arising from patient handoffs negate any benefit gained from restricting work hours, to surgeons not accumulating enough experience during their work hour-restricted training.I’ve often said that there are no work hour restrictions in the real world, so residents used to shift work may find themselves in for a bit of a surprise when they graduate.Read the rest of Why work hour restrictions won’t improve patient safety on KevinMD.com.Category: Pho | Tags: Hospital, Patients, Residency | 1 comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118564 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:54:31 +0100 5118564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103309&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FjiT0OnJuKSY%2Fpatient-unforgettable-form-medical-education.html In his online essay, This Won’t Hurt A Bit, cardiologist Dr. Eric Van De Graaff tells his own story of being a hospital patient after surviving a motorcycle accident while he was in med school. His experiences as a patient will sound very familiar to heart patients, and the lessons he learned while on the other end of the stethoscope may very well have made him a far better doctor.A universal constant about being a patient is vulnerability and loss of control.  ”Once I entered the hospital, I lost power over nearly everything: what I ate, what I wore, how much activity I was allowed, whether I was permitted to get up to the bathroom—it was all dictated by someone else.”Read the rest of Being a patient is an unforgettable form of medical education on KevinMD.com.Category:... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103309 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 14:00:56 +0100 5103309 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069391&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FIQsoqJloq70%2Fhospital-comfortable-patients.html Although filled to the brim with patients, hospitals were created to support doctors, not us patients. Historically, their organizational structure focused on doctors’ needs and doctors’ requirements. The concept of centering hospital care on patient needs and requirements is a relatively recent development.How can a hospital switch from being provider-centered to patient-centered? Shifting such a complicated and cumbersome behemoth a full 180 degrees is a huge undertaking.I believe it can be done. I’ve put much thought into this and feel my 5 steps are do-able and (relatively) easy to implement without interfering with the changes already in evidence organizationally and technologically.Read the rest of What a hospital can do to be more comfortable for patients on KevinMD.com.Catego... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069391 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 14:00:24 +0100 5069391 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050439&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2F7p0A4o11vbM%2Fbenefits-successful-patient-selfmanagement-programs.html The emerging literature on chronic disease management suggests that successful programs rely on patient self management skills. Having been in the primary care role for 20 years, that initially seemed self evident and a bit “so what?” to me, thinking it meant that we just need to teach our patients a bit more in the primary care office.However self-management skills refer to specific curricula of skills that can be taught to patients in formal programs, without doctors. Coordinating these activities with what goes on a primary care office, and the community, and other care-giving settings is critical. These specific skills involve patients setting their own goals, and then creating plans to reach those goals with the assistance of their primary care team and others, but not at the dire... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050439 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:00:25 +0100 5050439 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008063&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2F1ww7I9bD5zk%2Fhealth-system-defaults-treatment-compassion.html by Sara Billings, RNI believe knowledge is power. There is no more complex topic in the healthcare debate than end-of-life care. I have been a Registered Nurse for thirty years. I deal with this every day. All of us will confront this issue eventually. When it’s your turn, I hope the medical profession will guide you to the best options for you and your family.Often I see patients who have prepared living wills and think a document will protect them. This is frequently not the case. Often these documents are not specific enough to guide family members. Occasionally they are completely ignored.(...)Read the rest of Our health system defaults toward treatment rather than compassionCategory: Patient | Tags: Health reform, Hospital, Patients, Primary care | 12 comments (Source: Kevin, M.D. -... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008063 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 18:00:59 +0100 5008063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4883513&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FV2cglIFanuw%2Fhappened-hospital-joplin-mo-tornado.html Dr. Kevin Kikta was one of two emergency physicians on duty at St. John’s Regional Medical Center in Joplin, MO on Sunday, May 22 when an EF-5 tornado struck the hospital.by Kevin J. Kikta, DOYou never know that it will be the most important day of your life until the day is over.  The day started like any other day for me: waking up, eating, going to the gym, showering, and going to my 4 pm ED shift. As I drove to the hospital, I mentally prepared for my shift as I always do, but nothing could ever have prepared me for what was going to happen on this shift.Things were normal for the first hour and half. At approximately 5:30 pm, we received a warning that a tornado had been spotted. Although I work in Joplin and went to medical school in Oklahoma, I live in New Jersey, and I have neve... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4883513 Tue, 31 May 2011 19:34:21 +0100 4883513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872018&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2Fteh8rJxydDk%2Fprotocols-decisions-nurses.html by Sarah Beth Cowherd, RNIf you have been at your nursing job for a while, you’ve probably almost forgotten.Forgotten what it was like to come in to the healthcare system you now work for and realize there are hundreds of new protocols for you to learn and adhere by as a nurse. After years of routine, you now go about your day as if you actually have some choice in the way you give care.At one point you probably did. I was not around during this age of nursing. The age when we had autonomy. Freedom to practice. Freedom to be innovative.(...)Read the rest of How protocols are taking the decisions away from nursesCategory: Patient | Tags: Hospital, Patients | No comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872018 Fri, 27 May 2011 17:00:50 +0100 4872018 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852807&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FPcbt2HckkVQ%2Fconfused-weak-elderly-patients-subjected-aggressive-care.html by Edwin Leap, MDLying on the backboard, a frail little old lady moaned with discomfort.She had fallen beside her bed in the nursing home and was then tightly bound by straps onto the backboard, a cervical collar pushing her chin up and holding her immobile. A person not familiar with modern medicine might think the ensemble looked like a torture device. Indeed, it can be. Not only uncomfortable, a backboard is made of hard plastic and can quickly cause pressure ulcers even in younger patients. It’s all too common a scene.(...)Read the rest of Why confused, weak elderly patients are subjected to aggressive careCategory: Physician | Tags: Hospital, Patients | No comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852807 Mon, 23 May 2011 18:00:23 +0100 4852807 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841377&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FEZX4ppnHKWA%2Fnavigating-health-care-facility-requires-sophisticated-literacy-skills.html by Rima Rudd, ScDWe take the written word for granted.Signs and billboards are everywhere – offering directional information, alerts, warnings, and advertisements. Streets, public squares, buildings, agencies, and institutions are numbered and named. We are surrounded by the written word in public locations and within public and private institutions. Individual entrances and even elevators in some large buildings carry names. The lobby, the inside hallways, and walls of offices are replete with postings and signs. We are surrounded by the word and adults are expected to use reading, writing, listening, speaking, and math [the full panoply of literacy skills] to locate places and to follow posted and oral directions.(...)Read the rest of Navigating any health care facility requires sophis... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841377 Thu, 19 May 2011 11:00:25 +0100 4841377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4797755&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FF0cywPFlYXQ%2Ftheresa-brown-unfairly-blames-doctors-hospital-bullying.html by Kevin Pho, MDBullying is a problem within health care.Stung by a physician’s rebuke, Theresa Brown, an oncology nurse, takes to the op-ed pages of the New York Times to address the issue.In it, she cites several vignettes that paint doctors poorly:But while most doctors clearly respect their colleagues on the nursing staff, every nurse knows at least one, if not many, who don’t.Indeed, every nurse has a story like mine, and most of us have several. A nurse I know, attempting to clarify an order, was told, “When you have ‘M.D.’ after your name, then you can talk to me.” A doctor dismissed another’s complaint by simply saying, “I’m important.”Clearly, there is no excuse for the behavior described. Nurses are essential to the health care team, and on KevinMD.com, th... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4797755 Sun, 08 May 2011 03:41:44 +0100 4797755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789146&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FCE0kAsliz8U%2Fhospital-lists-influence-consumer-decision-making.html by Tobin ArthurWe all like lists. US News & World Report has told us for years which colleges are considered the top in the nation. Castle Connolly tells us which are the “Top Doctors” in our community and Car & Driver gives us a ranking of cars by type.In The Order of Things, Malcolm Gladwell pokes serious holes in some of our most revered rankings and lists.(...)Read the rest of Best hospital lists influence consumer decision makingCategory: Patient | Tags: Hospital, Patients | 1 comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789146 Thu, 05 May 2011 17:00:25 +0100 4789146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4771012&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2F1KO_a0x-HHs%2Faco-model-successful.html by Justin Chang, MDI think we can all agree — physician, payer, provider, patient, etc. — that the ultimate goal of regulations and reform should be to improve the delivery of healthcare, lowering costs and ultimately, making patients healthier and more satisfied.Coupled with driving toward the results defined by CMS, this requires some fairly significant changes in how healthcare providers operate — changes which may rightfully make some providers uneasy.(...)Read the rest of How the ACO model can be successfulCategory: Policy | Tags: Emergency, Health reform, Hospital, Patients, Primary care | No comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4771012 Sun, 01 May 2011 17:00:23 +0100 4771012 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762715&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FZRpLjJhV0qc%2Fpatients-organs-live-life-saving-recipient.html by Jim deMaine, MDSam was late and Ella was furious. “Now why isn’t that man back by now? He knows it’s time to leave for church.”The hours began to pass and Ella became frightened. Sam had gone out for his usual two mile run and had simply disappeared. Ella called friends and neighbors but no one had seen him. Panic began to set in so Ella called 911 who connected her to the police, “No mam, we’ve had no reports or contact with anyone by that name.”(...)Read the rest of How a patient’s organs could live on and be life saving to a recipientCategory: Patient | Tags: Hospital, Patients, Specialist | No comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762715 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:00:48 +0100 4762715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762718&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2F3hApdlJKAPI%2Falcohol-discriminate-destroys-human-body.html by The American Doctor, MDThere was a time when Herb was living the American dream in the sunny state of California.  He was married with 2 children, a big house in the suburbs, a golden Labrador retriever, and a well-paying job as an executive in a book publishing company.His two sons were stellar athletes and students, both moving on to attend nationally ranked colleges upon graduation from high school.  They were the pride and joy of Herb and his wife Sarah, tangible results of that potent combination of good genes and parenting.  Sarah, content with her life, was the PTA president for many years, and worked as a successful independent graphic design artist.(...)Read the rest of Alcohol does not discriminate when it destroys the human bodyCategory: Physician | Tags: Emergency, Hospi... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762718 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:00:14 +0100 4762718 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753622&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FoI13a5KlKTw%2Farm-amputation-rare-sarcoma.html by Felicity Billings, MDHarold was 51 years old and needed his left arm amputated. A year ago he noticed some swelling in his forearm and went to his primary care doctor.An MRI showed something. It was small and hard to define, hard to categorize, probably a collection of blood, but there was an outside chance it could be a sarcoma, a tumor originating from muscle tissue.(...)Read the rest of Arm amputation from a rare sarcomaCategory: Patient | Tags: Hospital, Patients, Specialist, Surgery | No comment (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753622 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:00:01 +0100 4753622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4676720&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FFZ-R1PtAvko%2Fdoctors-trained-prevent-death-deal-death.html by S. Irfan Ali, MDIt was a dimly lit room, up on the sixth floor.  I am not sure why they would not fix the light in that corridor. Even during the day, I would find this area poorly lit.(...)Read the rest of Doctors are trained to prevent death, but not deal with death on KevinMD.comNo comment | Tags: Hospital, Patients | Category: Physician (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4676720 Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:00:58 +0100 4676720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4676725&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2F8hhJsnQpsAs%2Fmoney-mentally-ill.html by Dennis GraceRecognize the title? It’s from Steve Martin’s 1978 stand-up album, Wild and Crazy Guy. Martin lists How to Make Money Off the Mentally Ill as one of the many books he’s written. The joke is supposed to be on Martin himself, inviting us to ask, “What kind of disreputable jerk takes advantage of the mentally ill?”(...)Read the rest of How to make money off the mentally ill on KevinMD.com7 comments | Tags: Hospital, Patients | Category: Patient (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4676725 Sun, 03 Apr 2011 19:00:00 +0100 4676725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4670066&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FPz_GMtPEOhc%2Ffutility-prolonging-life-benefit-patients.html by ER Stories, MDIn case you have not heard about it, there is a very gut wrenching court case St Louis Park, MN.   A doctor in the hospital system is going to court to replace a patient’s wife, Lana Barnes, with a substitute decision maker, claiming that she is making futile and reckless decisions to prolong her near-vegetative husband’s  life.(...)Read the rest of The futility of prolonging life and the benefit to patients on KevinMD.com9 comments | Tags: Hospital, Patients | Category: Physician (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4670066 Sat, 02 Apr 2011 15:00:48 +0100 4670066 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4631435&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FGv1gmJUal0o%2Fgiving-patient-family-precious-minutes-goodbye.html An excerpt from Doctor Confidential: Secrets Behind the Veil. by Richard Sheff, MDDorothy suffered a second heart attack, leaving more of her heart muscle damaged and causing her to slip into congestive heart failure. There was not much we could do to reverse the many blockages in her arteries. Yet she was cheerful, as were her four children.(...)Read the rest of Giving the patient and family precious minutes to say goodbye on KevinMD.com1 comment | Tags: Hospital, Patients | Category: Patient (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4631435 Thu, 24 Mar 2011 18:00:36 +0100 4631435 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600481&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2Fksl42AMV2a8%2Fgratitude-patients-families.html by a medical residentIt is hard to imagine that someone can emerge from intern year – 12 months of chaos, little sleep, and hours upon hours spent responding to pages and putting orders in a computer – and know something, anything, about medicine. I did not believe in this training system until now, after my first night as a supervising resident. The knowledge I have absorbed over the past year is finally flowing, smooth as water, and I continue to surprise myself.I recently had to go back over the last year and place a final signature on all the documents I created  - in three months that I spent working in the medical and intensive care units, I wrote over 300 patient notes. Over the course of the last twelve months, I have seen thousands of patients walk through the doors of this h... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600481 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 15:00:43 +0100 4600481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592310&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FnkS6cIzi2Lw%2Fresuscitate-central-line.html by Ralph Gordon, MDJust the other day I was called to see a patient coming up to the Intensive Care Unit with a diagnosis of pneumonia. Upon my arrival the patient is “hanging in there” with the blood pressure in the 60’ and 70’s systolic.This is a no-brainer situation – the patient is in sepsis and septic shock. Early intravenous antibiotics and aggressive resuscitation is what this gentleman needs right now. Per the ER report he had already been given three liters of intravenous fluids with the blood pressure barely budging.The patient needs a central venous catheter so that the vasoactive medications (vasopressors) could be given to maintain his blood pressure.As I am grabbing the central line kit, the nurse is trying to reason with me – “Why do a central l... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592310 Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:00:22 +0100 4592310 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575056&cid=t_267867_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Frobotic-pharmacy-prepares-350000-doses-of-medication-without-a-single-error%2F2011.03.11 The University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) has made a significant announcement that could be a watershed moment for how medications are given to hospital patients in the United States. In a typical hospital setting, patients are receiving many different types of prescription medications — ranging from mundane vitamins to more intense drugs such as chemotherapy. In the thousands of times medications are given to patients, and with the high number of humans handling the process of organizing and giving the medications, human error is bound to occur. And medication errors can be life threatening — especially if related to a chemotherapy agent. UCSF wants to make the rate of error for medication administration to be zero. In order to do this, they are using robot technology ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575056 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 20:00:25 +0100 4575056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4554590&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FVBzkmD92I-Y%2Fliteracy-related-difficulties-health-settings-written-word.html by Rima Rudd, ScDWe take the written word for granted.Signs and billboards are everywhere – offering directional information, alerts, warnings, and advertisements. Streets, public squares, buildings, agencies, and institutions are numbered and named. We are surrounded by the written word in public locations and within public and private institutions. Individual entrances and even elevators in some large buildings carry names. The lobby, the inside hallways, and walls of offices are replete with postings and signs. We are surrounded by the word and adults are expected to use reading, writing, listening, speaking, and math [the full panoply of literacy skills] to locate places and to follow posted and oral directions.(...)Read the rest of Literacy related difficulties in health settings an... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4554590 Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:00:35 +0100 4554590 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544916&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FHKewrz5oBBg%2Fgrateful-doctors-nurses-saved-son.html by Kate GrayI call William my spirited child. Like many 3 year-olds, he loves to run and jump, and does it without the slightest sense of fear. His boundless energy has always been one of his most endearing features, but in a split second, it also almost took him from us forever.A few days before Christmas, my husband Mark and I had some last minute holiday chores to do so we decided to beat the rush by heading out early in the morning. As we walked out the front door William and I were standing side by side, just inches from each other. Suddenly, he turned to go back towards the door and somehow lost his footing. He fell backwards off the steps and hit the back of his head on the brick walkway as he landed.As I scooped him up to quiet his crying, I didn’t see any sign of injury. No goos... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544916 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:00:15 +0100 4544916 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4544919&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FvLqGCC-zexA%2Funderstanding-patient-violence-health-care-workers.html by Kevin Pho, MDThe following op-ed was published on February 2, 2011 in USA Today.Last fall, a surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital was shot by the distraught son of a patient for whom he was caring. The man later killed his mother, then himself. A week earlier, a patient in a Long Island, N.Y., hospital beat his nurse with a leg from a broken chair, causing serious injuries. The following month, a psychiatric technician at a Napa, Calif., state hospital was fatally attacked on the job.This snapshot of violence against health care workers reflects a disturbing trend. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics analysis published last year, almost 60% of assaults in the workplace occurred in a health care setting. Nearly three-quarters of these assaults were by patients or residents of a health... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4544919 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:00:12 +0100 4544919 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4522067&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FZG30H1nx0cE%2Fsharing-information-health-specialists-difficult.html by Jessie Gruman, PhDAs far as my chemo nurse Olga (not her real name)  is concerned, I can do nothing right.She scolded me for sending an e-mail when she thought I should have called and vice versa.  She scolded me for going home before my next appointment was scheduled.  She scolded me for asking to speak to her personally instead of whichever nurse was available.  She scolded me for calling my oncologist directly. She scolded me for asking whether my clinical information and questions are shared between my oncologist and the staff of the chemo suite.   I could go on …(...)Read the rest of Sharing information about your health with specialists is difficult from KevinMD.comNo comment | Tags: Hospital, Patients, Primary care, Specialist | Category: Patient (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Me... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4522067 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:00:42 +0100 4522067 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517135&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2Fw3UQpW3usqk%2Fbalanced-approach-informed-consent.html by Zakari Tata, MDInformed consent has continued to generate a lot of interest in medicine worldwide.The reason is because patients in medicine and subjects in clinical trials need protection from the multitude of injuries and harms that have been caused by intentional or accidental actions. The controversies generated by various lapses of informed consent, in my opinion, have not been addressed and more safeguards need to be put in place to guard against harm.Currently, signing an agreement after a reasonable discussion before major testing, clinical trials, surgery or other significant procedures serves as informed consent in medical practice. A lot of errors have occurred with vulnerable people signing on paper that meant they understood most of the ramifications of what they consented ... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517135 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:00:18 +0100 4517135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495151&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FtfwFcvDmDr4%2Ftragedy-cancer-small-child.html by gcs15, MDThe OR was hushed on Friday.Normally, it is a loud, busy place. The staff and surgeons are almost like a big family; we chat with each other and banter cheerfully with patients to help get their minds off the imminent ordeal of surgery. Chaplains pray with patients and families. Sometimes there are disagreements, as in any workplace. But everyone cares about everyone else.Because of that caring, it was hushed. Instead of talking, people touched hands or embraced. The chaplain’s prayers could be heard more clearly than usual.Thursday night, a colleague’s daughter had died. She was 4 years old.(...)Read the rest of Tragedy of cancer in a small child3 comments | Tags: Cancer, Hospital, Patients, Specialist | Category: Conditions (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495151 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 20:00:44 +0100 4495151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495154&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FeZi-wsoCSxw%2Famerican-deserves-death-dignity.html by George Lundberg, MDMy old Canadian friend toxicologist Cliff Walberg was right when he famously said, “there is absolutely no limit to how revolting things can be.”Remember that. It comes in handy, in addition to strong swear words, when stuff happens.Case in point: I believe that every American deserves the right to choose to have a death with dignity and as pain-free as medical science and practice can provide.(...)Read the rest of Every American deserves the right to have a death with dignity3 comments | Tags: Hospital, Patients | Category: Patient (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495154 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 16:00:27 +0100 4495154 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495155&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FEBghpcxCTK8%2Fer-internal-medicine-docs-arguing-patient-admission.html by Maria Yang, MDDr. Erdoc happened to look up when the internist walked into the emergency department.“Oh no,” he murmured under his breath. The consulting psychiatrist was sitting next to him, typing a note. She looked at him and raised an eyebrow.“I hoped it wouldn’t be him. Unlike his colleagues, Dr. Internist seems to have a deep loathing for us emergency docs,” Dr. Erdoc explained as he stood up. Dr. Internist was frowning as he approached.“Dr. Erdoc,” Dr. Internist opened, “why are you admitting cellulitis to the hospital? Didn’t they teach you how to treat a bacterial skin infection during your residency?”“Yes, they did,” Dr. Erdoc said. “They also taught us when someone with cellulitis needs a hospital admission.”(...)Read the rest of ER and internal me... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495155 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:00:10 +0100 4495155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4495156&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FjJtC_pkbsm4%2Fcare-futile-patients-wishes.html by Jim deMaine, MD“We have a patient on a ventilator here who is stable enough to transfer to your ICU, if that’s OK with you.”This call, coming from the transfer coordinator, is emblematic of an insurance generated “medical care” coverage issue. I am salaried under the patient’s insurance carrier so the insurer wants this patient back under its wing as soon as possible.The community hospital has been keeping Stella Norris (not her real name), an 89 year old woman, as long as possible. She is incapacitated from a massive stroke suffered five years ago. There is a feeding tube inserted through the stomach wall and she has needed total body care. 911 was called when she stopped breathing and she was taken to the closest hospital.(...)Read the rest of The c... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4495156 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:00:42 +0100 4495156 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4489601&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FwADGnLBo6BY%2Ftime-patients-hospital-time-children.html by Felicity Billings, MDAs part of the routine scut of the overnight call team, I was sent up to the floor to preop an add-on for the next day’s OR schedule.The Preoperative Anesthesia Assessment form has tidy little boxes for cardiac, pulmonary, renal, hematologic and an assortment of other complaints, and spaces for height, weight, allergies and personal or family history of untoward reactions to anesthesia. I put a single slash through the box on the dry-erase board in the operating room, wrote my initials next to it and took the elevator upstairs. I was gloriously happy when I flipped to the “Surgery Reports” section of the chart: two prior surgeries this admission, which meant two prior anesthetics, which meant the preop was already done; I needed only to write a quick update, c... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4489601 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 20:00:17 +0100 4489601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482706&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2F9sJDMnJDR1I%2Fhospitals-healthcare-flight-crews.html by John LaBineWhat are the root causes of communication inefficiencies in hospitals?  Hovering around any given patient/case are many players, each with a huge variety of demands for his/her time, attention and presence.  And they know there are costs of certain outcomes (medical errors, stress, wasted nurse/physician time, etc.). Each caregiver has his own long list of things to do, places to be, people to care for – and each has ample incentive to optimize locally.The list of things a flight crew does when an engine catches fire is probably a lot like the list of things a surgical team does when a patient’s heart stops unexpectedly.  Both teams can run through simulations, be tested and certified; technology can be purchased and applied.  Communication protocols can be establishe... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482706 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:00:09 +0100 4482706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482707&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FeYfeYVfEtOY%2Faggressive-care-patients.html by Kevin Pho, MDThe recurring narrative among health reformers is that hospitals that provide more care raise health costs, but don’t necessarily improve quality.This has lead to a backlash against so-called “aggressive” hospitals and doctors, with upcoming financial penalties to match.But the situation, as always, appears to be more nuanced than that.(...)Read the rest of When more aggressive care is better for patients1 comment | Tags: Health reform, Hospital, Patients | Category: Commentary (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482707 Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:52:29 +0100 4482707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482711&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FMOCyhBsfEGo%2Ftop-5-nicu-tips-preemie-parent.html by Deb DiscenzaHeads up folks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), parents of premature babies want you to succeed more than you may realize.  It is just hard for them to communicate this through the fog of stress and exhaustion that has consumed them for countless hours, days and even months.So here is a little insight into the parent mind and what they want you to know about what it is like to have a preemie:1. I am grateful that you are here. Though I may snap at you, seem out of it, or Google every condition my child has, please know that I am thankful for your knowledge and your expertise.  I am just trying to understand what is happening.  So take the time to explain things to me and answer my questions and you will have my trust.(...)Read the rest of Top 5 NICU tips from a... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482711 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:00:33 +0100 4482711 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477658&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FJRaYS1kMQH0%2Fhysterical-patient-busy-er-shift.html by VeronicaB, MDWe’ve all had that hysterical patient.  The one that comes in during a busy shift.  Grabbing at their head, their chest, their abdomen.  Yelling out that they are in pain.You know the one.  They makes the nurses’ eyes roll.  They add to an already chaotic scene.  Other patients stop to watch as the gurney rolls by.You debate how long you’re going to wait to go into the room when the triage nurse hands you the chart and tells you the patient is so agitated that they can’t give her a history.  The EMS crew tells you the call came out as a chest pain, a headache, an abdominal pain.(...)Read the rest of The hysterical patient during a busy ER shift8 comments | Tags: Emergency, Hospital, Patients | Category: Patient (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477658 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 20:00:42 +0100 4477658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477659&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FvCnp1IvfGuc%2Fasa-patients-demand-physicians-provide-anesthesia-care.html A guest column by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, exclusive to KevinMD.com.by John F. Dombrowski, MDWhen it comes to receiving anesthesia or pain-related care, patients overwhelmingly demand the care of a physician anesthesiologist over other non-physician providers. In a recent survey conducted by AMA, 70 percent of public respondents believed only a physician should administer and monitor anesthesia levels before and after surgery, while 80 percent believed only a physician should perform pain management techniques like spinal injections.These findings clearly demonstrate the public’s opinion on which type of anesthesia provider they want overseeing their care. It is important to note that anesthesia providers work in a valuable team setting, called the Anesthesia Care Team ... Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477659 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 19:00:57 +0100 4477659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477660&cid=t_267867_85_f&fid=34587&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FKevinMd-MedicalWeblog%2F%7E3%2FJxa2TaYTwn0%2Fer-abdominal-pain-adjust-expectations.html by Kevin Pho, MDAbdominal pain is the bane of many emergency physicians.Recently, I wrote how CT scans are on the rise in the ER.  Much of those scans look for potential causes of abdominal pain.In an essay from TIME, Zachary Meisel discusses why abdominal pain, in his words, is the doctor’s “booby prize.”  And when you consider that there are 7 million visits annually by people who report abdominal pain, that’s a lot of proverbial prizes.(...)Read the rest of When in the ER with abdominal pain, adjust your expectations5 comments | Tags: Emergency, Hospital, Patients, Specialist | Category: Commentary (Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog) Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477660 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:09:19 +0100 4477660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942791&cid=t_267867_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fpatient-safety-video-hand-hygiene-saves-lives%2F2010.09.07 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has produced a patient safety video about the importance of handwashing for hospital patients and their healthcare providers. The instructional piece entitled “Hand Hygiene Saves Lives” is available for hospitals to offer their newly-admitted patients. I think everyone should watch and learn: Source: CDC-TV (Source: Better Health) Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942791 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:00:57 +0100 3942791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3648785&cid=t_267867_147_f&fid=39202&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnicolaziady.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F06%2F09%2Ffree-webinar-web-portals%2F “Web portals: How a one-stop information hub can improve patient care & staff satisfaction” June 22nd, 2pm To gain this competitive edge, healthcare organizations must have a top-notch team of smart, dedicated professionals. Too bad so many organizations slow their teams down with inefficient processes that hinder their access to critical information. In fact, it’s one of the top complaints among staff! Tune into this one-hour event and you’ll learn how to: Share information with employees in real time, in a searchable, web-based content management format. Tie together multiple clinical, billing and patient management systems for patients, clinicians and administrators, with a single login ID for each user. Arm physicians with a one-stop repository where they can acc... Nicola Ziady blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3648785 Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:19:26 +0100 3648785