Five articles in the last week from the world of healthcare staffing and technology.
Now a majority of doctors use electronic health records – what does this mean for you?
- Key takeaway: One advantage might be that a database of information is more readily available about a patient — allergies, underlying conditions, and so on. This could theoretically save patients money by reducing excess (or worse, potentially harmful) treatment.
Why electronic medical records are failing to meet expectations
- Key takeaway: Once celebrated as the next big thing in the healthcare world, electronic medical records (EMRs) have a long way to go in terms of physician satisfaction.
Software that’s hard on hospital readmission
- Key takeaway: The alert appears on the computers throughout the hospital unit, so at any time a nurse or doctor can see a list of patients that need special care.
With money at risk, hospitals push staff to wash hands
- Key takeaway: The program uses a frequent-flier model to reward workers with incentives, sometimes cash bonuses, the more they wash their hands.
Lack of wi-fi in hospitals could amount to billions lost in productivity
- Key takeaway: The study estimates the wasted time translates to $1 million lost per year, per hospital. Do the math and the sum total is a $5.1 billion loss annually in hospitals across the United States.