by Lindsey Berke | Jan 6, 2020 | Healthcare
The world is facing a mental health epidemic. One in five adults suffers from some form of mental illness in the United States, yet more than 50% of these illnesses are left untreated. Mental health does not discriminate against age, race, gender or economic status, and unfortunately, treatment and research still have a long way to go before the number of diagnosed individuals decreases.
However, one optimistic element to this crisis is the existence of new technology that we did not have even a decade or two ago – one of which is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Advanced technology plays a major role in positively shaping the healthcare industry, and now digital solutions such as artificial intelligence are making their way into the psychiatry department to reduce the decline in mental wellness across the globe. But how does the use of predictive analytics tools such as artificial intelligence really help in solving the mental health crisis? Let’s examine. (more…)
by Parker Jones | Dec 19, 2019 | Healthcare
When we think of the most prestigious careers in America, ‘doctor’ is usually one that ranks near the top of the list. It is surprising, then, that physicians across the country are facing unprecedented levels of burnout, depression, and even suicide. Taking care of at-risk patients is naturally stressful work, but if doctors are too stressed, they are not able to provide the best possible care. That means worse patient outcomes, which can create a feedback loop putting even more pressure on the physicians.
A 2019 survey of over 15,000 physicians by Medscape found that an alarming 44% reported they were feeling symptoms of being burned out. Younger generations of physicians, women, and those who work the most hours seem to be the most affected. What factors are making careers in the medical field so stressful, and what can we do to alleviate that stress? It turns out data can help us figure out these factors and move towards possible solutions. (more…)
by Kathy Sucich | Dec 12, 2019 | Healthcare
Every year, thousands of children are hospitalized because of the flu; several dozen to more than 100 children die each year from complications. In the 2019-2020 flu season, there have already been six pediatric deaths from the virus. Experts say this flu season has been off to a strange start, and may peak earlier than usual.
It’s important for health providers not only to know which children need to be vaccinated, but also to understand where there are flu outbreaks and how they might need to readjust their staffing to deal with surges in flu patients. How can they do so? Let’s take a look.
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by Lindsey Berke | Dec 9, 2019 | Healthcare
Technology is ever-changing, and with every new decade it accelerates at a pace that is often difficult for us humans to keep up with. We now live in a world in which we rely heavily on technology on a daily basis, regardless of which field we belong to. However, few industries have been changed by technology as much, or as positively, as healthcare.
Although the healthcare industry has often lagged behind others when it comes to deploying advanced technology, new discoveries and improvements are always being made. The technology that we know today has opened countless doors and opportunities to improve our lives, and it’s almost impossible to imagine life without it now. With the current decade coming to an end, the further advancement of technology is heading our way. Here are five technologies that you should expect to see shape the future of healthcare in 2020. (more…)
by Kathy Sucich | Nov 26, 2019 | Healthcare
When you’re embarking on a healthcare analytics program, data trust is essential to success. With things like reimbursement rates, patient satisfaction, patient safety, antibiotics usage, and more on the line, you need to know that the numbers you’re relying on to make decisions are trusted and consistent throughout the organization.
However, many healthcare organizations don’t currently have the trust they need in their data. Let’s examine. (more…)
by Kathy Sucich | Oct 31, 2019 | Healthcare
Healthcare organizations are tasked with improving in multiple areas – for example, quality, patient safety, patient outcomes, and reducing costs. The right technology can ignite change in these areas and help hospitals and health systems see the results they are looking for.
Showcasing those technologies – and those forward-thinking technologies that promise to deliver results in the future – was the focus of the Delaware Valley/New Jersey HIMSS “Healthcare Rocks” Fall Conference that I attended recently at the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Here are some of the highlights. (more…)
by Kathy Sucich | Oct 23, 2019 | Healthcare
The health of a hospital’s emergency department is critically important, as it is the first line of care for many acute patients. How do you treat your patients in their time of need? Are you able to move them through the hospital quickly and efficiently? How do you make sure your staff stays engaged and motivated?
There are many initiatives hospitals can undertake to ensure optimal performance of their emergency departments. Let’s take a look. (more…)
by Kathy Sucich | Oct 16, 2019 | Healthcare
Healthcare interoperability initiatives have been going on for quite some time now, with varying degrees of success. While some interoperability efforts have been successful and are expanding reach, others have shut down completely.
So what is the state of healthcare interoperability in 2019? New England HIMSS examined this topic in its annual HIE Conference – a day devoted to exploring some of the issues around interoperability and health exchanges. Let’s examine some of the takeaways from the event. (more…)
by Kathy Sucich | Oct 9, 2019 | Healthcare
More diverse organizations see better results. According to McKinsey research, companies in the top quartile for gender or racial and ethnic diversity see higher financial returns than their counterparts. In healthcare, a more diverse and inclusive organization provides better care that is more culturally responsive to its community’s needs.
However, many organizations maintain that creating a diverse and inclusive atmosphere is hard. Indeed, diversity, equity, and inclusion must be built in to a healthcare organization’s overall strategy, and there must be ways to measure results. This topic was front and center in the ACHE of Massachusetts’ Conference titled, “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Healthcare: Tools for Implementing Actionable Strategies.” Here are some highlights. (more…)
by Kathy Sucich | Oct 3, 2019 | Healthcare
Women make up nearly 80% of employees in healthcare. Despite this fact, they are still not well-represented in leadership ranks. According to research by Rock Health, women make up only 27% of hospital boards and 34% of leadership teams.
It is for this reason that women healthcare leaders promoting and lifting up other women is so important. This was the focus of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association’s 18th Annual Women Leaders in Healthcare Conference, held in Framingham, Mass. on September 26th. Here are some highlights from the event.
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