Feb 8Legal Innovations & Healthcare HarmEffective hospital risk managers and executives, learn the importance of communication when it comes to preventing most lawsuits. Clear communications that can be acted upon make for more efficient and effective workplaces, but also better quality and safer care. But, is effective communication among the healthcare team enough for actually…Hospital3 min read
Jul 28, 2021The ROI of DICOM: A Candy Striper’s StoryI’m teaching this week — health informatics to nurses, public health and health administration students. Last week we discussed standards and interoperability; and it reminded me of a story. The memory was triggered by student discussions. One said it must have been difficult to receive excellent medical care 50 years…Child Labor3 min read
Oct 27, 2020Effective Communication for Patient SafetyMedical errors, delays in care, bias and misunderstandings are most often the result in communication failures. In fact, most lawsuits filed by patients and/or their families are the result of communication issues that sometimes lead to poor outcomes. This is why it is so important for patients and their family…Patient Safety4 min read
Aug 27, 2020Is there actually CBD in the product(s) you purchase?Cannabinoid products (CBD) are appearing everywhere and in different forms. We can find salves, chews, gummies, bath bombs, oils, concentrates and beverages on store shelves and online. …Medical Marijuana3 min read
Jul 31, 2020Tips for Traveling in COVID19 Times with a Compromised Immune SystemIn late May, as talk of opening up the economy began, I started to think of my mother and her primary caregiver; my father. …Covid 195 min read
Jun 2, 2020Empowering Advocates: #ChronicTogetherI was recently asked how did I learn to advocate for myself as a patient. This made me reflect on my career in health administration, where I recognized the importance of patients advocating for themselves early in my journey. …Advocacy2 min read
Mar 11, 2020Panic Buying Toilet Paper — Unintended ConsequencesI’ve been quietly watching as panic buying of toilet paper (TP) and water has unfolded. What I’ve seen reinforces my preparedness belief, because if you aren’t already prepared you may not have TP to use in your potty when it is needed. …Toilet Paper2 min read
Mar 10, 2020Psychiatric Evaluation: Danger to Self, Others or Gravely DisabledTensions often exist between individual rights and liberties and those of a family, neighborhood or community. No where does this delicate balance seem to get tested more than in the areas of mental health and cognitive impairment. The latter of which is most often seen in cases involving Alzheimer’s and other dementia. — Clinicians and other healthcare professionals have learned through trial and error to walk the fine line of respect for the individual’s wishes and safety of others. Legislation creates a framework and the setting of clear expectations helps set the boundaries for interactions.Dementia3 min read
Feb 18, 2020Adult Protective Services — for abuse, neglect & exploitationOnline support groups provide tremendous insight into healthcare social media. More specifically, about how patients and family caregivers use these tools to get advice on their challenges, threats and needs. These online networks have revealed opportunities to improved the education of at-risk patients and their family caregivers; especially those struggling…Seniors3 min read
Oct 22, 2019Patient Caregivers: The Importance of Self-CareI just returned from a long trip to help my dad care for my mom. I was able to get my own scheduled treatments shifted over to providers in that state and community. Upon arriving at my parents’ home; I assessed a serious state and quickly got to work taking…Caregiving3 min read