Health Care Systems, Technology / 06.11.2024

[caption id="attachment_64627" align="aligncenter" width="500"]healthcare-remote-monitoring Freepik image[/caption] In recent years, virtual sitters have become a valuable addition to healthcare facilities, providing an innovative solution to improve patient safety, reduce operational costs, and optimize staff efficiency. These remote monitoring systems use technology to allow trained personnel to observe patients from a central location, intervening only when necessary. A virtual sitter can offer various benefits that can significantly enhance healthcare operations, supporting staff and promoting a safer patient environment.

Improving Patient Safety

Virtual sitters play a crucial role in enhancing patient safety by offering continuous monitoring of at-risk patients. Patients who are prone to falls, disorientation, or adverse reactions can be observed by virtual sitters, who use cameras and audio devices to keep an eye on them. These sitters can alert on-site staff if a patient attempts to leave their bed, tries to remove medical equipment, or shows signs of distress. By intervening in real time, virtual sitters reduce the likelihood of incidents that could harm the patient, leading to quicker responses and fewer injuries.
Health Care Systems / 05.11.2024

[caption id="attachment_64577" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Image Source[/caption] In the healthcare industry, the medical supply chain is the lifeline that ensures essential medicines, equipment, and supplies reach patients in a timely and reliable manner. Efficient logistics play a crucial role in this process, impacting everything from patient outcomes to the overall cost of care. Whether it’s delivering life-saving medications, maintaining a steady supply of medical equipment, or managing vaccine distribution, the logistics behind the medical supply chain are vital for both healthcare providers and the people they serve. This article explores the importance of efficiency in logistics within the medical supply chain, highlighting its role in maintaining a responsive and resilient healthcare system.
Author Interviews, Health Care Systems, JAMA, Pharmacology, University of Pittsburgh / 31.10.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_64457" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dr. Katie Suda Dr. Suda[/caption] Katie J. Suda, PharmD, M.S., FCCP Professor of medicine with tenure Associate Director, Center for Pharmaceutical Policy and Prescribing University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Our pharmaceutical supply chain is global where the manufacturing process for one drug may occur in multiple countries. Sometimes there are breakdowns in the pharmaceutical supply chain which may threaten access to medicines. Breakdowns in the supply chain occur for medicines manufactured in the U.S. and by international partners. While breakdowns in the supply chain occur for hundreds of drugs each year, not all result in a decrease in available supply (a “drug shortage”) because of action taken by manufacturers, pharmacies and drug regulators (e.g., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA]). Drug shortages are a critical concern to public health as pharmacies, clinicians, and patients struggle to identify safe and effective alternatives. In addition, drug shortages have been associated with adverse patient outcomes and medication safety events. Recently, drug shortages have gotten worse with shortages occurring with increasing frequency and lasting longer. There has also been a shift in the types of medicines in shortage from drugs primarily used in hospitals, such as injectables, to oral medicines frequently used to manage outpatient conditions. Countries have different regulatory authority and policy which may impact how drug supply chain breakdowns result in drug shortages. We wanted to know if there are differences between the U.S. and Canada in the frequency that national drug shortages occur after supply chain breakdowns are reported in both countries. Canada is a good comparator to the U.S. because Canada has similar drug regulatory standards and manufacturing inspections. Prescription drug coverage is also similar for the two countries where half of prescriptions are reimbursed through public insurance and half through private insurance and out-of-pocket.
Concierge Medicine, Health Care Systems / 30.10.2024

[caption id="attachment_64420" align="aligncenter" width="500"]medical-doctors-office Source[/caption] A thriving healthcare practice should be accessible, flexible, and transparent with its patients. It can be difficult for patients to find trusted providers, and your practice should do all it can to present itself as a trustworthy medical caregiver. If you’re having trouble bringing in new patients, it may be time to evaluate your marketing and healthcare practices and improve in some areas. Learning about the most efficient practices to increase patient volume is the best way to start.

1. Establish an Online Presence

Prospective patients are more likely to choose a practice where they can learn information about your practice’s staff, policies, and reviews. They can only learn by booking an appointment or word of mouth if you have little online presence. These are not reliable recruitment practices. Create an accessible website with information about your staff, policies, and availability. Provide the services you offer and give patients an easy option to communicate with you via phone, email, or contact form (or all of the above). Provide transparent and updated information about pricing, insurance, and payment plans.
Concierge Medicine, Health Care Systems / 21.10.2024

[caption id="attachment_64181" align="aligncenter" width="500"]doctor-concierge-medicine Source[/caption] The concierge medicine industry has been around for a while and was already worth $6.7 billion in 2023 with an estimated CAGR of 10.37%. This solution fills an apparent gap in the healthcare industry and has many benefits to offer to patients. Unlike traditional primary care, concierge clinics prioritize patients and give them personalized attention. Appointments aren’t rushed and access to physicians is available on demand. Concierge doctors don’t simply provide convenience to their patients – they improve their health outcomes and even build stronger doctor-patient relationships. The benefits of concierge medicine are numerous, so we’ve summarized the most important ones. In this blog, we will tell you how concierge doctors give a top-notch patient experience and help their patients stay healthy over the long term with preventive medicine.
Health Care Systems, Technology / 15.10.2024

  [caption id="attachment_64007" align="aligncenter" width="500"]It Projects in health care Photo by luis gomes[/caption] With medical needs escalating and technology advancing at an incredible pace, the speed of patient care is about to become much faster and more effective. Healthcare organizations are under pressure to do more with less. Businesses are finally able to leave their tech logjam behind when they plug into lean IT project services. Suddenly, the thorny vines of procedure fall away, and genuine innovation gets a second wind. Low costs don't mean low-quality care.. What if healthcare operations could run like a well-oiled machine? For that to happen, they need to corral their IT projects, but that's a tall order given the specific challenges they face.

Streamlining Operations Through Digital Transformation

Hospitals and clinics are constantly faced with the challenge of reducing costs without sacrificing the level of care their patients receive. Efficient IT project services facilitate the implementation of digital tools and technologies that improve operational workflows and processes. One area where IT project services provide critical support is electronic health record (EHR) integration. Healthcare goes high-tech when EHR systems are properly set up. It's like having a bird’s-eye view of a patient's entire journey, allowing doctors to spot connections and make swift, informed decisions. Under the watchful eye of regulatory authorities like HIPAA, IT project managers expertly integrate these systems, implementing checks and balances to prevent malfunctions and mishaps. When automation technologies are properly integrated, they morph administrative tasks into background noise, allowing healthcare professionals to redirect their attention to the ones who need it most: their patients. Think of automation as a behind-the-scenes team player. By handing over the routine tasks, healthcare pros can refocus on what matters most: providing top-notch care.
Health Care Systems / 08.10.2024

The healthcare landscape today is a complex patchwork of regulatory, financial, and ethical considerations that must be navigated deftly to provide top-notch patient care. Healthcare facilities, whether small practices or large hospitals, need an arsenal of resources to manage these various demands effectively. From guidelines on health equity to cost-containment strategies, maintaining a high standard of care requires constant vigilance and adaptation. Below, we delve into the crucial resources that can help healthcare facilities meet these challenges head-on and continue to offer services that are safe, equitable, and cost-effective. Keep reading to discover how your facility can leverage these tools for improved patient outcomes and overall success.

Cost-Containment Strategies for Healthcare Facilities

Amid rising healthcare costs, facilities must adopt strategies that constrain expenses without compromising patient care. A major element of cost containment lies in process optimization—streamlining workflows and eliminating redundancies can lead to significant savings and more efficient use of resources. Preventive maintenance of medical equipment and negotiating favorable terms with suppliers are practical steps that control overheads. Additionally, embracing bulk purchasing and generic medicines where possible can reduce expenditure on supplies without affecting the quality of care. Clinical pathway tools and healthcare analytics can help medical professionals make informed decisions that enhance patient outcomes while keeping costs in check. By following evidence-based guidelines, unnecessary procedures and their associated costs can be avoided, promoting both fiscal responsibility and patient safety.
Health Care Systems / 08.10.2024

[caption id="attachment_63821" align="aligncenter" width="500"] Source[/caption] Running a healthcare practice is not a simple matter.  You’ve got patients to care for, staff to manage, regulations to follow, and a business to keep afloat. It can feel like you’re juggling a million things at once.  Let’s walk through seven key things you should keep in mind to make sure your practice runs smoothly while delivering top-notch care.

1. Create a Memorable Patient Experience

Think about your patients’ journey from the moment they step through your door (or even before that). Is your front desk friendly and welcoming? Does your waiting area make them feel comfortable and relaxed? Patients notice these things, and they matter just as much as the care they receive. If people feel cared for in every interaction with your practice, they’re more likely to return and recommend you to others. Convenience plays a big part in patient satisfaction, too. Is it easy for them to book appointments online or through a phone call? Are your systems smooth and stress-free, or are patients left hanging on hold or struggling to navigate a clunky website? Get these small details right, and you’ll build trust that lasts.
Health Care Systems / 02.10.2024

[caption id="attachment_63679" align="aligncenter" width="500"]healthcare-management_pexels-rdne-6129205 Source[/caption] Table of Contents:
  • The Intersection of Business Acumen and Healthcare Knowledge
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making in Healthcare
  • Understanding Healthcare Laws and Regulations
  • Effective Communication and Team Management
  • Technological Innovations in Healthcare Management
  • Strategic Planning and Implementation
  • Financing and Economics in Healthcare
  • Global Health Management Trends
Key Takeaways:
  • Combining business skills with healthcare expertise is vital for successful management in the health sector.
  • Leveraging data and technology enhances healthcare delivery and operational effectiveness.
  • Continuous adaptation and ethical leadership are cornerstone competencies in healthcare management.
Health Care Systems / 09.09.2024

Running a medical practice is no small feat. Between patient care, managing staff, and keeping up with ever-evolving healthcare regulations, the last thing you want to worry about is whether or not your billing is being handled correctly. But  billing is the lifeblood of any healthcare operation. Without a steady cash flow, a practice can quickly find itself in hot water. This is where medical billing services come in, offering a way to streamline your operations and boost efficiency. Let’s dig into how these services can transform your practice. [caption id="attachment_63219" align="aligncenter" width="500"]medical-billing_pexels-mikhail-nilov-6963030 Source[/caption]

The Hidden Time Sinks of In-House Billing

Handling billing in-house might seem like the straightforward choice at first.  But what often gets overlooked is the sheer amount of time and energy it takes to manage billing internally.
  • Staff Training - Keeping your team up-to-date on the latest billing codes and insurance regulations can be a never-ending task. And let’s not forget the frequent turnover in billing staff, which only adds to the training burden.
  • Error Management - Even with a well-trained team, mistakes are inevitable. Every error means more time spent on corrections, re-submissions, and follow-ups with insurance companies. Each of these tasks takes time away from patient care.
  • Software and System Upgrades - Staying current with billing software is another headache. Upgrades can be expensive, and the learning curve that comes with new systems can slow down your team’s productivity.
When you consider all these factors, it’s easy to see how in-house billing can become a drain on your practice’s resources. The time and effort spent on managing billing could be better utilized in focusing on what you do best: providing top-notch care for your patients.
Health Care Systems, Legal-Malpractice, Technology / 05.09.2024

Effective management of contracts is becoming increasingly critical for medical businesses. From managing vendor agreements and patient consent forms to navigating complex compliance requirements, contract management in the healthcare sector involves numerous challenges. As a result, more medical businesses are looking to adopt contract management software to streamline their operations, ensure compliance, and mitigate risks. This article explores why contract management software is becoming an essential tool for medical businesses and how it can help improve efficiency and reduce errors. contracts_pexels-olly-3760067 Medical businesses, including hospitals, clinics, and healthcare providers, deal with a high volume of contracts daily. These contracts can range from vendor agreements and service-level agreements to insurance contracts and patient consent forms. Managing these contracts manually can be cumbersome, error-prone, and time-consuming, leading to potential legal and financial risks.
Health Care Systems, Technology / 04.09.2024

healthcare-management

[Image Source]

Delivering excellent care requires a combination of medical expertise and well-structured management practices. Healthcare management plays a critical role in making sure that hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities run smoothly, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on treating patients. By overseeing the operational side of healthcare, effective managers create environments where patients can receive faster, more efficient, and higher-quality care. The Importance of Healthcare Management in Patient Care Healthcare managers are responsible for coordinating services, managing resources, and streamlining processes to improve patient outcomes. A well-managed healthcare facility allows doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to focus on patient care without worrying about administrative or logistical issues. Good management also plays a role in improving the patient experience. When healthcare facilities are well-organized, patients receive care in a timely manner, their concerns are addressed, and they feel confident in the quality of service they are receiving. This level of coordination is essential for creating a positive healthcare environment, one where patients feel supported and cared for throughout their treatment process.
Health Care Systems / 03.09.2024

State healthcare laws vary widely across the United States, each tailored to address the unique demographics and healthcare needs of their populations. These laws can govern anything from insurance coverage mandates to the scope of practice permitted for healthcare professionals. As such, the impact of these laws on patient outcomes can be profound and multifaceted, influencing not only the accessibility of care but also the quality and efficiency of the healthcare services provided. Understanding this complex landscape is crucial for policymakers, healthcare providers, and patients alike. The diversity in state healthcare regulations can lead to significant disparities in the quality of care across state lines. For instance, some states have robust telemedicine laws that allow for greater accessibility to specialist services for rural populations, potentially leading to better patient outcomes in these areas. Conversely, states with more restrictive laws might see a bottleneck effect, where access to necessary care is limited, affecting overall health outcomes negatively. Moreover, the dynamic nature of healthcare laws, often influenced by shifting political climates and economic pressures, requires continuous analysis to gauge their effectiveness. Studies and data-driven approaches are essential to understanding how specific healthcare laws impact patient health outcomes and to adjust these laws to better serve the population’s needs.
Marketing / 22.08.2024

In today's competitive healthcare landscape, medical marketing is no longer optional it’s essential. With patients having more choices than ever before, healthcare providers must adopt effective marketing strategies to reach and engage potential patients. This guide will explore the key aspects of medical marketing, focusing on strategies for effective patient outreach, including the crucial role of SEO. [caption id="attachment_62917" align="aligncenter" width="500"]medical-marketing_pexels-kaboompics-6224_1 Source[/caption]

Understanding the Basics of Medical Marketing

Medical marketing refers to the process of promoting healthcare services to potential patients. It encompasses a range of strategies and tools designed to attract new patients and retain existing ones by increasing the visibility of a medical practice or healthcare facility. The primary goal is to create awareness, build trust, and establish a strong online presence. Key components of successful medical marketing include branding, an engaging online presence, and consistent patient communication. Branding involves creating a recognizable image for your practice, which can be achieved through a well-designed logo, a professional website, and cohesive messaging across all platforms. An engaging online presence, particularly through social media and your website, is crucial for reaching patients where they spend their time. Patient communication, including email campaigns and personalized messages, helps keep your patients informed and connected to your practice.
Education, Health Care Systems / 20.08.2024

[caption id="attachment_62906" align="aligncenter" width="500"]health-care-management Image Source[/caption] Healthcare has always been at the top of the list of societal priorities, and recently it has taken on even greater importance. The demand for experienced personnel who can successfully manage and navigate the intricacies of the medical sector is increasing along with the need for high-quality healthcare. When it comes to providing a lucrative and fulfilling career path for people who are enthusiastic about both healthcare and business, healthcare management comes into play. An in-depth knowledge of healthcare systems and policies is combined with administrative principles in the multifaceted discipline of healthcare management. Professionals in this industry are essential to assuring the efficient operation of healthcare institutions, streamlining processes, and providing high-quality patient care. The demand for capable executives who can meet the sector's difficulties head-on is rising due to the healthcare industry's constant change. Let's examine the wide range of lucrative career opportunities in healthcare management.
Health Care Systems, Medical Records, Technology / 01.07.2024

SAP TransformationImplementing ABA practice management software brings significant benefits to managing client data. This software streamlines administrative tasks, allowing therapists to focus more on delivering quality care. By centralizing client information, practice management solutions enhance both efficiency and organizational workflow. Effective softwares, such as an ABA practice management solution from Theralytics, has comprehensive features for tracking client progress and history. Securely storing client records in a centralized location not only simplifies data access but also improves communication and coordination among staff. By leveraging such software, practices can utilize data to achieve superior therapeutic outcomes. Automated data collection and analysis foster better decision-making, leading to improved treatment plans and client satisfaction. The integration of these tools is crucial for maintaining high standards of care in ABA therapy.

Key Takeaways

  • ABA software enhances data management and administrative efficiency.
  • Centralized information improves workflow and coordination.
  • Leveraging data from software leads to better therapeutic outcomes.
Health Care Systems, Health Care Workers / 10.06.2024

The US healthcare staffing market is massive, although you wouldn't think it with the constant barrage of news reports telling us that we've got no staff and staffing shortages are increasing. Still, perhaps they're spending all the money attempting to boost staffing levels. And it isn't about the money - it's that people aren't as motivated to work in healthcare anymore. Below, we'll explore why the spending is so big.

The Rise in Demand for Healthcare Professionals

US Healthcare Staffing MarketThe booming healthcare staffing market is driven by an increasing demand for medical practitioners. The US is grappling with a shortage of healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals - over 340,000 combined professionals are needed, including doctors and nurses. The issue is, that as more baby boomers retire, they often become more reliant on medical services, putting pressure on an already understaffed industry. But the issue also is that the demand for healthcare staff isn't being met. The US and the UK both use overseas staff to fill the numbers. The people training to be nurses in the US are becoming travel nurses, aesthetic practitioners, and basically avoiding the main healthcare system. Well, not all of them, but a big chunk are. The US has no choice but to rely on outsourced agencies like physician staffing companies.
Health Care Systems / 03.06.2024

revenue-technologyEffective RCM is particularly important in today’s changing healthcare environment, where reimbursement is a critical issue for hospital finances. Development in RCM staffing is vital in addressing the needs that modern health organizations face. This blog post will outline the following most recent trends and methods associated with RCM staffing and why these approaches can be used to improve the performances of healthcare institutions.

The Crucial Role of Revenue Cycle Management Staffing

All revenue cycle management staffing can be seen as important in the operation of healthcare facilities. RCM stands for the functions that are responsible for the management of patients’ administrative and clinical billing and the patients’ revenue collection. It is possible to note that this area must be manned efficiently to prevent mistakes, delays, and losses to the revenue of the healthcare facilities.
Addiction, Author Interviews, Health Care Systems / 25.05.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61782" align="alignleft" width="150"] Srivastava Kodavatiganti, MBS[/caption] Srivastava Kodavatiganti, MBS Department of Medical Education Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Scranton, PA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Prescription and illicit opioid misuse and overdoses have continued to escalate in the U.S. with annual overdoses exceeding 110,000[1]. There was a substantial rise from 2013 to 2022 in the number of opioid-related overdoses due to synthetic opioids [2]. Even nonfatal opioid-involved overdoses increased 4% quarterly between January 2018 and March 2022 as observed by encounters by emergency medical services [3]. Although the eastern U.S. has been particularly impacted by fatal overdoses, annual increases have increased as of last year in the western states including in Nevada (+27.9%), Washington (+36.9%), Oregon (+38.6%), and Alaska (+45.9%).  In contrast, other states have seen more modest changes (New Mexico = +1.3%) including decreases (South Dakota = -2.4%, Nebraska = -19.5%) [1]. These findings underscore the importance for understanding patterns in usage of prevention and treatment strategies. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. This crucial lifesaving tool is administered as an injection or as a nasal spray. This study characterized the patterns of naloxone prescriptions in Medicaid patients from 2018 – 2021 and Medicare patients for 2019. State level differences were also quantified as the fold difference in prescribing between the highest and lowest states when correcting for the number of enrollees in each state.
Health Care Systems, Mental Health Research / 21.05.2024

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, where clinical skills and knowledge are paramount, the power of empathy in leadership can sometimes be overlooked. However, leading with empathy in the healthcare sector is not just a nice-to-have quality; it's a pivotal trait that can shape patient outcomes, staff satisfaction, and the overall healthcare environment. This article delves into why empathy is crucial in healthcare leadership, supported by real-world insights and strategies to foster a culture of empathy.

The Impact of Technological Advancements

As technology continues to evolve within the healthcare sector, creating new opportunities for enhancing patient care, it's crucial that empathy doesn't get lost in the shuffle. Innovative tools and systems should be seen as avenues to deepen our understanding and connection with patients, rather than as barriers to the human touch. Embracing technology with empathetic intention can lead to an even greater level of personalized care. One specific area where empathy can play a transformative role is in addressing HR challenges in behavioral health. Understanding the unique nature of these challenges, and the emotional toll they can take on staff, is crucial for leaders who strive to create a supportive work environment. This deeper understanding can drive the implementation of effective solutions, fostering a workplace where empathy and professionalism thrive together.
Author Interviews, Cost of Health Care, Gastrointestinal Disease, Health Care Systems / 20.05.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61735" align="alignleft" width="183"]Laura Targownik, MDLead author and Clinician-Investigator Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto Departmental Division Director, Gastroenterology and Hepatology University of Toronto Dr. Targownik[/caption] Laura Targownik, MD Lead author and Clinician-Investigator Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto Departmental Division Director, Gastroenterology and Hepatology University of Toronto MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Was there a difference in the types of patients or need for surgery seen by the female/male physicians? Response: The background for this study is that there is an emerging body of literature that having a female physician leads to better patient outcomes in many health care settings, especially amongst patients undergoing surgery or being admitted to hospital.  However, this has not previously been evaluated in gastroenterology.  Female and male gastroenterologists may have different styles of practice on average, and this potentially could lead to differences in how patients engage with the health care system following an initial assessment.
Author Interviews, Health Care Systems / 27.04.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61615" align="alignleft" width="150"]Gaurav Khanna Ph.D.Assistant Professor | School of Global Policy and Strategy University of California, San Diego Dr. Khanna[/caption] Gaurav Khanna Ph.D. Assistant Professor | School of Global Policy and Strategy University of California, San Diego www.econgaurav.com   MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings? Response: There is a shortage of doctors in certain parts of the US. For instance, although about 20% of the United States population live in rural areas, only 11% of physicians practice in these locations. The research shows that relaxed visa requirements enable more foreign-trained doctors to practice in remote and low-income areas, without reducing the employment of U.S.-trained doctors. One such program that facilitates keeping foreign-born physicians in the US is the Conrad 30 Program. Most participants in the Conrad 30 Waiver Program work in Health Professional Shortage Areas (or HPSAs), areas lacking an adequate number of primary care physicians, dentists, or mental health care providers.
Author Interviews, Health Care Systems, Kidney Disease, NEJM, NIH, UT Southwestern / 04.04.2024

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_61529" align="alignleft" width="125"]Miguel A. Vazquez, MDProfessor of Internal Medicine University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dr. Vazquez[/caption] Miguel A. Vazquez, MD Professor of Internal Medicine University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: The main reason to conduct our trial was to improve the care of patients with coexistent chronic kidney disease CKD),  type 2 diabetes and hypertension.   Patients with this triad are at high risk for multiple complications, end stage kidney disease and premature death.   There are effective interventions for these conditions.  Unfortunately, detection and awareness of CKD is low and many patients do not receive interventions that could be beneficial In our study in patients with the coexistent triad of chronic kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension the use of an electronic algorithm to identify patients from the electronic health record and practice facilitators embedded in four large health systems to assist primary practitioners deliver evidence-based care did not lower hospitalizations when compared to usual care.
Author Interviews, BMJ, Emergency Care, Health Care Systems, Johns Hopkins / 19.07.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60645" align="alignleft" width="200"]David E. Newman-Toker, MD PhD (he/him)Professor of Neurology, Ophthalmology, & Otolaryngology David Robinson Professor of Vestibular Neurology Director, Division of Neuro-Visual & Vestibular Disorders Director, Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence Johns Hopkins Medicine Dr. Newman-Toker[/caption] David E. Newman-Toker, MD PhD (he/him) Professor of Neurology, Ophthalmology, & Otolaryngology David Robinson Professor of Vestibular Neurology Director, Division of Neuro-Visual & Vestibular Disorders Director, Armstrong Institute Center for Diagnostic Excellence Johns Hopkins Medicine MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Diagnostic errors are believed to be a major public health issue, but valid, quantitative estimates of harm are lacking. In 2015, the National Academy of Medicine stated in their report Improving Diagnosis in Healthcare that improving diagnosis was a “moral, professional, and public health imperative” yet also noted that “the available research [is] not adequate to extrapolate a specific estimate or range of the incidence of diagnostic errors in clinical practice today.” We sought a scientifically robust answer to the question of how many patients in the US suffer serious harms as a result of medical misdiagnosis.
Author Interviews, General Medicine, Health Care Systems, Heart Disease, JAMA / 26.06.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: [caption id="attachment_60551" align="alignleft" width="200"]Dan P. Ly, MD, PhD, MPPPhysician and an Assistant Professor Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Dr. Ly[/caption] Dan P. Ly, MD, PhD, MPP Physician and an Assistant Professor Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: Cognitive biases, or ways of thinking that may deviate from rationality, are thought to influence physician decision-making, but there has been little large-scale evidence of their existence clinically. There is some large-scale evidence of the availability heuristic, under which the likelihood of an event is affected by how easily it comes to mind, but there’s little large scale evidence of other cognitive biases affecting physicians. 
Author Interviews, Health Care Systems, JAMA, Technology, UCSD / 01.05.2023

MedicalResearch.com Interview with: Zechariah Zhu, B.S. Affiliate Scientist with the Qualcomm Institute at UC San Diego and study co-author First author: John W. Ayers, PhD, MA MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Response: In today’s day and age (especially after the COVID-19 pandemic), an increasing number of people are turning to virtual options for healthcare. Most notably, there was a 1.6-fold increase in electronic patient messages, which significantly increased the burden on physicians, with a record-high proportion of physicians (62%) reporting burnout symptoms. On the other hand, we also see the rise of AI technologies like ChatGPT—an AI chatbot assistant that has taken the world by storm recently with its ability to provide lengthy response essays to many questions it is asked. Our objective for this study, then, was to evaluate the ability of ChatGPT to provide quality and empathetic responses to patient questions.