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According to a new draft influenza plan issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the following actions must be taken now, before a pandemic strain emerges.
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The recently released influenza pandemic plan for the United States couldnt be much more timely because there are some pigs on the other side of the world that already may be brewing up the next global outbreak.
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Word that a portion of the 2004-2005 influenza vaccine will be not available until later in the season poses no immediate health crisis, but underscores the vulnerable nature of vaccine production and distribution in the shadow of a pandemic. Citing sterility problems during the production process, Chiron Corp. in the United Kingdom announced that it would delay delivery of its doses to the United States.
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Infection control professionals in a group of cancer centers have developed an algorithm to help meet new patient safety goals by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.
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The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) rallied its members recently in support of a congressional action that could block controversial respirator fit-testing requirements.
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One of the challenges faced by clinicians and investigations in accumulating data that might be used for research, is to determine the rules that apply to ensure its availability if and when the research moves forward.
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Patients who participate in clinical trials not only have access to newer, experimental treatments, they also have access to more routine medical checkups and state-of-the-art technologies. For people with serious illnesses, and those without access to routine medical care, participation can make a significant difference in their care. Yet for many women, participation in medical research studies is still not an option.
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Most call centers are developing a closer link with their hospital web sites, says Julie Bruns, call center manager for BJC HealthCare
in St. Louis.
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Although the phone is both necessary and vital in any health care setting, it can create a barrier to communication because it prevents us from seeing facial expressions and body language. The impression the patient or family receives depends on what they hear using good phone skills and proper phone etiquette can help make the phone encounter more productive and enjoyable.
