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A federal judge in Texas dismissed a lawsuit filed against Houston Methodist Hospital for mandating the COVID-19 vaccine for healthcare workers as a condition of employment. The plaintiffs are appealing the dismissal, but the action sends a shot across the bow to healthcare workers and others who plan to challenge mandated COVID-19 vaccination programs in hospitals.
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OSHA has published its Emergency Temporary Standard to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19 as an interim final rule in the Federal Register, allowing only until July 21 to receive comments and feedback.
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OSHA's emergency temporary standard (ETS) to protect healthcare workers from COVID-19 is drawing mixed reviews. There certainly is a broad appreciation of OSHA’s effort to protect healthcare workers, but the benefits of the ETS are somewhat mitigated by the fact that it comes 18 months into the pandemic. Many employees are now vaccinated.
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Many people familiar with the concept of the patient-centered medical home (PCMH) might think it is a bit of a pipe dream. But does it have to be that way, or can it become a reality? The PCMH model of care enables a patient’s primary care physician to be the main point of contact — the avenue through which the patient’s treatment and care is coordinated across the continuum. This kind of care also is notable for availability when and where a patient needs it, and is conveyed in a way the patient can easily understand.
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Communication is one of the most important aspects of the healthcare experience. This is true for the patient, but it also holds for the staff. The better the communication, the smoother the process — and the more lacking the communication, the more frustrating the process. Multidisciplinary rounds (also called interdisciplinary rounds at some organizations) should center on positive communications that keep processes running smoothly.
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As U.S. healthcare providers shift to value-based care, they need to keep up with various governmental funding plans that could increase options for patients. For example, some states create opportunities for dual-eligible beneficiaries to join Medicare Advantage Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans and Medicaid plans operated by the same insurer. Researchers suggest these plans can decrease inpatient admissions and nursing home admissions.
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HIV case managers have worked with fewer resources in recent years. This suggests they could best help their patients if they collaborate with other service providers. The results of a new study suggest case managers and other providers need greater awareness of each other’s expertise and understanding of the communities they serve. This allows them to collaborate with other agencies in making referrals and developing programs.
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The results of a new study suggest the use of a psychoeducational interventional training model can improve education for family caregivers of patients with cancer. The training program uses simulation to enhance skills training.
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As the influence of value-based care increases, healthcare providers are learning that training and supporting family caregivers is crucial to patients maintaining optimal health. The results of a new study show providers can train family caregivers of patients with cancer by using a simulation-based intervention for care.
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The results of a new study suggest Medicare spending on healthcare in its Bundled Payment Program could be improved by calculating target prices as accurately as possible. Case management and other resources could become more effective and efficient.
