The recent health care reform legislation puts a new emphasis on health and wellness programs that are intended to improve our well-being. Plug “well-being” into a Google search and you will see the top 10 results are about as varied as could be: from ancient philosophical definitions and Wikipedia posts to medical student organizations [...]
As seen on the PRWeekus.com “Insider” blog on April 1, 2010.
Two recent articles featured in the Annals of Internal Medicine and the British Medical Journal were reported to have shown that there is no correlation between quality of care and patient satisfaction scores. Following this release, an expected number of bloggers and writers have commented on this subject, most of them agreeing with the results [...]
If we can get past privacy concerns, there could be a lot to be gained from open sharing of patient data, reported by patients.
Today is the day. The long-anticipated debut of the new device from Apple. Whether it is called the iSlate, iTablet, or more likely the iPad, it will change the game. If even half of the rumors surrounding this device are true, Apple will likely alter the face of multiple industries including media, publishing, gaming, education, [...]
While a hospital is clearly not a hotel, it can nonetheless share similar traits. For instance, given the dramatic connection between high patient satisfaction and improved outcomes, a commensurate level of service and commitment to ensuring that patients’ needs are met is important.
In his recent New Yorker article, Malcolm Gladwell explores stock options and the concept of the Black Swan affecting financial markets. To summarize a complex article briefly, individuals often adhere to the notion that beliefs are true based on previous knowledge and experience. In other words, if you grow up seeing nothing but white swans [...]
Apple has done it again. With little more than a whisper, the company has effectively blown away all competitors. It has not said one word, not one dollar spent on advertising, not one targeted statement, and not one actual confirmation of the product millions are excited to see unveiled. In fact, no one is quite [...]
This week, the Conference Board research group released results of a nationwide job satisfaction survey. The numbers are abysmal. Only 45 percent of Americans are satisfied with their job, down 8 percent from last year and over 28 percent from 20 years ago. Among the myriad of reasons for this result, one of the most [...]
A few years ago, United Parcel Service (UPS) initiated a software program that assisted its drivers in maximizing fuel efficiency. Engineers at the company reasoned that formulating delivery grids in which drivers could continually make right turns would eliminate idling while waiting to turn left at traffic lights. These waits can be extreme, especially at [...]
A recent article in The Washington Post (Lovenheim, 11/10/09) discusses how many medical schools are changing their focus. Instead of anatomy, students now take classes on the physician/patient relationship, communicating with patients, and social and cultural issues in health care.
