Successful communication among healthcare providers has long been a critical element of patient safety. Yet, in recent years, the importance of good communication has become even more pivotal with the growing emphasis on collaborative and team-based care. As healthcare delivery has evolved and caring for the patient population has become more complicated, the paradigm of the solo practitioner has given way to more complex healthcare systems and multidisciplinary teams that include doctors, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurse anesthetists, surgeon assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and other clinical and nonclinical roles.
Read more Efforts to reduce bias in healthcare have received increasing attention in recent years as the industry confronts issues associated with health equity, diversity, inclusivity, and health disparities. Bias is recognized as a significant barrier to achieving equitable and culturally competent care; yet, identifying and remediating this problem is complex.
Read more Technological advancements in healthcare have helped improve access to, options for, and convenience of care. Healthcare delivered via telecommunication technology (telehealth), has become an increasingly popular and viable option for patients, particularly as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, even with these advancements, certain aspects of traditional medical care remain vital, including informed consent.
Read more The rapid expansion of technology in healthcare has significant implications for privacy and security of patients’ protected health information (PHI). Confidential or sensitive information that is stored or sent electronically creates a host of security issues that healthcare organizations must consider. For example, mobile devices can be easily lost or stolen, unintentional data breaches can occur, and cyberattacks can cripple information technology systems.
Read more An important aspect in the provision of care via telehealth is abiding by appropriate standards of care and scopes of practice, which are defined by federal and state laws, professional boards, accrediting agencies, specialty associations, payers, and so forth. Prescribing medications to patients as part of telehealth services — online prescribing — falls into the parameters of “standards and scope,” and healthcare providers must take precautions to ensure they are prescribing within legal and professional boundaries.
Read more Credentialing and privileging — the processes by which a healthcare organization assesses and confirms the qualifications of a healthcare provider and authorizes the provision of specific services — play an important role in patient safety and high-quality care. These processes are essential for traditional, in-person care as well as for healthcare delivered through telecommunication technology (telehealth).
Read more Technology has created opportunities for physicians, dentists, and other healthcare practitioners to extend the reach of their professional practice beyond the physical limitations of their practice settings. Through the use of telehealth technologies, providers can evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients in other localities, which can increase access to, convenience of, and choices in care.
Read more Obesity is a well-known health concern in the United States. Often referred to as an epidemic, obesity affects about 42 percent of U.S. adults — more than double the number affected just 30 years ago.1 Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment option for many individuals who suffer from obesity, and the number of these procedures has increased over the years.
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