As we continue to improve and enhance our ability to foster shared decision making, the language we utilize to discuss treatments becomes important. Presently, we use the terms “risks” and benefits” in our conversations. However, risks are often unknown, and the benefits seem to be a given. And in actuality, neither statement is valid. When communicating risks, it… Read More »
With the recent legislative enactment of the 2016 Cures Act, I personally have received several comments and concerns. On the surface, the concept of information transparency is paramount as we move towards a more consumer-driven approach. As a patient, I should have immediate access to my information since it pertains to me and I wish to know what… Read More »
As we continue to grapple with various disease states like obesity and diabetes, which impact a significant number of people, our ability to change human behaviors is minimal. We continuously design interventions that include education and behavioral modification with limited results. In essence, we appear to be attempting to prevent water from streaming out of the hose by… Read More »
Recently, there is a tremendous amount of focus on the value of social interventions and healthcare costs. To be of optimal help to the greater society, it is important for us to thoroughly understand how to investigate the value of such interventions. In the journal, Health Affairs, a recent study by Kangovi et al. investigates the return on… Read More »
As we continue to focus on value-based care, with special attention put on the social needs of those we serve, how these investments occur becomes paramount. Historically, the buckets of allocated dollars for social needs lived in the public health sector, either by governmental or philanthropic funding. However, as we move towards value-based payment models, other delivery entities… Read More »
As healthcare delivery has evolved, we have developed a greater understanding that social factors have a big impact on health and wellness. As a result, healthcare systems are grappling with the question of how to address this dilemma. Numerous organizations focus on our communities’ social needs, and yet, others believe policy changes will drive a healthier society. In… Read More »
As we continue to focus on the social determinants of health, we spend a significant amount of attention on the financial support needed for nutrition assistance. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest food and nutrition assistance program, tasked with improving food security among low-income households. This program works by providing fiscal supplements to low-income households.… Read More »
Interestingly, when we examine the effect of malpractice liability, we first must recall why it is in existence. It was designed to serve three functions: compensate patients injured by negligence, promote corrective justice by providing a mechanism to rectify wrongful losses caused by defendants and to deter negligent behavior. In theory, deterring negligence should enhance health care quality… Read More »
As the COVID pandemic unfolded, both healthcare and our educational systems pivoted quickly to a digital model of providing services. These digital touchpoints that are patient-facing, encompass patient portals and mobile health apps. Moreover, these modalities are an additional method for sharing information, as well as a means of providing a front end for telehealth services. Unfortunately, these… Read More »
Our society continually grapples with the concept of individualism and its impact; COVID-19 brings this conversation to the forefront. Furthermore, numerous people equate the discussions concerning masking and stay-at-home orders to politics; however, at the core of the conversation are the ideas of risk, probability, social justice, and individuality. At the individual level, several people are risk-averse, while… Read More »