A few months ago, I was having lunch with a friend. He mentioned a recent outpatient surgery that he had and indicated that upon being discharged, he was given a prescription for 30 pain pills. Although the recovery was uncomfortable, the pain was not overwhelming. But, as a precaution, it was assumed that he needed this powerful pain relief to be available even after he told the provider that he …
Our role as parents in the opioid epidemic
A little ways back, I was at a gathering of friends and family and was in the kitchen setting out a dish of black bean and quinoa dip. Suddenly, I heard someone from behind me exclaim: “What is that? If that’s something healthy, I am not eating it.”
Although somewhat intended as a joke, there was no doubt a truthfulness to what was said, just as exists in similar comments which …
Here’s why we don’t care about our health
It happened again. Yesterday, I was charting on the recently launched streamlined version of our electronic health records and a new note popped up in the right lower corner of the screen:
“Welcome to (our new texting system). Now you can instantly and securely text about patient care with all of your colleagues.”
A few seconds later, a message popped up. “You have one unread message.” As with most other communication systems, …
The communication revolution in health care may be doing more harm than good
One of the biggest topics today in the health care field is that of meaningful use. Meaningful use is defined as using certified electronic health record (EHR) technology to improve quality, safety, efficiency, and reduce health disparities. The promise is that meaningful use will help improve patient and provider communication and increase care coordination while maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of patients.
However, serious questions are emerging about whether this is …
Meaningful use creates meaningless strife
“Binge-Watching Television Spikes Blood Clot Risk.”
This was the headline of a recent article that came out in MD Magazine. The researchers looked at over 86,000 participants in regards to their risk of developing blood clots as it pertains to the amount of television they watch. The average American watches five hours of television a day. Findings indicate that those who watch television more than five hours a day are …
How the almighty norm can dilute advice we give and receive
Dear health care industry:
I think we have a serious problem, and I think we both deserve some of the blame. Over the last couple of decades, I the patient have been demanding many things of you: reduced wait times, increased access to medications and procedures, more luxurious and colorful accommodations, and numerous scheduling conveniences among other things.
Meanwhile, I have watched as an industry long-based on the revered call of service …
Dear health care industry: Give me what I need, not what I want
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