The problems with patient feedback forms and how to fix them

Physician
September 16, 2015

We’ve all seen them: those once paper but increasingly digital forms that enthusiastically request our feedback. “Tell us how we’re doing,” they cheerfully announce, or, “Help us improve!”

Some of us even send them out as part of our practices or health systems or educational programs.

We also fill them out, both as regular citizens and as clinicians. Or we mean to. I certainly try to, with some exceptions. Recently, I deleted …

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The problems with patient feedback forms and how to fix them

10 potential benefits of robot caregivers

Tech
August 10, 2014

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My recent New York Times op-ed on robot caregivers for older adults has elicited curiosity, enthusiasm and controversy.

I have to admit that my own first reaction to the topic was captured in the Times’ letter from Sherry Turkle whom I mention in the piece. I was in a meeting and turned to a colleague, clumsily patted her on the back and said, “It … …

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10 potential benefits of robot caregivers

Why physicians need to write

Physician
May 21, 2013

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Should doctors be able to write?

At first glance, this might seem like a question with an easy answer.

Yes, you might say, doctors receive a doctorate and are trusted with communicating to and about people at critical moments in their lives. Or you could reply, No, they are scientists and so need to be functional communicators able to write basic notes and prescriptions, and …

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Why physicians need to write

Where can doctors publish literary writing?

Physician
March 29, 2013

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There are many ways to write about health, medicine, and health care. And there are many people – patients, caregivers, policymakers, pundits, thought leaders, and health professionals – in a position to do so.

Fortunately, the world also offers a similar and growing diversity of places in which to publish this sort of work.

My focus today is more, well, literary.

I know the word “literary” often …

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Where can doctors publish literary writing?

Medical journals that accept stories and essays from physicians

Physician
March 6, 2013

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Health and health care are hot topics lately, and not just for journalists and bloggers debating Obamacare. Suddenly – or so it seems; in fact the trend has been building for years – people from all walks of life want to read about medicine.

Within medicine, a majority of journals now have essay, viewpoint, or perspectives sections. Not only are such sections frequently …

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Medical journals that accept stories and essays from physicians

2 missed opportunities to teach fall prevention

Conditions
February 14, 2013

Two famous American women. Two missed opportunities for improved quality of care and patient safety in America.

In December, it was Hillary Clinton and in January, Barbara Walters. Both women fell, hit their heads, and ended up in the hospital. In each case, the focus of the media coverage reflected one of the biggest flaws in our American approach to medicine: readers and viewers learned about the costly and relatively high-tech …

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2 missed opportunities to teach fall prevention