Why You Should Complete an Advance Directive Today
In the event you were in an accident and unable to speak on your own behalf, what medical choices would you want your family to make? It’s a difficult question…
Have You Asked Your Patient About Their Needs, Values, Preferences and Goals Today?
Mom had a total knee replacement surgery on Friday, and I’m happy to report she is doing great. She trained for surgery, doing as much pre-surgical physical therapy in the…
A Parent’s Anguish, Ovarian Tumor at Age 10
I have become very involved in my son’s school here in Barcelona and go there two mornings a week to take a Spanish class. I am usually there early and,…
Hospital Readmissions
Austin Frakt has been doing an excellent job of reviewing the literature on this subject. This is from an overview of his recent posts: Austin Frakt has been doing an…
Health Insurance Unaffordable for Smokers?
Smoking penalty: Individual health care coverage could become unaffordable for many people is the headline of an Associated Press editorial masquerading as a news story. The gist of the piece…
What if Disney Ran Your Hospital?
Fred Lee blended his experiences with Disney and hospitals and wrote a very thought provoking book. In it, he questions some longstanding beliefs and misguided approaches. Anyone with an interest…
When Pound Foolish Hurts
The following story is by James Bliwas from Ohio , a winner of the 2012 Costs of Care Essay Contest.When my 40-year old sister was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer, her…
Mobile Health Around the Globe: Kognito Simulation Training
Kognito develops simulation training programs in the areas of health and behavioral health. These programs are available online or through mobile devices and allow the user to role play, talking…
What Would You Do?
A text lights up my phone late in the evening. It's from someone who is a patient but we've been together for so many years I consider her a friend.…
ECT–The Less Than Shocking Story, Part I
Why write about ECT today? Isn’t it yesterday’s news? Actually, in the words of health writer Melissa Dahl (msnbc.com, 8.6.2008), “the practice has been making a quiet comeback.” Why write…
