Archive for March, 2012

Improving Communication in Nursing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Hospitals can deliver a higher quality of care when nurses and physicians work together as partners,” says Michael Rothman, Chief Executive Officer, Rothman Healthcare Corporation. A nurse’s assessment of a patient’s condition is often overlooked by physicians, when instead it could be leveraged, he adds.    

From a solution provider company at the upcoming marcus evans National Healthcare CNO Summit Spring 2012, in Hollywood, Florida, April 26-27, Rothman discusses the immense contribution that nurses make to patient care. 

Why must physicians look beyond patients’ vital signs when assessing their condition?

Often times, a person’s health starts going downhill, but their vital signs remain within acceptable limits. Nurses frequently notice this deterioration when a patient loses his appetite, becomes confused, has trouble walking or builds up fluid in his extremities, however many physicians overlook the nurse’s assessment and instead focus on vital signs and lab results. 

The Rothman Index provides a single score that is calculated for each patient using observations that nurses enter into their Electronic Health Record (EHR) system. With this quantification of patient condition, nurses have more confidence in speaking up and telling physicians what is going on. In general, communication between nurses and doctors is poor; it must be enhanced to improve the quality of patient care.

How is the score for each patient calculated?

We look at measurements that are commonly available at hospitals, such as vital signs, lab tests and nursing assessments. Nurses go through a very structured evaluation process to asses the patient’s condition and then fill out the assessment in an EHR system. We then calculate the overall measure of the condition, and assess it from 0 – 100. This provides an absolute number and shows if the patient is getting better or worse overtime. 

This is also one of the pieces of information used when making discharge decisions. If the patient has a score of 60 today, but was 70 yesterday, his or her condition is heading into the wrong direction. The graph helps nurses and doctors understand the patient’s acuity level, and if it is getting better or worse. 

Why should there be better communication between nurses and physicians?

About half of a hospital’s operating budget goes to nursing, and if that hospital has an EHR system in place, half of the nurse’s time is spent on a computer, entering information and documenting. Unfortunately, nobody takes advantage of this information that is entered, at significant costs to the hospital.

Physicians often overlook nursing data, a measure of longitudinal information about a patient’s condition. Hospitals must condense this data so that it is easily absorbed when making rounds, in order to leverage the efforts of nurses for the benefit of the patient.

Contact: Stacey Melvin, Journalist, marcus evans, Summits Division

Tel: + 357 22 849 400
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com

About the National Healthcare CNO Summit Spring 2012

This unique forum will take place at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, Florida, April 26-27, 2012. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes presentations on the healthcare reform, nursing in the era of meaningful use and improving patient care. 

For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website

marcus evans group – healthcare sector portal

Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.

About Rothman Healthcare Corporation

Rothman Healthcare Corporation is committed to improving the quality and efficacy of patient care with innovative, patient-centric software that enables healthcare professionals to easily access critical and actionable patient health data. The Rothman Index generates a graph of patient condition that allows for greater continuity and quality of care while reducing costs.

www.rothmanhealthcare.com

About marcus evans Summits

marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-on-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com

All rights reserved. The above content may be republished or reproduced. Kindly inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com

Globalization in the Medical Device Sector

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“US medical device manufacturers have been able to shorten time to market by re-locating clinical research to non-US markets like Europe and Australia, and now to emerging markets, such as South America and Asia,” says Thomas M. Loarie, Executive Chairman, Mercator – MedSystems. The globalization of the medical device industry has created a great deal of competition, making it difficult for organizations to keep up, he adds.
 
A speaker at the upcoming marcus evans Medical Device Manufacturing Summit Spring 2012 and Medical Device R&D Summit Spring 2012, Loarie discusses why companies are re-locating clinical research and manufacturing.   

What does it take to prosper in today’s competitive marketplace?

The medical device manufacturing and research and development (R&D) sectors are extremely complex. Young companies are facing financial challenges, as there has been a reduction in capital available for early stage companies.

In addition, there are product development issues with the FDA. While many medical device executives speak of the need for predictability and transparency, capital and time to market are their key concerns.

US manufacturers have been able to shorten time to market by re-locating clinical research to Europe and Australia and now are shifting to emerging markets, such as South America and Asia. The globalization that has come from this has created immense competition. The Chinese government has stated that it wants to be the world leader in medical technology by 2020, and is  providing incentives and has pricing protection polices that are  making it difficult for companies outside of China to price competitively. We will begin to see innovative and affordable products coming out of Asia that will be a major threat to US companies.

Why are companies choosing to manufacture devices offshore?

Companies with labor intensive processes are always looking for production workers that are paid at lower rates, in countries such as Mexico and Costa Rica. Ireland, however, is bidding for US high-skilled manufacturing and is providing tax incentives for automation processes that require engineering support. It is becoming more and more attractive to manufacture offshore, as the FDA is imposing heavy taxes on medical products.

Are medical devices becoming more portable?

The Healthcare Reform Act is placing a strong focus on Accountable Care Organizations, forcing doctors, clinics and physicians to work together, as a continuum in patient care, as they will share the financial risks and rewards of each patient. Patients are moving out of assisted care and back into the home setting, which will lead to a need for smaller and more efficient devices.

Looking forward, pharmacies and drug stores will become major access points in healthcare with regards to blood tests and shots. Organizations will start making wireless and small devices for drug stores to use, putting the viability of large laboratories in jeopardy.

What is your outlook on the future? What should medical device executives prepare for?

Medical device manufacturers must pay more attention to the Healthcare Reform Act, as there are major plans underway for re-structuring the system. A single healthcare bill can make or break an organization. 

Contact: Stacey Melvin, Journalist, marcus evans, Summits Division

Tel: + 357 22 849 400
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com

For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event websites below:

Medical Device Manufacturing Summit Spring 2012

Medical Device R&D Summit Spring 2012

marcus evans group – manufacturing sector portal

Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.

About marcus evans Summits

marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-on-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com

All rights reserved. The above content may be republished or reproduced. Kindly inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com

Easing Nurses’ Workloads through Innovative Medical Equipment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Many nurses feel that the traditional hospital bed is unnecessarily complex and sometimes struggle to operate it,” says Colin Bain, President & Chief Executive Officer, Linet Americas. Beds must be simple to operate and designed to ensure safety to both the nurse and patient, he adds.

From a solution provider company at the marcus evans National Healthcare CNO Summit Spring 2012, taking place in Hollywood, Florida, April 26-27, Bain shares his expertise on the safety features of hospital beds that healthcare Chief Nursing Officers (CNOs) should be aware of.

How can medical equipment simplify caregiving?

Market research has shown that nurses feel that the traditional hospital bed is unnecessarily complex and overcomplicated, and it can be a challenge to operate it correctly. The nurse’s job must be made easier through a more simple design with fewer buttons that can perform multiple functions at once.

By having control systems located all around the bed, the nurse will be able to access the controls at the right place and time. We have designed a bed to help nurses provide quality care for their patients.

What is wrong with the traditional hospital bed?

We have changed the fundamental architecture of patient beds. By simplifying the design of the product, hospital beds can become 30 – 40 per cent lighter in weight, making it easier to transport and mobilize in the hospital. This will also reduce back injuries and other risks that nurses face. Our bed is mobile like a transport stretcher, but comfortable like a bed. This unique combination can eliminate many lateral patient transfers that can sometimes introduce unnecessary risks to patients and caregivers.

Our bed features a vertical telescoping motor that moves the bed up and down more efficiently, and we have eliminated additional levers and mechanisms under the bed, making the bed much lighter and more mobile than traditional products. This basic construction also provides for easy cleaning for infection control.

What are some of the safety features you believe are important in medical equipment?

The government has issued “Never Events”; these are issues that should not happen in a hospital, such as patient falls and pressure ulcers. Innovative product designs can help address these issues. For example, when it comes to fall prevention, one of the biggest issues in the patient room is when the bed is not securely locked, meaning that the wheels are not in brake mode. To solve this problem, our beds have an automatic breaking system, where if the bed is not locked in place, the bed will brake the wheels automatically after three minutes, limiting the potential risk of falls when a patient is getting in or out of bed.

How can hospitals improve patient care while reducing costs?

It is a challenging time for hospitals in the US due to the economic environment, reimbursement pressures and capital budgets being as tight as they have been. CNOs must look at things differently. We cannot continue managing the way we have done in the past and expect better results. By exploring alternatives and taking a look at new, innovative technologies like what Linet is offering, CNOs can help improve the cost and quality of care. 

What is your outlook on the healthcare sector?

Patients are heavier and sicker than ever before and this will continue to put more pressure on the caregiver. We have to figure out how to care for and address the needs of this new patient population. 

Medical equipment must be able to perform to CNOs’ particular needs. We are seeing some important care practice changes occur throughout the market to help effectively address the emerging trends. Having partnered with healthcare professionals from all over the world, we believe that we have designed products that will most appropriately help nurses cope with the increasingly demanding care environment.

Contact: Stacey Melvin, Journalist, marcus evans, Summits Division

Tel: + 357 22 849 400
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com

About the National Healthcare CNO Summit Spring 2012

This unique forum will take place at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, Florida, April 26-27, 2012. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes presentations on the healthcare reform, nursing in the era of meaningful use and improving patient care. 

For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website

marcus evans group – healthcare sector portal

Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.

About Linet Americas

Linet is an international leader in healthcare technology. Founded in 1990, Linet has patient beds installed in over 100 countries and is now considered one of the most dynamic companies in the healthcare field. The company’s U.S. headquarters is based in Charlotte. N.C. Linet products, recognized for low ownership costs and simple maintenance – combined with innovative designs that offer maximum safety for patients and caregivers alike, Linet is striving to make a positive impact on healthcare.  

Please visit www.linetamericas.com or www.multicarebed.com for more information.

About marcus evans Summits

marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-on-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com

All rights reserved. The above content may be republished or reproduced. Kindly inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com

Improving Office Efficiency in Healthcare  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Healthcare Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) can increase their organization’s revenue by having an automated system that reminds patients of appointments, annual exams, customer satisfaction surveys, compliancy issues, and when they have a balance overdue,” says Cassie Butler, Sales and Development Manager, PhoneTree®. This would allow receptionists to take care of patients in the waiting room, decreasing patient wait time.

From a solution provider company at the upcoming marcus evans National Healthcare CFO Summit Spring 2012 and National Healthcare CFO Summit Fall 2012, Butler shares her thoughts on bringing in revenue through increased office efficiency.

How can hospitals become more efficient? 

Hospitals are currently handling patient appointments inefficiently. Staff are calling each patient to remind them of their appointment and often do not get an answer, and unfortunately it is hard enough to make the calls during the day, so there definitely is no time for a retry, or calling a secondary number. Having an automated messaging system in place could take care of this and allow staff to take care of patients in the waiting room, decreasing patient wait time and the time spent handling incoming calls. 

Phone messages can be left for the patient on a home phone, or a cell phone along with a text message and an email, to ensure they are not only reminded of their upcoming appointments, but that they do not forget. This technique is called Audio Visual Impression Paring. The messaging system allows two way communication, so patients can press 0 to transfer to a live person in the hospital.

How can Healthcare CFOs increase practice revenue?

Healthcare CFOs can increase their organization’s revenue by having an automated system that reminds patients of upcoming appointments, recalls patients for follow up exams, and help to collect overdue balances. This allows staff who were previously doing these tasks to work more efficiently within the practice. 

In order for revenue to come in, patients must show up. A doctor may have ten appointments per day, but if two patients do not come, a lot of money and time is lost. Decreasing no-show patients is critical.

What can be done to guarantee repeat patients? 

In today’s economic climate, healthcare providers must ensure patients return. Loyalty can be produced by creating a strong relationship with patients and treating them like customers through outreach programs, recall programs, and continued patient to practice interaction. Patients like to feel important; they want to feel like they are being heard, so communication is crucial. Nobody goes back to a hospital that is cold, clinical and non-human like.

By sending patients happy birthday and holiday wishes, pre-care and post-care instructions and customized messages about their annual exams, it shows that the hospital cares enough to reach out to them. It is not just about taking their money because they came for an annual visit, but a way of showing that they recognize them as human beings. 

Any final comments?

Healthcare CFOs must improve office efficiency, information tracking and reporting within their hospitals. Staff are currently wasting time on processes that can easily be solved through automated systems.

Contact: Stacey Melvin, Journalist, marcus evans, Summits Division

Tel: + 357 22 849 400
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com

For more information on the National Healthcare CFO Summit Spring 2012 and the National Healthcare CFO Summit Fall 2012, please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event websites

marcus evans group – finance/insurance sector portal

The Finance Network – marcus evans Summits group delivers peer-to-peer information on strategic matters, professional trends and breakthrough innovations.

Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.

About PhoneTree®

PhoneTree® HealthWave automated messaging solutions send messages by phone, text, and email and are customizable to meet your specific needs. Drive efficiency, increase revenue, and enhance patient relations. A HealthWave solution will work with any Windows based practice management system. We have superior in-house customer support, and your satisfaction is guaranteed.

www.phonetree.com 

About marcus evans Summits

marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-on-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com 

All rights reserved. The above content may be republished or reproduced. Kindly inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com

Minimizing the Cost of Risks in LTC Facilities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities must take measures to prevent, mitigate and control lawsuits, as they are driving up their costs, including the cost of insurance, according to Edward Sims, President, TIS Insurance Services, Inc.

From an insurance agency attending the upcoming marcus evans Long-Term Care CXO Summit Spring 2012, Sims discusses how to minimize the long-term costs of risks in LTC facilities. 

How can LTC facilities reduce their costs?

LTC facilities get sued quite often. The resulting payouts on those claims and settlements are having a significant impact on costs, including insurance costs. Decreasing revenues from Medicare and Medicaid is already a problem for this industry. They cannot afford expensive insurance packages nor lawsuits, so they must be able to prevent, mitigate and control them.

What should they do to get the best possible risk management program for their needs?

In this day of increased litigation, fraudulent workers’ compensation claims and irregular and catastrophic property losses, it is critical that they deal with an insurance or risk management broker who specializes in this class of business and knows the related risks. A general insurance broker will not necessarily have the right expertise or registered nurses who can provide clinical risk management services and help prevent and/or minimize professional liabilities. In addition, their access to the insurance market that caters to this industry will be limited.

How do you design a risk management program?

The key here is information. The more we know about our clients’ operations, the more we can do for them. We want to know and analyze detailed survey and historical claim/loss history. Location of facilities is important (some states are highly prone to litigation in this arena). Current insurance coverage information is important as we have seen large losses be uncovered. This allows us to determine the right insurance carrier or alternative risk mechanism.

Our nurses develop the risk management program with clients, incorporating tools such as risk analysis, underwriting analysis, specific loss prevention protocols, risk assessment field visits, education, training, critical risk seminars, facility audits for major liability claims and crisis management. Our risk management team includes dedicated claim representatives so that when a loss does occur, communication and gathering of factual information can be managed appropriately and expeditiously. These are the types of risk management services that we custom design based on the client.

Despite tough circumstances, how can LTC facilities ensure they remain patient focused?

Quality patient care should be their number one concern. Many think they are patient centered, but in reality they have lost sight of that at the expense of greater profits. The revenue cuts I spoke of earlier are not helping. Delivering patient care is dependent on having good staff doing the things they need to do to take care of patients. One goal of a good risk management program is to ensure employees are equipped with knowledge and skills to succeed. The end result is a win-win outcome: reduced insurance costs and better care to residents while insulating the organization from risk, negligence, liability or injury to residents.

Contact: Sarin Kouyoumdjian-Gurunlian, Press Manager, marcus evans, Summits Division

Tel: + 357 22 849 313
Email: press@marcusevanscy.com

About the Long-Term Care CXO Summit Spring 2012

Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The Summit includes presentations on the Health Care Reform, innovative quality improvement, and staff recruitment and retention strategies.

For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website

marcus evans group – healthcare sector portal 

Please note that the Summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.

About TIS Insurance Services Inc.

TIS HealthCare Services provides a personalized approach to insurance product design that merges traditional and innovative healthcare solutions. HCS is staffed with individuals who know healthcare, are active in various industry associations, and who continually explore alternative and innovative risk transfer techniques. HCS provides Property, General / Professional Liability, Alternative Risk Solutions, Workers’ Compensation, Employee Benefits, and Clinical Risk Management for over 800 LTC facilities throughout the country.

For more information: www.tisins.com

About marcus evans Summits

marcus evans Summits are high level business forums for the world’s leading decision-makers to meet, learn and discuss strategies and solutions. Held at exclusive locations around the world, these events provide attendees with a unique opportunity to individually tailor their schedules of keynote presentations, think tanks, seminars and one-on-one business meetings. For more information, please visit www.marcusevans.com 

All rights reserved. The above content may be republished or reproduced. Kindly inform us by sending an email to press@marcusevanscy.com