Action For Better Healthcare

A forum to identify, discuss, confront, and propose solutions to complex healthcare issues

Feeding tube death highlights need for change

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

By Kester Freeman
Former CEO, Palmetto Health
There was a case several years ago that involves a mistake involving a feeding tube being coupled with a tube that entered a pregnant woman’s vein, instead of with the tube that entered her stomach. It is such a sad story that not only led to the woman’s death but also [...]


Tips for meeting “meaningful use” rules

Tuesday, July 27th, 2010

By Mike Stephens
Former CEO, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian
Hospitals and health systems across the country are trying to figure out how they will meet meaningful use rules in order to qualify for federal incentive payments in return for installing electronic medical record (EMR) systems. But experts warn we should not be focused on the financial reimbursement [...]


Should hospitals run like a factory?

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

By Jennifer Mitchell
Editor, Action for Better Healthcare
At Seattle’s Children’s Hospital something is taking place that other hospitals may be able to learn from and this, according to some nurses, is leading to better care for patients.
There once was a time when a nurse working in intensive care at the hospital would need certain supplies and [...]


Is the medical device industry willing to follow the rules?

Friday, July 2nd, 2010

By Kester Freeman
Former CEO, Palmetto Health
The Sunshine Act finally became law when Congress passed healthcare reform legislation just a few months ago. The Sunshine Act is a mandate that, in theory, is supposed to require corporations to make the consulting contracts and gifts they disburse public. But I question whether the mandate really has any [...]


Breast cancer study looks at single dose of radiation

Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010

By Jennifer Mitchell
Editor, Action for Better Healthcare
A recent study involving several thousand women examines the potential of offering a single dose of radiation to breast cancer patients and whether it is safe and effective. Study authors say initial results show promise. Others say further studies are needed to truly understand whether this new approach will [...]