How Could This Happen?

This week, the administration of Broward General Medical Center announced that a nurse had been reusing single-use IV tubing and saline bags. This problem had gone on for years, putting patients at risk for infectious diseases. Upon learning of the problem through the compliance hotline, the hospital acted responsibly. But one can’t help but ask, “How could this happen?” More importantly, we must ask, “How could this have gone on so long?” READ THE FULL STORY via the Better Hospitals Blog.

Hospitals Face Three Major Changes From Healthcare Reform

REIMBURSEMENT, COORDINATED CARE, INCREASED ACCOUNTABILITY

It’s difficult to predict the specifics of what health care reform will bring, but it is clear that it won’t be business as usual.

We believe that three things will be certain results of the current public debate.

First, reimbursement changes are going to increase the importance of managing the cost of delivering services. Hospitals will need to pursue operational efficiencies with a vigor that has not been widespread. Labor costs, work processes, duplication reduction, and reducing unnecessary utilization will be critical for preserving the bottom line.

READ the complete article  “Hospitals Face Three Major Changes From Healthcare Reform,” via the Better Hospitals Blog.