Leadership

Now is the time for healthcare organizations to assess what worked and what didn’t, says Michelle Machon of Kaiser Permamente.

Most executives say burnout and staff shortages are hurting patient safety, according to the Hospital Patient Safety Report by VigiLanz. Some say they are leading to patient deaths.

Physicians have lost a lot of autonomy and are spending more time on bureaucratic tasks. Healthcare executives can take steps to ease the burdens on doctors.

Counties with above-average Black, Hispanic and American Indian populations have been most likely to lose rural hospitals, according to a new study.

Scammers are trying to get victims on the phone to download malware, according to a new report. Email attacks continue to rise and executives are being targeted more often.

Due to insufficient planning, some costs are being passed onto patients, according to the study by Syntellis. Leaders are also worried about COVID-19 variants and staffing shortages.

The conference highlighted exciting opportunities for technology to dramatically improve healthcare, along with some formidable obstacles. Here are nine key takeaways from a memorable week.

Businesses are going to have more diverse workforces if they want to survive. But they key is giving women and members of minority groups a seat at the table.

In other news, the Memorial Healthcare System's chief executive plans to step down, and Methodist Hospital in San Antonio gets a new COO.

People could lose access to care in areas that are already underserved, says Diane Swonk, chief economist of Grant Thornton.

At a panel moderated by Scott Pelley of ’60 Minutes,’ three top experts said healthcare leaders must show their workers they are truly valued. Otherwise, expect the worker shortage to get worse.

In other executive news, an Ohio system names a chief digital health officer, CareFirst hires a chief diversity officer, and others are tapped for new posts.

Coke, and much of corporate America, surpasses healthcare in measuring and disclosing environmental impacts.

Tower Health closed two hospitals and another suitor dropped its bid to purchase the facilities in the Philadelphia suburbs. Local officials hope to find a new organization to reopen the hospitals.

The providers are coming together in the newly formed Evolve Health Alliance. Officials say they will help each other with staffing needs and exchange ideas to improve operations.

The spending package would offer a five-month extension on telehealth waivers. It would also support more money for medical research, including a new agency proposed by President Biden.

The department has announced a three-month period of increased inspections beginning today. Officials say they are focusing on ‘high-hazard’ facilities treating COVID-19 patients.

Thomas Sequist explains why his mission to improve health equity is very personal.

The initiative aims to spur innovation and healthcare solutions to help underserved communities.

The Delaware-based system announced its intent to buy Crozer last month. While ChristianaCare enjoys a strong reputation, the deal carries some risks.

Sen. Tim Kaine, who says he has some mild symptoms two years after being infected, has sponsored the bill. The White House also aims to do more research as part of its new COVID-19 plan.

RWJBarnabas Health announces a successor to a longtime executive, a Tennessee provider gets a new CEO, and other systems choose new leaders.

Most said authorization requirements have increased over the past year. Healthcare practices and doctors say the process is hurting patient care.

The White House has outlined a number of steps to improve long-term care facilities, which have endured heavy criticism during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The group examined hospitals with the highest volume of coronavirus patients in the first several months of 2020. Healthgrades’ chief medical officer says it’s a way to recognize providers who delivered exceptional care.