Patient Experience

Many digital products in behavioral health are aimed at the ‘worried well.’ Those looking to develop solutions for mental illness need to involve clinicians and patients in designing products.

The watchdog organization released its fall 2022 Hospital Safety Grades, and it’s the 10th year of the group’s report cards. Hospitals made great strides before the COVID-19 pandemic, but gains have been lost.

The head of the Pennsylvania healthcare system cites the ability to invest in programs to help patients live healthier lives. And he says those efforts are paying off.

It’s another sign of the evolving healthcare market. Walgreens Boots Alliance CEO Roz Brewer called it ‘transformational for our U.S. Healthcare segment.’

Ian Manners, chief strategy officer of TailorMed, talked with us about the company’s work with health systems and lessons for hospitals in helping patients manage big medical bills.

Researchers found an automated, 30-day text messaging program engaged patients and lowered their odds of needing acute care services.

Health systems are reporting unusually early surges of the respiratory virus, and they are worried about the possibility of rising flu and COVID-19 cases.

More than 4,500 hospitals were analyzed across 17 different specialty areas. The group says it hopes consumers use the rankings to make informed choices.

Researchers found racial disparities are evident in the treatment of patients for advanced heart failure. The gap could be due to racial bias, they said.

The new system has been plagued with problems and drawn the ire of lawmakers. The Department of Veterans Affairs says it’s working with Oracle Cerner to resolve the issues.

Millions of women live in areas with no access or limited access to maternity care because of the closure of hospitals or obstetric care units, the March of Dimes says.

Roughly a quarter of residents exhibit PTSD, suggesting many need treatment, or never got the help they needed. Policy makers should consider early action in responding to other crises, researchers say.

Only about one-third of consumers shop around, an AKASA survey found. However, younger Americans are more apt to do their homework on healthcare prices.

The Pennsylvania system sets tangible goals and is seeing progress. WellSpan’s Mike Seim spoke with Chief Healthcare Executive about closing disparities.

It’s Penn State Health’s second new hospital in a year. Joseph Frank of Penn State Health talked with Chief Healthcare Executive about building a staff and planning for growth.

Typically, women earn 80 cents for every dollar earned by men. Closing the disparity in pay would improve health outcomes in women, advocates say.

Consumers are saying they want more involvement with their providers as they seek to manage their health. That’s a key takeaway from a new report by Kaufman Hall.

A panel of physicians and leaders in the field expressed enthusiasm for AI’s possible benefits for patients. They also said solutions must be designed with health equity in mind.

The medical center teamed with Rimidi, an Atlanta firm, to track postpartum patients and identify those at higher risk for stroke or other complications.

More than 370 companies, hospitals and healthcare organizations are urging Congress to extend waivers for virtual care.

Executives of health systems said they’re reducing services due to losses. Some are closing beds and delaying procedures, while patients are seeing long waits in emergency departments.

In the second part of an interview with Chief Healthcare Executive, he says he hopes health leaders are moving with urgency on their digital transformation.

Researchers with the Mayo Clinic found virtual diagnoses typically matched in-person examinations, although the results were better in specialty care than primary care.

Hospitals cannot afford outdated digital portals, poor communication with patients or a clunky billing process that puts the onus on the patient.

Millions of Americans suffer from visual impairments, and many are having trouble using telehealth services.