Medical Practice News

Doctors: Skeptical About Health Law, Optimistic About Future Of Medicine

(Wall Street Journal) Doctors are overextended, skeptical of changes wrought by the federal health law, but more optimistic about the future of medicine than they were two years ago, according to a new survey of 20,000 U.S. physicians. Despite many specific complaints, 71% of those polled said they would choose to become doctors again if they were making the choice today, up from 66% two years ago. And 50% would recommend it to their children, compared with 42% in 2012 and 40% in 2008… Respondents to the survey, conducted every two years by the nonprofit Physicians Foundation, were younger, more likely to be female and more likely to be employed by a hospital or health system than in past years, reflecting industry trends.

No Time To See The Doctor? Try A Virtual Visit

(Wall Street Journal) Patients looking for convenient medical appointments can now see UCLA Health System doctors using their cell phones, computers or tablets. It’s part of an ongoing effort at UCLA and elsewhere to extend alternatives to the in-person doctor visit to busy consumers outside rural areas.

Patients Waiting Too Long to See the Doctor? Try 'Just-in-Time' Management Methods, Researchers Urge

(Science Daily) Using a pain clinic as a testing ground, researchers have shown that a management process first popularized by Toyota in Japan can substantially reduce patient wait times and possibly improve the teaching of interns and residents.

Nurses Need Education on Advance Health Care Directives

(Science Daily) An educational program for nurses can help address knowledge gaps related to advance health care directives -- thus helping to ensure that patients' wishes for care at the end of life are known and respected, report researchers.

Good Home Care by Nurses Prevents Hospital, Nursing Home Admissions

(Science Daily) In the largest study of its kind, an investigation shows that home health agencies providing organizational support to their nurses get better outcomes. The best outcomes for patients, including fewest hospitalizations and transfers to nursing homes, are achieved by home health agencies that provide supportive work environments, enabling nurses to focus on patient care.

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