ABQAURP News
July/August 2013
What We Communicate—A Quality Conundrum?
As patient care becomes more patient-centric, trends exist towards giving patients access to their records. Is that good for patients? Does patient access to records impact the content of their records? Are physicians and others less likely to put relevant thoughts or information into a record if a patient can read it? Will patient access to patient information erode the quality of that information? The jury is out.
The bigger question is, “What is the purpose of medical records?” Telling a patient something important? Reminding ourselves what is known about the patient next time we see him (for the purpose of follow up or new planning)? Setting a stage for the next care that may be needed, possibly from someone else? Communication of clinical findings to colleagues in order to request an opinion? Risk management and compliance?
Others have asked whether giving patients access to records means that clinicians must change language. Does changing the term “morbid obesity” to “fat” communicate the same message to the writer as well as to the reader? Will therapeutic relationships be disrupted by misunderstandings?
For me, patient records are where I think. Notes remind me of what I do and do not know about my patient, what I am considering as a therapeutic intervention, and the advice of a curbside consult that I may adhere to. As I review an old record, I think about the last visit—what I did right and what I need to do differently this time. I review my thoughts and questions as I prepare for the next encounter. My records contain thoughts and uncertainties and possibly poor grammar. Would patient access to these records silence my inner voice, and will the patient be well- or ill-served?
The question should not be whether patients should have access to clinical notes. It should be, “What information and in what format will give patients the information they need to participate in their health care in a way that works for them?” And that answer may not reside in the notes that clinicians write at all!
Please send inquiries and comments to rwillog@abqaurp.org, please include
Quality Column in the subject line.
We look forward to your participation in this new column.
ABQAURP Names New CME Committee Chair
ABQAURP proudly names Sunil K. Sinha, MD, MBA, CHCQM, to chair its committee governing continuing medical education. His track record of exemplary service and dedication to quality health care embodies the values and mission of ABQAURP and he brings new perspectives and skills to the committee.
ABQAURP gratefully thanks Joel Brill, MD, AGAF, CHCQM, for his tremendous service in this position previously.
Did you miss this year’s Annual Conference in Tampa?
Event home study courses are now available!
If you missed either “Survive and Thrive in the Changing Health Care Environment” (ABQAURP’s 36th Annual Health Care Quality and Patient Safety Conference) or our Transitions of Care and Reducing Readmissions Boot Camp, keep up with your colleagues and stay ahead of the curve with courses filled with relevant education covering:
- Reducing Rehospitalizations
- Post-Hospital Syndrome: The Key to Preventing Readmissions?
- Improving Transitions of Care
- Role of Palliative Care in Reducing Avoidable Readmissions
- Accountable Care Organizations
- Credentialing with Medicare and Other Payers
- Documentation and Coding
- Integrated Case Management
- The Hospitalist Role in Reducing Readmissions
- Project RED and Reducing Readmissions
- Florida Hospital Association’s Readmission Initiatives
- Integrating Services Across the Care Continuum
- Impact of Pharmacists and Employer-Based Medication Therapy Management Programs
- Using Data and Software Tools to Analyze Readmissions
View these and our other available home study courses:
https://www.abqaurp.org/home-study-courses.asp.
Conference attendees say…
“The ABQAURP conference focused on a timely topic, hospital readmissions, and brought leading speakers who have recently been published and who are shaping this field. I learned a great deal of information that I have already found useful in my work. Kudos to ABQAURP!”
– David G. Schulke, Vice President, Research Programs, Health Research and Educational Trust (HRET) / American Hospital Association
“ABQAURP conference hit it out of the ballpark in terms of excellence. Great speakers with great discussions.”
– Robert Beltran, MD, MBA, CHCQM, Diplomate since 1988
“It was a pleasure to attend this outstanding conference in Tampa.…In fact, I think it is the best ABQAURP conference I have attended since I became certified.”
– Kim Amon, RN, MSN, MBA, CHCQM, Diplomate since 1996
HCQM Certification
It’s Not Too Late!
We are now accepting applications for the 2013 HCQM Certification. The Exam window is currently open for this year’s examination. Don’t delay, apply today!
When deciding on a credential, you want the best, most comprehensive certification that covers the entire health care quality continuum. Choose the provider with the experience that has come to define the field of Health Care Quality and Management.
Those certified in HCQM set themselves apart from the crowd and are distinguished by superior skills; balancing appropriateness of services with cost and quality. They are not just better care providers, they are quality leaders!
Please call Barbara Chalmers at:
(800) 998-6030, extension 116 or visit
our website (www.abqaurp.org) for more information.
Announcing…
ABQAURP’s 37th Annual Health Care Quality & Patient Safety Conference
Getting Paid for Innovation and High Value Outcomes: The Path to Cost Effective, Accessible Health Care for All
Friday, May 2, 2014
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts,
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Learn more:
http://www.abqaurp.org/orlando-2014.asp
Register now for Early Registration Discount!
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ABQAURP wants to recognize members for their achievements in advancing the field of health care quality management and patient safety. Please send your news to ABQAURP by email to feature@abqaurp.org for consideration. |
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