OSHA Let Employers Decide Whether to Report Healthcare Worker Deaths. Many Didn’t.
Workplace safety regulators have taken a lenient stance toward employers during the pandemic, giving them broad discretion to decide internally whether to report worker deaths. As a result, scores of deaths were not reported to occupational safety officials from the earliest days of the pandemic through late October.
CMS ‘Flexibilities’ Aim to Expand Hospital Capacity
Six health systems have been approved for the new waivers and include Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Huntsman Cancer Institute; Massachusetts General Hospital; Mount Sinai Health System; Presbyterian Healthcare Services; and UnityPoint Health. CMS expects new applications to be submitted.
HHS is Looking for Your Pandemic Success Stories
CMS and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has published a request for information on “Effective and Innovative Approaches/Best Practices in Health Care in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.”
How to Address Interprofessional Conflicts Involving Female Surgeons
Earlier research has shown female surgeons experience less achievement, more dissatisfaction, and higher levels of burnout compared to male surgeons. Interprofessional conflict has been associated with workplace dissatisfaction and stress, and earlier research indicates women are more likely than men to experience interprofessional conflict.
Coronavirus Survey: Primary Care Practices Face Ongoing Strain During Pandemic
The new survey, which was conducted by the Primary Care Collaborative, The Larry A. Green Center, and 3rd Conversation, features information collected from more than 580 primary care clinicians in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Guam. The survey was conducted from Oct. 16 to Oct. 19.
Docs Say Telehealth Provides Effective Access During Pandemic
The 48-question survey was conducted between July 13 and August 15. Most respondents (87%) were medical doctors and 13% were nurse practitioners, psychologists, physician assistants, and social workers.
PSQH: The Podcast Episode 16 – The Challenges of PPE Use and Improving Worker Communication
On episode 16 of PSQH: The Podcast, host Jay Kumar talks to Dr. Benjamin Kanter about the challenges of PPE use and how technology can help improve communication with frontline workers dealing with COVID-19 patients. This episode is in partnership with Vocera.
AMA Sets New Policies on Bullying Prevention in Healthcare and Racism
According to The Joint Commission, intimidating and disruptive behavior in healthcare settings is associated with medical errors, poor patient satisfaction, and preventable adverse outcomes. In June, the AMA Board of Trustees recognized the health consequences of violent police interactions and called racism an urgent threat to public health.
TJC: Revised Survey Process and Tougher Job for LSC Surveyors
During one of the ever-popular sessions at the American Society for Health Care Engineering annual conference, top TJC executives reviewed problems and solutions, and offered a rundown of what facility and compliance managers can look forward to during upcoming surveys.
Sleep Disorders in Healthcare Professionals Linked to Higher Odds of Burnout
The recent research article, which was published by JAMA Open Network, features data collected from more than 1,000 staff members at an academic medical center. Healthcare professionals were assessed for obstructive sleep apnea, insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and shift work disorder. Burnout was assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory.