January 2023 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review   ON THE COVER Daniel Morash, CFO, Brigham and Women's Hospital Daniel Morash has been named Boston-based Brigham and Women's Hospital's new CFO and senior vice president of finance. Cynthia Hundorfean, Chief Living Health Development Officer, Allegheny Health Network Cynthia Hundorfean has served as president and CEO of Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network since February 2016. But she is taking on a new enterprise role once the new year arrives: chief living health development officer Sven Gierlinger, Chief Experience Officer, Northwell Health Hospitals have a reputation for bland or unhealthy food, but New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health is flipping the script by hiring chefs from Michelin-star restaurants. Ellen Pollack, CIO, UCLA Health To measure an IT project's success, hospital and health system CIOs often opt for traditional metrics such as project costs, implementation timelines and the functionality delivered. But many are shifting their focus to the value it will deliver to their organizations and the outcomes and benefits to the end user.Alexa Kimball, MD, President and CEO, Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians The following executive moves made by women have been reported by Becker's since Nov. 4CMS releases final payment rules for 2023: 15 takeaway CMS has published its annual payment updates for physicians, the Medicare shared savings program and outpatient and home health services for 2023.For hospitals, 'difficult decisions' loom after months of negative margins The third quarter brought little relief to hospitals in what is shaping up to be one of their worst financial years.  Health systems zero in on exec teams           At least half a dozen health systems announced changes to their executive ranks in the past month.Ascension creates foundation to address health inequities Ascension, a 143-hospital nonprofit system based in St. Louis, has created a national philanthropic organization that will develop, support and promote health equity initiatives. Providence closes 27 retail clinics Renton, Wash.-based Providence closed all 27 of its ExpressCare retail clinics in Southern California on Nov. 17, three days after it reported a $1.1 billion operating loss for the first nine months of 2022. Duke Health CEO to depart in 2023 A. Eugene Washington, MD, president and CEO of Duke University Health System and chancellor for health affairs at Duke University, will step down from the roles in 2023. HCA reorganizing operations HCA Healthcare, a for-profit hospital operator based in Nashville, Tenn., is undergoing a reorganization that includes forming a third operating group. JPMorgan creates healthcare venture capital team JPMorgan has launched a healthcare venture capital team targeting the life sciences. Why more physicians are unionizing While labor actions during the pandemic have more often involved nurses and other healthcare professionals, physicians are increasingly involved in union activities, including votes to unionize. Is Epic's dominance good for healthcare? Epic is the biggest name in health IT and, by all accounts, only getting bigger. Cleveland Clinic to bill up to $50 for MyChart messages Cleveland Clinic will begin to bill for Epic MyChart messages requiring a provider's clinical time and expertise beginning Daniel Barchi named CIO of CommonSpirit Health Daniel Barchi has been named senior executive vice president and CIO of Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health. He had been CIO of New York City-based NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital since 2015. CFO / FINANCE Providence's operating loss grows to $1.1B for 2022 Providence, a 51-hospital system headquartered in Renton, Wash., ended the first nine months of 2022 with an operating loss of $1.1 billion, according to financial documents released CHS reports $42M net loss in Q3 Franklin, Tenn.-based Community Health Systems reported a net loss of $42 million for the third quarter amid continued high labor costs, fewer inpatient admissions, unfavorable payer issues and a generally challenging environment. Intermountain's income hits $2.2B Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare reported higher year-over-year net income for the nine months ending Sept. 30 after completing the acquisition of Broomfield, Colo.-based SCL Health on March 31 CMS releases final payment rules for 2023: 15 takeaways CMS has published its annual payment updates for physicians, the Medicare shared savings program and outpatient and home health services for 2023.  CMS penalizes 2,273 hospitals for high readmissions: 6 things to know CMS evaluated two and a half years of readmission cases for Medicare patients through the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program and penalized 2,273 hospitals that had a greater-than-expected rate of return, according to a Nov. 1 report from Kaiser Health News. CEO/STRATEGY Health systems zero in on exec team At least half a dozen health systems announced changes to their executive ranks in the past month. VCU Health CEO resigns Arthur Kellermann, MD, has resigned as health sciences senior vice president and CEO of Richmond, Va.-based VCU Health System. Duke Health CEO to depart in 2023 A. Eugene Washington, MD, president and CEO of Duke University Health System and chancellor for health affairs at Duke University, will step down from the roles in 2023. Ascension creates foundation to address health inequities Ascension, a 143-hospital nonprofit system based in St. Louis, has created a national philanthropic organization that will develop, support and promote health equity initiatives. Hospital CEO exits slow Eighty-five hospital CEOs exited their roles in the first 10 months of this year, down 10.5 percent from the 95 chiefs who stepped down from their positions in the same period of 2021, according to a Nov. 17 report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an executive outplacement and coaching firm INNOVATION Michelin-star food for the same price as frozen meals: Q&A with Northwell's Sven Gierlinger and chef Bruno Tison Hospitals have a reputation for bland or unhealthy food, but New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health is flipping the script by hiring chefs from Michelin-star restaurants. General Catalyst partners with MetroHealth, Banner Health, 7 others on digital innovation General Catalyst is partnering with nine more hospitals and health systems as the venture capital firm aims to drive healthcare's digital transformation. Mayo Clinic ranked No. 1 institution for commercializing new technologies Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic was named the top research institution for spinning off new technologies, according to economic think tank Heartland Forward, in a list that included several other health systems and hospitals. JPMorgan creates healthcare venture capital team JPMorgan has launched a healthcare venture capital team targeting the life sciences. 10 most active private equity firms in healthcare Private equity firms that invest in healthcare had a busy first quarter of 2022, continuing a series of megadeals that started last year. CMO/CARE DELIVERY Does prestige belong in medicine An air of prestige has accompanied a career in medicine for centuries. Today, those in medicine are still largely respected, but different factors — including the democratization of information, an increasingly polarized society and new care models — are changing the public's view of physicians and the patient-provider relationship.  Respect staff or seek care elsewhere: Mass General Brigham enacts patient code of conduct Somerville, Mass.-based Mass General Brigham has instituted a patient code of conduct to  protect staff from harrassment and discriminatory behavior, according to a Nov. 4 report from FOX affiliate WFXT. Where are the 14 Leapfrog 'F' hospitals? The Leapfrog Group gave 14 hospitals failing grades in its fall 2022 Hospital Safety Grades released Public health failures spurred RSV surge, nurses say The notion that rising cases of respiratory syncytial virus are due to children's lack of exposure amid masking and stay-at-home orders is "flawed conjecture that is not based on science," National Nurses United said Nov. 14. Another pandemic surge: Demand for CMOs From healthcare companies to government employers, the demand for chief medical officer roles has grown tremendously since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, according to a Nov. 13 report from Yahoo News.  CIO/HEALTH IT Where health IT salaries rank compared to other industries Healthcare ranks 14th for IT pay, with an average North American salary of $113,758, out of 23 industries analyzed in a recent report on tech employment from educational company Skillsoft. Oracle wants to create 'global' healthcare database, co-founder says Larry Ellison, the co-founder and chief technology officer of Oracle, said he wants the company to create a global healthcare database, Diginomica reported. 6 health systems choosing Oracle Cerner EHRs Oracle Cerner continues to be a major player in the EHR market. Here are six hospitals and health systems opting for Oracle Cerner that Becker's has reported on since Sept. 9: Is Epic's dominance good for healthcare? Epic is the biggest name in health IT and, by all accounts, only getting bigger. Memorial Sloan Kettering CIO leaves for Hearst Atefeh "Atti" Riazi, the former senior vice president and CIO of New York City-based Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, has been named CIO of Hearst. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP 14 women on the move in healthcare The following executive moves made by women have been reported by Becker's since Nov. 4 Pay gap widens between male, female physicians: study Male physicians receive significantly higher payments from medical companies compared with female physicians, according to a study published Sept. 28 Jama Surgery. Harvard's Dr. Alexa Kimball talks mentorship, balancing roles and toppling barriers women face Alexa Kimball, MD, is a renowned leader at Harvard Medical School — and her excellence has been recognized in more than one department. 10 best, worst states for women's equality Women in New Mexico receive the most equal treatment in the U.S. while women in Utah are on the other end of that spectrum, according to an analysis by WalletHub, a personal finance website. The pitfalls of the 'glass cliff' for women of color in leadership When women of color are selected for high-level leadership positions, hidden expectations are often placed upon them — and they tend to be unrealistic, according to a Nov. 6 article published in Fortune.

November/December 2022 Issue of Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control ON THE COVER 7 chief nursing officers on their most pressing issues Hospital and health system chief nursing officers are focusing on nurse well-being and workforce retention as they head into the end of 2022. The risks of 'medium COVID' A plethora of research suggests that the risk of severe health complications is highest in the weeks — not months — after a COVID-19 infection, yet this crucial period is often lumped into the broader term "long COVID-19," Benjamin Mazer, MD, wrote in an Oct. 11 article for The Atlantic. 3 guarantees travel nurses would need from their hospitals to return Some travel nurses who left full-time hospital jobs during the pandemic have no plans to return. But there is a subset of reachable nurses who say they would consider returning to a full-time bedside role if hospitals made certain guarantees. 5 health systems' biggest patient safety win this year From creating safety culture tools to collaborating with other systems, hospitals and health systems are consistently working to improve patient safety. Why hospitals won't keep universal masking around forever Face masks have played a crucial role in reducing COVID-19 transmission in hospitals, but clinical and infection control experts are not convinced the pandemic has set a new precedent for widespread use of facial coverings in healthcare settings. 10 practices to address diagnostic errors: Joint Commission Researchers have developed a list of 10 high-priority safety practices to help healthcare organizations address diagnostic errors, based on a comprehensive literature review and input from additional experts. Bain: 25% of clinicians want out of healthcare One quarter of U.S. physicians, advanced practice providers and nurses are considering switching careers and one third are considering switching employers, according to newly released results from a survey conducted by Bain & Company. HAIs continued to rise in 2021, CDC finds The incidence of several common healthcare-associated infections reported by U.S. hospitals increased in 2021, new CDC data shows. WHO identifies 19 fungal 'priority pathogens' For the first time, the World Health Organization released a list of fungal "priority pathogens" that have emerged as significant public health threats. The list can be found here. Why patient falls are so hard to get ahead of From shock-absorbing flooring to wearable technologies, hospitals have tried a litany of interventions to get to zero patient falls. But for years, falls have consistently landed on The Joint Commission's list of most common sentinel events. 17 most common long COVID-19 symptoms: Kaiser Permanente Researchers at Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente identified 17 conditions most frequently associated with long COVID-19 in a study published Oct. 12 in Nature Medicine. The study is among the first to account for preexisting conditions when defining such symptoms. $5M gift creates chief caregiver endowment at Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Clinic has received a $5 million gift that will support new caregiver wellness initiatives through an endowed fund, the health system said Oct. 25. CMS penalizes 2,273 hospitals for high readmissions: 6 things to know CMS evaluated two and a half years of readmission cases for Medicare patients through the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program and penalized 2,273 hospitals that had a greater-than-expected rate of return, according to a Nov. 1 report from Kaiser Health News. Viewpoint: Stop treating nurses like selfless mothers Advocating for better working conditions is an especially challenging task for nurses, as they are battling a long history of sexism and false notions about the profession, Stephen Mihm, PhD, wrote in an op-ed published Sept. 16 in Bloomberg. INFECTION CONTROL Why hospitals won't keep universal masking around forever Face masks have played a crucial role in reducing COVID-19 transmission in hospitals, but clinical and infection control experts are not convinced the pandemic has set a new precedent for widespread use of facial coverings in healthcare settings. US unveils plan to boost pandemic preparedness: 4 key objectives The White House on Oct. 18 unveiled a strategy to bolster the nation's ability to respond to future pandemics and other biological threats, including an objective to manufacture enough of a new vaccine to protect the population within 130 days of a new outbreak. Hospital floors, employees' shoes may be 'underappreciated source' of MRSA spread: study Hospital floors and shoes could be an overlooked source for dissemination of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and other healthcare-associated pathogens, according to a study performed at a VA hospital in Ohio. Nation's 1st C. auris cluster among kids detected at Nevada hospital The nation's first confirmed cluster of Candida auris infections among children was detected at Las Vegas-based Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in May, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Oct. 22. Florida hospital nurse contracted monkeypox from needlestick, CDC says A Florida hospital nurse was exposed to monkeypox through a needlestick in July, representing the nation's first confirmed case from a healthcare exposure, the CDC said Oct. 17. PATIENT SAFETY & OUTCOMES 5 health systems' biggest patient safety win this year From creating safety culture tools to collaborating with other systems, hospitals and health systems are consistently working to improve patient safety. Chicago safety net hospital under scrutiny for neglect, deaths Chicago-based Roseland Community Hospital is under scrutiny after multiple federal inspection reports, medical malpractice lawsuits and a whistleblower complaint to the state highlighted neglect and errors resulting in patient deaths, ProPublica reported Oct. 12. The risks of 'medium COVID' A plethora of research suggests that the risk of severe health complications is highest in the weeks — not months — after a COVID-19 infection, yet this crucial period is often lumped into the broader term "long COVID-19," Benjamin Mazer, MD, wrote in an Oct. 11 article for The Atlantic. Why patient falls are so hard to get ahead of From shock-absorbing flooring to wearable technologies, hospitals have tried a litany of interventions to get to zero patient falls. But for years, falls have consistently landed on The Joint Commission's list of most common sentinel events. Hospital hires firm to review surgery program after physician's 21 malpractice settlements Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, N.H., has hired Pittsburgh-based law firm Horty Springer & Mattern to conduct an "independent, external review" of its cardiac surgery program. The move comes after the hospital allegedly protected a surgeon with 21 malpractice settlements. PATIENT & CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE 'I've been blessed that I can continue practicing and doing the things I love': A Q&A with Dr. Howard Tucker, the world's oldest physician There's something very special about neurologist Howard Tucker, MD, who turned 100 on July 10. He teaches medical residents at Cleveland-based St. Vincent Charity Medical Center — and has also held the Guinness World Record for oldest practicing physician since February 2021. Physicians becoming harder to replace as burnout continues, study finds The Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment released a study Oct. 18 highlighting the ongoing physician shortage nationwide. Medscape: 52% of female physicians don't feel fairly compensated Fifty-two percent of female physicians don't feel fairly compensated compared to their male counterparts, Medscape's "Female Physician Compensation Report 2022" found. 64% of disabled physicians report mistreatment from patients, co-workers Physicians with a disability are significantly more likely to report mistreatment from patients and co-workers, according to a study published in the October edition of Health Affairs. Why an Iowa health system updated its hair care offerings for patients Combs, shampoos and other hair care products have been supplied to inpatients for decades, but many are geared toward people with straight, fine hair, leaving out a number of minority groups, according to an Oct. 19 article on the American Medical Association website. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & MEASUREMENT 10 practices to address diagnostic errors: Joint Commission Researchers have developed a list of 10 high-priority safety practices to help healthcare organizations address diagnostic errors, based on a comprehensive literature review and input from additional experts. Medical groups create program to increase quality of emergency surgery care The American College of Surgeons and the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma have created a verification program to help hospitals improve the quality of care in emergency surgeries. Healthcare workforce lost 333,942 providers in 2021 An estimated 333,942 healthcare providers dropped out of the workforce in 2021, according to an Oct. 20 report from Definitive Healthcare. CDC: More than 80% of maternal deaths are preventable More than 80 percent of maternal deaths between 2017 and 2019 were due to preventable causes, a report from the CDC found. People of color face high risk of flu hospitalization: CDC Compared to white adults, people of color in the U.S. are more likely to be hospitalized with the flu and less likely to be vaccinated against the flu, according to a large study the CDC published Oct. 18. NURSING SPOTLIGHT 3 guarantees travel nurses would need from their hospitals to return Some travel nurses who left full-time hospital jobs during the pandemic have no plans to return. But there is a subset of reachable nurses who say they would consider returning to a full-time bedside role if hospitals made certain guarantees. Viewpoint: Stop treating nurses like selfless mothers Advocating for better working conditions is an especially challenging task for nurses, as they are battling a long history of sexism and false notions about the profession, Stephen Mihm, PhD, wrote in an op-ed published Sept. 16 in Bloomberg. UPMC to offer loan forgiveness program for nursing students Pittsburgh, Pa.-based UPMC will offer nursing students financial assistance through a new loan forgiveness program set to launch in January. Labor Department invests $80M into nursing workforce The U.S. Labor Department invested $80 million of funding in support of nursing training programs Oct. 3. 7 chief nursing officers on their most pressing issues Hospital and health system chief nursing officers are focusing on nurse well-being and workforce retention as they head into the end of 2022.

December 2022 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review   ON THE COVER 10 hospitals, health systems laying off workers Several hospitals and health systems are trimming their workforces due to financial and operational challenges. As hospitals make cuts, the losses are loud or quiet There are few easy ways to cut expenses. But in hospitals and health systems, there are quieter ways. The cost of nurse turnover in 23 numbers Nurse recruitment and retention is top of mind for every hospital and health system executive in 2022, particularly those responsible for ensuring health systems' financial stability. Why big health systems are moving to Epic Two large health systems — Atlanta-based Emory Healthcare and Houston-based Memorial Hermann — recently switched their EHRs from Oracle Cerner to Epic, continuing a trend of bigger hospital groups moving to the Verona, Wis.-based software giant. UW Medicine invests in 'historic' raises for nurses Members of the Washington State Nurses Association have approved a new contract with Seattle-based UW Medicine that includes significant raises, The Seattle Times reported Oct. 20. University Hospitals cuts 443 administrative jobs Cleveland-based University Hospitals announced efforts to reduce system expenses by $100 million Oct. 12, including the elimination of 326 vacant jobs and layoffs affecting 117 administrative employees. 7-hospital system files for bankruptcy Pipeline Health System, which includes seven hospitals in three states, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Oct. 2. California hospitals restructure leadership after summer resignations MemorialCare Long Beach (Calif.) Medical Center and MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach are making strategic changes in executive leadership months after CEO John Bishop and former COO Ike Mmeje unexpectedly announced their resignations. Mayo Clinic to increase some wages by 6% Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic is boosting pay 6 percent for some workers, marking its largest across-the-board wage jump in two decades, the Star Tribune reported Oct. 5. Allina Health spins off hospital-at-home company with $20M investment Minneapolis-based Allina Health has launched hospital-at-home company Inbound Health with a $20 million investment. 5 health systems' biggest patient safety win this year From creating safety culture tools to collaborating with other systems, hospitals and health systems are consistently working to improve patient safety. 28 residency programs launched in 2022 Healthcare systems have started residency programs and partnerships to address workforce shortages. How health system CIOs are cutting costs, rethinking operational efficiency When companies consider cost-cutting measures, it often results in layoffs, but health system CIOs are looking inward at their IT vendors, contracts and partnerships to assess different ways to optimize their workforce, which can save their health systems money in the long run. Arthur Sampson, Interim President and CEO, Lifespan Hospital and health system CEOs have a lot on their minds, including questions about the healthcare workforce, meeting patients' digital expectations and navigating the financial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Daryl Tol, Head of Health Assurance Ecosystem, General Catalyst Daryl Tol has gotten an upfront look at healthcare's digital shift from both the hospital C-suite and as a venture capitalist. Maia Hightower, MD, Chief Digital and Technology Officer, University of Chicago Medicine University of Chicago Medicine's Maia Hightower, MD, said her health system is already at the leading edge of medicine. She hopes to bring it to the forefront of digital medicine as well. Tammy Lundstrom, MD, CMO, Trinity Health Tammy Lundstrom, MD, has always known she wanted to work in healthcare. Since joining Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health in April 2018 as senior vice president and chief medical officer, she has been able to continually meet two of her core professional goals: to help others and never stop learning. Jill Kalman, MD, CMO, Northwell Health Jill Kalman, MD, was appointed the first female chief medical officer for New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health on Oct. 20, 2021. CFO / FINANCE Hospitals cut jobs, services to resuscitate finances Hospitals and health systems are facing many financial pressures this year, and more than half of hospitals are projected to have negative margins for the rest of 2022. University Hospitals cuts 443 administrative jobs Cleveland-based University Hospitals announced efforts to reduce system expenses by $100 million Oct. 12, including the elimination of 326 vacant jobs and layoffs affecting 117 administrative employees. Ascension to close hospital, lay off 133 workers Ascension is closing an Indiana hospital and nine medical practices, a move that will affect 133 employees, according to notices the St. Louis-based health system filed with state regulators. Tenet profit slips in Q3: 6 details Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare reported a net income of $131 million in the third quarter of 2022, down from $448 million over the same period last year, according to its financial report released Oct. 20. HCA revenues, net income slip in Q3: 5 details Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare saw revenues of $14.97 billion in the third quarter of 2022, down from $15.28 billion over the same period last year, according to its financial report released Oct. 21. CEO/STRATEGY UW Medicine invests in 'historic' raises for nurses Members of the Washington State Nurses Association have approved a new contract with Seattle-based UW Medicine that includes significant raises, The Seattle Times reported Oct. 20. Intermountain Healthcare to change its name Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare will change its name to Intermountain Health in 2023. MetroHealth taps Airica Steed for CEO Cleveland-based MetroHealth named Airica Steed, EdD, RN, its president and CEO, effective Jan. 1. California hospitals restructure leadership after summer resignations MemorialCare Long Beach (Calif.) Medical Center and MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach are making strategic changes in executive leadership months after CEO John Bishop and former COO Ike Mmeje unexpectedly announced their resignations. Beaumont, Spectrum have new name for combined system After going by the temporary moniker BHSH System, Beaumont Health and Spectrum Health rolled out a name for their combined system Oct. 11: Corewell Health. INNOVATION General Catalyst's Daryl Tol on what the VC firm looks for in hospital partnerships Daryl Tol has gotten an upfront look at healthcare's digital shift from both the hospital C-suite and as a venture capitalist. 'Black boxes' collect data during surgeries at Stanford Hospital Stanford (Calif.) Hospital has installed "black boxes" in four operating rooms to collect data that could be used to improve surgical safety and performance. 9 recent health system innovation projects, investments Health systems have been making big investments in tech and spinoff companies and launching other innovation initiatives in 2022. Allina Health spins off hospital-at-home company with $20M investment Minneapolis-based Allina Health has launched hospital-at-home company Inbound Health with a $20 million investment. IBM begins installing healthcare quantum computer at Cleveland Clinic Cleveland Clinic and IBM are deploying a healthcare quantum computer at the hospital's main campus. CMO/CARE DELIVERY 5 health systems' biggest patient safety win this year From creating safety culture tools to collaborating with other systems, hospitals and health systems are consistently working to improve patient safety. 28 residency programs launched in 2022 Healthcare systems have started residency programs and partnerships to address workforce shortages. How Dr. Tammy Lundstrom is working to solve Trinity Health's workforce shortages Tammy Lundstrom, MD, has always known she wanted to work in healthcare. Since joining Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health in April 2018 as senior vice president and chief medical officer, she has been able to continually meet two of her core professional goals: to help others and never stop learning. UT Austin taps Mayo Clinic leader as medical school dean The University of Texas at Austin has named Claudia Lucchinetti, MD — a current dean and department chair at Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic  — as senior vice president for medical affairs and dean of its Dell Medical School. CIO/HEALTH IT Why big health systems are moving to Epic Two large health systems — Atlanta-based Emory Healthcare and Houston-based Memorial Hermann — recently switched their EHRs from Oracle Cerner to Epic, continuing a trend of bigger hospital groups moving to the Verona, Wis.-based software giant. Oracle touts plans to modernize its EHR system Oracle Cerner is adding new product offerings to its EHR system with the aim of working to modernize the electronic health record and build a more open and more connected cloud-enabled platform. What Optum gets in the Change Healthcare deal UnitedHealth Group is moving forward with plans to merge healthcare data and analytics giant Change Healthcare with Optum after a judge cleared the path for the multibillion-dollar transaction Sept. 19. CommonSpirit clinical IT leader exits for Walmart Health Clinical IT leader Kumar Murukurthy, MD, is leaving Chicago-based CommonSpirit Health for a role at Walmart Health & Wellness. How health system CIOs are cutting costs, rethinking operational efficiency When companies consider cost-cutting measures, it often results in layoffs, but health system CIOs are looking inward at their IT vendors, contracts and partnerships to assess different ways to optimize their workforce, which can save their health systems money in the long run. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP Dr. Jill Kalman 1 year into being Northwell Health's 1st female chief medical officer Jill Kalman, MD, was appointed the first female chief medical officer for New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health on Oct. 20, 2021. Medscape: 52% of female physicians don't feel fairly compensated Fifty-two percent of female physicians don't feel fairly compensated compared to their male counterparts, Medscape's "Female Physician Compensation Report 2022" found. 13 women making moves in healthcare leadership The following leadership moves by women have been reported since Nov. 6. Female leaders leaving companies at highest rate in years Female leaders are leaving their companies at the highest rate in years as they seek more from their workplaces, according to a new study on the state of women in corporate America. Patients more likely to drop 'Dr.' when messaging female physicians, study finds Patients are more likely to refer to female physicians by their first name in electronic messaging compared to male physicians, a study published Oct. 5 in JAMA Network Open found.

#left-column{width: 100% !important; padding-left: 0px !important;} #right-column{display: none !important;} #action-items{display: none !important;} var noAdScroll = 'no'; var doNotShowLatestArticles = 1

November 2022 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review   ON THE COVER 14 health systems with strong finances Here are 14 health systems with strong operational metrics and solid financial positions, according to reports from Fitch Ratings, Moody's Investors Service and S&P Global Ratings. Health systems shrink executive teams as costs rise Hospitals and health systems are facing financial challenges with many reporting rising expenses and significant investment losses this year. What does 'quiet quitting' look like at hospitals? The trend of "quiet quitting" has recently gained traction on social media, referring to a phenomenon in which workers to reduce their enthusiasm at work and stick to the minimum expectations of their role. Some professionals, including Generation Z workers, have embraced the concept as an increased form of work-life balance, and others see it as a lesser-version of actually quitting. Regardless of how an individual interprets the idea, the concept is not new among the U.S. workforce or in healthcare, according to Jeremy Sadlier, executive director of the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration. Houston Methodist, NewYork-Presbyterian, Penn Medicine CEOs on being excellent In the aftermath of the pandemic, hospital and health systems CEOs must navigate more challenges than ever as they steer their organization with a focus on long-term vision and day-to-day operations. That's why it's crucial to have the best leaders possible at the helm. 'A total disruptor to how we do business': Cleveland Clinic's new patient experience metric Since their initial rollout in 2019, plan of care visits — which bring nurses and providers to the patient's bedside together — have become characteristic of the way care is delivered and managed across Cleveland Clinic. They've become so beneficial that the system has done away with chasing other experience scores, such as patients' likelihood to recommend. 2022 the most financially difficult year for hospitals, health systems since start of pandemic A new analysis from management consulting firm Kaufman, Hall & Associates indicates hospitals and health systems continue to face intense pressure on staff and resources while also dealing with rising expenses for supplies, drugs and equipment, and the workforce, according to a Sept. 15 special bulletin from the American Hospital Association. BHSH System cuts 400 positions amid financial pressures BHSH System has cut about 400 management and nonpatient/health plan member-facing roles from its 64,000-member workforce. How Hoag has fared since splitting from Providence Hoag, a three-hospital system based in Orange County, Calif., ended its affiliation with Renton, Wash.-based Providence in January after nearly a decade together. More than six months after parting ways with the 52-hospital system, Hoag is successfully navigating the challenges that have taken a financial toll on many health systems. More hospital CEOs exit as labor challenges persist More than six dozen hospital CEOs have left their roles this year, according to a Sept. 21 Challenger, Gray & Christmas report. 75 academic medical center CFOs to know | 2022 By combining patient care, education, and research and innovation, academic medical centers play a valuable role in the healthcare system today. Banner Health's big bet on population health Phoenix-based Banner Health is making a big bet on population health as it aims to use data to improve patient outcomes and cut costs. 15 cities ranked by wait times for a new patient appointment Portland, Ore., residents can expect to wait 40 days, on average, to be seen as a new patient in physician offices. New Yorkers can plan to wait nearly half as long. Not just an EHR liaison: What has changed most about the CMIO role From strictly implementing EHRs to now overseeing a variety of digital health initiatives and having growing leadership and strategic positions within health systems, the job of chief medical information officer has evolved quite a bit over time. Bob Riney, President and CEO, Henry Ford Health From strictly implementing EHRs to now overseeing a variety of digital health initiatives and having growing leadership and strategic positions within health systems, the job of chief medical information officer has evolved quite a bit over time. B.J. Moore, CIO, Providence Healthcare CIOs need to have a finger on the pulse of change and innovation to stay competitive and deliver the best care, B.J. Moore, chief information officer of Renton, Wash.-based Providence, recently told Becker's. Al Smith, CIO, LifePoint Overseeing health IT for 62 community hospitals and 33 specialty hospitals across 29 states is definitely not "one-size-fits-all," says Al Smith, senior vice president and CIO of Brentwood, Tenn.-based LifePoint Health. Bobbie Byrne, CIO, Advocate Aurora Advocate Aurora Health's CIO Bobbie Byrne's, MD, top priority is putting her clinicians first, as well as working to move her organization's business intelligence work and analytics to the cloud. Catherine Jacobson, President and CEO, Froedtert Health Catherine Jacobson, president and CEO of Milwaukee-based Froedtert Health, considers an executive's advice when celebrating a victory or mourning a mistake: Only allow 24 hours for either. Joyce Sackey, MD, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Stanford Medicine Health equity has been on the forefront of Joyce Sackey's, MD, mind since a very young age. Growing up in Ghana, she observed an uneven distribution of and access to healthcare, which stimulated both her drive to help others and an interest in medicine. CFO / FINANCE 10 health systems laying off workers Several hospitals and health systems are trimming their workforces due to financial and operational challenges. 2022 the most financially difficult year for hospitals, health systems since start of pandemic A new analysis from management consulting firm Kaufman, Hall & Associates indicates hospitals and health systems continue to face intense pressure on staff and resources while also dealing with rising expenses for supplies, drugs and equipment, and the workforce, according to a Sept. 15 special bulletin from the American Hospital Association. Cleveland Clinic reports $1B loss in first half of this year Cleveland Clinic's revenue was down year over year in the second quarter of this year, and the health system ended the period with a loss, according to financial documents released Aug. 29. Ascension reports $1.8B annual loss St. Louis-based Ascension reported higher expenses in the 12 months ended June 30 and closed out the year with a loss, according to recently released financial documents. Kaiser plans $1.7B expansion Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente is expanding two hospitals and building two new medical offices, according to The Press-Enterprise. CEO/STRATEGY Health systems shrink executive teams as costs rise Hospitals and health systems are facing financial challenges with many reporting rising expenses and significant investment losses this year. More hospital CEOs exit as labor challenges persist More than six dozen hospital CEOs have left their roles this year, according to a Sept. 21 Challenger, Gray & Christmas report. What does 'quiet quitting' look like at hospitals? The trend of "quiet quitting" has recently gained traction on social media, referring to a phenomenon in which workers to reduce their enthusiasm at work and stick to the minimum expectations of their role. Some professionals, including Generation Z workers, have embraced the concept as an increased form of work-life balance, and others see it as a lesser-version of actually quitting. Regardless of how an individual interprets the idea, the concept is not new among the U.S. workforce or in healthcare, according to Jeremy Sadlier, executive director of the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration. Billings Clinic CEO resigns Scott Ellner, DO, resigned as CEO of Billings (Mont.) Clinic, according to an Aug. 26 news release shared with Becker's. The 34 hospitals most similar to America's top 10 A new data visualizer shows the 10 most similar hospitals to any one benchmark hospital, challenging traditional, ordinal rank lists like those from U.S. News & World Report. LIST 75 academic medical center CFOs to know | 2022 By combining patient care, education, and research and innovation, academic medical centers play a valuable role in the healthcare system today. INNOVATION Banner Health's big bet on population health Phoenix-based Banner Health is making a big bet on population health as it aims to use data to improve patient outcomes and cut costs. OSF Healthcare: Innovation hubs starting to take off The OSF Innovation hubs feature scientists, engineers, designers, project managers and process improvement experts working to improve care and reduce costs from the Jump Education & Simulation Center in Peoria. The hubs are designed to give employees spaces to discuss ideas that could lead to systemwide innovations, according to a Sept. 14 news release from the health system. 22 health systems with investment arms Health systems across the U.S. are increasingly embracing venture capital as a way to test new technologies, a shift away from the traditional reliance on developing in-house intellectual property. UPMC, General Catalyst, Samsung, CVS Health join $65M funding round for healthcare company Redesign Health, which launches other healthcare companies, raised $65 million in a series C funding round led by General Catalyst, Fast Company reported Sept. 13. Where health systems will focus innovation spend next Becker's recently invited hospital and health system chief innovation officers to share their proudest innovations. Now, to look ahead, we asked them where they see hospitals and health systems focusing their projects and investments in the future. GE Healthcare to spin off in January GE Healthcare is set to spin off as a standalone public company in the first week of January. CMO/CARE DELIVERY 15 cities ranked by wait times for a new patient appointment Portland, Ore., residents can expect to wait 40 days, on average, to be seen as a new patient in physician offices. New Yorkers can plan to wait nearly half as long. Joint Commission to conduct review of requirements The Joint Commission plans to review all of its accreditation requirements that go "above-and-beyond" CMS requirements. PAs push for permanent expansion of practice authority Many states temporarily waived or relaxed scope of practice rules for physician assistants during the pandemic to expand access to care. Now, PAs are pushing for those changes to become permanent, Medscape reported Sept. 9. 'Twindemic' risk greater this year, experts worry The U.S. avoided a long-feared "twindemic" of flu and COVID-19 for the past two years, largely because of widespread masking and other behaviors that kept flu seasons mild. But the risk that both illnesses will increase this winter appears greater. Only 68% of young physicians would choose medicine again Nearly one-third of young physicians say they would not choose a career in medicine again, according to Medscape's 2022 Young Physician Compensation Report. CIO/HEALTH IT A war for talent: CIOs detail the challenges of retaining health IT professionals With the global increase in demand for IT professionals, health system CIOs are competing with Big Tech and federal agencies for technology talent. But the healthcare sector sometimes struggles to keep tech talent on board as workers seek higher incomes and other perks that the industry can't always offer. Not just an EHR liaison: What has changed most about the CMIO role From strictly implementing EHRs to now overseeing a variety of digital health initiatives and having growing leadership and strategic positions within health systems, the job of chief medical information officer has evolved quite a bit over time. 10 chief digital officers on what layoffs mean for digital health industry After a busy 2021, in which digital health companies raised many billions of dollars and some even went public, the market for startups offering tech-heavy services like virtual care and data analytics has slowed, leading many of the firms to cut jobs in 2022. Texas hospital hit by ransomware attack Richmond, Texas-based OakBend Medical Center is notifying patients that it was the target of a ransomware attack on Sept. 1. Amazon, CVS are spending big in healthcare — health systems must respond Nontraditional healthcare companies are digging deeper into healthcare delivery with acquisitions and partnerships. Health systems have to keep an eye on the disrupters and respond in the best way possible for patient care. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP Corner Office: Froedtert Health CEO Catherine Jacobson on mourning mistakes, celebrating victories Catherine Jacobson, president and CEO of Milwaukee-based Froedtert Health, considers an executive's advice when celebrating a victory or mourning a mistake: Only allow 24 hours for either. Gender bias peaks midcareer, female execs say In a survey of more than 100 female senior executives, half said they faced the most gender discrimination in their mid-30s to late 40s, Harvard Business Review reported Sept. 16. 15 women on the move in healthcare The following executive moves made by women have been reported by or shared with Becker's since Aug. 19. Companies with female CEOs use different words to describe women, study finds Companies with female CEOs often speak about women differently, a recent study found. Female executives bring better customer relationships, financial performance: study Female executives are more likely to focus on customer relationships, thus bettering their company's financial performance according to a recent study published in the Journal of Marketing.

As a small group insurance broker, you are probably more aware than the average person that coverage can be costly, especially depending on the plans your clients purchase. According to a 2021 Kaiser Family Foundation report, the average annual premium was $7,739 for an individual and $22,221 for a family plan. Employers helped cover 83% of the costs for a single person and 63% of a family plan. That’s why it’s critical to help your clients make the most of the plans they have—and help their employees stay engaged. Here are five key ways you can help your book of business maximize their health insurance coverage, so their employees use the plan often, become healthier, and help lower overall business costs. #1—Emphasize the health plan’s customer support programs and tools. Some health plans offer dedicated customer support, online tools, and even concierge-like services that can help employees understand and use their plan. For example, Cigna + Oscar is unique in that it offers Care Guides, a team of professionals who help members find doctors, and answer their questions about specific benefits and claims. Care Guides can also help coordinate care and prepare members for their upcoming procedures. The more employees understand how their plan works, the more likely they are to use in-network providers, purchase generic medications, and rely on other cost-saving methods. In turn, this can help the business lower their overall costs too. As a broker, having your clients leverage the existing tools can also free you up to focus on the more complicated issues you face day-to-day. #2—Encourage your clients’ employees to manage their plan digitally. Many insurance plans have mobile apps, which are great resources when it comes to accessing telemedicine services and prescription refill requests, as well as searching for doctors and providers that are in-network. And, your small business clients may even be able to pay their premiums online. Encourage them to make the most of these convenient, digital services. After all, this is a service business. If employees feel their health plans are easy to use, their employee satisfaction may increase. Carriers often incentivize member retention; keeping your customers satisfied is not just a great motivator - it can help you financially as well. As you’re reviewing which health plans to offer your small group clients, prioritize ones that offer digital services. You should be prepared to answer: What telemedicine services are available to my employees, if any? Is virtual urgent care available? What are the costs and benefits of choosing virtual care? Can employees request prescription refills online? What other digital services are available with this health plan? The bottom line: Today’s employees want to manage their healthcare at the click of a button. A convenient and easy-to-use mobile app and website can help them do that. #3—Communicate to employees about mental healthcare offerings. It’s no secret that the past few years have taken a major toll on the mental health and well-being of Americans. In fact, more than one in four Americans (27%) reported feeling anxious or depressed in the last two weeks, according to a recent Household Pulse Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau. Make sure your clients are aware and make use of their plans’ mental healthcare services, which may be available via telehealth or in-person, depending on your business’s health plan. Try to remove the stigma of counseling and encourage employees to get the support they need. #4—Present a variety of health plan offerings to your clients that meet their needs. Nearly 75% of small business owners in Goldman Sachs’s small business coaching program report that today’s higher costs hurt their business financially. That’s why most small business owners are looking for ways to lower their costs and get the most out of their healthcare plans. One way to do so is to get creative about what type of plans you present to your business owners. In addition to highlighting plans that offer a tax-beneficial health savings account (HSA), you can even talk to your clients about contributing to their employees’ HSAs or flexible spending accounts (FSAs) as an incentive for choosing a higher deductible plan. #5—Highlight preventive healthcare offerings.   When you encourage your clients to be proactive about their health, you can help them lower their cost of care and boost workplace productivity, which can even increase employee retention. Consider emphasizing regular preventive health screenings and checkups and incentives for step tracking. Plus, it’s important to make sure your employees understand: What is and isn’t covered when traveling. How to find nearby in-network providers. The value of choosing generic over brand-name medicines. How to order a 90-day supply of prescriptions. These are all ways you can encourage your clients and their employees to make the most of their health plan, save money on their cost of care, and in turn, help their business save as well.   Cigna + Oscar offers access to great doctors alongside a new model of supportive care and innovative technology — all at an affordable price. Visit https://www.hioscar.com/brokers/cigna to get appointed to sell Cigna + Oscar today.   Cigna + Oscar coverage is insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company. CA: benefits administered by Oscar Health Administrators. Other states: benefits administered by Oscar Management Corporation. Pharmacy benefits provided by Express Scripts, Inc. Cigna + Oscar health insurance contains exclusions and limitations. For complete details on product availability and coverage, please refer to your plan documents or contact a representative. About Cigna + Oscar is designed to work for small businesses like yours. We’re bringing together the power of Cigna's nationwide and local provider networks, and Oscar’s member-focused experience, to deliver small group health insurance that understands the unique needs of small businesses and their employees. 

Telehealth can optimize health system performance by contributing to improved outcomes, reduced costs and enhanced patient experience. Where it often falls short, though, is in the fourth domain of the Quadruple Aim: ensuring provider satisfaction.

September/October 2022 Issue of Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control ON THE COVER What does 'quiet quitting' look like at hospitals? The trend of "quiet quitting" has recently gained traction on social media, referring to a phenomenon in which workers to reduce their enthusiasm at work and stick to the minimum expectations of their role. Some professionals, including Generation Z workers, have embraced the concept as an increased form of work-life balance, and others see it as a lesser-version of actually quitting. Regardless of how an individual interprets the idea, the concept is not new among the U.S. workforce or in healthcare, according to Jeremy Sadlier, executive director of the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration. 5 states with highest, lowest CAUTI rates Vermont hospitals have the highest catheter associated urinary tract infection rate in the country, while hospitals in Washington, D.C., have the lowest, CDC data shows. 'A total disruptor to how we do business': Cleveland Clinic's new patient experience metric Since their initial rollout in 2019, plan of care visits — which bring nurses and providers to the patient's bedside together — have become characteristic of the way care is delivered and managed across Cleveland Clinic. They've become so beneficial that the system has done away with chasing other experience scores, such as patients' likelihood to recommend. Side hustle or exit path? How COVID-19 shifted the side gig landscape for nurses Pre-pandemic, it wasn't uncommon for hospital nurses to have side gigs on their days off, be it paid or volunteer work. Hospitals' uncomfortably high tolerance for errors Learning from mistakes generally is considered the upside to failure. But in healthcare, where staff members regularly face stressors and systemic issues that impede a strong culture of safety, creating that standard can be difficult. 10 most common sentinel events of 2022: Joint Commission Patient falls were the most common sentinel event reported among hospitals in the first six months of 2022, according to a Sept. 7 report from The Joint Commission. Violating EMTALA, state abortion bans: What's at stake for physicians, hospitals HHS aimed to add some clarity to the nation's shifting abortion landscape in July when it issued guidance to hospitals underscoring that abortion is covered under a 36-year-old federal law requiring Medicare hospitals to provide all patients appropriate emergency care. The law has since become the center of legal disputes over abortion in Idaho and Texas. C. auris growing more drug-resistant, experts say Infections caused by the fungi Candida auris and Aspergillus are becoming harder to treat with medication, experts told NBC News in an Aug. 13 report. Early warnings, few false alerts: What physicians want out of AI sepsis detection tools A new artificial intelligence sepsis detection system had an 89 percent adoption rate by physicians and nurses, higher than other legacy tools, which typically garner a 10 percent adoption rate, a study published July 21 shows. Why no treatment for long COVID-19 exists yet Two years into the pandemic, millions of people are living with long COVID-19, and there is still no proven treatment for the condition, Nature reported Aug. 9. How Geisinger's refund program is faring amid patient experience crisis In the middle of a patient experience crisis, the logical assumption for a health system that gives patients the opportunity to request a refund is that those expenses will skyrocket. Geisinger has seen the opposite, with patient refunds on the decline in recent years. Viewpoint: Health equity can't be achieved without nurses The public health sector needs to provide nurses with resources to more comprehensively address and advocate for health equity, Tarissa Host wrote for the MinnPost Aug. 22. The best pieces of advice 4 CNOs from top 10 hospitals have ever received Four nursing chiefs from US News & World Report's best ranked hospitals recently spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about the best advice they've received – whether it be from colleagues or family members. The initiative that's bringing nurses back to the bedside at Jefferson Health Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health launched its "Nursing SEAL Team" program in July, which aims to give nurses more flexibility with where they work. Now, in the month since the initial team launch, the program has expanded into other departments and is attracting former employees back to the system. INFECTION CONTROL Rubber band seal brings surgical mask protection to N95 levels, study finds Standard surgical masks don't fully seal around a person's face, allowing for more participle exposure. But simply adding two rubber bands may improve the seal and offer N95 respirator-level protection, according to researchers at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor. Healthcare workers who use respirators 40% less likely to get COVID-19, study suggests A study of more than 2,900 healthcare workers in Switzerland found those who reported using respirator masks were 40 percent less likely to contract COVID-19 than those wearing surgical masks after being exposed to COVID-19 patients. C. diff rates fell during COVID-19, study finds The prevalence of Clostridioides difficile infections decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but inpatient mortality and treatment costs went up, a study published Aug. 25 in Open Forum Infectious Diseases found. C. auris growing more drug-resistant, experts say Infections caused by the fungi Candida auris and Aspergillus are becoming harder to treat with medication, experts told NBC News in an Aug. 13 report. 5 states with highest, lowest CAUTI rates Vermont hospitals have the highest catheter associated urinary tract infection rate in the country, while hospitals in Washington, D.C., have the lowest, CDC data shows. PATIENT SAFETY & OUTCOMES Hand-bell system leads to patient death at New Mexico hospital A system that required patients to use hand bells to call for help led to the death of a patient at Gallup, N.M.-based Rehoboth McKinley Christian Hospital in January, Source New Mexico reported Aug. 30. Wireless sock monitoring system reduces patient falls, nurses find A new study led by nurses at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center involving 569 hospitalized patients found the use of a wireless sock monitoring system resulted in zero falls. Pfizer's antiviral drug could result in 'Paxlovid mouth' Paxlovid, Pfizer's popular antiviral drug treatment, is leaving a sour taste in people's mouths, The Wall Street Journal reported Aug. 16. Hospitals' uncomfortably high tolerance for errors Learning from mistakes generally is considered the upside to failure. But in healthcare, where staff members regularly face stressors and systemic issues that impede a strong culture of safety, creating that standard can be difficult. The reporting practice that could lead to unreliable patient safety data Some hospitals may classify admissions in a way that exempts them from elective-based patient safety indicator scores, or PSIs, leading to less reliable patient safety data, according to a study published in the August issue of The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety. PATIENT & CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE The reporting practice that could lead to unreliable patient safety data Some hospitals may classify admissions in a way that exempts them from elective-based patient safety indicator scores, or PSIs, leading to less reliable patient safety data, according to a study published in the August issue of The Joint Commission Journal on Quality and Patient Safety. New Leapfrog report recommends 29 measures to prevent diagnostic errors The Leapfrog Group recommended 29 practices for hospitals to implement in order to prevent patient harm and death from diagnostic errors in a July 28 report. Brain fog may last for 2 years after COVID-19, study finds Brain fog and other neurological issues may linger for two years after a COVID-19 diagnosis, according to a study published Aug. 17 in The Lancet Psychiatry. Violating EMTALA, state abortion bans: What's at stake for physicians, hospitals HHS aimed to add some clarity to the nation's shifting abortion landscape in July when it issued guidance to hospitals underscoring that abortion is covered under a 36-year-old federal law requiring Medicare hospitals to provide all patients appropriate emergency care. The law has since become the center of legal disputes over abortion in Idaho and Texas. The safety issues that put Novant hospital's Medicare contract at risk New details from a federal inspection report obtained by WECT News 6 offer a closer look at the safety issues that temporarily put Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center at risk of losing its federal funding. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & MEASUREMENT Medical association to create 1st guidelines for diagnosing, treating ADHD The American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders plans to develop the nation's first guidelines for diagnosing and treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults, The Wall Street Journal reported Sept. 1. US life expectancy sees sharpest 2-year decline in 100 years Life expectancy at birth in the U.S. has fallen to 76.1 years, the lowest it has been since 1996, according to provisional data the CDC published Aug. 31. Healthcare-associated infections hit smaller community hospitals hardest during pandemic, study finds Smaller community hospitals have been most affected by the COVID-19-related uptick in healthcare-associated infections, a study published Aug. 23 in Clinical Infectious Diseases found. With workplace violence on the rise, some health systems are hiring experts to address it Amid increased calls to address workplace violence, some health systems are hiring personnel specifically to focus on the issue. The directors often oversee areas of the organization related to safety and security. LGBTQ+ patients receive different level of care, one-third of physicians say About one-third of physicians see disparities in LGBTQ+ medical care due to patients' sexual orientation or gender identity, according to a new Medscape report. NURSING SPOTLIGHT What chief nursing officers say contributes to moral distress: 5 notes The COVID-19 pandemic forced chief nursing officers to make tough decisions that led to moral distress, such as selecting nurses to work in COVID-19 units, according to a study published Aug. 31 in the Journal of Nursing Management. How Novant quickly increased its nurse workforce after an immediate jeopardy threat Wilmington, N.C.-based Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center has made significant progress in bolstering its nursing workforce over the last two months, adding more than 300 nurses. Beaumont-Spectrum system invests $20M to address nursing shortage BHSH System will invest more than $20 million over the next five years to increase Michigan's nursing workforce through a partnership with Oakland (Mich.) University. The best pieces of advice 4 CNOs from top 10 hospitals have ever received Four nursing chiefs from US News & World Report's best ranked hospitals recently spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about the best advice they've received – whether it be from colleagues or family members. UnityPoint Health's nurse camps foster interest in nursing among kids Des Moines, Iowa-based UnityPoint Health has taken a different approach to addressing the national nursing shortage: instilling a passion for the profession at a young age.

October 2022 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER Kaiser plans $1.7B expansion Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente is expanding two hospitals and building two new medical offices, according to The Press-Enterprise. How HCA, Tenet, CHS and UHS fared in Q2 Four major for-profit hospital operators saw profits decline in the second quarter of 2022. 52 great health system chief strategy officers | 2022 Becker's Healthcare is thrilled to honor outstanding chief strategy officers for health systems in 2022. With workplace violence on the rise, some health systems are hiring experts to address it Amid increased calls to address workplace violence, some health systems are hiring personnel specifically to focus on the issue. The directors often oversee areas of the organization related to safety and security. General Catalyst: Why the VC firm with an unassuming name should have healthcare's attention In July, venture capital firm General Catalyst launched its second $600-million-plus fund focusing on healthcare. Then on Aug. 11, the company plucked Marc Harrison, MD, the president and CEO of Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare, to run a healthcare investment platform. HCA hospitals make 21 leadership changes HCA Healthcare, a 182-hospital system based in Nashville, Tenn., has made leadership changes at several of its hospitals in recent months. Reading between the lines when CEOs abruptly 'step down' Ambiguous language around CEO departures can obscure the circumstances or drivers of their exits. Researchers are trying to find correlations that get the real story. Top 10 hospitals for consumer loyalty in 2022 NRC Health has recognized 100 hospitals nationwide with its 2022 Consumer Loyalty Award, the healthcare data firm said Aug. 16. Mount Sinai spinoff lays off 250 employees; founder exits Sema4, a genomics spinoff of New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System, has let go of 250 employees as part of an effort to save $50 million in 2022. The initiative that's bringing nurses back to the bedside at Jefferson Health Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health launched its "Nursing SEAL Team" program in July, which aims to give nurses more flexibility with where they work. Now, in the month since the initial team launch, the program has expanded into other departments and is attracting former employees back to the system. COVID-19 surgical backlogs persist: 4 things for hospital leaders to know A new study from researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston found that even well into 2021, surgical procedure volumes had not fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. This has contributed to ongoing backlogs that could result in more advanced disease and higher costs in the future. 11 statistics on physician assistant salary by specialty Physician assistants specializing in dermatology earned $147,000 between mid-November 2021 and early January 2022, making it the highest-paid PA specialty within that time, according to a new report from Medscape published June 3. How health system CIOs are overcoming IT staffing challenges Hospital CIOs report that IT staffing remains a major challenge, as health systems compete with tech companies for employees and budgets are strained by rising salaries. Barry Ostrowsky, President and CEO, RWJBarnabas Health When a healthcare leader takes the helm of a hospital, they bring with them advice from mentors as well as their own career learning experiences. Now, five CEOs — one who recently retired and four preparing to do so — shared their advice with Becker's Hospital Review, from setting one's ego aside to engaging with the community. Craig Kwiatkowski, PharmD, CIO, Cedars-Sinai From his days working as a pharmacist with a Chicago-area chain more than three decades ago, Craig Kwiatkowski, PharmD, has witnessed the evolution of health IT. And he's excited for the future of the field. Peter Winkelstein, MD, CMIO, Kaleida Health The seamless sharing of patient data has long been a goal of many in healthcare. Just ask Peter Winkelstein, MD. Ryannon Frederick, RN, CNO, Mayo Clinic Four nursing chiefs from US News & World Report's best ranked hospitals recently spoke with Becker's Hospital Review about the best advice they've received – whether it be from colleagues or family members. Michael Pfeffer, MD, CIO, Stanford Health Care Health CIOs need to be on the cutting edge of innovation and be able to project what technology is going to change the healthcare market. Sophy Lu, CIO, Northwell Health New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health's new CIO Sophy Lu looks to seize the moment of healthcare technology acceleration and change that came with the COVID-19 pandemic. In her new role as CIO, Ms. Lu aims to use technology to deliver and implement change for Northwell Health and its patients. CFO / FINANCE Mass General Brigham posts $949M quarterly net loss Despite seeing an increase in revenue, Boston-based Mass General Brigham reported a loss for the third quarter, which ended June 30. Kaiser posts $1.3B loss in Q2 Kaiser Permanente reported lower revenues in the second quarter of this year than in the same period a year earlier, and the Oakland, Calif.-based healthcare giant ended the period with a net loss. Outlook 'deteriorating' for nonprofit hospitals, Fitch says Citing more severe than expected macro headwinds, Fitch revised its sector outlook for nonprofit hospitals and health systems to "deteriorating" Aug. 16. St. Jude's largest expansion yet to create 2,700 jobs, double hospital campus Memphis, Tenn.-based St. Jude Children's Research Hospital announced it will increase funding for its study and treatment of pediatric catastrophic diseases by $1.4 billion, bringing the total for its six-year strategic plan to $12.9 billion. Providence's operating loss grows to $934M as it shrinks leadership team Providence, a 51-hospital system, ended the first six months of this year with an operating loss, according to financial documents released Aug. 15. CEO/STRATEGY 12 hospital deals called off in past year There were several hospital mergers, acquisitions, affiliations and partnerships that, at some point in their lifetime, were called off in the past year. Best hospitals, health systems to work for by state Forbes released its "America's Best Employers by State" list Aug. 24, and 262 hospitals and health systems made the cut. Biden signs Inflation Reduction Act into law: 7 healthcare takeaways President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law Aug. 16. The sweeping $739 billion reconciliation package contains a number of significant healthcare provisions. Delayed patient care driving 'unsustainable financial challenges' for hospitals, report says Deferred care due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased patient acuity and driven "unsustainable financial challenges," according to an August 15 report from the American Hospital Association.  Intermountain names interim CEO Lydia Jumonville was named interim president and CEO of Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare. LIST 52 great health system chief strategy officers | 2022 Becker's Healthcare is thrilled to honor outstanding chief strategy officers for health systems in 2022. 30 great chief innovation officers to know | 2022 Becker's Healthcare is thrilled to recognize 30 chief innovation officers of hospitals and health systems. INNOVATION Healthcare is in 'race to innovate,' Cedars-Sinai CIO says From his days working as a pharmacist with a Chicago-area chain more than three decades ago, Craig Kwiatkowski, PharmD, has witnessed the evolution of health IT. And he's excited for the future of the field. Mount Sinai spinoff lays off 250 employees; founder exits Sema4, a genomics spinoff of New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System, has let go of 250 employees as part of an effort to save $50 million in 2022. UChicago Medicine names new chief experience officer University of Chicago Medicine named Keisha Mullings-Smith its new vice president and chief experience officer, effective Oct. 17. 22 health systems with investment arms Health systems across the U.S. are increasingly embracing venture capital as a way to test new technologies, a shift away from the traditional reliance on developing in-house intellectual property. Mayo and Mercy's collaboration aims to speed up algorithm development, validation A 10-year agreement between Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic and Chesterfield, Mo.-based Mercy is looking to speed up the development and validation of cloud-based technology, artificial intelligence and machine learning, according to the American Hospital Association. CMO/CARE DELIVERY Hospitals' uncomfortably high tolerance for errors Learning from mistakes generally is considered the upside to failure. But in healthcare, where staff members regularly face stressors and systemic issues that impede a strong culture of safety, creating that standard can be difficult. Ascension promotes Dr. Richard Fogel to chief clinical officer Ascension has named Richard Fogel, MD, executive vice president and chief clinical officer of the 143-hospital system. The initiative that's bringing nurses back to the bedside at Jefferson Health Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health launched its "Nursing SEAL Team" program in July, which aims to give nurses more flexibility with where they work. Now, in the month since the initial team launch, the program has expanded into other departments and is attracting former employees back to the system. Peer comparisons hurt physician well-being, study says Comparing physicians' performance against each other can detrimentally affect their wellbeing and job satisfaction, according to a July 14 study in PNAS. Nurses sue staffing agency, allege they were made to choose pay cut or job loss Three nurses have filed a lawsuit alleging that staffing company Maxim Healthcare Services defrauded them through a "take-it-or-leave-it" strategy that forced them to accept less pay or lose their jobs, Law360 reported Aug. 1. CIO/HEALTH IT What CIOs, digital execs expect from Amazon in healthcare Amazon revealed plans to shutter Amazon Care in an Aug. 24 letter to Amazon Health Services employees. But that doesn't mean the end of healthcare services from the nearly $470 billion technology behemoth. West Virginia health systems to cut ties over EHR vendor choice Davis Health System began a clinical affiliation with WVU Medicine in 2019. The health systems are ending the partnership Aug. 8, according to The Inter-Mountain. Dr. Michael Pfeffer on how healthcare will change in the next five years Health CIOs need to be on the cutting edge of innovation and be able to project what technology is going to change the healthcare market. Where great healthcare IT teams are focused next The next generation of effective CIOs will be focused on strategic leadership, effective communication and team builders. 'Seize the moment': Northwell's new CIO Sophy Lu looks to use tech to reimagine healthcare New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health's new CIO Sophy Lu looks to seize the moment of healthcare technology acceleration and change that came with the COVID-19 pandemic. In her new role as CIO, Ms. Lu aims to use technology to deliver and implement change for Northwell Health and its patients. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP 15 women on the move in healthcare The following executive moves made by women have been reported by or shared with Becker's since Aug. 19. Women in healthcare earn 24% less than male peers, global analysis finds The gender pay gap in healthcare is prevailing, with women earning 24 percent less than men, according to a global analysis published July 13 led by the World Health Organization. Voice pitch can affect credibility depending on gender, study finds Low-pitched voices make male leaders sound more trustworthy, but that is not the case for female leaders, according to a study from Lawrence-based University of Kansas. How 4 female hospital executives lead by example Gender disparities continue to exist across the U.S. workforce. However, female executives at four Ohio hospitals have been able to break down barriers and lead by example at their organizations, the Tribune Chronicle reported June 5. 10 best, worst states for women's equality Women in New Mexico receive the most equal treatment in the U.S. while women in Utah are on the other end of that spectrum, according to an analysis by WalletHub, a personal finance website.

Implementing a Team Nursing Model: A Successful Blueprint for Long Term Acute Care Hospitals

September 2022 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER 91 statistics on physician compensation | 2022 With healthcare workforce shortages persisting as a significant problem for hospitals and health systems, it is important to look at how physician compensation has been evolving. Providence streamlines exec team as part of new operating model Providence, a 52-hospital organization with system offices in Renton, Wash., and Irvine, Calif., is changing to a new operating model that includes a leaner executive team and a new divisional structure. How hospitals should prepare for the PHE's end Officials at all U.S. hospitals should be looking deep into their unique positions, paying attention to their financial situations, mix of patients and distinct geographies when assessing how the end of the public health emergency, whenever that may be, finally comes. This is according to McKinsey consultants Stephanie Carlton, a Dallas-based partner at the firm focusing on health system reform, and Pooja Kumar, MD, a Philadelphia-based senior partner. They discussed what changes might be coming for hospitals when the public health emergency does end. 'Billions of dollars wasted': What CIOs think of digital health startups Digital health startups have raised billions of dollars over the last two years as telemedicine, virtual care and digital capabilities were thrust into the forefront of healthcare during the pandemic. But not every startup adds value. Mass General Brigham plans huge expansion of remote patient monitoring Boston-based Mass General Brigham has appointed a new executive to lead a vast expansion of its remote patient monitoring, the health system said July 11. What an increasingly anxious workforce means for patient care Whether a school in Uvalde, Texas, or a hospital campus in Tulsa, Okla., a recent series of violent events are constant reminders of the potential for what could unfold on healthcare workers' home campuses. The omnipresent anxiety over gun violence in the workplace — a possibility that increasingly seems more likely — has negative consequences for care delivery and the patient experience. OhioHealth to eliminate 637 jobs, its biggest layoff ever Columbus-based OhioHealth is eliminating 637 jobs, its biggest layoff ever, according to The Columbus Dispatch. The move is part of a plan to engage external partners to provide some services the system currently provides in house. Pennsylvania hospital to close Berwick (Pa.) Hospital Center is slated to close within 90 days after its affiliated clinics abruptly shut down last week, Newswatch 16 reported July 26 citing information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Vanderbilt University Medical Center plans $500M expansion Vanderbilt University Medical Center unveiled plans July 25 for its first major addition since 2009 and largest expansion to date: a 15-level inpatient tower slated for completion in 2027. Teladoc hires former Providence exec Mike Waters as COO Teladoc named Mike Waters as chief operating officer. In this role, Mr. Waters will work with Jason Gorevic, CEO of Teladoc, on the company's overall operations and execution, according to a July 25 press release. He will also take responsibility for Teladoc's member services and relations, supply chain and provider network. Why Amazon wants to buy One Medical Amazon's plan to buy One Medical for $3.9 billion will give the retailer a larger foothold in selling healthcare services to employers, an arena the company entered in 2019, the Wall Street Journal reported July 22. How hospitals fight physician loneliness Pre-pandemic, hospitals' physician lounges were already desolate spaces. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with a growing to-do list have further encroached on physicians' ability to interact with colleagues, which can exacerbate burnout. Now, hospitals are investing in other efforts to reinvigorate connection among physicians. Why PAs aren't using the term 'physician associate' yet The American Academy of Physician Assistants has officially changed its name to the American Academy of Physician Associates as part of a larger rebranding effort for the profession, but the association is not advising PAs to use the new term in a professional capacity yet. Walmart heir's medical school moves forward It's been more than a year since Alice Walton announced her plans for a national medical school in northwest Arkansas. New details about the facility and its goals are available. Dana Erickson President and CEO, BCBS of Minnesota Dana Erickson has been president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota since October 2021. She sat down with Becker's to discuss the latest trends across the health insurance industry and what her company is doing to lower care costs, drive health equity and navigate the healthcare landscape in a post-pandemic world. Michael Dowling President and CEO, Northwell Health In nearly every facet of our lives, all of us are routinely put in the position of trying to settle disputes or disagreements, whether it be with our spouses or significant others, our children, our siblings, co-workers, neighbors, contractors — you name it. It's part of everyday life. Conflicts arise and we figure out how to resolve them. Dennis Pullin President and CEO, Virtua Health/ Anthony J. Mazzarelli, MD and Kevin M. O'Dowd, JD, Co-presidents and CEOs, Cooper University Health Care The right to bear arms has existed since we became a nation. So, too, has the risk of violence that extensive gun ownership creates in our society. Greg Burke, MD Chief Patient Experience Officer, Geisinger In the middle of a patient experience crisis, the logical assumption for a health system that gives patients the opportunity to request a refund is that those expenses will skyrocket. Geisinger has seen the opposite, with patient refunds on the decline in recent years. Diane Comer Chief Information and Technology Officer, Kaiser Permanente Kaiser Permanente has long been known as one of the leading health systems for IT and digital innovation. So Diane Comer was excited to take over as the Oakland, Calif.-based provider and health plan's executive vice president and chief information and technology officer in April 2021, having been with the organization since 2007. Rick Evans Chief Experience Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital The last few weeks have brought stunning developments and potentially ominous signs for our country. Recent Supreme Court rulings have stripped away protections related to women’s reproductive rights and gun violence. Threats to rights for the LGBTQ+ community and other vulnerable populations also appear to be on the horizon. We are facing an unprecedented rollback of rights for members of our communities. CFO / FINANCE 10 health systems with strong finances Here are 10 health systems with strong operational metrics and solid financial positions, according to reports from Fitch Ratings and Moody's Investors Service. Hospitals push for PHE extension into 2023 The Federation of American Hospitals, which represents investor-owned or managed hospitals, is urging HHS "in the strongest terms possible" to renew the COVID-19 public health emergency through 2023. HCA, Tenet profits sink: 10 things to know HCA Healthcare and Tenet Healthcare, two of the largest for-profit hospital operators in the U.S., reported lower net income in the second quarter of this year than in the same period of 2021. 8 hospitals laying off workers Several hospitals and health systems are trimming their workforces due to financial and operational challenges. CMS releases final inpatient payment rule: 6 takeaways CMS released its annual Inpatient Prospective Payment System final rule Aug. 1, which raises Medicare payment rates for acute care hospitals. CEO/STRATEGY US News' Best Hospitals 2022-23 Honor Roll For the seventh consecutive year, Mayo Clinic earned the top spot in the U.S. News & World Report best hospitals rankings. Providence streamlines exec team as part of new operating model Providence, a 52-hospital organization with system offices in Renton, Wash., and Irvine, Calif., is changing to a new operating model that includes a leaner executive team and a new divisional structure. America's 25 healthiest communities, per US News A New Mexico county for the third consecutive year took the top spot in U.S. News & World Report and CVS Health's 2022 "Healthiest Communities Rankings." This marks the fifth annual edition of the rankings. Ascension executive to exit for top job at Jefferson Joseph Cacchione, MD, has been named CEO of Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health and Thomas Jefferson University, effective Sept. 6. 62 hospital CEOs stepped down this year Sixty-two hospital CEOs have exited their roles this year, up from 42 during the same period of 2021, according to a Challenger, Gray & Christmas report released July 20. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP Q&A: BCBS Minnesota President and CEO Dana Erickson Dana Erickson has been president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota since October 2021. She sat down with Becker's to discuss the latest trends across the health insurance industry and what her company is doing to lower care costs, drive health equity and navigate the healthcare landscape in a post-pandemic world. Providence's CIO zeros in on patient loyalty Improving the patient experience is a top strategic priority for Renton, Wash.-based Providence, even as finances tighten and health systems in general are struggling to generate free cash flow. Michael Dowling: The lost art of compromise In nearly every facet of our lives, all of us are routinely put in the position of trying to settle disputes or disagreements, whether it be with our spouses or significant others, our children, our siblings, co-workers, neighbors, contractors — you name it. It's part of everyday life. Conflicts arise and we figure out how to resolve them. Speaking up about the unspeakable The right to bear arms has existed since we became a nation. So, too, has the risk of violence that extensive gun ownership creates in our society. How Geisinger's refund program is faring amid patient experience crisis In the middle of a patient experience crisis, the logical assumption for a health system that gives patients the opportunity to request a refund is that those expenses will skyrocket. Geisinger has seen the opposite, with patient refunds on the decline in recent years. INNOVATION 'There are billions of dollars being wasted': What CIOs think of digital health startups Digital health startups have raised billions of dollars over the last two years as telemedicine, virtual care and digital capabilities were thrust into the forefront of healthcare during the pandemic. But not every startup adds value. 10 most active private equity firms in healthcarePrivate equity firms that invest in healthcare had a busy first quarter of 2022, continuing a series of megadeals that started last year. Mayo Clinic Platform leader Dr. John Halamka is turning 'healthcare data into wisdom' Mayo Clinic Platform, the data analytics and digital health arm of the Rochester, Minn.-based medical center, is trying to stop diseases in patients before they emerge, its leader told Becker's. Penn Medicine, Optum Labs fund 10 innovation projectsPhiladelphia-based Penn Medicine's Center for Health Care Innovation and University of Pennsylvania's Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics will fund 10 one-year projects aimed at creating innovation for healthcare delivery. Mass General Brigham plans huge expansion of remote patient monitoring Boston-based Mass General Brigham has appointed a new executive to lead a vast expansion of its remote patient monitoring, the health system said July 11. CIO/HEALTH IT What Epic has done since Oracle bought Cerner Oracle's $28.4 billion deal to buy Cerner and plans for a nationwide healthcare database have captured the attention of health IT executives since the deal was announced in December. But Epic, which has the largest hospital EHR market share, has also been active in the last six months. Teladoc hires former Providence exec Mike Waters as COO Teladoc named Mike Waters as chief operating officer. In this role, Mr. Waters will work with Jason Gorevic, CEO of Teladoc, on the company's overall operations and execution, according to a July 25 press release. He will also take responsibility for Teladoc's member services and relations, supply chain and provider network. California hospitals must begin sharing patient data in the next year California passed legislation a year ago requiring all healthcare and human services providers to sign a data-sharing agreement, which will be posted July 1. CalMatters, a nonprofit news source, outlined the goals of the legislation in a June 30 report. Patients losing access to physicians as telehealth access rolls back State by state, telehealth access is rolling back as the pandemic-era emergency orders, which allowed physicians to see patients in multiple states, are lapsing causing some patients to lose access to physicians, NBC News reported June 19. Tower Health employee fired for record snooping, hospital says Phoenixville (Pa.) Hospital has fired an employee for accessing patient medical records without authorization, the Reading Eagle reported July 8. CMO/CARE DELIVERY Physician lounges are dying: How hospitals now foster connection Pre-pandemic, hospitals' physician lounges were already desolate spaces. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with a growing to-do list have further encroached on physicians' ability to interact with colleagues, which can exacerbate burnout. Now, hospitals are investing in other efforts to reinvigorate connection among physicians. A Cleveland hospital employs the world's oldest practicing physician Neurologist Howard Tucker, MD, who turned 100 on July 10, teaches medical residents at Cleveland-based St. Vincent Charity Medical Center and has held the Guinness World Record for oldest practicing physician since February 2021, Cleveland Jewish News reported July 8. Why PAs aren't using the term 'physician associate' yet The American Academy of Physician Assistants has officially changed its name to the American Academy of Physician Associates as part of a larger rebranding effort for the profession, but the association is not advising PAs to use the new term in a professional capacity yet. Physician viewpoint: How to care for patients you resent Many clinicians may not want to acknowledge when they have negative feelings about a patient in their care, but such resentment or frustration is important to recognize and address, as studies show it can affect care quality, Joan Naidorf, DO, a Virginia-based emergency physician, wrote in a June 30 op-ed for The Washington Post. Edward-Elmhurst Health debuts medical group with 650 clinicians Naperville, Ill.-based Edward-Elmhurst Health system announced the formation of its new medical group, Edward-Elmhurst Medical Group, on July 6.

Patients are modern consumers. They want flexible, transparent healthcare service that feels personal. That’s good news for healthcare organizations looking for ways to increase efficiency, drive patient loyalty and take stress off overwhelmed staff members.

July/August 2022 Issue of Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control ON THE COVER What an increasingly anxious workforce means for patient care Whether a school in Uvalde, Texas, or a hospital campus in Tulsa, Okla., a recent series of violent events are constant reminders of the potential for what could unfold on healthcare workers' home campuses. The omnipresent anxiety over gun violence in the workplace — a possibility that increasingly seems more likely — has negative consequences for care delivery and the patient experience. A powerful way to start a medical appointment? With non-medical questions Talking to patients about the social determinants of their health is just as, if not more, important as prescribing medication to treat an ailment, according to physicians practicing at organizations that utilize screenings to learn about factors like housing and employment. Why Advocate Aurora is paying employees to take 'renewal days' Advocate Aurora Health is paying nurses and other staff members to step away from their jobs for a day to participate in a "renewal day" focused on employee wellness and connection.  NewYork-Presbyterian CXO Rick Evans: An HCAHPS update is needed urgently Virtually every adult inpatient hospital in America administers the HCAHPS survey to patients. The data from these surveys are publicly reported for all to see, and star ratings are assigned to hospitals based on this patient feedback. In addition, results of these surveys are a driver of the government’s Value-Based Purchasing program, which rewards or penalizes hospitals based on performance. HCAHPS and other CMS-mandated quality measures are ingrained into most hospitals’ goal setting and operations. The stakes on performance are high. The best and worst states for healthcare during COVID-19 The Commonwealth Fund released its 2022 Scorecard on State Health System Performance, which was modified from previous years to factor each state's response and management of the COVID-19 pandemic into its grade. Why PAs aren't using the term 'physician associate' yet The American Academy of Physician Assistants has officially changed its name to the American Academy of Physician Associates as part of a larger rebranding effort for the profession, but the association is not advising PAs to use the new term in a professional capacity yet. Jefferson Health boosts staffing flexibility with 'Nursing SEAL Team' Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health is aiming to give nurses more flexibility with where they work through a new "Nursing SEAL Team," the health system said July 6. Has smell, taste returned for COVID-19 survivors? 2 latest findings Temporary loss of smell emerged as a common indicator of COVID-19 early in the pandemic. Research into the cause and treatment of the condition, known as anosmia, is ongoing, though recent studies have brought us one step closer to answers. Joint Commission faces more pressure to require safe staffing for accreditation Hospital workers and allies in Illinois and Indiana are urging The Joint Commission to add staffing standards to its accreditation and licensing process for healthcare facilities. 1 in 3 physicians reported mistreatment in past year Nearly 30 percent of physicians reported experiencing discrimination and mistreatment from patients or patients’ family members or visitors, a study published May 19 in JAMA Network Open found. 5 best health systems to grow your career: LinkedIn Five health systems made LinkedIn's list of the 25 best healthcare companies to grow your career in the industry. Is nursing recession-proof? Amid a growing risk of recession for the U.S., there is at least one healthcare occupation that appears in solid position to withstand an economic downturn: nursing, a registered nurse from Louisiana argues in a June 20 article on nurse.org. Sanford to hire more than 700 foreign nurses by 2025 Sioux Falls, S.D.-based Sanford Health is planning to hire more than 700 internationally trained nurses over the next three years to work at the system's four major medical centers and several critical access hospitals, Chief Nursing Officer Erica DeBoer, RN, told Becker's June 15. INFECTION CONTROL 'Stay humble at the outset': 4 physicians on how COVID-19 shaped infectious disease work As the monkeypox outbreak evolves, hospitals are reflecting on the early days of their COVID-19 response. UPMC sued over COVID-19 test that canceled patient's wedding UPMC faces a lawsuit filed by a patient whose incorrect COVID-19 diagnosis resulted in the cancellation of his summer 2020 wedding, The Tribune-Review reports. HHS won't disclose hospitals where patients contracted COVID-19 The Biden administration will not release data on COVID-19 transmission in individual hospitals, citing "privacy concerns," Politico reported June 25. Nurses station interactions may play role in hospital COVID-19 outbreaks Hospital-associated COVID-19 infections may stem from airborne virus spread among employees and patients in hospital common areas, such as nurses stations, according to a study published June 8 in JAMA Network Open. Pandemic-era flu shot rates mirror COVID-19 vaccine polarization: Study Concerns and polarized views about COVID-19 vaccinations spilled over to flu vaccination rates in adults, according to a study by researchers who examined over two pandemic years on both vaccines by state. PATIENT SAFETY & OUTCOMES What an increasingly anxious workforce means for patient care Whether a school in Uvalde, Texas, or a hospital campus in Tulsa, Okla., a recent series of violent events are constant reminders of the potential for what could unfold on healthcare workers' home campuses. The omnipresent anxiety over gun violence in the workplace — a possibility that increasingly seems more likely — has negative consequences for care delivery and the patient experience. Has smell, taste returned for COVID-19 survivors? 2 latest findings Temporary loss of smell emerged as a common indicator of COVID-19 early in the pandemic. Research into the cause and treatment of the condition, known as anosmia, is ongoing, though recent studies have brought us one step closer to answers. Don't rush through surgical timeouts, medical groups warn The Joint Commission and Association of periOperative Registered Nurses are urging surgical teams to not rush through safety "timeouts" as they tackle a backlog of surgeries postponed amid the pandemic. What physicians at Children's National Hospital learned from treating long COVID-19 patients While fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom among adult and pediatric long COVID-19 patients, physicians at Washington, D.C.-based Children's National Hospital have noticed another pattern in pediatric patients. Physicians' race, gender influences white patients' treatment response, study suggests Patients' implicit biases about a physician's race and gender may influence their response to treatments, even when their overt attitudes about these providers are positive, according to a study published June 27 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. PATIENT & CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE A powerful way to start a medical appointment? With non-medical questions Talking to patients about the social determinants of their health is just as, if not more, important as prescribing medication to treat an ailment, according to physicians practicing at organizations that utilize screenings to learn about factors like housing and employment. Physician viewpoint: The fading presence of family at the bedside Daniela Lamas, MD, a pulmonary and critical care physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, has noticed a big difference in her hospital and in patient care since the pandemic began: "an erosion of the family presence that we once embraced." The secondary crisis linked to hospitals' visitor restrictions Nearly two-thirds of family members restricted from visiting COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care units suffered from stress-related disorders three months after the hospitalization, a study published April 25 in JAMA Internal Medicine found. Why PAs aren't using the term 'physician associate' yet The American Academy of Physician Assistants has officially changed its name to the American Academy of Physician Associates as part of a larger rebranding effort for the profession, but the association is not advising PAs to use the new term in a professional capacity yet. NewYork-Presbyterian CXO Rick Evans: An HCAHPS update is needed urgently Virtually every adult inpatient hospital in America administers the HCAHPS survey to patients. The data from these surveys are publicly reported for all to see, and star ratings are assigned to hospitals based on this patient feedback. In addition, results of these surveys are a driver of the government’s Value-Based Purchasing program, which rewards or penalizes hospitals based on performance. HCAHPS and other CMS-mandated quality measures are ingrained into most hospitals’ goal setting and operations. The stakes on performance are high. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & MEASUREMENT How Jefferson Health is harnessing philanthropy to address health disparities In recent years, hospitals and health systems have launched programs or other initiatives to tackle health disparities, from outreach programs and education to recruiting a chief diversity officer. Maternal deaths rose dramatically during COVID-19: 3 study notes Maternal deaths in the U.S. rose 33 percent after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, according to a study published June 28 in JAMA Network Open. Healthcare overuse is an equity issue, physicians group says In a decade of aiming to reduce overuse in healthcare, a group of internal medicine physicians  found that overuse is prevalent in racial and ethnic minority groups, leading to what it called a "possible double jeopardy." Biden's plan to protect LGBTQ patients' healthcare: 5 things to know President Joe Biden signed an executive order June 15 to protect LGBTQ patients' healthcare, particularly for children. Inaccurate pulse ox readings may have delayed, prevented care among minority COVID-19 patients Pulse oximeter measurements are less accurate among Black, Hispanic and Asian COVID-19 patients compared to white patients. These inaccuracies may have led to minority patients receiving delayed or no treatment, according to a study published May 31 in JAMA Internal Medicine. NURSING SPOTLIGHT Nurse leader at hospital where 7 gallons of fentanyl went missing has license reinstated The New Hampshire Board of Nursing has reinstated the license of Amy Matthews, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer at Keene, N.H.-based Cheshire Medical Center, after it was suspended amid an investigation into how more than 7 gallons of fentanyl went missing, the New Hampshire Union Leader reported June 28. Is nursing recession-proof? Amid a growing risk of recession for the U.S., there is at least one healthcare occupation that appears in solid position to withstand an economic downturn: nursing, a registered nurse from Louisiana argues in a June 20 article on nurse.org.   Memorial Healthcare's longest-serving nurse to retire after 53 years Memorial Healthcare System's longest-serving employee and first nurse leader of color is planning to retire after 53 years with the Hollywood, Fla.-based system, CBS News reported June 15. More men are going into nursing: What about travel nursing? As the number of male nurses continues to increase nationwide and the major demand for travel nurses keeps growing at a record pace, it stands to reason that more men are going into travel nursing. The problem is that very little data exists to support that assumption. Lobbying for 'RaDonda's Law' gains traction in Tennessee Lobbying efforts for legislation to end the criminalization of medical errors are well underway in Tennessee, where former nurse RaDonda Vaught was criminally convicted and sentenced to three years of supervised probation for a fatal medication error she made in 2017.

August 2022 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER Hospitals' spring revenue boost not enough to offset expenses Hospitals and health systems were hindered by skyrocketing expenses and depressed margins in May despite improved revenue and patient volume, according to a June 28 Kaufman Hall report. CMS to launch new oncology payment model under Medicare The Biden administration will launch the next phase of its Cancer Moonshot initiative next July with a new value-based oncology payment model through Medicare that aims to improve cancer care outcomes and lower costs nationwide. Fortune 500's top 25 healthcare companies The 68th Fortune 500 was released May 23. The annual list of the largest corporations in the U.S. ranked by revenue for the 2021 fiscal year includes 77 healthcare companies. Amazon, Tufts Medicine launch digital health ecosystem Boston-based Tufts Medicine worked with Amazon to move its entire digital healthcare ecosystem, including its Epic EHR infrastructure, to Amazon Web Services, according to a May 24 press release. Where tech innovation is needed most in healthcare Healthcare has faced rapid change in the last few years amid the pandemic, and digital transformation is not slowing down. Rudeness: A care quality issue For many people, rude behavior is no more than an unwelcome nuisance. But for those in healthcare, the consequences can be far more detrimental. The advice 12 healthcare leaders remembered most in 2021 The Corner Office series asks healthcare leaders to answer questions about their life in and outside the office. 10 hospitals laying off workers Several hospitals are trimming their workforces due to financial and operational challenges, and some are offering affected workers new positions. Care New England to remain independent Providence, R.I.-based Care New England's leaders say they have crafted a plan to allow the health system to remain independent rather than merge with a larger system, CBS affiliate WPRI reported July 6. The 18 health systems Walmart sends its employees to for care in 2022 In an effort to rein in healthcare costs for its employees, Walmart sends them directly to health systems that demonstrate high-quality care outcomes, otherwise known as Centers of Excellence. CEO resignations hit record high Dozens of hospital CEOs have resigned this year as a record number of chiefs across all industries have exited their roles, according to a May 18 Challenger, Gray & Christmas report. 'We have turned to AI to disrupt the future,' Michael Dowling says Hospital systems can employ artificial intelligence to reduce the types of health inequities that have made communities of color more vulnerable to COVID-19, the leader of one of the nation's largest health systems says. Oracle is planning a unified national healthcare database. Will it work? Oracle's primary mission is improving the complex healthcare system with technology, according to Larry Ellison. 66 hospitals, health systems that have launched post-COVID-19 clinics Many hospitals and health systems have created COVID-19 recovery programs, or post-COVID clinics, to support patients who experience lingering symptoms weeks or months after being cleared of the illness — a population now widely known as COVID-19 long-haulers. Rick Evans, Chief Experience Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Virtually every adult inpatient hospital in America administers the HCAHPS survey to patients. The data from these surveys are publicly reported for all to see, and star ratings are assigned to hospitals based on this patient feedback. In addition, results of these surveys are a driver of the government’s Value-Based Purchasing program, which rewards or penalizes hospitals based on performance. HCAHPS and other CMS-mandated quality measures are ingrained into most hospitals’ goal setting and operations. The stakes on performance are high. Skip Hidlay, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Skip Hidlay, chief communications and marketing officer at Columbus-based Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, created a collaborative culture and expanded its strong partnerships with physicians, patients and digital marketing to make its brand successful, according to an interview branding agency Monigle shared with Becker's. Patrick Frias, MD, President and CEO of Rady Children's Hospital and Health Center Patrick Frias, MD, leans on the advice of his former mentor to inform his professional decisions: "The foundation of any good business is service." Robert Garrett, CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health/Andre Goy, MD, Executive Director of Hackensack Meridian Cancer Center A generation ago we spoke of cancer in hushed tones. We whispered about the suspected "Big C," diagnoses were kept secret, and that was that. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP NewYork-Presbyterian CXO Rick Evans: An HCAHPS update is needed urgently Virtually every adult inpatient hospital in America administers the HCAHPS survey to patients. The data from these surveys are publicly reported for all to see, and star ratings are assigned to hospitals based on this patient feedback. In addition, results of these surveys are a driver of the government’s Value-Based Purchasing program, which rewards or penalizes hospitals based on performance. HCAHPS and other CMS-mandated quality measures are ingrained into most hospitals’ goal setting and operations. The stakes on performance are high. The advice 12 healthcare leaders remembered most in 2021 The Corner Office series asks healthcare leaders to answer questions about their life in and outside the office. OSU Wexner's marketing chief on creating a humanized hospital brand Skip Hidlay, chief communications and marketing officer at Columbus-based Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, created a collaborative culture and expanded its strong partnerships with physicians, patients and digital marketing to make its brand successful, according to an interview branding agency Monigle shared with Becker's. Corner Office: Rady Children's CEO Dr. Patrick Frias on embracing service Patrick Frias, MD, leans on the advice of his former mentor to inform his professional decisions: "The foundation of any good business is service." The cancer moonshot: Here's how we get there A generation ago we spoke of cancer in hushed tones. We whispered about the suspected "Big C," diagnoses were kept secret, and that was that. CFO / FINANCE 10 hospitals laying off workers Several hospitals are trimming their workforces due to financial and operational challenges, and some are offering affected workers new positions. CMS to launch new oncology payment model under Medicare The Biden administration will launch the next phase of its Cancer Moonshot initiative next July with a new value-based oncology payment model through Medicare that aims to improve cancer care outcomes and lower costs nationwide. May hospital revenue boost not enough to offset expenses, Kaufman Hall says Hospitals and health systems were hindered by skyrocketing expenses and depressed margins in May despite improved revenue and patient volume, according to a June 28 Kaufman Hall report. Care New England to remain independent Providence, R.I.-based Care New England's leaders say they have crafted a plan to allow the health system to remain independent rather than merge with a larger system, CBS affiliate WPRI reported July 6. CEO/STRATEGY The 18 health systems Walmart sends its employees to for care in 2022 In an effort to rein in healthcare costs for its employees, Walmart sends them directly to health systems that demonstrate high-quality care outcomes, otherwise known as Centers of Excellence. New York hospital ousts 3 leaders Carthage (N.Y.) Area Hospital notified three leaders, including its COO, that they were being let go June 3, according to the Watertown Daily Times. 10 best children's hospitals, ranked by US News For the ninth consecutive year, Boston Children's hospital topped U.S. News & World Report Best Children's Hospitals rankings. Oregon hospital fires COO after 4 days on the job Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay, Ore., fired newly hired COO Larry Butler Jr. after four days of employment and learning of his criminal history. Fortune 500's top 25 healthcare companies The 68th Fortune 500 was released May 23. The annual list of the largest corporations in the U.S. ranked by revenue for the 2021 fiscal year includes 77 healthcare companies. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP Female execs share tips to balance motherhood, careers Several female executives shared tips to successfully balance influential careers and the daily demands of motherhood during the 44th annual Outstanding Mother Awards May 5. Women of color feel they have to 'self-edit' at work Women, and especially women of color, often feel they have to monitor themselves in work environments, constantly self-editing to ensure they don't leave a negative impression, writes Joan Williams, a professor at UC Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, in the Harvard Business Review. What 'Lean In' culture for women got wrong While the advice given in the book Lean In helped push women to change their habits, research shows that more structural change is needed before the playing field between men and women is leveled, Bloomberg reported June 3. How 4 female hospital executives lead by example Gender disparities continue to exist across the U.S. workforce. However, female executives at four Ohio hospitals have been able to break down barriers and lead by example at their organizations, the Tribune Chronicle reported June 5. A CEO's solutions to getting more women into tech Dialogue is "not enough" to improve diversity in tech, and actionable steps are needed to move the needle, a tech CEO told CNBC. INNOVATION 'We have turned to AI to disrupt the future,' Michael Dowling says Hospital systems can employ artificial intelligence to reduce the types of health inequities that have made communities of color more vulnerable to COVID-19, the leader of one of the nation's largest health systems says. Atrium, Advocate Aurora merger to accelerate digital health innovation The merger of Atrium Health and Advocate Aurora Health will advance digital health innovation, data analytics and digital consumer infrastructure. Amazon, Tufts Medicine launch digital health ecosystem Boston-based Tufts Medicine worked with Amazon to move its entire digital healthcare ecosystem, including its Epic EHR infrastructure, to Amazon Web Services, according to a May 24 press release. US consumer experience drops, but top 5% of brands win with this strategy The best brands are focusing on creating positive emotional experiences for their customers, as other organizations struggle to keep up in 2022, according to a June 6 report from market research firm Forrester. Where tech innovation is needed most in healthcare Healthcare has faced rapid change in the last few years amid the pandemic, and digital transformation is not slowing down. CIO/HEALTH IT Oracle is planning a unified national healthcare database. Will it work? Oracle's primary mission is improving the complex healthcare system with technology, according to Larry Ellison. Florida health system to spend $65M on Cerner to Epic transition Naples, Fla.-based NCH Healthcare System will spend $65 million to transition its Cerner EHR system to an Epic system, Naples Daily News reported May 26. What's next for Epic, Cerner Epic and Cerner make up more than half of the U.S. hospital EHR market, but they are leaning into different strategies for growth. 4 health systems switching to Epic EHR systems Below are four health systems that launched a new Epic EHR system or announced plans to do so in May. Florida hospitals lack data to comply with governor's executive order on immigration Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed an executive order last September requiring hospitals to collect data on the amount of money spent to care for immigrants living in the country without legal documentation. CMO/CARE DELIVERY Rudeness: A care quality issue For many people, rude behavior is no more than an unwelcome nuisance. But for those in healthcare, the consequences can be far more detrimental. Physician's viral tweet spotlights shortcomings of airplane medical kits Physician Andrea Merrill, MD, went viral June 12 after tweeting about her experience with an in-air medical emergency on Delta Airlines. 66 hospitals, health systems that have launched post-COVID-19 clinics Many hospitals and health systems have created COVID-19 recovery programs, or post-COVID clinics, to support patients who experience lingering symptoms weeks or months after being cleared of the illness — a population now widely known as COVID-19 long-haulers.

July 2022 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER Hospital adjusted expenses per inpatient day across 50 states Below are the adjusted expenses per inpatient day in 2019, organized by hospital ownership type, in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., according to the latest statistics from Kaiser State Health Facts. The case for seriously optimistic healthcare leaders "Every meeting I have, I talk about optimism," says Michael Dowling, CEO of New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health. "I've probably given four talks in the last two days on that theme, including a meeting with my physician leadership team 15 minutes ago." How Jefferson Health is harnessing philanthropy to address health disparities In recent years, hospitals and health systems have launched programs or other initiatives to tackle health disparities, from outreach programs and education to recruiting a chief diversity officer. Venture investment strategies from Northwell, UPMC, OSF + more More hospitals with substantial cash pools have decided to think like venture capitalists, ramping up their investments into digital health startups. Why the best ideas in digital health are still to come Tom Andriola, vice chancellor of information technology and data and chief digital officer of University of California Irvine and UCI Health, is bullish on the future integration of technology in healthcare. Major for-profit hospitals' labor costs hit $12B in Q1 Three of the four major for-profit hospital operators in the U.S. saw labor expenses spike in the first quarter of this year. Walmart heir to help build new regional health system in Arkansas Walmart heir Alice Walton's foundation has partnered with the Washington Regional Medical System in Fayetteville, Ark., to build a new regional healthcare system. Understanding costs and learning to listen: 3 executives on the CFO-to-CEO transition Hospital CEOs have faced many changes and challenges during the pandemic, from staffing shortages to digital transformations. 6 women in healthcare share tips for emerging leaders Several female healthcare leaders recently shared with Becker's their best advice for people trying to grow in their healthcare careers. Novant Health launches innovation lab: 5 things to know Charlotte, N.C.-based Novant Health opened an innovation lab April 21. Physician leaders wave red flag on automated pharmacy technology As retail pharmacy chains rely on automated technology to fill prescriptions, a group of physician leaders is waving a red flag, stating that this technology has serious consequences for patient safety and the future of pharmacy. Nurses make exit plans after RaDonda Vaught's conviction More than 100,000 nurses left the workforce in 2021, according to an analysis published April 13 in Health Affairs. Now a nurse's criminal conviction for a medical error has the profession worried about how that number might swell. How CIOs can win the battle for talent systemwide Brad Reimer, CIO of Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, S.D., has staffing issues for the entire system top of mind as he keeps an eye on strategic planning. James Madara, MD, CEO, American Medical Association No one can predict what the future of the nation's healthcare system will look like, but there are certain needs that are "musts" to prioritize, no matter how healthcare shifts over the next century. That's how the American Medical Association's CEO sets the organization's objectives. Joel Day, CFO, ScionHealth Five months since the December 2021 launch of Louisville, Ky.-based ScionHealth, the new system has been presented with several learning opportunities as it focuses on a smooth transition into its own organization, CFO Joel Day told Becker's. Nader Mherabi, CDIO, NYU Langone NYU Langone Health's CIO and CDO is all about creating seamless technological experiences for all, bringing value to the organization and investing in innovative tech. Rick Evans, Chief Experience Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital The pandemic has shined a light on some of  the weaknesses that were present in the healthcare system before the arrival of COVID-19. Across the nation, this has included an escalation of incidences of verbal and physical violence in healthcare settings. Behaviors that were becoming more common before the pandemic have now intensified as tempers and patience have grown short and divisions within our nation have persisted. Shweta Ponnappa, Chief Marketing and Digital Experience Officer, Providence Providence's chief marketing and digital experience officer plans to utilize data and insights to bring the most useful and personalized experiences to patients. John Couris, CEO, Tampa General Hospital As the president and CEO of a leading academic medical center, my primary responsibility is to balance the care and safety of our patients with the needs of my team members. Truth be told, one feeds the other — by making sure my team is supported and feels empowered to raise issues and concerns, admit to mistakes without fear and make recommendations for improvement, which results in patients receiving world-class care. Neal Chawla, MD, CMIO, WakeMed Healthcare providers across the U.S. are leveraging technology to better care for patients and tackle population health issues. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AMA turns 175: How CEO Dr. James Madara sets priorities as healthcare's agenda grows No one can predict what the future of the nation's healthcare system will look like, but there are certain needs that are "musts" to prioritize, no matter how healthcare shifts over the next century. That's how the American Medical Association's CEO sets the organization's objectives. 'So much is new': ScionHealth launch presents wealth of opportunities, CFO says Five months since the December 2021 launch of Louisville, Ky.-based ScionHealth, the new system has been presented with several learning opportunities as it focuses on a smooth transition into its own organization, CFO Joel Day told Becker's. NYU Langone Health's CIO & CDO is focused on creating excellent experiences: Q&A with Nader Mherabi NYU Langone Health's CIO and CDO is all about creating seamless technological experiences for all, bringing value to the organization and investing in innovative tech. How Jefferson Health is harnessing philanthropy to address health disparities In recent years, hospitals and health systems have launched programs or other initiatives to tackle health disparities, from outreach programs and education to recruiting a chief diversity officer. NewYork-Presbyterian CXO Rick Evans: We need to have our teams' backs when they face racist, discriminatory patient behavior The pandemic has shined a light on some of  the weaknesses that were present in the healthcare system before the arrival of COVID-19. Across the nation, this has included an escalation of incidences of verbal and physical violence in healthcare settings. Behaviors that were becoming more common before the pandemic have now intensified as tempers and patience have grown short and divisions within our nation have persisted. CFO / FINANCE 441 rural hospitals at risk of losing services or closing Out of 2,176 rural hospitals, 441 face three or more risk factors, putting them at risk of service reduction or closure, according to a May 4 Bipartisan Policy Center report. Kaiser posts net loss of $961M in Q1 Driven mainly by nonoperating losses, Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente recorded a net loss of $961 million in the first quarter of 2022, down from a net income of $2 billion in the same quarter in 2021, according to financial data released May 6. CommonSpirit posts $591M quarterly operating loss CommonSpirit Health, a 142-hospital system based in Chicago, reported an operating loss for the three months ended March 31, according to financial documents released May 13. Major for-profit hospitals' labor costs hit $12B in Q1 Three of the four major for-profit hospital operators in the U.S. saw labor expenses spike in the first quarter of this year. Mass General Brigham posts $867M quarterly net loss Despite seeing a slight increase in revenue, Boston-based Mass General Brigham ended the second quarter of fiscal year 2022 with both an operating loss and net loss, according to its financial report released May 13. CEO/STRATEGY The case for seriously optimistic healthcare leaders "Every meeting I have, I talk about optimism," says Michael Dowling, CEO of New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health. "I've probably given four talks in the last two days on that theme, including a meeting with my physician leadership team 15 minutes ago." Retirement regret (and how one hospital CEO beat it) New retirees who feel any loss of structure, identity or intellectual stimulation are hardly alone⁠ — about 15 percent of retirees have a difficult time adjusting to their new lifestyles, The Wall Street Journal reports. Walmart heir to help build new regional health system in Arkansas Walmart heir Alice Walton's foundation has partnered with the Washington Regional Medical System in Fayetteville, Ark., to build a new regional healthcare system. 6 ways Wexner Medical Center cut its emissions, improved sustainability Columbus, Ohio- based Wexner Medical Center has made a concerted effort to reduce its emissions as a system, implementing waste reduction techniques, sustainable construction and local supplier sourcing. Understanding costs and learning to listen: 3 executives on the CFO-to-CEO transition Hospital CEOs have faced many changes and challenges during the pandemic, from staffing shortages to digital transformations. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP 6 women in healthcare share tips for emerging leaders Several female healthcare leaders recently shared with Becker's their best advice for people trying to grow in their healthcare careers. Percentage of women in 29 specialties Pediatrics has the highest percentage of female physicians compared to other specialties, according to Medscape's "Physician Compensation Report 2022." Male CEOs are learning to lead with 'female' traits The pandemic encouraged leaders to be more vulnerable with their staff, showing more empathy and transparency, traits that female leaders have often already been employing, Fortune reported April 28. Meet the women-only private members club for executives Chief, a membership-based club for female executives, launched in 2019 has been injected with a fresh round of investment from Google, helping it to expand, reported CNBC April 24. 49% of female revenue execs considered quitting last year: 5 top reasons Almost half of female executives working in revenue-related roles have considered quitting their jobs in 2021 according to a new survey from Women in Revenue. INNOVATION Venture investment strategies from Northwell, UPMC, OSF + more More hospitals with substantial cash pools have decided to think like venture capitalists, ramping up their investments into digital health startups. 8 reasons health AI companies fail Artificial intelligence in healthcare "doesn’t really exist right now," even though it should, according to Aike Ho, a partner at venture capital firm Acme Capital. CommonSpirit, AdventHealth invest in behavioral health startup Behavioral health startup Concert Health on April 27 closed a $42 million series B funding round. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center training AI to 'sniff out' cancer New York City-based Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center researchers' AI sensor, trained to identify ovarian cancer, was found to be more effective than currently used methods for early detection. Ballad Health forms alliance to boost healthcare innovation Johnson City, Tenn.-based Ballad Health has partnered with East Tennessee State University Research Corp. to create an innovation and entrepreneurship alliance, the health system said April 14. CIO/HEALTH IT Physician leaders wave red flag on automated pharmacy technology As retail pharmacy chains rely on automated technology to fill prescriptions, a group of physician leaders is waving a red flag, stating that this technology has serious consequences for patient safety and the future of pharmacy. Data is the 'lifeblood' of the digital health economy: Sanford CIO on how to keep up Digital technologies and data analytics have become vital to health systems aiming to run efficient organizations, reduce burnout and provide excellent patient care. Mississippi requires insurers to cover telehealth The governor of Mississippi recently signed into law a bill that requires insurers to cover telehealth services on par with in-person care. Health IT company names Ed Marx as CEO Healthcare IT consulting company Divurgent named Ed Marx its CEO. The era of passwords is ending: How tech giants will ensure safe sign-ins Microsoft, Google and Apple made a joint agreement to implement passwordless logins across mobile and desktop devices and browsers. CMO/CARE DELIVERY Nurses make exit plans after RaDonda Vaught's conviction More than 100,000 nurses left the workforce in 2021, according to an analysis published April 13 in Health Affairs. Now a nurse's criminal conviction for a medical error has the profession worried about how that number might swell. Columbia University Medical Center cuts ties with Dr. Oz Columbia University Medical Center has quietly cut its public ties to Mehmet Oz, MD, the TV celebrity physician who is now a Republican candidate for a Pennsylvania Senate seat, WebMD reports. More men are going into nursing: What about travel nursing? As the number of male nurses continues to increase nationwide and the major demand for travel nurses keeps growing at a record pace, it stands to reason that more men are going into travel nursing. The problem is that very little data exists to support that assumption. AI can tell a patient's race by only X-rays, stumping researchers Researchers have been able to train a deep learning model to accurately predict a patient's race from just medical images, like X-rays and CT scans leaving researchers confused, reported the Boston Globe May 13. Travel nurses see abrupt pay drops, canceled contracts Steady COVID-19 hospitalizations and the meltdown of pandemic relief funding are contributing to substantially lower demand for travel nurses, including lower pay and canceled contracts, NBC News reports.

The promise of interoperability remains a distant goal, but newer technologies like AI and natural language processing, combined with older technologies such as optical character recognition (OCR), are showing new promise in helping healthcare organizations draw meaning from unstructured data.

May/June 2022 Issue of Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control ON THE COVER The exodus of young nurses The U.S. nursing workforce fell by more than 100,000 in 2021, primarily driven by nurses under age 35 leaving hospital-based jobs, according to an analysis published April 13 in Health Affairs. 10 executives on quality improvement measures deserving more attention The COVID-19 pandemic has caused quality leaders to seek innovative solutions to not only maintain but reinvigorate quality efforts, with renewed attention on maintaining measures as hospitalizations have dwindled since the omicron surge. The value of wearing a mask when others don't A federal judge's rejection of the nation's mask mandate for travelers taking public transportation set off a flurry of responses. Dr. Vineet Arora: Female physicians are not immune to the 'she-cession' Women, including female physicians, were hit hard during the pandemic, as they juggled their careers and a plethora of caregiving responsibilities, according to Vinnet Arora, MD, speaking on a March 21 American Medical Association podcast. Where are the 22 Leapfrog straight-'A' hospitals? The Leapfrog Group released its spring 2022 Hospital Safety Grades on May 10, assigning "A" through "F" letter grades to nearly 3,000 general acute care hospitals in the U.S. for patient safety performance. Top 5 most challenging requirements in 2021: Joint Commission Reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections was the most challenging compliance standard for hospitals in 2021, according to The Joint Commission. Is it time for more nurse CEOs? With nearly one-third of registered nurses considering leaving their current roles amid historic workforce shortages, healthcare executives nationwide are scrambling to better understand and meet nurses' needs. This task may come easier for hospital and health system CEOs with hands-on nursing experience, but so-called "nurse CEOs" are few and far between. A 5-letter fix for medication errors RaDonda Vaught's conviction for a fatal medication error is drawing newfound attention to the technological vulnerabilities of electronic medication cabinets, Kaiser Health News reported April 29. The top-rated hospitals for patient experience, state by state: 2022 Becker's has compiled a list of the best hospitals for patient experience in each state using the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems scores from CMS. Unclear link between physician burnout, care quality: Study A study involving physician surveys and Medicare claims data found no consistent relationship between burnout and patient outcomes, according to findings published in the April edition of Health Affairs. Cedars-Sinai's new division is trailblazing AI to improve patient care Cedars-Sinai is working to fill in the gaps in mechanisms, diagnostics, risk assessment and therapeutics of major human disease conditions using artificial intelligence. Rudeness: A care quality issue For many people, rude behavior is no more than an unwelcome nuisance. But for those in healthcare, the consequences can be far more detrimental. What made baby-boomer nurses work through the pandemic? From novices to seasoned experts, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged all nurses in different ways. Facing a time of unprecedented turbulence in their careers, some baby-boomer nurses took the opportunity to retire early. Nurse practitioner average annual wage in 50 states Nurse practitioners in the U.S. make an average of $118,040 annually, according to the latest data released March 31 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. INFECTION CONTROL The value of wearing a mask when others don't A federal judge's rejection of the nation's mask mandate for travelers taking public transportation set off a flurry of responses. Aerosolized hydrogen peroxide cuts C. diff infection risk Adding aerosolized hydrogen peroxide to infection prevention protocols reduces the risk of Clostridioides difficile infections in healthcare settings, according to a study published March 17 in the American Journal of Infection Control. Michigan reports US' 1st known COVID-19 'spillover' cases Health officials believe four Michigan residents infected with a coronavirus strain linked to minks are the first known animal to-human COVID-19 cases in the U.S., the Detroit Free Press reported April 17. CDC mask guidelines spur confusion among hospitals Healthcare facilities nationwide are grappling with conflicting CDC guidelines on masking amid the pandemic, resulting in a patchwork of policies and practices, Politico reported April 5. Routine vaccinations dipped amid COVID-19, CDC finds Routine childhood vaccinations fell nationwide amid the pandemic and are below target levels, the CDC reported April 22. PATIENT SAFETY & OUTCOMES Inflammation, not coronavirus, may be behind loss of smell: Johns Hopkins Loss of smell from COVID-19 may be a consequence of inflammation caused by the infection, versus a direct outcome from the virus itself, according to a study published April 11 in JAMA Neurology. 3 in 5 Americans worry for the safety of loved ones in hospitals, survey says Almost 60 percent of Americans are concerned for the safety and security of their loved ones in hospitals, afraid of the harm someone else may inflict upon them, according to a March 7 report from Global Healthcare Exchange, a healthcare automation company. Why 'park prescriptions' are gaining popularity Physicians are increasingly prescribing a free, effective therapy for patients with various conditions: more time in nature, Time reported April 27. Kaiser, Prime Healthcare receive Eisenberg patient safety, quality awards The Joint Commission and National Quality Forum selected Prime Healthcare Services and Kaiser Permanente Northern California as recipients of their John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Awards in two categories. How Jefferson Health is treating loss of smell from COVID-19 Once a month at Philadelphia-based Jefferson Health, some COVID-19 patients who have lost their sense of smell have their plasma extracted and inserted high up in their nose using a sponge, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported April 4. PATIENT & CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE 6 patient experience leaders share their 2022 goals From reviving the human experience for patients and care teams to increasing digital access, hospitals and health systems around the U.S. are continuing to elevate patient experience initiatives heading into the new year. 1 in 4 older adults of color report discrimination in US healthcare, study finds Older Americans are experiencing racial and ethnic discrimination that is taking a toll on their health, according to an analysis released April 21 by the Commonwealth Fund. Teens' mental health suffered amid COVID-19, CDC warns New CDC data shows teenagers' mental health took a significant hit during the pandemic, with 44 percent reporting persistent sadness or hopelessness in the past year. How many physicians have exited Mission since HCA took over? Watchdog says 200+ Asheville Watchdog says at least 223 physicians have exited Mission Health since HCA Healthcare took over the health system in 2019. Nashville, Tenn.-based HCA Healthcare has declined to say how many physicians have left. The top-rated hospitals for patient experience, state by state: 2022 Becker's has compiled a list of the best hospitals for patient experience in each state using the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems scores from CMS. QUALITY IMPROVEMENT & MEASUREMENT Biden's plan for long COVID-19: 4 notes President Joe Biden on April 5 issued a memorandum directing HHS to coordinate a governmentwide plan to address long COVID-19, estimated to affect 7 million to 23 million Americans. Unclear link between physician burnout, care quality: Study A study involving physician surveys and Medicare claims data found no consistent relationship between burnout and patient outcomes, according to findings published in the April edition of Health Affairs. Health systems that gave the most, least charity care compared to their tax exemptions: Lown Institute Health systems across the U.S. made Lown Institute's new rankings lists for organizations where charity care and community investment spending was less or more than the value of their tax exemption. Vanderbilt developing cloud-based tool to track health equity programs Nashville, Tenn.-based Vanderbilt University Medical Center announced plans to develop a cloud-based tool to track community-based activities that help address health inequities. US states ranked by suicide rate Wyoming has the highest rate of suicides among U.S. states, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. NURSING SPOTLIGHT What made baby-boomer nurses work through the pandemic? From novices to seasoned experts, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged all nurses in different ways. Facing a time of unprecedented turbulence in their careers, some baby-boomer nurses took the opportunity to retire early. Number of nurse practitioners licensed in US hits new record More than 355,000 nurse practitioners are licensed to practice in the U.S., up 9 percent from the estimated 325,000 reported in May 2021, according to an estimate the American Association of Nurse Practitioners released April 7. More nurses plan to leave jobs than other clinicians, KLAS survey finds Compared to other clinicians, nurses are the most likely to have plans to leave their organization in the next year, according to a KLAS report. 10 best nursing schools for master's and DNPs, as ranked by US News Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins University has the No. 1 nursing school for a master's degree and a doctor of nursing practice degree, according to U.S. News and World Report's list of best nursing schools for 2023, released March 29. Why nearly 750 Minnesota nurses left bedside care positions Nearly 750 surveyed nurses in Minnesota have identified poor hospital management and chronic short staffing as the top issues causing them to leave bedside care positions, according to a report released March 31 by the Minnesota Nurses Association.

June 2022 Issue of Becker's Hospital Review ON THE COVER Kaiser to restructure Colorado, Washington operations Kaiser Permanente's Colorado and Washington medical groups and health plan have agreed to a new organizational structure and operating model in these two markets, Becker's has learned. Hospitals are bolstering wages. Is it sustainable? As the workforce shortages worsened and the pandemic caused widespread burnout, many hospitals and health systems saw their labor expenses significantly rise as they were forced to pay more to attract and retain workers. 'De-innovation': How Cleveland Clinic and more determine which processes to nix While most conversations about hospital innovation center around which new initiatives health systems have up and running, a less glamorous yet important piece of the conversation centers on which programs have been discontinued. What made baby-boomer nurses work through the pandemic? From novices to seasoned experts, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged all nurses in different ways. Facing a time of unprecedented turbulence in their careers, some baby-boomer nurses took the opportunity to retire early. What separates 'good' leaders from 'great' ones? Extensive research has shown that leaders, regardless of a formal title, shape the culture, life and performance of an organization. That's why it's imperative to have great leaders. CMS pitches inpatient payment rule for 2023: 10 things to know CMS released its annual Inpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule April 18, which proposes a reimbursement boost for acute care hospitals. US hospitals that give the most free care to patients Becker's determined which U.S. hospitals provide the most free health services to patients as a share of their total patients. Healthcare's 14 CEOs on Equilar's list of top paid chief executives Fourteen healthcare CEOs made Equilar's list of the highest paid CEOs among the 100 largest companies in the U.S. by revenue in 2021. 22 cities where the gender pay gap has shrunk While the gender pay-gap is still growing nationwide, there are now 22 metropolitan areas in which women under 30 earn the same, or more than their male counterparts, according to a March 28 Pew Research Center report. HHS sounds alarm on 'exceptionally aggressive' ransomware group The HHS Cybersecurity Program issued an alert April 19 to healthcare providers warning them to defend against the "exceptionally aggressive" Hive ransomware group. Don't write that patient review, it might be a HIPAA violation, report says When responding to online patient reviews, some healthcare providers are taking defending their reputation too far, and are violating HIPAA laws, The Verge reported April 1. 29 physician specialties ranked by annual compensation Physician income rebounded toward the end of last year as routine patient care returned, with primary care physicians earning an average annual compensation of $260,000 and specialists earning an average of $368,000, according to Medscape's "Physician Compensation Report 2022." It could take years to know what 'endemic COVID-19' looks like It can take years for scientists to determine endemic patterns while pandemics settle, and consequences of widespread illness can be long lasting after new infections fade, leaving the endemic stage of COVID-19 a "mystery," The New York Times reported April 7. Alexa Kimball, MD, President and CEO, Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians As new chiefs and chairs start to take on their new jobs during this dynamic era, it’s clear that the role of the chief has changed dramatically over time. Robert Garrett, CEO, Hackensack Meridian Health We stand with our nurses and healthcare workers throughout the nation who are deeply troubled by the conviction of a nurse in Tennessee in the death of a 75-year-old patient due to a drug error. It's a rare and troubling example of a healthcare professional facing prison for a medical mistake. Kevin Slavin, President and CEO, St. Joseph's Health We stand with our nurses and healthcare workers throughout the nation who are deeply troubled by the conviction of a nurse in Tennessee in the death of a 75-year-old patient due to a drug error. It's a rare and troubling example of a healthcare professional facing prison for a medical mistake. James Hereford, President and CEO, Fairview Health Services James Hereford has helmed Fairview Health Services in Minneapolis throughout the pandemic and has had a front-row seat to the fluid circumstances of the last two years. In the wake of the challenges COVID-19 has created, he said he is more focused than ever on building a strong culture and ensuring his employees feel connected to the mission of the 10-hospital organization. Michael Dowling, President and CEO, Northwell Health Maternal health outcomes for women of color are moving in the wrong direction. Rick Evans, Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Last week, I did something I haven't done in a long time. I went in person to a professional conference. The meeting was the "ElevatePX" conference sponsored by The Beryl Institute, an organization dedicated to advancing the human experience in healthcare. The Beryl community is over 60,000 strong and is comprised of patient experience leaders, patient advocates and other organizations involved in patient experience work. John Couris, President and CEO, Tampa General Hospital John Couris has been part of many achievements during his time as president and CEO of Tampa (Fla.) General Hospital, including the opening of the Global Emerging Diseases Institute and the launch of a venture capital fund to drive an innovation culture within the organization. THOUGHT LEADERSHIP The successful department chief: Essential skills, considerations in a changing landscape As new chiefs and chairs start to take on their new jobs during this dynamic era, it’s clear that the role of the chief has changed dramatically over time. Hospital CEOs: We stand with our front-line teams if they err We stand with our nurses and healthcare workers throughout the nation who are deeply troubled by the conviction of a nurse in Tennessee in the death of a 75-year-old patient due to a drug error. It's a rare and troubling example of a healthcare professional facing prison for a medical mistake. Minnesota health system CEO's advice: Help employees feel they're connected James Hereford has helmed Fairview Health Services in Minneapolis throughout the pandemic and has had a front-row seat to the fluid circumstances of the last two years. In the wake of the challenges COVID-19 has created, he said he is more focused than ever on building a strong culture and ensuring his employees feel connected to the mission of the 10-hospital organization. Michael Dowling: Maternal mortality isn't changing, so Northwell will Maternal health outcomes for women of color are moving in the wrong direction. NewYork-Presbyterian CXO Rick Evans: What's on patient experience leaders' to-do list this spring Last week, I did something I haven't done in a long time. I went in person to a professional conference. The meeting was the "ElevatePX" conference sponsored by The Beryl Institute, an organization dedicated to advancing the human experience in healthcare. The Beryl community is over 60,000 strong and is comprised of patient experience leaders, patient advocates and other organizations involved in patient experience work. CFO / FINANCE CMS pitches inpatient payment rule for 2023: 10 things to know CMS released its annual Inpatient Prospective Payment System proposed rule April 18, which proposes a reimbursement boost for acute care hospitals. Fat Joe presses hospitals to post prices in a new ad Fat Joe, a rapper known for songs such as "Lean Back" and "What's Luv?" presses hospitals to post prices in an ad that launched April 19 across the U.S. US hospitals that give the most free care to patients Becker's determined which U.S. hospitals provide the most free health services to patients as a share of their total patients. Hospitals are bolstering wages. Is it sustainable? As the workforce shortages worsened and the pandemic caused widespread burnout, many hospitals and health systems saw their labor expenses significantly rise as they were forced to pay more to attract and retain workers. CFOs bored with constant spreadsheet jockeying: survey More than 80 percent of CFOs believe they suffer from the most intensive daily manual work compared to other roles in the C-suite, according to a new DataRails survey. CEO/STRATEGY A trait of the best leaders: Contagious positive energy Having a positive relational energy that helps uplift and inspire workers is the most powerful predictor of organizational success, according to a April 18 Harvard Business Review article. CEO pay approaches record amid workforce shortages Annual compensation for CEOs in the U.S. is heading for a record amid worker shortages and inflation, The Wall Street Journal reported April 3. What separates 'good' leaders from 'great' ones? Extensive research has shown that leaders, regardless of a formal title, shape the culture, life and performance of an organization. That's why it's imperative to have great leaders. 8 best health systems to work for: Fortune Eight health systems made Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work for list this year. Kaiser to restructure Colorado, Washington operations Kaiser Permanente's Colorado and Washington medical groups and health plan have agreed to a new organizational structure and operating model in these two markets, Becker's has learned. WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP The power of mentors, according to Queen's Health Systems CEO Jill Hoggard Green, PhD, RN, serves as president and CEO of the Queen's Health Systems in Honolulu. Epic CEO Judy Faulkner to receive honorary degree for philanthropic work Epic CEO Judy Faulkner will receive an honorary doctor of civic engagement degree from Carlisle, Pa.-based Dickinson College. Male physicians see up to 31% larger paychecks than their female colleagues Pay gaps between male and female physicians persisted across every specialty in Medscape's "Physician Compensation Report 2022." Female breadwinners take on more housework, study shows Mothers who earn more than their spouses frequently take on an even greater share of housework, a study published March 31 found. Playing golf can lead to academic promotions. But women often are left out of the club. One reason women struggle to advance in academic medicine is they are often excluded from male-dominated networking activities such as golf, research suggests. INNOVATION Ballad Health forms alliance to boost healthcare innovation Johnson City, Tenn.-based Ballad Health has partnered with East Tennessee State University Research Corp. to create an innovation and entrepreneurship alliance, the health system said April 14. 'De-innovation': How Cleveland Clinic and more determine which processes to nix While most conversations about hospital innovation center around which new initiatives health systems have up and running, a less glamorous yet important piece of the conversation centers on which programs have been discontinued. Kaiser Permanente Ventures invests in nurse staffing startup Oakland, Calif.-based Kaiser Permanente Ventures participated in a $115 million funding round for nurse staffing platform IntelyCare. 7 must-haves for 'iterative innovation' in the words of Amazon's CEO Amazon CEO Andy Jassy published his annual shareholder letter April 14, his first since assuming the top post of the company in 2021. How hospitals can be a 'laboratory' for innovation Hospitals should formalize their strategy, define what innovation looks like and encourage clinicians to think outside of the box as they pursue innovation. Here, four hospital chief innovation officers share strategies on how to create a pro-innovation environment. CIO/HEALTH IT Ransomware group operates like regular company, with HR department, 'employee of the month' Leaked documents show that ransomware group Conti operates like a regular company, with salaried workers, bonuses, performance reviews and even "employees of the month," CNBC reported April 13. HHS sounds alarm on 'exceptionally aggressive' ransomware group The HHS Cybersecurity Program issued an alert April 19 to healthcare providers warning them to defend against the "exceptionally aggressive" Hive ransomware group. Antitrust advocates are worried about Amazon's telehealth push A host of recent deals made by Amazon signal the tech giant's ambitions in telehealth, raising alarm bells for antitrust advocates who fear Amazon will dominate the market, Politico reported March 30. How Kaiser, HCA, Geisinger + more are using AI to save lives Hospitals are using artificial intelligence in emergency rooms, inpatient wards and intensive care units to help identify and treat patients at highest risk for sepsis and an impending cardiac arrest or stroke, The Wall Street Journal reported April 10. How email warnings can stop snooping hospital employees Email warnings were 95 percent effective in preventing healthcare employees from inappropriately accessing patient health information, according to an April 13 study published in JAMA. CMO/CARE DELIVERY What made baby-boomer nurses work through the pandemic? From novices to seasoned experts, the COVID-19 pandemic challenged all nurses in different ways. Facing a time of unprecedented turbulence in their careers, some baby-boomer nurses took the opportunity to retire early. 29 physician specialties ranked by annual compensation Physician income rebounded toward the end of last year as routine patient care returned, with primary care physicians earning an average annual compensation of $260,000 and specialists earning an average of $368,000, according to Medscape's "Physician Compensation Report 2022." Inflammation, not coronavirus, may be behind loss of smell: Johns Hopkins Loss of smell from COVID-19 may be a consequence of inflammation caused by the infection, versus a direct outcome from the virus itself, according to a study published April 11 in JAMA Neurology. The exodus of young nurses The U.S. nursing workforce fell by more than 100,000 in 2021, primarily driven by nurses under age 35 leaving hospital-based jobs, according to an analysis published April 13 in Health Affairs. CHI Health creates traveling nurses system Omaha, Neb.-based CHI Health said it has launched an internal travel program for skilled clinicians in Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota and North Dakota.

As the COVID-19 pandemic stretches into its third year, the need for infection prevention and control (IPC) interventions and guideline adherence remains urgent. To help nurses become better equipped, the American Nurses Association (ANA) partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Project Firstline (PFL).