Ambulance/Emergency Service
Smoothing the Flow, Jill Hodges, July, 14
New grants help hospitals find innovative ways to ease ED overcrowding
Benefits/Compensation
As Pension Plans Falter, Ratings Take a Beating, Richard Haugh, March, 18
Tumbling stock values threaten pension fund assets, forcing hospitals to turn to cash on hand to cover retirees' benefits
Retirement Benefits, Lee Ann Runy, August, gatefold after 42
As a recruitment tool
Benchmarking
Health Care Benchmarking 2003, Suzanna Hoppszallern, February, gatefold after 36
Financial, medical practice, market and key department performances, and top DRG cost and reimbursement
Fill the Void, Dave Carpenter, August, 18
Long-neglected field of health data standards suddenly crowded with players
Career Path
Philip Boyle, Joseph V. Robbins, January, 15
Vice president of ethics, Catholic Health East, Newtown Square, Pa.
Bridget Rosenstock, R.N., Joseph V. Robbins, March, 20
Sexual assault nurse examiner, Moses Cone Health System, Greensboro, N.C.
Nick Masi, Joseph V. Robbins, April, 16
Director of family centered care, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Lisa Flores, Joseph V. Robbins, May, 20
IT manager, Sierra View District Hospital, Visalia, Calif.
Jessica Lambert, Joseph V. Robbins, June, 20
Clinical pathways coordinator, Grey-Bruce Health Network, Canada
Charles Carpenter, M.D., Joseph V. Robbins, July, 18
Infectious diseases staff physician, Miriam Hospital at Brown University, Providence, R.I.
Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., Joseph V. Robbins, August, 20
Dean, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tenn.
Richard Polheber, Joseph V. Robbins, September, 18
CEO, Holy Cross Hospital, Nogales, Ariz.
Kathy Ketchum ("The Organ Lady"), Joyce Kelly, October, 20
RN at Providence Health System's Everett (Wash.) Medical Center
Tracy Orf, R.N., Joyce Kelly, November, 20
Nursing Information Systems Analyst, St. John's Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis
Monique Ware, Joyce Kelly, December, 18
Director of Community Health and Wellness, Suburban Hospital, Bethesda, Md.
Children/Youth
A Crisis in Adolescent Psych, Richard Haugh, January, 38
With more kids in need and fewer programs to help, hospitals are forced to step in
Puttin' On a Show, Alan Joch, October, 22
Only Make Believe bring Broadway magic to hospitalized children in New York City
Columns: Business Matters
The Big Tent, Alden Solovy, January, 28
The world's largest health care trade show defines our field broadly-and delivers
Neal's Zeal, Alden Solovy, February, 28
Passion for health care, corporate competition drive Cerner's Patterson
Learning on the Job, Alden Solovy, March, 30
Axolotl CEP came late to U.S. health care, giving him a unique perspective
Confidentially Speaking, Alden Solovy, April, 26
Patient privacy is a double-edged sword
Humble Beginnings, Alden Solovy, May, 34
A look back may be the best way to see into the future
Trust & Disagreement, Alden Solovy, June, 34
Organizations need two key ingredients to foster innovation
Wilson's Pianos, Alden Solovy, July, 34
Find your instrument. Make music.
Picking up the Pace, Alden Solovy, August, 34
A number of initiatives could finally provide real impetus toward an electronic medical record
Trusty Resources, Alden Solovy, September, 30
Reliable tools for board members
Football in Hospital Land, Alden Solovy, October, 32
Patient hand-offs and other opportunities for quality and safety
The Value of Benchmarking, Alden Solovy, November, 36
Hospitals use the Most Wired Survey for ideas and data
Same Ol' Same Ol', Alden Solovy, December, 32
When looking ahead at the new year's major health care challenges, look back
Columns: Editor's Notes
Under the Hood, Mary Grayson, January, 6
Consumer demand leads developments in health care IT.
Signs, Mary Grayson, February,8
Subtle changes to a simple problem could hurt you if you're not paying attention
Easy Steps, Mary Grayson, March, 8
Nothing about nursing is easy, but if you don't try to help, things could get a lot harder
Experience Counts, Mary Grayson, April, 6
Lessons learned from managed care
Open a Window, Mary Grayson, May, 8
The time may be right to work with the government to release hospital data
Shameless Self-Promotion, Mary Grayson, June, 8
A Summit you won't want to miss and a book you won't be able to put down
da Buzz, Mary Grayson, July, 8
The Most Wired survey provides several lists that live up to the hype
Coming to America, Mary Grayson, August, 8
We're a nation of immigrants. So why are we surprised that immigrants still come here-and need health care?
Soft Landing, Mary Grayson, September, 8
CEOs need to focus on ground zero first, instead of seeing organization from on high
Time is Money, Mary Grayson, October, 8
Docs are getting more stingy with the time they commit to hospitals as incomes fall, costs climb and they opt for a more normal lifestyle
Big Players, Mary Grayson, November, 8
Small businesses are easy to take for granted, but their struggle over employee health benefits has big implications for us all
Mining Stories, Mary Grayson, December, 8
Hospitals have helped so many that they should run out of ways to make the case for their value
Columns: OutBox
Advocacy in '03: Why me? Rick Pollack, January, 68
Hospital leaders may tire of it, but exercising your political power is effective and critical
Turning the Corner, Gary A. Mecklenburg, February, 68
It's time to make the many promises of information technology become a reality
More Than a Week, Sister Mary Roch Rocklage, March, 80
"We're committed to working until we find an answer."
The Art of Listening, Dennis Barry, April, 84
When we forget to listen, we're not likely to be heard
Working Well, Frances Margolin, May, 80
In an age of specialization and solo leadership, new, complex problems demand an old skill
A Journey, Dick Gaintner, M.D., June, 106
On the front line of health care, the "system" is working just fine
Honest Talk, Jane McCaffrey, July, 94
Disclosure is not about asset protection-it is about doing the right thing
All things Equal, Don Nielsen, M.D., August, 78
We must have the same commitment to patient safety that we have to making medical advances
Standing Still, David M. Lawrence, September, 126
Medical advances are infused into a system that has changed little since the turn of the 20th century
At the Ready, Rick Wade, October, 102
Hospital leaders shouldn't have to shoulder the burden of advocacy alone
Time for a New Social Contract, James Orlikoff, November, 96
Neither physicians nor hospitals can survive with yesterday's contract hobbling them in today's demanding environment
Information is Power, Jeanette Harlow, December, 88
And hospitals that connect patients to information create powerful partnerships
Community Health/Wellness/Outreach
Head above Water, Lee Ann Runy, January, 14
Hospitals keep community health projects in place despite growing financial pressures
Part and Parcel, Jan Greene, January, 14
At one hospital, community health is so integral that all executives must sign up
Serving the Community-Near and Far, Jim May, February, 18
Virginia hospital staffers travel to Central America on a medical mission
For the Benefit of the Community, Terese Hudson Thrall, April, 58
The 2002 Foster G. McGaw award winner
The Power of Many, Alan Joch, June, 24
In New Hampshire, providers work together to stretch health resources to needy patients
Forced Abstinence and the "Teachable Moment," Jan Greene, June, 30
Hospitalization provides a good opportunity to encourage smokers to quit
Give Me the News, Joyce Kelly, July, 28
North Carolina hospital hits the airwaves to reach patients
2003 Nova Award Winners, Gina Rollins, July, 65
Five health organizations are catalysts for collaborations to improve their communities' well-being
Everybody Wins, Terese Hudson Thrall, October, 18
Residents help bring health clinics-and business-to rural hometowns
Battle of the Bottle, Joyce Kelly, October, 30
Hospitals' efforts to fight alcohol abuse among the young prove effective
Customer Service/Satisfaction
Consumer Confusion, Lee Ann Runy, Jennifer Towne, Suzanna Hoppszallern, and Alden Solovy, April, 28
Polls and data paint a confusing portrait of health care consumers
Hold on There, Dennis Blank, May, 22
Strapped hospitals unplug call centers, but others see profits and improved care
Design/Construction
From the Ground Up, Jill Hodges, April, 17
Construction and design combine to create a seamless process, but it has its critics
A Pebble at a Time, Jan Greene, June, 18
Hospitals spend a little more on design and discover the payoff for patients and staff
Class is Now in Session, Steve Davis, September, 26
Certification program aims to teach hospitals and contractors what they need to know about health care construction
Diagnostic Imaging
Not-So-Loony Tunes, Dave Carpenter, January, 24
New imaging technology lets patients enjoy media of their choice, calming nerves
Disaster Planning & Security/Bioterrorism
Protect Thyself, Richard Haugh, February, 16
FBI warning reminds hospital that they might be considered terrorist targets
Just In Case, Philip Dunn, April, 12
New terrorism-influenced formulary serves as a blueprint for disaster readiness
Inoculating for Smallpox, Jan Greene, April, 52
In Southern California, a hospital embraces the federal vaccination program-while other watch and wait
Cyber Terror, Richard Haugh, June, 60
Keeping hospital IT systems running is critical when attackers strike your community
Three Days in May, Howard Larkin, July, 24
Disaster drill shows value of planning, teamwork in case of terrorist attack
Long on Mission, Short on Money, Richard Haugh, August, 16
Federal funds to get ready for terror attacks sparse-and hospitals are left holding the bag
Biodefense Network, Pamela Mills-Senn, December, 20
New center will integrate science, policy and strategy to respond to terrorism
Disaster On-Call, Gina Rollins, December, 24
Hospitals in Boston, Miami and Seattle are part of elite international response system
Disease Management
The Next Step, Alan Joch, February, 24
HRET embarks on RWJF-funded study to examine "co-management," involving patients
Dual Benefits, Joseph V. Robbins, October, 25
Using a clinical dashboard, Jackson South improves wound care and saves money
Education
Back to School, Christopher J. Gearon, March, 45
Lifelong learning comes to health care
Time's Up, Christopher J. Gearon, June, 18
New rules limit the number of hours physicians can work at hospitals
Environmental
E-Health/Technology
The IT Culture, Gloria Shur Bilchik, January, 32
How's yours coming?
Information, M.D., Douglas Page, April, 16
A Michigan initiative seeks to create a standardized electronic medical record
What's the Government's Role? Lee Ann Runy, April, 17
At HIMSS, experts debate whether Uncle Sam should require electronic medical records
Dial-Up Care, Douglas Page, April, 22
Mississippi aims to bring emergency car to underserved rural areas with telemedicine
MDs+IT, Dagmara Scalise, April, gatefold after 40
Facilitating physician adoption
The $5 Billion Plan, Jan Greene, May, 16
CIOs urge feds to underwrite a coordinated effort to realize the potential of health care IT
Practical Genomics, Dave Carpenter, May, 18
Genetic medicine is no longer just a concept, early adopters say, so start applying it
Bar Code Bandwagon, Richard Haugh, May 54
Providers will soon be required to use the technology to monitor their medications
Destination EMR, Jill Hodges, June, 29
Efforts underway to standardize disparate technology platforms across multiple providers to facilitate electronic health records
Wired at War, Dave Carpenter, July, 16
In the Persian Gulf, a combat support hospital plugs in
Most Wired 2003, Alden Solovy and Suzanna Hoppszallern, July, 38
IT innovation is built on a robust infrastructure
Secrets of Success, Dagmara Scalise, August, 18
Community hospitals can implement CPOE systems-if the docs cooperate
Help is On the Way, Gina Rollins, September, 24
HHS shows signs of getting on board as health care standardizes data platforms
Integrating IT, Christopher J. Gearon, September, 26
Providers demonstrate what can be done
Calling HHS, Dave Carpenter, October, 18
Legislation presses federal government to help coordinate health care technology
Statewide Data Link, Dagmara Scalise, November, 24
Hospitals throughout Delaware link to clinical data electronically
It's in the Cards, Chris Serb, November, 32
Clinicians' login cards are more efficient and protect patients' privacy
Radiology, Lee Ann Runy, November, 49
How technology breakthroughs are advancing the field
A Giant Step for the HER, Dagmara Scalise, December, 16
February's draft standard may prompt providers to invest in electronic health records
The Nurse, M.D. and IT, H&HN staff, December, 61
Executive Dialogue Series
Elderly & Home Health Care
Expanding the Team, Jan Greene, June, 31
Caregivers-friends or relatives of patients who care for them at home and look out for them in the hospital-get new support
Facilities
Scents-ative, Dennis Blank, May, 26
With patient and staff allergies in mind, some hospitals try to restrict perfumes
2003 AHA Environmental Assessment, Gene O'Dell, October, 65
Assessment identifies various issues and trends that have a high probability of influencing the health care system
Finances/Census
Soaring Spending: No Sign of a Slowdown, Dave Carpenter, March, 16
Health care spending up 8.7 percent, representing 14.1 percent of GDP. Can it last?
Friendly Bill, Happier Patient, Christopher J. Gearon, April, 12
Lost Angeles hospital takes lead in simplifying the billing process for patients
Revenue Cycle, Christopher J. Gearon, May, 18
Turning charges into cash is the job of the "vice president of patient financial services"
Top Department Margins, Lee Ann Runy, May, 26
Top 10 most profitable hospital departments in 2001
The Money Issue, Dave Carpenter and Richard Haugh, June, 38
H&HN looks at responses of some systems to financial outlook/situation
Revenue Cycle Management, Lee Ann Runy, June, gatefold after 50
Balancing cash in with cash out has never been more critical. Gatefold shows revenue cycle improvements and national benchmarking data.
Fund Raising's Rough Turn, Richard Haugh, August, 33
As philanthropy rises in importance, charitable dollars disappear
Outpatient Revenue On the Rise, Lee Ann Runy, October, 28
but profits don't follow
Vexing Volumes, Richard Haugh, November, 16
Slowing admissions aren't affecting credit ratings, but there's cause for concern
Hospitalist
Hospitalists Becoming a Popular Practice, Lee Ann Runy, February, 22
Growth in use of hospitalists examined
Hospitalists, Terese Hudson Thrall, November, 66
A specialty coming into its own
Insurance/Reimbursement
Medicare+Choice, Chris Serb, January, 42
Health plans flee, enrollment drops. What went wrong? Can we fix it?
The Car Problem, Jan Greene, March, 22
In New Jersey, a bid to reduce automobile liability premiums has hospitals worried
Medicaid's Woes, Lee Ann Runy, March, 28
Looking to reign in spending and budget deficits at year's end, most states making cost-containment measures
Surviving Medical Malpractice Madness, Richard Haugh, May, 46
Hospitals look for ways to keep soaring liability insurance costs from driving out doctors
Comp Complaints, Christopher J. Gearon, September, 14
The rising cost of workers' compensation insurance is hitting small hospitals hard
Medicaid Cuts Threaten Kids' Coverage, Lee Ann Runy, September, 20
As states continue to grapple with tight budges, Medicaid programs remain targets for cost savings
Insurers' Reign, Dave Carpenter, September, 34
Why insurance companies prosper in tough times and the backlash that's brewing
Why Small Business is Sick Over Health Costs, Dave Carpenter, November, 38
Overwhelmed by the cost of paying for health coverage, many small employers see their only options as cutting coverage, cutting staff or going out of business
Leadership
By the Numbers, George Lynn and Mary Grayson, October, 36
New AHA chair-elect talks about health care reform
Legal: Legislation/Lobbying
The Benefits of Transparency, Richard Haugh, October, 16
Not-for-profits could find value in adopting Sarbanes-Oxley's business provisions
Managed Care/Capitation
Cost Tops Managed Care Concerns, H&HN Staff, April, 74
Scope: Findings short
Management/Governance
Rethinking Our Pressure-Paced Emergency Departments (Clinical Management Series), Richard Haugh, June, 66
Hospitals use new technology, realign staff, redesign processes
CMOs' Role Expand, Elizabeth Zima, July, 28
Chief medical officers take on technology, revenue responsibilities
Heavy User, Lee Ann Runy, July, 32
Health care facilities among the most intensive energy users
Trustee Handbook, Laurie Larson, August, 26
Trustees need to know than ever before
The Excellent Manager, H&HN staff, September, 85
Executive Dialogue series sponsored by Aon Consulting and Baptist Leadership Institute
"Welcome. You don't Have Mail." Joseph V. Robbins, November, 22
Hospital staff gets a refresher course in old-fashioned, person-to-person communications
How Committed are Health Care Employees? Lee Ann Runy, November, 28
2003 Aon Healthcare@Work survey measures health care employee satisfaction
Avoiding Conflict of Interest, Karen Sandrick, November, 74
How hospital boards can withstand close scrutiny
Reinventing the VA, Richard Haugh, December, 50
Civilian providers find valuable lessons in a once-maligned health care system
Pressures Converge in the ICU, Richard Haugh, December, 56
Hospitals turn to IT and process change to improve outcomes and satisfaction
Media Watch
Alerting the Media, Joyce Kelly, January, 53
Saturation campaign by Irving, Texas-based VHA Inc. tells about how nurse-physician relations impact workforce shortage
Prescription: A dose of humor, Joyce Kelly, February, 55
Houston's Memorial Hermann Healthcare System used humor in series of ads
Hospital Welcomes "Giving Epidemic," Joyce Kelly, March, 65
Concord (N.C.) Hospital stages capital campaign to build new Payson Center for Cancer Care
Enjoy Your Health, Joyce Kelly, April, 64
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, uses ads to bolster already solid reputation
Putting "Emergency" Back into ED, Joyce Kelly, May, 68
Davis Regional Medical Center, Statesville, N.C., launches campaign to increase awareness of ED's throughput
Symbolizing Care, Joyce Kelly, June, 84
St. John Health, Warren, Mich., pursues new brand strategy
Championing the Cause, Joyce Kelly, July, 77
Ann Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis, Md., starts awareness campaign for expansion and name change to DeCesaris Cancer Institute
Delivering Expectations, Joyce Kelly, August, 69
Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, produced CD-ROM tour of renovated Birthing Center
In with the New, Joyce Kelly, September, 102
Nashoba Valley Medical Center, Ayer, Mass., developed new logo to go with revamped services and programs
First Out of the Gate, Richard Haugh, November, 81
Sky Ridge Medical Center, Denver, creates ad campaign to promote grand opening
Proper Names, Joyce Kelly, December, 74
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, uses ads to announce name change
Medical Devices & Equipment
Chain Gang, Richard Haugh, March, 24
Study says hospitals could slash supply costs, but is the threat of alienating docs worth it?
The Future is Now for Surgery Suites, Richard Haugh, March, 51
Cost, quality and doc pressures turn the OR into a high-tech hotbed
Mergers & Acquisitions
E-Gads, Philip Dunn, January, 16
Medibuy, one of the dot-coms that once threatened GPOs, is bought by GPX
Nocosomial Infections/Infection Control
It's an Infection. Is it a Lawsuit? Jan Greene, April, 14
Attorney says patients who catch hospital-acquired infections are victims of negligence
Risky Business, Beth Burmhal, June, 78
Organizations tackle infection control during construction
Outsourcing
Outsourcing Information Technology, Suzanna Hoppszallern, January, gatefold after 45
An executive's guide to creating and managing IT contracts
Contract Management Survey, Jennifer Towne and Suzanna Hoppszallern, October, 52
13th annual survey results reflect hospitals' overall emphasis to provide quality care and improve the patient experience
Palliative/End-of-Life Care
Circle of Life, Gloria Shur Bilchik, August, 60
Fourth annual Circle of Life Awards recognize innovation in palliative and end-of-life care
Final Reunions, Alan Joch, November, 30
A program in New Jersey reweaves frayed family ties before it's too late
Palliative Providers, Diana Toft Manos, December, 17
Hospitals teach other hospitals how to set up an effective care program
Patient Safety/Medical Errors
Going Paperless, Christopher J. Gearon, January, 20
Cincinnati hospital seeks to eliminate paper from the OR to eradicate medical errors
Putting Patient Safety in the Blueprint, Laurie Larson, February, 46
Improving patient safety guided design process of new hospital in Wisconsin
The House Call is Back, Jill Hodges, May, 22
Treating chronically ill patients at home reduced ED visits, inpatient stays
Different Systems, But Similar Complaints, Kendra A. Hopkins, June, 22
Study finds health systems in five industrial nations have similar complaints
A Fully Stocked Toolkit, AHA/ASHP/Aventis, June, insert after 24
Medication Safety Issue Brief, 1 of 6, Series II
Creating an Alert and Active Team, AHA/ASHP/Aventis, July, insert after 20
Medication Safety Issue Brief, 2 of 6, Series II
Change Your Culture Forever, AHA/ASHP/Aventis, August, insert after 20
Medication Safety Issue Brief, 3 of 6, Series II
Why Patients Fall, Lee Ann Runy, August, 24
Although most are preventable, patient falls are common in hospitals
SEPSIS: The Infection Problem that Won't Die, Jill Hodges, August, 30
Despite hospitals' best efforts, infection-related illnesses are on the rise-and no one can say just what to do about it
X Marks the Spot, Diana Manos, September, 16
New VA protocol seeks to prevent wrong surgeries, with an emphasis on talking
Focusing on the Human Factor, AHA/ASHP/Aventis, September, insert after 40
Medication Safety Issue Brief, 4 of 6, Series II
Mastering a Few of the Basics, AHA/ASHP/Aventis, insert after 48
Medication Safety Issue Brief, 5 of 6, Series II
Is Your Cell Phone Infecting Patients? Howard Larkin, November, 18
PDAs and other electronic devices are dirty. Step one: Wash your hands
Watch Yourself, Dagmara Scalise, November, 32
Poster campaign gives patients five steps to follow for safer care
Tapping Into Your Staff's Energy, AHA/ASHP/Aventis, insert after 32
Medication Safety Issue Brief, 6 of 6, Series II
Can You Hear Me Now? Patrice L. Spath, December, 36
Providers must give patients a voice in efforts to reduce medical errors
Pharmaceuticals/Pharmacists
Drug spending: Out of sight, Dave Carpenter, March, 17
Costs level off but continue to rise much faster than other health services
Getting the Attention of Big Pharma, Richard Haugh, October, 44
Hospitals pressure drug companies to change policies on issues ranging from pricing to environmental concerns
Physicians: Policy
Throwing Its Weight, Christopher J. Gearon, March, 17
With its provocative reports, IOM affects policy debate where many fear to tread
Practical Ethics
Healthy premiums? Terese Hudson Thrall, January, 22
Opinions from Nancy Schlichting and Michele Schaefer
Loyalty to whom? Terese Hudson Thrall, February, 24
Opinions from Diane Barowsky and Carolyn Corbett
Brining reinforcements, Terese Hudson Thrall, March, 27
Opinions from Teri Watson and Candace Quinn
Line in the Sand, Terese Hudson Thrall, April, 24
Opinions from Peter Butler and Rulon Stacey
Can staff handle the truth? Terese Hudson Thrall, May, 28
Opinions from Cynthia Brundige and Robert Riney
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Terese Hudson Thrall, June, 28
Opinions from Lucinda Bradley and Julie MacDonald
The Hand that Feeds You, Terese Hudson Thrall, July, 26
Opinions from Catherine Kleinmuntz and Deborah Terry
Bailing Out the Doctors, Terese Hudson Thrall, August, 28
Opinions from Todd Linden and Peter Gosline
Unearth Unflattering Info? Terese Hudson Thrall, September, 24
Opinions from Dane Coleman and Preston Gee
Pay Hike or CEO Hikes, Terese Hudson Thrall, October, 26
Opinions from Parke Behn and Barbara Johnson
Say ah! or nah! to a spa? Terese Hudson Thrall, November, 35
Opinions from Thomas D. Kennedy III and Becky Nelson
A prejudiced patient, Terese Hudson Thrall, December, 28
Opinions from Christopher Martorella and Joan Beglinger
Predictions/Trends
Global Health Report, Dagmara Scalise, Kendra A. Hopkins and AHA Resource Center, July, 52
A snapshot of the payer systems, major diseases and workforce trends from around the world
Specialty hospital update, Lee Ann Runy, December, 30
Where are the specialty hospitals located in the U.S.?
Privacy/HIPAA
HIPAA Hangover, Jan Greene, February, 16
With state budgets suddenly tight, this year's HIPAA deadlines are an unwelcome guest
Post These Bills, Dagmara Scalise, August, 31
L.A. hospital uses posters to drive home the privacy message
All Systems Go, Richard Haugh, September, 27
Despite initial fears, new laws don't affect hospital fund raising
Quality
Blazing Trails, January, 16
St. Louis-based system first in health care to win prestigious quality prize
A National Effort for Quality Reporting, William Atkinson, February, 14
AHA among groups leading charge to develop framework for voluntary disclosure
Facing the Music, Christopher J. Gearon, February, 15
In Texas, hospitals get a glimpse of the future: publicly available comparison tools
Your Move, Dagmara Scalise, May, 38
Up to now, hospitals have watched from the sidelines as others decided what quality data will be collected and made public. Finally, they have the opportunity to make the issue their own.
Six Sigma in Action, Dagmara Scalise, May, gatefold after 56
Case studies in quality put theory into practice
Patient Surveys Try Vendors' Patience, Dagmara Scalise, June, 16
New measurements of hospital quality may leave some surveyors out in the cold
Stars for Sale? Dagmara Scalise, August, 28
Star ratings-and having to pay for the right to brag about them-anger hospitals
Pay for Good Play, Dagmara Scalise, September, 14
New CMS/Premier demonstration project to explore benefits on financial awards
How Health Care Won its First Baldrige, Phillip Dunn and Bill Santamour, September, gatefold after 66
SSM Health Care's journey to quality excellence
Quest for Quality Prize, Lee Ann Runy, September, 75
Case studies of 2003 award winner, finalists and citation of merit
The Patient Experience, Dagmara Scalise, December, insert after 40
Patient-center care is quickly gaining leverage as a quality indicator
Rural Health Care
SHIPs Come In, Jan Greene, January, 24
Small hospitals get a welcome, if limited, grant to help meet privacy requirements
Teaming Up In Idaho, Howard Larkin, November, 20
With support from "big brothers," small hospitals gain some clout
Telemetry Takes Off, Richard Haugh, November, 58
Payers sign on to a trend that promises better care for patients and cooperation-not competition-among providers
Social Issues
Blind to Bias, Terese Hudson Thrall and Emily Friedman, August, 36
Disparity in care? Not in my hospital! Providers confront an uncomfortable reality.
Staffing Watch
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, January, 20
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, February, 20
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, March, 24
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, April, 18
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, May, 24
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, June, 24
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, July, 20
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, August, 26
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, September, 22
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, October, 22
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, November, 24
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, December, 22
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Uninsured
Motor City Blues, Richard Haugh, September, 56
Detroit strives to save its safety net. It is not alone.
Women's Health
The Whole Woman, Christopher J. Gearon, January, 18
HHS announces grants for programs that provide holistic treatment for women
Defining and Refining Women's Health, Dagmara Scalise, October, 59
Competition, consumerism spur major shifts in strategy
Workforce Issues
MDs: Missing Doctors? Terese Hudson Thrall, February, 32
Hospitals nationwide say recruiting and retaining physicians are big problems, and getting bigger
Work Redesign, Terese Hudson Thrall, March, 34
Seven organizations offer successful strategies for improving the workplace for nurses and increasing retention
Staffing Effectiveness, Lee Ann Runy, March, gatefold after 56
A toolkit for JCAHO's New Standards
Temp Jobs Tempt Docs, Lee Ann Runy, April, 20
More doctors turning to locem tenens positions as a career
Room with a View, Joseph V. Robbins, April, 22
Two shortages-housing plus workforce-make or an interesting project in New York
Real Men Choose Nursing, Susan Meyers, June, 72
Nursing schools and hospitals begin to target men in their recruitment efforts
Body Politic, Christopher J. Gearon, July, 18
To combat the shortage of nurses, hospitals consider ergonomic education campaigns
The Case for Nurse Practitioners, Howard Larkin, August, 54
Used correctly, they can improve outcomes, lower costs and make up for reduced residents' hours
Delicate Balance, C.J. Bolster and Gordon Hawthorne, September, 46
Hospitals struggle to find the proper way to compensate executives
Can We Talk? Dave Carpenter, December, 20
Two-way communication paves the way for a happier, more productive staff
Less Doubt on Docs, Terese Hudson Thrall, December, 26
Now even COGME predicts a physician shortage, thanks to two "irrefutable factors"
Wasteful Work, Lee Ann Runy, December, 26
Inefficient practices disgruntle staff and hurt the bottom line
1Q[3a]
Should doctors be paid for computer consultations? Joyce Kelly, January, 26
Answers from Becky Cherney, Giovanni Colella, M.D., and Susan Pisano
What are the hurdles in caregiver smallpox inoculations? Joyce Kelly, February, 26
Answers from Mary Haugen, Jeffrey A. Elting, M.D., and Gary Noskin, M.D.
Do teaching hospitals need sweeping changes? Joyce Kelly, May, 30
Answers from Robert Dickler, David Blumenthal, M.D., and Clyde H. Evans
Ambulance/Emergency Service
Smoothing the Flow, Jill Hodges, July, 14
New grants help hospitals find innovative ways to ease ED overcrowding
Benefits/Compensation
As Pension Plans Falter, Ratings Take a Beating, Richard Haugh, March, 18
Tumbling stock values threaten pension fund assets, forcing hospitals to turn to cash on hand to cover retirees' benefits
Retirement Benefits, Lee Ann Runy, August, gatefold after 42
As a recruitment tool
Benchmarking
Health Care Benchmarking 2003, Suzanna Hoppszallern, February, gatefold after 36
Financial, medical practice, market and key department performances, and top DRG cost and reimbursement
Fill the Void, Dave Carpenter, August, 18
Long-neglected field of health data standards suddenly crowded with players
Career Path
Philip Boyle, Joseph V. Robbins, January, 15
Vice president of ethics, Catholic Health East, Newtown Square, Pa.
Bridget Rosenstock, R.N., Joseph V. Robbins, March, 20
Sexual assault nurse examiner, Moses Cone Health System, Greensboro, N.C.
Nick Masi, Joseph V. Robbins, April, 16
Director of family centered care, Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Lisa Flores, Joseph V. Robbins, May, 20
IT manager, Sierra View District Hospital, Visalia, Calif.
Jessica Lambert, Joseph V. Robbins, June, 20
Clinical pathways coordinator, Grey-Bruce Health Network, Canada
Charles Carpenter, M.D., Joseph V. Robbins, July, 18
Infectious diseases staff physician, Miriam Hospital at Brown University, Providence, R.I.
Colleen Conway-Welch, Ph.D., Joseph V. Robbins, August, 20
Dean, Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tenn.
Richard Polheber, Joseph V. Robbins, September, 18
CEO, Holy Cross Hospital, Nogales, Ariz.
Kathy Ketchum ("The Organ Lady"), Joyce Kelly, October, 20
RN at Providence Health System's Everett (Wash.) Medical Center
Tracy Orf, R.N., Joyce Kelly, November, 20
Nursing Information Systems Analyst, St. John's Mercy Medical Center, St. Louis
Monique Ware, Joyce Kelly, December, 18
Director of Community Health and Wellness, Suburban Hospital, Bethesda, Md.
Children/Youth
A Crisis in Adolescent Psych, Richard Haugh, January, 38
With more kids in need and fewer programs to help, hospitals are forced to step in
Puttin' On a Show, Alan Joch, October, 22
Only Make Believe bring Broadway magic to hospitalized children in New York City
Columns: Business Matters
The Big Tent, Alden Solovy, January, 28
The world's largest health care trade show defines our field broadly-and delivers
Neal's Zeal, Alden Solovy, February, 28
Passion for health care, corporate competition drive Cerner's Patterson
Learning on the Job, Alden Solovy, March, 30
Axolotl CEP came late to U.S. health care, giving him a unique perspective
Confidentially Speaking, Alden Solovy, April, 26
Patient privacy is a double-edged sword
Humble Beginnings, Alden Solovy, May, 34
A look back may be the best way to see into the future
Trust & Disagreement, Alden Solovy, June, 34
Organizations need two key ingredients to foster innovation
Wilson's Pianos, Alden Solovy, July, 34
Find your instrument. Make music.
Picking up the Pace, Alden Solovy, August, 34
A number of initiatives could finally provide real impetus toward an electronic medical record
Trusty Resources, Alden Solovy, September, 30
Reliable tools for board members
Football in Hospital Land, Alden Solovy, October, 32
Patient hand-offs and other opportunities for quality and safety
The Value of Benchmarking, Alden Solovy, November, 36
Hospitals use the Most Wired Survey for ideas and data
Same Ol' Same Ol', Alden Solovy, December, 32
When looking ahead at the new year's major health care challenges, look back
Columns: Editor's Notes
Under the Hood, Mary Grayson, January, 6
Consumer demand leads developments in health care IT.
Signs, Mary Grayson, February,8
Subtle changes to a simple problem could hurt you if you're not paying attention
Easy Steps, Mary Grayson, March, 8
Nothing about nursing is easy, but if you don't try to help, things could get a lot harder
Experience Counts, Mary Grayson, April, 6
Lessons learned from managed care
Open a Window, Mary Grayson, May, 8
The time may be right to work with the government to release hospital data
Shameless Self-Promotion, Mary Grayson, June, 8
A Summit you won't want to miss and a book you won't be able to put down
da Buzz, Mary Grayson, July, 8
The Most Wired survey provides several lists that live up to the hype
Coming to America, Mary Grayson, August, 8
We're a nation of immigrants. So why are we surprised that immigrants still come here-and need health care?
Soft Landing, Mary Grayson, September, 8
CEOs need to focus on ground zero first, instead of seeing organization from on high
Time is Money, Mary Grayson, October, 8
Docs are getting more stingy with the time they commit to hospitals as incomes fall, costs climb and they opt for a more normal lifestyle
Big Players, Mary Grayson, November, 8
Small businesses are easy to take for granted, but their struggle over employee health benefits has big implications for us all
Mining Stories, Mary Grayson, December, 8
Hospitals have helped so many that they should run out of ways to make the case for their value
Columns: OutBox
Advocacy in '03: Why me? Rick Pollack, January, 68
Hospital leaders may tire of it, but exercising your political power is effective and critical
Turning the Corner, Gary A. Mecklenburg, February, 68
It's time to make the many promises of information technology become a reality
More Than a Week, Sister Mary Roch Rocklage, March, 80
"We're committed to working until we find an answer."
The Art of Listening, Dennis Barry, April, 84
When we forget to listen, we're not likely to be heard
Working Well, Frances Margolin, May, 80
In an age of specialization and solo leadership, new, complex problems demand an old skill
A Journey, Dick Gaintner, M.D., June, 106
On the front line of health care, the "system" is working just fine
Honest Talk, Jane McCaffrey, July, 94
Disclosure is not about asset protection-it is about doing the right thing
All things Equal, Don Nielsen, M.D., August, 78
We must have the same commitment to patient safety that we have to making medical advances
Standing Still, David M. Lawrence, September, 126
Medical advances are infused into a system that has changed little since the turn of the 20th century
At the Ready, Rick Wade, October, 102
Hospital leaders shouldn't have to shoulder the burden of advocacy alone
Time for a New Social Contract, James Orlikoff, November, 96
Neither physicians nor hospitals can survive with yesterday's contract hobbling them in today's demanding environment
Information is Power, Jeanette Harlow, December, 88
And hospitals that connect patients to information create powerful partnerships
Community Health/Wellness/Outreach
Head above Water, Lee Ann Runy, January, 14
Hospitals keep community health projects in place despite growing financial pressures
Part and Parcel, Jan Greene, January, 14
At one hospital, community health is so integral that all executives must sign up
Serving the Community-Near and Far, Jim May, February, 18
Virginia hospital staffers travel to Central America on a medical mission
For the Benefit of the Community, Terese Hudson Thrall, April, 58
The 2002 Foster G. McGaw award winner
The Power of Many, Alan Joch, June, 24
In New Hampshire, providers work together to stretch health resources to needy patients
Forced Abstinence and the "Teachable Moment," Jan Greene, June, 30
Hospitalization provides a good opportunity to encourage smokers to quit
Give Me the News, Joyce Kelly, July, 28
North Carolina hospital hits the airwaves to reach patients
2003 Nova Award Winners, Gina Rollins, July, 65
Five health organizations are catalysts for collaborations to improve their communities' well-being
Everybody Wins, Terese Hudson Thrall, October, 18
Residents help bring health clinics-and business-to rural hometowns
Battle of the Bottle, Joyce Kelly, October, 30
Hospitals' efforts to fight alcohol abuse among the young prove effective
Customer Service/Satisfaction
Consumer Confusion, Lee Ann Runy, Jennifer Towne, Suzanna Hoppszallern, and Alden Solovy, April, 28
Polls and data paint a confusing portrait of health care consumers
Hold on There, Dennis Blank, May, 22
Strapped hospitals unplug call centers, but others see profits and improved care
Design/Construction
From the Ground Up, Jill Hodges, April, 17
Construction and design combine to create a seamless process, but it has its critics
A Pebble at a Time, Jan Greene, June, 18
Hospitals spend a little more on design and discover the payoff for patients and staff
Class is Now in Session, Steve Davis, September, 26
Certification program aims to teach hospitals and contractors what they need to know about health care construction
Diagnostic Imaging
Not-So-Loony Tunes, Dave Carpenter, January, 24
New imaging technology lets patients enjoy media of their choice, calming nerves
Disaster Planning & Security/Bioterrorism
Protect Thyself, Richard Haugh, February, 16
FBI warning reminds hospital that they might be considered terrorist targets
Just In Case, Philip Dunn, April, 12
New terrorism-influenced formulary serves as a blueprint for disaster readiness
Inoculating for Smallpox, Jan Greene, April, 52
In Southern California, a hospital embraces the federal vaccination program-while other watch and wait
Cyber Terror, Richard Haugh, June, 60
Keeping hospital IT systems running is critical when attackers strike your community
Three Days in May, Howard Larkin, July, 24
Disaster drill shows value of planning, teamwork in case of terrorist attack
Long on Mission, Short on Money, Richard Haugh, August, 16
Federal funds to get ready for terror attacks sparse-and hospitals are left holding the bag
Biodefense Network, Pamela Mills-Senn, December, 20
New center will integrate science, policy and strategy to respond to terrorism
Disaster On-Call, Gina Rollins, December, 24
Hospitals in Boston, Miami and Seattle are part of elite international response system
Disease Management
The Next Step, Alan Joch, February, 24
HRET embarks on RWJF-funded study to examine "co-management," involving patients
Dual Benefits, Joseph V. Robbins, October, 25
Using a clinical dashboard, Jackson South improves wound care and saves money
Education
Back to School, Christopher J. Gearon, March, 45
Lifelong learning comes to health care
Time's Up, Christopher J. Gearon, June, 18
New rules limit the number of hours physicians can work at hospitals
Environmental: E-Health/Technology
The IT Culture, Gloria Shur Bilchik, January, 32
How's yours coming?
Information, M.D., Douglas Page, April, 16
A Michigan initiative seeks to create a standardized electronic medical record
What's the Government's Role? Lee Ann Runy, April, 17
At HIMSS, experts debate whether Uncle Sam should require electronic medical records
Dial-Up Care, Douglas Page, April, 22
Mississippi aims to bring emergency car to underserved rural areas with telemedicine
MDs+IT, Dagmara Scalise, April, gatefold after 40
Facilitating physician adoption
The $5 Billion Plan, Jan Greene, May, 16
CIOs urge feds to underwrite a coordinated effort to realize the potential of health care IT
Practical Genomics, Dave Carpenter, May, 18
Genetic medicine is no longer just a concept, early adopters say, so start applying it
Bar Code Bandwagon, Richard Haugh, May 54
Providers will soon be required to use the technology to monitor their medications
Destination EMR, Jill Hodges, June, 29
Efforts underway to standardize disparate technology platforms across multiple providers to facilitate electronic health records
Wired at War, Dave Carpenter, July, 16
In the Persian Gulf, a combat support hospital plugs in
Most Wired 2003, Alden Solovy and Suzanna Hoppszallern, July, 38
IT innovation is built on a robust infrastructure
Secrets of Success, Dagmara Scalise, August, 18
Community hospitals can implement CPOE systems-if the docs cooperate
Help is On the Way, Gina Rollins, September, 24
HHS shows signs of getting on board as health care standardizes data platforms
Integrating IT, Christopher J. Gearon, September, 26
Providers demonstrate what can be done
Calling HHS, Dave Carpenter, October, 18
Legislation presses federal government to help coordinate health care technology
Statewide Data Link, Dagmara Scalise, November, 24
Hospitals throughout Delaware link to clinical data electronically
It's in the Cards, Chris Serb, November, 32
Clinicians' login cards are more efficient and protect patients' privacy
Radiology, Lee Ann Runy, November, 49
How technology breakthroughs are advancing the field
A Giant Step for the HER, Dagmara Scalise, December, 16
February's draft standard may prompt providers to invest in electronic health records
The Nurse, M.D. and IT, H&HN staff, December, 61
Executive Dialogue Series
Elderly & Home Health Care
Expanding the Team, Jan Greene, June, 31
Caregivers-friends or relatives of patients who care for them at home and look out for them in the hospital-get new support
Facilities
Scents-ative, Dennis Blank, May, 26
With patient and staff allergies in mind, some hospitals try to restrict perfumes
2003 AHA Environmental Assessment, Gene O'Dell, October, 65
Assessment identifies various issues and trends that have a high probability of influencing the health care system
Finances/Census
Soaring Spending: No Sign of a Slowdown, Dave Carpenter, March, 16
Health care spending up 8.7 percent, representing 14.1 percent of GDP. Can it last?
Friendly Bill, Happier Patient, Christopher J. Gearon, April, 12
Lost Angeles hospital takes lead in simplifying the billing process for patients
Revenue Cycle, Christopher J. Gearon, May, 18
Turning charges into cash is the job of the "vice president of patient financial services"
Top Department Margins, Lee Ann Runy, May, 26
Top 10 most profitable hospital departments in 2001
The Money Issue, Dave Carpenter and Richard Haugh, June, 38
H&HN looks at responses of some systems to financial outlook/situation
Revenue Cycle Management, Lee Ann Runy, June, gatefold after 50
Balancing cash in with cash out has never been more critical. Gatefold shows revenue cycle improvements and national benchmarking data.
Fund Raising's Rough Turn, Richard Haugh, August, 33
As philanthropy rises in importance, charitable dollars disappear
Outpatient Revenue On the Rise, Lee Ann Runy, October, 28
but profits don't follow
Vexing Volumes, Richard Haugh, November, 16
Slowing admissions aren't affecting credit ratings, but there's cause for concern
Hospitalist
Hospitalists Becoming a Popular Practice, Lee Ann Runy, February, 22
Growth in use of hospitalists examined
Hospitalists, Terese Hudson Thrall, November, 66
A specialty coming into its own
Insurance/Reimbursement
Medicare+Choice, Chris Serb, January, 42
Health plans flee, enrollment drops. What went wrong? Can we fix it?
The Car Problem, Jan Greene, March, 22
In New Jersey, a bid to reduce automobile liability premiums has hospitals worried
Medicaid's Woes, Lee Ann Runy, March, 28
Looking to reign in spending and budget deficits at year's end, most states making cost-containment measures
Surviving Medical Malpractice Madness, Richard Haugh, May, 46
Hospitals look for ways to keep soaring liability insurance costs from driving out doctors
Comp Complaints, Christopher J. Gearon, September, 14
The rising cost of workers' compensation insurance is hitting small hospitals hard
Medicaid Cuts Threaten Kids' Coverage, Lee Ann Runy, September, 20
As states continue to grapple with tight budges, Medicaid programs remain targets for cost savings
Insurers' Reign, Dave Carpenter, September, 34
Why insurance companies prosper in tough times and the backlash that's brewing
Why Small Business is Sick Over Health Costs, Dave Carpenter, November, 38
Overwhelmed by the cost of paying for health coverage, many small employers see their only options as cutting coverage, cutting staff or going out of business
Leadership
By the Numbers, George Lynn and Mary Grayson, October, 36
New AHA chair-elect talks about health care reform
Legal: Legislation/Lobbying
The Benefits of Transparency, Richard Haugh, October, 16
Not-for-profits could find value in adopting Sarbanes-Oxley's business provisions
Managed Care/Capitation
Cost Tops Managed Care Concerns, H&HN Staff, April, 74
Scope: Findings short
Management/Governance
Rethinking Our Pressure-Paced Emergency Departments (Clinical Management Series), Richard Haugh, June, 66
Hospitals use new technology, realign staff, redesign processes
CMOs' Role Expand, Elizabeth Zima, July, 28
Chief medical officers take on technology, revenue responsibilities
Heavy User, Lee Ann Runy, July, 32
Health care facilities among the most intensive energy users
Trustee Handbook, Laurie Larson, August, 26
Trustees need to know than ever before
The Excellent Manager, H&HN staff, September, 85
Executive Dialogue series sponsored by Aon Consulting and Baptist Leadership Institute
"Welcome. You don't Have Mail." Joseph V. Robbins, November, 22
Hospital staff gets a refresher course in old-fashioned, person-to-person communications
How Committed are Health Care Employees? Lee Ann Runy, November, 28
2003 Aon Healthcare@Work survey measures health care employee satisfaction
Avoiding Conflict of Interest, Karen Sandrick, November, 74
How hospital boards can withstand close scrutiny
Reinventing the VA, Richard Haugh, December, 50
Civilian providers find valuable lessons in a once-maligned health care system
Pressures Converge in the ICU, Richard Haugh, December, 56
Hospitals turn to IT and process change to improve outcomes and satisfaction
Marketing: Media Watch
Alerting the Media, Joyce Kelly, January, 53
Saturation campaign by Irving, Texas-based VHA Inc. tells about how nurse-physician relations impact workforce shortage
Prescription: A dose of humor, Joyce Kelly, February, 55
Houston's Memorial Hermann Healthcare System used humor in series of ads
Hospital Welcomes "Giving Epidemic," Joyce Kelly, March, 65
Concord (N.C.) Hospital stages capital campaign to build new Payson Center for Cancer Care
Enjoy Your Health, Joyce Kelly, April, 64
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, uses ads to bolster already solid reputation
Putting "Emergency" Back into ED, Joyce Kelly, May, 68
Davis Regional Medical Center, Statesville, N.C., launches campaign to increase awareness of ED's throughput
Symbolizing Care, Joyce Kelly, June, 84
St. John Health, Warren, Mich., pursues new brand strategy
Championing the Cause, Joyce Kelly, July, 77
Ann Arundel Medical Center, Annapolis, Md., starts awareness campaign for expansion and name change to DeCesaris Cancer Institute
Delivering Expectations, Joyce Kelly, August, 69
Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, produced CD-ROM tour of renovated Birthing Center
In with the New, Joyce Kelly, September, 102
Nashoba Valley Medical Center, Ayer, Mass., developed new logo to go with revamped services and programs
First Out of the Gate, Richard Haugh, November, 81
Sky Ridge Medical Center, Denver, creates ad campaign to promote grand opening
Proper Names, Joyce Kelly, December, 74
Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, uses ads to announce name change
Medical Devices & Equipment
Chain Gang, Richard Haugh, March, 24
Study says hospitals could slash supply costs, but is the threat of alienating docs worth it?
The Future is Now for Surgery Suites, Richard Haugh, March, 51
Cost, quality and doc pressures turn the OR into a high-tech hotbed
Mergers & Acquisitions
E-Gads, Philip Dunn, January, 16
Medibuy, one of the dot-coms that once threatened GPOs, is bought by GPX
Nocosomial Infections/Infection Control
It's an Infection. Is it a Lawsuit? Jan Greene, April, 14
Attorney says patients who catch hospital-acquired infections are victims of negligence
Risky Business, Beth Burmhal, June, 78
Organizations tackle infection control during construction
Outsourcing
Outsourcing Information Technology, Suzanna Hoppszallern, January, gatefold after 45
An executive's guide to creating and managing IT contracts
Contract Management Survey, Jennifer Towne and Suzanna Hoppszallern, October, 52
13th annual survey results reflect hospitals' overall emphasis to provide quality care and improve the patient experience
Palliative/End-of-Life Care
Circle of Life, Gloria Shur Bilchik, August, 60
Fourth annual Circle of Life Awards recognize innovation in palliative and end-of-life care
Final Reunions, Alan Joch, November, 30
A program in New Jersey reweaves frayed family ties before it's too late
Palliative Providers, Diana Toft Manos, December, 17
Hospitals teach other hospitals how to set up an effective care program
Patient Safety/Medical Errors
Going Paperless, Christopher J. Gearon, January, 20
Cincinnati hospital seeks to eliminate paper from the OR to eradicate medical errors
Putting Patient Safety in the Blueprint, Laurie Larson, February, 46
Improving patient safety guided design process of new hospital in Wisconsin
The House Call is Back, Jill Hodges, May, 22
Treating chronically ill patients at home reduced ED visits, inpatient stays
Different Systems, But Similar Complaints, Kendra A. Hopkins, June, 22
Study finds health systems in five industrial nations have similar complaints
A Fully Stocked Toolkit, AHA/ASHP/Aventis, June, insert after 24
Medication Safety Issue Brief, 1 of 6, Series II
Creating an Alert and Active Team, AHA/ASHP/Aventis, July, insert after 20
Medication Safety Issue Brief, 2 of 6, Series II
Change Your Culture Forever, AHA/ASHP/Aventis, August, insert after 20
Medication Safety Issue Brief, 3 of 6, Series II
Why Patients Fall, Lee Ann Runy, August, 24
Although most are preventable, patient falls are common in hospitals
SEPSIS: The Infection Problem that Won't Die, Jill Hodges, August, 30
Despite hospitals' best efforts, infection-related illnesses are on the rise-and no one can say just what to do about it
X Marks the Spot, Diana Manos, September, 16
New VA protocol seeks to prevent wrong surgeries, with an emphasis on talking
Focusing on the Human Factor, AHA/ASHP/Aventis, September, insert after 40
Medication Safety Issue Brief, 4 of 6, Series II
Mastering a Few of the Basics, AHA/ASHP/Aventis, insert after 48
Medication Safety Issue Brief, 5 of 6, Series II
Is Your Cell Phone Infecting Patients? Howard Larkin, November, 18
PDAs and other electronic devices are dirty. Step one: Wash your hands
Watch Yourself, Dagmara Scalise, November, 32
Poster campaign gives patients five steps to follow for safer care
Tapping Into Your Staff's Energy, AHA/ASHP/Aventis, insert after 32
Medication Safety Issue Brief, 6 of 6, Series II
Can You Hear Me Now? Patrice L. Spath, December, 36
Providers must give patients a voice in efforts to reduce medical errors
Pharmaceuticals/Pharmacists
Drug spending: Out of sight, Dave Carpenter, March, 17
Costs level off but continue to rise much faster than other health services
Getting the Attention of Big Pharma, Richard Haugh, October, 44
Hospitals pressure drug companies to change policies on issues ranging from pricing to environmental concerns
Physicians: Policy
Throwing Its Weight, Christopher J. Gearon, March, 17
With its provocative reports, IOM affects policy debate where many fear to tread
Practical Ethics
Healthy premiums? Terese Hudson Thrall, January, 22
Opinions from Nancy Schlichting and Michele Schaefer
Loyalty to whom? Terese Hudson Thrall, February, 24
Opinions from Diane Barowsky and Carolyn Corbett
Brining reinforcements, Terese Hudson Thrall, March, 27
Opinions from Teri Watson and Candace Quinn
Line in the Sand, Terese Hudson Thrall, April, 24
Opinions from Peter Butler and Rulon Stacey
Can staff handle the truth? Terese Hudson Thrall, May, 28
Opinions from Cynthia Brundige and Robert Riney
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Terese Hudson Thrall, June, 28
Opinions from Lucinda Bradley and Julie MacDonald
The Hand that Feeds You, Terese Hudson Thrall, July, 26
Opinions from Catherine Kleinmuntz and Deborah Terry
Bailing Out the Doctors, Terese Hudson Thrall, August, 28
Opinions from Todd Linden and Peter Gosline
Unearth Unflattering Info? Terese Hudson Thrall, September, 24
Opinions from Dane Coleman and Preston Gee
Pay Hike or CEO Hikes, Terese Hudson Thrall, October, 26
Opinions from Parke Behn and Barbara Johnson
Say ah! or nah! to a spa? Terese Hudson Thrall, November, 35
Opinions from Thomas D. Kennedy III and Becky Nelson
A prejudiced patient, Terese Hudson Thrall, December, 28
Opinions from Christopher Martorella and Joan Beglinger
Predictions/Trends
Global Health Report, Dagmara Scalise, Kendra A. Hopkins and AHA Resource Center, July, 52
A snapshot of the payer systems, major diseases and workforce trends from around the world
Specialty hospital update, Lee Ann Runy, December, 30
Where are the specialty hospitals located in the U.S.?
Privacy/HIPAA
HIPAA Hangover, Jan Greene, February, 16
With state budgets suddenly tight, this year's HIPAA deadlines are an unwelcome guest
Post These Bills, Dagmara Scalise, August, 31
L.A. hospital uses posters to drive home the privacy message
All Systems Go, Richard Haugh, September, 27
Despite initial fears, new laws don't affect hospital fund raising
Quality
Blazing Trails, January, 16
St. Louis-based system first in health care to win prestigious quality prize
A National Effort for Quality Reporting, William Atkinson, February, 14
AHA among groups leading charge to develop framework for voluntary disclosure
Facing the Music, Christopher J. Gearon, February, 15
In Texas, hospitals get a glimpse of the future: publicly available comparison tools
Your Move, Dagmara Scalise, May, 38
Up to now, hospitals have watched from the sidelines as others decided what quality data will be collected and made public. Finally, they have the opportunity to make the issue their own.
Six Sigma in Action, Dagmara Scalise, May, gatefold after 56
Case studies in quality put theory into practice
Patient Surveys Try Vendors' Patience, Dagmara Scalise, June, 16
New measurements of hospital quality may leave some surveyors out in the cold
Stars for Sale? Dagmara Scalise, August, 28
Star ratings-and having to pay for the right to brag about them-anger hospitals
Pay for Good Play, Dagmara Scalise, September, 14
New CMS/Premier demonstration project to explore benefits on financial awards
How Health Care Won its First Baldrige, Phillip Dunn and Bill Santamour, September, gatefold after 66
SSM Health Care's journey to quality excellence
Quest for Quality Prize, Lee Ann Runy, September, 75
Case studies of 2003 award winner, finalists and citation of merit
The Patient Experience, Dagmara Scalise, December, insert after 40
Patient-center care is quickly gaining leverage as a quality indicator
Rural Health Care
SHIPs Come In, Jan Greene, January, 24
Small hospitals get a welcome, if limited, grant to help meet privacy requirements
Teaming Up In Idaho, Howard Larkin, November, 20
With support from "big brothers," small hospitals gain some clout
Telemetry Takes Off, Richard Haugh, November, 58
Payers sign on to a trend that promises better care for patients and cooperation-not competition-among providers
Social Issues
Blind to Bias, Terese Hudson Thrall and Emily Friedman, August, 36
Disparity in care? Not in my hospital! Providers confront an uncomfortable reality.
Staffing Watch
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, January, 20
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, February, 20
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, March, 24
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, April, 18
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, May, 24
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, June, 24
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, July, 20
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, August, 26
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, September, 22
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, October, 22
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, November, 24
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Staffing Watch, Bill Santamour, December, 22
Roundup of staffing problems and solutions
Uninsured
Motor City Blues, Richard Haugh, September, 56
Detroit strives to save its safety net. It is not alone.
Women's Health
The Whole Woman, Christopher J. Gearon, January, 18
HHS announces grants for programs that provide holistic treatment for women
Defining and Refining Women's Health, Dagmara Scalise, October, 59
Competition, consumerism spur major shifts in strategy
Workforce Issues
MDs: Missing Doctors? Terese Hudson Thrall, February, 32
Hospitals nationwide say recruiting and retaining physicians are big problems, and getting bigger
Work Redesign, Terese Hudson Thrall, March, 34
Seven organizations offer successful strategies for improving the workplace for nurses and increasing retention
Staffing Effectiveness, Lee Ann Runy, March, gatefold after 56
A toolkit for JCAHO's New Standards
Temp Jobs Tempt Docs, Lee Ann Runy, April, 20
More doctors turning to locem tenens positions as a career
Room with a View, Joseph V. Robbins, April, 22
Two shortages-housing plus workforce-make or an interesting project in New York
Real Men Choose Nursing, Susan Meyers, June, 72
Nursing schools and hospitals begin to target men in their recruitment efforts
Body Politic, Christopher J. Gearon, July, 18
To combat the shortage of nurses, hospitals consider ergonomic education campaigns
The Case for Nurse Practitioners, Howard Larkin, August, 54
Used correctly, they can improve outcomes, lower costs and make up for reduced residents' hours
Delicate Balance, C.J. Bolster and Gordon Hawthorne, September, 46
Hospitals struggle to find the proper way to compensate executives
Can We Talk? Dave Carpenter, December, 20
Two-way communication paves the way for a happier, more productive staff
Less Doubt on Docs, Terese Hudson Thrall, December, 26
Now even COGME predicts a physician shortage, thanks to two "irrefutable factors"
Wasteful Work, Lee Ann Runy, December, 26
Inefficient practices disgruntle staff and hurt the bottom line
1Q[3a]
Should doctors be paid for computer consultations? Joyce Kelly, January, 26
Answers from Becky Cherney, Giovanni Colella, M.D., and Susan Pisano
What are the hurdles in caregiver smallpox inoculations? Joyce Kelly, February, 26
Answers from Mary Haugen, Jeffrey A. Elting, M.D., and Gary Noskin, M.D.
Do teaching hospitals need sweeping changes? Joyce Kelly, May, 30
Answers from Robert Dickler, David Blumenthal, M.D., and Clyde H. Evans
