In Case You Missed It: New and Noteworthy This Week

This regular blog series is a roundup of recent news items and developments that I found interesting and would like to share.

This is a valuable article on how hospitals work to improve quality and safety. Hospitals Focus on Doing No Harm

Depression May Boost Seniors’ Risk for Heart Disease, Stroke

Going paperless is an important step for all health systems. Andhra Pradesh in India did it for eighty million people almost ten years ago. National Health Service to Get Four Billion Pounds in Drive for “Paperless” Health Service

This report from AARP provides valuable perspectives on the aging issues internationally. AARP International Journal Regional Perspectives, Best Employers International, West Meets East

Information technology now makes doctors’ notes on patients easily accessible. This report summarizes the positive impact of OpenNotes on patient behavior. Contrary to some expectations, most people read the notes, understand them, and act on them to improve health outcomes. The Next Phase of the OpenNotes Movement

Please see an important policy document from the CDC. They have created a program that takes advantage of the increased population coverage under the Affordable Care Act to improve public health. They recommend specific programs to speed knowledge of what works in disease prevention and management to practice. They intend to work with other government agencies to affect measurable improvement in eighteen months and substantial changes in health outcomes within five years. CDC’s 6|18 Initiative: Accelerating Evidence into Action