Hospitals review ortho process to trim costs

Article Abstract:

Hospitals are reviewing orthopedic department processes to find ways to reduce medical costs. Hospitals are frequently purchasing prosthetic devices from as many as 11 different vendors, which greatly increases orthopedic costs. Hospitals signing exclusive contracts with vendors can receive concessions on prices, cost of instrumentation, consignment inventory and freight. Other costs that hospitals need to take into consideration when reducing orthopedics costs are operating room time and length of patient stay.

Finance, Medical care, Cost of, Health care costs, Orthopedics

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Hospitals move cooperatively toward automation

Article Abstract:

Hospitals have found a variety of ways to gain computer users' acceptance of new information systems. For example, St. Agnes Medical Center used promotion and marketing techniques to encourage staff to become involved in the installation of its new computer system. In addition, Washoe Medical center in Reno, NV, applied total quality management principles to gain acceptance for its new computer system by involving the staff in the selection, implementation and use of the new computers.

Social aspects, Methods, Technology application, User training, Hospital information systems

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Keeping patient data secure within hospitals

Article Abstract:

Hospitals are subject to lawsuits if unauthorized persons manage to access patients' medical records. In the last few years hospitals have installed clinical systems that may give opportunities for information leaks unless carefully monitored. Executives must accept a commitment to protect security, set standards for passwords and implement programs throughout the hospital. Also, employees must be trained to understand the meaning of confidentiality.

Office equipment, Safety and security measures, Medical records, Access control, Confidential communications

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