Why has 'historic' public disclosure of hospital performance data attracted so little attention?

Article Abstract:

The lack of interest in hospital performance reports may be explained by consumers' differing information needs and the high cost of the reports. The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations made the first reports available in late 1994, but demand was very low in the first six weeks. The Commission reports include scores for 28 performance measures covering patient care functions, service providers and staff, physical environment and safety, leadership and management, and requirements specific to departments. Each report costs $30, so a comparison of a few hospitals could be quite expensive. Also, consumers may not be interested in the type of information provided. One survey indicated that consumers usually assume that hospitals give quality care. When they do compare hospitals, consumers are mostly concerned with easy access and low costs, rather than the topics covered in Commission reports.

Reports, Licensing, certification and accreditation, Hospitals, Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, Hospital accreditation

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New group tracks hospitals' drug-resistant bugs

Article Abstract:

A network of hospitals is documenting the emergence of strains of bacteria that are resistant to commonly-used antibiotics. The Surveillance and Control of Pathogens of Epidemiologic Importance (SCOPE) network consists of 49 hospitals nationwide and is the largest nongovernmental program of its kind. Each of the participating hospitals was chosen precisely because they already had an existing surveillance program. SCOPE recently found that various strains of Staphylococcus are responsible for almost half of hospital-acquired infections. The network also documented the emergence of strains of enterococcus that are resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. Participating hospitals are using molecular typing techniques to identify common strains among hospital patients. Data from SCOPE could be used to develop infection control standards.

Surveys, Communicable diseases, Drug resistance in microorganisms, Microbial drug resistance, Social networks, Disease reporting

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When cost is an adverse drug effect, patients cut corners and risk health

Article Abstract:

Alex Federman, MD, MPH from New York City takes a simple step to help his patients face the financial burden and adhere to their medication regimes as medication costs have increased. Experts warn that physicians bear a greater responsibility to routinely discuss with their patients the cost of medications and the potential health repercussions if they cut back on prescriptions to save money.

Forecasts, trends, outlooks, Health aspects, Forecasts and trends, Market trend/market analysis, Patients, Prescriptions (Drugs), Medical fees

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