Focus on process rather than outcomes will improve patient care

Although the 20 new measures endorsed by the National Quality Forum (NQF) will improve both the quality and the patient experience in home health care, the most noticeable difference from previous measures is the focus on behavior, rather than strictly outcomes.

How to properly hire and care for new supervisors

Headlines about a shortage of nurses might force home health agencies to focus on recruiting field clinicians, but don't forget to pay close attention to nurses you promote or hire for supervisory positions.

Journal Reviews: Telehealth/infection control best practices identified

As more home health patients with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) and other, emerging pathogens are cared for at home, concerns about the use of telehealth equipment and infection control are raised.

Medicaid plan focuses on HEDIS measures

At Health Plan of Michigan, every employee is trained on the importance of HEDIS measures, and the health plan offers incentives to employees, physicians, and patients based on performance on the quality improvement measures.

Clinical pathways help hospices improve care

Change is difficult, but hospices have to change the way they approach patient care due to the requirements of the Conditions of Participation (CoPs) that became effective in December 2008.

Should you help with employee surveillance?

A risk manager at your company asks you to report what an injured employee on workers' compensation tells you about their physical activities, because this employee is suspected of malingering. What will your answer be?

Take these steps if malingering is suspected

Take these steps if you are asked to provide information that might be used in assessing the need for starting or continuing surveillance of an employee:

News Briefs

Home health workers can look forward to ongoing employment even in these tough economic times, according to a recent report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

July 1, 2009