The Communication Toolkit Blog
Even the Doctors Agree: Why Everyone’s Talking about “Choosing Wisely”
The big health care news last month was the American Board of Internal Medicine’s announcement of a new campaign called “Choosing Wisely,” which aims to help both doctors and patients question the use of tests and procedures that aren’t always appropriate or helpful. So far, nine specialty groups have each released lists of five things that doctors and patients should question, like the use of antibiotics for sinusitis and imaging tests for headaches. More recommendations are expected in the… read more
More Engaged=Better Quality Care
New research bolsters the argument that engaged patients fare better. A recent study published in the Journal of Ambulatory Care Management found that, across the world, patients with complex health care needs who are actively engaged in their care report fewer medical errors, higher care ratings, and more positive views of the health system as a whole.
What does it mean to be actively engaged? As we discussed in a recent blog post, patients who are engaged participate fully… read more
Helping Employees Be Engaged in Their Health and Health Care
“I know of no other profession where people would feel free to tell me how to do my job.” This was my physician’s response to a discussion I initiated about my treatment preferences.
Does the responsibility for my health really lie only in my physician’s hands? The short answer is no.
The benefits of being an active, engaged patient are enormous. As an engaged patient, I am more likely to have better health outcomes, experience fewer medical errors, and express… read more
Navigating the Internet: Finding credible health information in a sea of options
Last spring, my daughter was having problems with allergies. On her pediatrician’s advice, she started taking an over-the-counter allergy medication. About a week later, we noticed definite behavior changes – she was unusually weepy, sensitive, and very easily upset. A friend of mine reported that her son had the same symptoms while taking this medication. So I went searching on the Internet. I typed in the name of the medication and “behavior changes in children.” I found numerous entries linking… read more
What Do Health Care Costs Have To Do With My Take-Home Pay?
We’re all aware of the skyrocketing costs of health care – but not everyone realizes how those rising costs affect us financially. The truth is that everyone with employer-based health insurance shares the burden of increases in health care costs, even if we haven’t used any health care services.
We pay directly through annual increases in our premiums – and, if we are using health care, through higher deductibles and copayments. We also pay indirectly because our employers have to… read more