Reverse-Surge Planning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cautionary Ramp-up for the Otolaryngologist

As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to evolve through the United States and other countries, differing rates of progression and decline are occurring based on varied population densities. While some health systems are reaching a steady state of new patient cases, others are seeing a leveling off or decline, allowing for restoration of normal practices. This “reverse-surge” planning and implementation process is a colossal undertaking for health systems trying to reacquire patient access and financial stability while preserving necessary resources and maintaining precautions for another potential surge. For the otolaryngologist, reverse-surge planning involves additional workflow adjustments in the outpatient and operating room settings given the abundance of COVID-19 virus in the upper aerodigestive tract. As the reverse-surge best practices are still under development, open communication between otolaryngology colleagues and health system leadership is paramount to optimize efficiency and maintain an adequate measure of safety for patients and our health care teams.

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Association for Library Collections and Technical Services Annual Report 2013–14

Library Resources and Technical Services ◽

10.5860/lrts.59n2.59 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 59 (2) ◽

pp. 59

Author(s):

Genevieve S. Owens

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Best Practices ◽

Financial Stability ◽

Annual Report ◽

The United States ◽

Information Resources ◽

Collection Development ◽

Organizational Flexibility ◽

Technical Services ◽

Library Collections

Comprising nearly four thousand members from across the United States and forty-two countries from around the globe, ALCTS is the premier resource for information specialists in collection development, preservation, and technical services. We are the leader in the development of principles, standards, and best practices for creating, collecting, organizing, delivering, and preserving information resources in all forms. This year, under the leadership of ALA President Barbara Stripling and ALCTS President Genevieve S. Owens, we have focused on three key areas: financial stability, organizational flexibility, and excellence.

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Commentary on Chaplain-Physician Interactions From the Chaplain’s Perspective: A Mixed Method Analysis

American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Medicine® ◽

10.1177/10499091211003080 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 104990912110030

Author(s):

Rev George Handzo ◽

Rev Brian Hughes

Keyword(s):

Best Practices ◽

Health System ◽

Patient Care ◽

Health Systems ◽

Mixed Method ◽

Effective Strategies ◽

Optimal Patient Care ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship ◽

Method Analysis

Gomez and her colleagues have presented a helpful study of the relationship of the chaplains in her health system to physicians which highlights several barriers to a well-integrated relationship and thus to more optimal patient care. We have seen these same barriers as we have consulted with health systems nationally and have also identified many best practices that mediate or even eliminate many of these barriers. This commentary describes some of what we have seen as chaplain-generated causes of those barriers and effective strategies that have been employed to overcome them. We also provide some resources for chaplains who wish to institute some of these best practices themselves.

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Learning health systems in primary care: a systematic scoping review

BMC Family Practice ◽

10.1186/s12875-021-01483-z ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Danielle M. Nash ◽

Zohra Bhimani ◽

Jennifer Rayner ◽

Merrick Zwarenstein

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Quality Improvement ◽

Health Systems ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Early Stage ◽

Point Of Care ◽

The United States ◽

Stage Of Development ◽

Integrated Health ◽

Google Search

Abstract Background Learning health systems have been gaining traction over the past decade. The purpose of this study was to understand the spread of learning health systems in primary care, including where they have been implemented, how they are operating, and potential challenges and solutions. Methods We completed a scoping review by systematically searching OVID Medline®, Embase®, IEEE Xplore®, and reviewing specific journals from 2007 to 2020. We also completed a Google search to identify gray literature. Results We reviewed 1924 articles through our database search and 51 articles from other sources, from which we identified 21 unique learning health systems based on 62 data sources. Only one of these learning health systems was implemented exclusively in a primary care setting, where all others were integrated health systems or networks that also included other care settings. Eighteen of the 21 were in the United States. Examples of how these learning health systems were being used included real-time clinical surveillance, quality improvement initiatives, pragmatic trials at the point of care, and decision support. Many challenges and potential solutions were identified regarding data, sustainability, promoting a learning culture, prioritization processes, involvement of community, and balancing quality improvement versus research. Conclusions We identified 21 learning health systems, which all appear at an early stage of development, and only one was primary care only. We summarized and provided examples of integrated health systems and data networks that can be considered early models in the growing global movement to advance learning health systems in primary care.

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Best Practices in Specialized Amyloidosis Centers in the United States: A Survey of Cardiologists, Nurses, Patients, and Patient Advocates

Clinical Medicine Insights Cardiology ◽

10.1177/11795468211015230 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 15 ◽

pp. 117954682110152

Author(s):

Jose Nativi-Nicolau ◽

Nitasha Sarswat ◽

Johana Fajardo ◽

Muriel Finkel ◽

Younos Abdulsattar ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Best Practices ◽

Patient Care ◽

Nurse Practitioners ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Multidisciplinary Care ◽

The United States ◽

Comprehensive Care ◽

Patient Support ◽

Patient Support Group ◽

Patient Advocates

Background: Because transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) poses unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, referral of patients with known or suspected disease to specialized amyloidosis centers is recommended. These centers have developed strategic practices to provide multidisciplinary comprehensive care, but their best practices have not yet been well studied as a group. Methods: A qualitative survey was conducted by telephone/email from October 2019 to February 2020 among eligible healthcare providers with experience in the management of ATTR-CM at US amyloidosis centers, patients with ATTR-CM treated at amyloidosis centers, and patient advocates from amyloidosis patient support groups. Results: Fifteen cardiologists and 9 nurse practitioners/nurses from 15 selected amyloidosis centers participated in the survey, with 16 patients and 4 patient advocates. Among participating healthcare providers, the most frequently cited center best practices were diagnostic capability, multidisciplinary care, and time spent on patient care; the greatest challenges involved coordination of patient care. Patients described the “ideal” amyloidosis program as one that provides physicians with expertise in ATTR-CM, sufficient time with patients, comprehensive patient care, and opportunities to participate in research/clinical trials. The majority of centers host patient support group meetings, and patient advocacy groups provide support for centers with physician/patient education and research. Conclusions: Amyloidosis centers offer comprehensive care based on staff expertise in ATTR-CM, a multidisciplinary approach, advanced diagnostics, and time dedicated to patient care and education. Raising awareness of amyloidosis centers’ best practices among healthcare providers can reinforce the benefits of early referral and comprehensive care for patients with ATTR-CM.

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Person-Centered Health Care: An Approach That Integrates Acute and Long-Term Care

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igaa057.2474 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 704-704

Author(s):

Yuchi Young ◽

Barbara Resnick

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Health Care ◽

Health Systems ◽

Long Term Care ◽

The United States ◽

World Population ◽

Term Care ◽

The Usa ◽

Aged Society

Abstract The world population is aging. The proportion of the population over 60 will nearly double from 12% in 2015 to 22% in 2050. Global life expectancy has more than doubled from 31 years in 1900 to 72.6 years in 2019. The need for long-term care (LTC) services is expanding with the same rapidity. A comprehensive response is needed to address the needs of older adults. Learning from health systems in other countries enables health systems to incorporate best long-term care practices to fit each country and its culture. This symposium aims to compare long-term care policies and services in Taiwan, Singapore, and the USA where significant growth in aging populations is evidenced. In 2025, the aging population will be 20% in Taiwan, 20% in Singapore and 18 % in the USA. In the case of Taiwan, it has moved from aging society status to aged society, and to super-aged society in 27 years. Such accelerated rate of aging in Taiwan is unparalleled when compared to European countries and the United States. In response to this dramatic change, Taiwan has passed long-term care legislation that expands services to care for older adults, and developed person-centered health care that integrates acute and long-term care services. Some preliminary results related to access, care and patterns of utilization will be shared in the symposium. International Comparisons of Healthy Aging Interest Group Sponsored Symposium.

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Identifying and Serving English Learners in Gifted Education: Looking Back and Moving Forward

journal for the education of the gifted ◽

10.1177/0162353220955230 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 43 (4) ◽

pp. 297-335

Author(s):

Rachel U. Mun ◽

Vonna Hemmler ◽

Susan Dulong Langley ◽

Sharon Ware ◽

E. Jean Gubbins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Best Practices ◽

Professional Learning ◽

Gifted And Talented ◽

Gifted Education ◽

English Learners ◽

The United States ◽

Effective Practices ◽

Referral Process ◽

Screening Assessment ◽

Looking Back

Although the number of English learners (ELs) in the United States continues to increase, this population remains underserved by gifted and talented (GT) education programs across the nation. This underrepresentation represents a societal and research dilemma for reasons we address in this systematic review of the most effective practices documented to identify and serve ELs for GT programs. We examine 50 theoretical and empirical articles according to four major themes: nomination, screening/assessment, services, and identification models. We discuss identification recommendations, including outreach and professional learning to foster stakeholder recognition of GT potential in all ELs, an equitable referral process based on a multiple-lens approach, and observation of students completing problem-solving tasks. Finally, we address perceived best practices in serving GT ELs, including making accommodations for ELs in GT programs.

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Infection Prevention Considerations for a Multi-Mission Convention Center Field Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness ◽

10.1017/dmp.2021.210 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-21

Author(s):

Jennifer A. Jones ◽

Zishan K. Siddiqui ◽

Charles Callahan ◽

Surbhi Leekha ◽

Sharon Smyth ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Best Practices ◽

Infection Prevention ◽

Diagnostic Testing ◽

The United States ◽

Infection Prevention And Control ◽

Field Hospital ◽

First Case ◽

Convention Center ◽

Set Up ◽

And Control

Abstract The state of Maryland identified its first case of COVID-19 on March 5, 2020. The Baltimore Convention Center (BCCFH) quickly became a selected location to set up a 250-bed inpatient Field Hospital and Alternate Care Site. In contrast to other field hospitals throughout the United States, the BCCFH remained open throughout the pandemic and took on additional COVID-19 missions, including community SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic testing, monoclonal antibody infusions for COVID-19 outpatients, and community COVID-19 vaccinations. At the time of publication, the BCCFH had cared for 1,478 COVID-19 inpatients, performed 108,155 COVID-19 tests, infused 2,166 COVID-19 patients, and administered 115,169 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. To prevent the spread of pathogens during operations, infection prevention and control guidelines were essential to ensure the safety of staff and patients. Through multi-agency collaboration, utilization of infection prevention best practices, and answering what we describe as “PPE-ESP”, an operational framework was established to reduce infection risks for those providing or receiving care at the BCCFH during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Monetary and Exchange Rate Policies for International Financial Stability: A Proposal

The Journal of Economic Perspectives ◽

10.1257/jep.2.1.83 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

pp. 83-103 ◽

Cited By ~ 79

Author(s):

Ronald I McKinnon

Keyword(s):

Exchange Rate ◽

Exchange Rates ◽

Foreign Exchange ◽

Purchasing Power Parity ◽

Financial Stability ◽

Foreign Exchange Market ◽

The United States ◽

Power Parity ◽

Monetary Reform ◽

Exchange Rate Fluctuations

What keeps the three major industrial blocs -- Western Europe, North America, and industrialized Asia -- from developing a common monetary standard to prevent exchange-rate fluctuations? One important reason is the differing theoretical perspectives of economic advisers. The first issue is whether or not a floating foreign exchange market -- where governments do not systematically target exchange rates -- is “efficient.” Many economists believe that exchange risk can be effectively hedged in forward markets so international monetary reform is unnecessary. Second, after a decade and a half of unremitting turbulence in the foreign exchange markets, economists cannot agree on “equilibrium” or desirable official targets for exchange rates if they were to be stabilized. The contending principles of purchasing power parity and of balanced trade yield very different estimates for the “correct” yen/dollar and mark/dollar exchange rates. Third, if the three major blocs can agree to fix nominal exchange rates within narrow bands, by what working rule should the new monetary standard be anchored to prevent worldwide inflation or deflation? After considering the magnitude of exchange-rate fluctuations since floating began in the early 1970s, I analyze these conceptual issues in the course of demonstrating how the central banks of Japan, the United States, and Germany (representing the continental European bloc) can establish fixed exchange rates and international monetary stability.

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Valuing Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare: Pathways to Equip Workforces in the Post-COVID-19 New Normal (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.34808 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jiban Khuntia ◽

Xue Ning ◽

Wayne Cascio ◽

Rulon Stacey

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

Health System ◽

Health Systems ◽

The United States ◽

Mediating Effect ◽

New Normal ◽

Diversity And Inclusion ◽

Healthcare Workforce ◽

The Us ◽

Service Oriented

BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic, with all its virus variants, remains a serious situation. Health systems across the United States are trying their best to respond. The healthcare workforce remains relatively homogenous, even though they are caring for a highly diverse array of patients (6-12). It is a perennial problem in the US healthcare workforce that has only been accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical workers should reflect the variety of patients they care for and strive to understand their mindsets within the larger contexts of culture, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic realities. Along with talent and skills, diversity and inclusion (D&I) are essential for maintaining a workforce that can treat the myriad needs and populations that health systems serve. Developing hiring strategies in a post-COVID-19 “new normal” that will help achieve greater workforce diversity remains a challenge for health system leaders. OBJECTIVE Our primary objectives are (1) to explore the characteristics and perceived benefits of US health systems that value D&I; (2) to examine the influence of a workforce strategy designed to balance talent and D&I; and (3) to explore three pathways to better equip workforces and their relative influences on business- and service-oriented benefits: (a) improving D&I among existing employees (IMPROVE), (b) using multiple channels to find and recruit a workforce (RECRUIT), and (c) collaborating with universities to find new talent and establish plans to train students (COLLABORATE). METHODS During February–March 2021, we surveyed 625 health system chief executive officers, in the United States, 135 (22%) of whom responded. We assessed workforce talent and diversity-relevant factors. We collected secondary data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s (AHRQ) Compendium of the US. Health Systems, leading to a matched data set of 124 health systems for analysis. We first explored differences in talent and diversity benefits across the health systems. Then, we examined the relationship between IMPROVE, RECRUIT, and COLLABORATE pathways to equip the workforce. RESULTS Health system characteristics, such as size, location, ownership, teaching, and revenue, have varying influences on D&I and business and service outcomes. RECRUIT has the most substantial mediating effect on diversity-enabled business- and service-oriented outcomes of the three pathways. This is also true of talent-based workforce acquisitions. CONCLUSIONS Diversity and talent plans can be aligned to realize multiple desired benefits for health systems. However, a one-size-fits-all approach is not a viable strategy for improving D&I. Health systems need to follow a multipronged approach based on their characteristics. To get D&I right, proactive plans and genuine efforts are essential.

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Implementation aspects of agile methods in large organizations

e-mentor ◽

10.15219/em90.1523 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 90 (3) ◽

pp. 64-72

Author(s):

Robert Pawlak ◽

Keyword(s):

Best Practices ◽

Large Scale ◽

Success Factors ◽

Implementation Process ◽

Business Practice ◽

Organization Culture ◽

Agile Methods ◽

Implementation Challenges ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Implementation Aspects

The aim of this article is to analyze the challenges and success factors on organizations’ path to agile transformation, as frequently discussed in the literature and encountered in business practice. The research conducted proved that large-scale agile transformations require a dedicated approach with set of tools and best practices in place. The implementation challenges and barriers have been categorized into method-, organization-, culture- and technology-oriented groups. As a result of an in-depth analysis carried on for the purpose of this paper, a dedicated methodology of agile transformation has been proposed to ease the implementation process.

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