Christina's Considerations

AUPHA Recommended Reading List Includes Social Media in Healthcare

I'm really pleased to have received so much support from the health administration programs on my new book. I've been hearing that the programs are adopting the book, especially for their marketing classes. But, now I see I've even made... Read more →

Is your hospital laboratory located in the basement?

Earlier this year, I discussed some risks associated with having your emergency generator located in a basement or other low area. Today, I share the story of Memorial Herman Hospital's basement laboratory during a flood. This latest story hits home... Read more →

Leadership and Crisis

I recently finished reading Bobby Jindal's book and want to share a few comments, as well as, the Times Picayune's political assessment. For me, it was a little closer view of Louisiana's current political climate and new details on where... Read more →

Social Media Best Practice: Emergency Communications

It rained a great deal here in So Cal last week, so I thought I'd share an example of emergency communications using social media during the 2009 floods in the Innovis Health (now part of Essentia Health) communities. It demonstrates... Read more →

Societal Challenges to Implementing Connected Health

The cHealth Blog has a great post that explores societal issues impacting the current healthcare discussion. Having taken more than a fair share of social science courses, I often consider societal pressures and think Connected Health has gotten it right.... Read more →

SCVHHS Best Practice

As I did last month, I'm sharing another best practices included in my book's online companion. This one is particularly exciting, because it demonstrates use of social media for business purposes by a California County Health System. Enjoy, and let... Read more →

Hospitals Using Social Media: In Canada and the Unites States

Ed Bennett has been tracking social media use by hospitals in the US and now SMiCH has a similar list for hospitals in Canada. Canadian Hospitals Using Social Media US Hospital Social Network List If your hospital is exploring social... Read more →

Ochsner and Saints Auction

Ochsner and the New Orleans Saints are teaming up to give you the chance to win one-of-a-kind experiences and exclusive Saints merchandise with an online Saints Auction! All proceeds go towards The Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center at Ochsner.... Read more →

Cutting ICU Costs

Now this is some good news... widespread use of telemedicine in ICUs could save 350 patient lives and at least $122 million annually in MA alone. This from a study released by the New England Healthcare Institute and the Massachusetts... Read more →

Social Media and Physicians

I'm somethimes asked about how physicians use social media and usually share some of the examples I"ve seen. But, there is a great article in HemOnc Today that goes into a little more detail and is worth reading. The article... Read more →

What you don't know about Louisiana may surprise you!

What You Don't Know About Louisiana May Surprise You. Louisiana ranks #1 for workforce training, ethics, jobs and capital investment - a result of the state's bold leadership, aggressive reform and continued innovation. Discover more surprising facts at OpportunityLouisiana.com Read more →

Biomedical Engineering Angel

Tis' the seasons of angels, so I thought I'd share the story of one. Bob Lathrop, a Junior at Tulane University, spent last summer in Tanzania as a volunteer biomedical engineer, repairing medical equipment in a busy hospital. Bob personally... Read more →

Dr. Earl Ferguson: How Technology can Improve Care

California Healthline has a great video report on telemedicine presented by one of my favorite telemedicine physicians - Earl Ferguson, MD, PhD. Watch and listen! It will be worth the few minutes. His comments on reimbursement (at the end) are... Read more →

HIMSS HIElights on Telehealth Networks

The latest issue of the HIMSS HIElights newsletter includes an article I wrote to stimulate some conversation about infrastruction options; specifically the availability of telehealth networks in some communities. If you are part of an HIE or RHIO, I hope... Read more →

Telestroke: One Patient's Perspective

The Utah Telehealth Network has a wonderful telestroke program that reaches out to some really rural and remote communities. I recently learned about one example of how it improved access to care and specifically impacted a life. If you want... Read more →

Annual Free Flu Shot Clinic in Goleta

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department will hold its annual free flu shot clinic on December 15th from 3 to 7 pm at the Goleta Valley Community Center. It is a great community service, but will also provide them... Read more →

HIE & Meaninful Use Stage 1 Matrix

HIMSS has released another great resource -- created by one of their exceptional HIE workgroups. The HIE and Meaningful Use Stage 1 Matrix provides insights on the HIE implications of Meaningful Use requirements, highlighting various perspectives including public health, PHR... Read more →

Digifit: Its automagic!

I just learned of a cool technology in my own backyard. The geek doctor has one every week, but he is a CIO and I'm an administrator. Digifit uses wireless technologies (Apps) to help users track their health and fitness... Read more →

Social Media for the CFO

It is really interesting to see the spread of social media articles in the publications I receive. One of the latest is a front page article on Healthcare Finance News titled "What happens in Vegas?" Healthcare organizations are at risk,... Read more →