U.S. LEADS IN MEDICAL ERRORS

One-third of patients with health problems in the United States report experiencing medical, medication or test errors, the highest rate of any nation studied, according to a recent survey from the Commonwealth Fund. The survey included six countries: Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States. Although no nation was best or worst overall, the U.S. stood out for high error rates, inefficient coordination of care and high out-of-pocket costs that raised barriers to access.

“While the consistently high error rates and lack of coordination are disturbing, the findings also highlight the potential for each country to improve,” said fund president Karen Davis. “Some countries have been able to achieve timely access to needed care while reducing financial barriers. Each country could also gain through strategies to improve the quality and efficiency of care, such as implementing modern information technology systems and improving management of chronic conditions.”

IMPLEMENTATION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SLOW IN HOSPITALS

Nine of 10 hospitals are using or considering adopting health information technology for clinical uses, but most, especially small or rural hospitals, say cost is a considerable barrier, according a recent survey by the American Hospital Association.

Only 10 percent of surveyed hospitals have fully implemented IT systems. According to the survey, most hospitals are in the beginning stages of making investments in IT to improve the safety and quality of patient care. Some of the technologies and systems hospitals are using include bar codes, computerized physician order entry and electronic health records. Hospital size, location and financial status are key factors in how much information technology is utilized. Hospitals that reported the least use of IT plan on spending a greater share of capital on IT in the future. Among surveyed hospitals, 53 percent reported sharing patient-specific information with physician offices, laboratories and even school clinics to improve coordination of care. The report can be viewed online at www.ahapolicyforum.org/ahapolicyforum/reports/index.html.

NURSES REMAIN ON TOP OF GALLUP'S HONESTY AND ETHICS POLL

When it comes to honesty and ethics, nurses hold a substantial lead over other professions. Gallup’s annual poll on the honesty and ethics of people in different professions finds that nurses continue to be rated most positively. The poll asked Americans to rate the honesty and ethical standards of members of professions on a five-point scale from “very high” to “very low.” Of the 21 professions tested this year, six have majority “high ethical” ratings—nurses (82 percent), pharmacists (67 percent), medical doctors (65 percent), high school teachers (64 percent), police officers (61 percent), and clergy (54 percent). Telemarketers and car salesmen rank at the bottom of this year’s list. Nurses have averaged 80 percent honesty ratings since Gallup first asked about the profession in 1999. That is higher than any other profession that’s been asked about multiple times.

RETAIL-BASE CLINICS SPARK INTEREST AMONG AMERICAN CONSUMERS

A wall street journal online poll finds that many Americans are willing to try onsite health clinics for basic medical services. As out-of-pocket healthcare costs continue to soar, retail drugstore chains like Target and CVS are offering routine medical services such as flu shots and sports physicals. The clinics, which typically charge between $25 and $60 per visit, don’t require an appointment, are open during pharmacy hours, including evenings and weekends, and are staffed by nurse practitioners who can legally treat patients and write prescriptions in most states. Although only a small number of adults were surveyed, 7 percent have actually used the clinics and 41 percent of those who have not used them claimed they would likely use one for basic medical services.

PORTER SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Applications are now being accepted for the AFT’s Robert G. Porter Scholars Program. The program offers four $8,000 scholarships for high school seniors graduating in 2006 whose parents are AFT members and who intend to pursue a career in labor, education, healthcare or government service. Also offered are 20 one-time grants of $1,000 for AFT members to pursue further study. Members may download the application from the AFT Web site at www.aft.org or send an e-mail to porterscholars@aft.org. Members who do not have access to a computer or the Internet may mail a postcard or letter (no phone calls, please) to the Robert G. Porter Scholars Program, 555 New Jersey Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20001. Applications must be postmarked no later than March 31, 2006, to be considered.