- Nearly three-quarters of health care professionals say the time or effort needed to complete clinical documentation hampers patient care, according to a survey published by the American Medical Informatics Association. Documentation tasks follow health care workers home too. More than 77 percent of respondents reported finishing work later than desired or working after hours due to excessive documentation. The survey comes as a number of technology companies are touting generative artificial intelligence tools that aim to cut down the amount of work needed to document care in medical records. (Article here)
- Health care workers, including doctors and nurses, are experiencing demoralization, leading to departures from the field, workforce shortages, and an increase in unionization and strikes. The pandemic’s aftermath has accelerated these challenges, highlighting issues like intentional cost cutting, which exacerbates understaffing and compromises patient care quality and access. The American Medical Association reports significant gaps in primary care access, particularly in rural and underserved areas. While complaints about staffing, administrative burdens, and low wages are not new, the pandemic has intensified these concerns, with many health care workers experiencing burnout and poor mental health. Surveys indicate high levels of burnout and depression among physicians, with a significant portion considering early retirement or career changes. Nursing home and elderly care employment has notably declined, contributing to ongoing workforce shortages across the health care sector. (Article here)
- Kroger Health is revamping the weight management program offered in its in-store clinics and offering glucagon-like peptide agonists such as Wegovy and Zepbound. The move by Kroger, announced Friday, adds it to the growing list of health care providers interested in expanding their patient base by offering GLP-1s, which are surging in popularity among consumers. Kroger’s Little Clinic plans to offer GLP-1s through in-person and telehealth visits. The weight management program also includes medical visits, coaching, and nutritional guidance. It also incorporates Kroger Health’s food is medicine program, which has addressed food insecurity and nutrition efforts for more than a decade. Kroger operates more than 200 of its in-store clinics across nine states. (Article here)
June 10, 2024
Providers | Tea Leaves