The PMD Critical List: Doctors Swamped with Hoverboard Injuries

Not only do the new “hoverboards” fail to actually hover, they also fail when it comes to safety. That’s according to some physicians, who say they’ve seen multiple injuries from users of the fast-selling toys. The story tops this week’s PMD Critical List. Also on the list: how to educate great physicians, and an unexpected problem that compounds the opioid abuse crisis.

• Doctors Swamped with Hoverboard Injuries (Fox2Now)

They were all the rage this holiday gift-giving season. Now physicians’ offices around that nation are dealing with the people suffering from injuries after falling off the wheeled gizmos. Injuries to ankles, knees, arms, and head are the most common.

• 10 Things for Physicians to Know About PAs, RNs, & APNs (Becker’ ASC Review)

The importance of non-physician clinical staff in healthcare is increasing and it’s the wise doctor who respects and understands them and their work. Some of the things to know: Two-thirds of RNs over age 54 are considering early retirement. Family medicine has the most PAs at about 20%.

• Educating Great Physicians (Forbes)

An interesting doctor essay about the future of medical education in America. A renewed focus on Science, Ethics, and Future Learning Skills is crucial to the future practice of high-quality, cost-effective care. “Too few of the nicest and brightest 20-something kids I know are becoming doctors.”

• America’s Addiction Habit Hurts Business (New York Post)

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence reports that “the chances are good that one or more of your fellow employees, or someone you supervise or hired, has a drug or drinking problem.” This translates into an $80 billion annual loss to the economy.

• Most Patients Can’t Access Their EHRs (EHR Intelligence)

A recent survey shows 53% of patient can’t access their own personal health information digitally. Even seeing their own lab records, insurance information, and prescription histories is lacking. Absent appropriate incentives and regulatory and legislative barriers, healthcare providers will likely continue to prevent access.

• State Physician Workforce Data Book 2015 (AAMC.org)

With the New Year beginning physicians might want to take a quick peak at the guts of doctoring. The Association of American Medical Colleges is out with its biennial report which provides state-specific data about active physicians and physicians in training.

• ODs Don’t Stop Patient from Getting More Drugs (The Hill)

A new Annals of Internal Medicine survey show that “91% of people who survive an overdose on prescription opioid painkillers continued to receive opioid prescriptions despite their history.” And “many of the prescribers did not know about their patients’ overdoses.”

• The Simple Way Doctors Can Make Their Patients Feel Understood (The Washington Post)

A report about a “highly reflective essay” in JAMA: Doctors are trained to diagnose and treat and if they can’t, many withdraw emotionally. Instead of turning away, turn toward patients and recognize their suffering.

• Physicians: Improve Communication and Avoid Conflict (Diagnostic Imaging)

The medical director of the Center for Personalized Education for Physicians offers some practical tips to improve interpersonal communication and enhance inter-professional relationships among docs: Huddle with the team, seek accountability, own up to errors, give credit, and slow down.

• 6 Big Healthcare Trends to Watch for in 2016 (Health Affairs)

“With the upcoming Presidential election, healthcare is once again keeping us up at night. How much of the current debate is hyperbolic rhetoric? What policy changes are realistic in an election year? What market trends in the private sector will drive the most change?” Insights from a healthcare improvement company CEO.