Medical sociologists examine how American social, cultural, and political-economic contexts govern the structure, efficiency, and operational nature of U.S. health care delivery in a special issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior (JHSB), a
The healthcare industry in Europe is fragmented with several vendors controlling different niche segments. Early technology vendors that implemented legacy systems still have a hold on pockets of provider groups both in the primary, secondary and acute
"We need to introduce clinical ethicists in hospitals in the United Kingdom," says a researcher in medical ethics in this week's BMJ.A sound knowledge of medical ethics is essential to the good pr
Political point-scoring over policies to control MRSA (meticillin-resistant Staphlococcus aureus) confuses cleanliness with the real failure in UK hospitals - poor hand hygiene and inadequate use of gloves, states an editorial in this week's issue of
The National Quality Forum (NQF) has applauded the public release of hospital performance measurement data through the launch of Hospital Compare. The public release of the data from the
The U.S. government launched a new web site on Friday designed to help consumers shop around when it comes to comparing their local hospitals. The theory that public disclosure wil
UK Health Minister Andy Kerr says the new NHS complaints procedure which comes into force this month, will be quicker and easier for patients and will involve a one-stage process where complaints should be answered within 20 working days.Mr Ker
Certified nurse-midwives working for a federally qualified health center in New Jersey are credited with helping reduce the Cesarean section rate at one of the state's hospitals, according to a report in the Plainfield Courier-News this week. A
A new educational programme which has been launched in the UK will encourage trainee doctors to boost their communication skills. A two-year curriculum covering the whole UK will include the need for trainees to demonstrate they can effectively communi
The medical profession in Canada has developed a scheme that is setting "benchmarks" for how long patients should have to wait for key medical services, ranging from hip and knee replacement to cardiac care.The plan, conceived by a group of phy
"Ever since its founding in 1798, the Commissioned Corps has attracted the best of our citizenry into its ranks to answer the call of compassion, of patriotism and of service," Secretary Leavitt said. "We are undertaking this transformation to ensure that this elite force is better-equipped to meet the public health needs and necessities of the future."
In remarks before officers today, Secretary Leavitt outlined his vision of the USPHS as an essential national resource to meet HHS' critical mission requirements; ready to respond rapidly to urgent public health challenges and emergencies; available to address needs in isolated, hazardous or other difficult-to-fill positions; and sought at the federal and state levels to help meet essential public health leadership and service roles. Over the next two months, strategies will be developed to increase the size of the corps and improve its ability to respond quickly to urgent public health needs. The Commissioned Corps seeks to:
Increase the number of officers by 10 percent, to a total of 6,600 members; Improve response operations and team-oriented deployment process; and Change the recruitment process so that it includes stronger personal incentive programs and a better approach for assigning officers."Our officers treat disease, ensure the safety of food and medicine, and restore health and hope in times of greatest need," Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona, M.D., said. "Increasing the number of Commissioned Corps officers and restructuring the deployment process will make us more agile and efficient while continuing to fulfill our daily mission."
As part of today's event, Dr. John Agwunobi was formally sworn in as assistant secretary for health (ASH) and an admiral in the USPHS Commissioned Corps by Secretary Leavitt. As the highest ranking officer in the USPHS Commissioned Corps, he will serve as the Secretary's primary advisor on matters involving the nation's public health and oversee the USPHS for the Secretary.
Dr. Agwunobi joins HHS from Florida's Department of Health, where he held the position of secretary of health and state health officer for the past four years. There, he directly advised Governor Jeb Bush on all public health assets in the state, was lead executive for 16,000 employees and oversaw a $2.2 billion annual budget. His work with the Florida Department of Health began in 2000, when he began as the deputy secretary and deputy health officer. Prior to that position, he worked in children's health for more than seven years in the Washington, D.C. area.
The USPHS is one of the seven uniformed services and is dedicated to protecting, promoting, and advancing health and safety. USPHS officers work around the world to help in times of disaster and to provide day-to-day health care for underserved populations in the United States.
Commissioned Corps officers have been deeply involved in responding to recent public health emergencies. More than 2,000 Commissioned Corps officers were deployed to the Gulf region before, during, and after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. They set up and staffed field hospitals and emergency medical clinics, treated sick and injured evacuees, ensured hospital structures, food supplies, and water supplies were safe, conducted disease surveillance, and worked closely with local and state health authorities to address other immediate and long-term public health needs.
http://www.usphs.gov/