News and Media

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June 10, 2009 — Rapping Nurses Tackle Handwashing

This week's video shows the benefits of becoming an engaged patient. Robin Polishook of West Newton discusses how her resolve to ask questions and engage with her physician has helped her feel confident and in control of her health. Check out Robin's entire video here.

Robin's video marks the final installment of the Partnership's video series on becoming a "great patient." I hope that you have enjoyed these testimonials. The entire set is available on our website and through YouTube. I encourage you use them as a reference and pass them along to your family and friends.

It seems that every month there are new websites that provide information for consumers to research and rate doctors. Yesterday in "Looking for Dr. Right," The Boston Globe reviewed several of these sites and noted that in many cases ratings were based on limited information. The Partnership recommends that sites disclose their ratings methodologies, like Partnership Leadership Council member MA Health Quality Partners. Our consumer surveys show that Massachusetts consumers are generally unaware of websites that compare physicians. We need to find resources to fund promotion of credible websites to consumers.

The movement for "patient-centered" care is growing among physician practices. Multiple studies have shown that patient-centered practices deliver better care at lower cost by reducing unnecessary services and hospital care.

While media coverage has increased awareness about flu and infection prevention, the challenge has been to motivate and remind patients and health care workers to take preventative actions—such as washing hands—on a regular basis. Listen to a rap song Massachusetts General Hospital nurses created to remind staff to wash their hands. Almost two million patients acquire infections in health care settings each year. Perhaps the humor of the rap song will help address a very serious quality and cost issue for the health care system.

As reported in last week's New York Times, Dr. Donald M. Berwick, the widely respected president for the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, links transformation of the US health care system with the campaign for greater patient engagement. He sees a time when the system would transfer control from doctors to the patients themselves. Dr. Berwick calls himself "an extremist"—we call him "inspiring."
 

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