A diabetes program to watch

Early results from The Diabetes Ten City Challenge show that the self-management program, which provides medications and supplies without a co-pay to patients with diabetes and those who work with a pharmacist coach to manage their disease, is showing positive outcomes in changing patient behavior. Patients are using preventive care options, such as weight-management programs, flu shots and foot and eye exams. Click here for more.

SAMHSA releases new report

A new report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides an analysis of substance-use and mental-health patterns occurring in each state. The report reveals that there are wide variations among the states in problems like illicit drug use and underage drinking but that no state was immune from these problems. Click here for the article. Click here for the report.

Anemia drugs under investigation

Case managers who work with cancer patients should be aware of the information that the FDA is putting out on drugs to fight anemia. The anemia drugs Epogen and Procrit have been linked in certain cancer patients to faster tumor development, shortened survival and higher blood-clot risk. Click here for more.

Call for community case management: Are you prepared?

Due to the recognition of the growing concern of medication mismanagement among the elderly, experts express a call to action for oversight. It is estimated that 50 percent of seniors in the United States mismanage one or more of their prescriptions. Social support and nurse visits can help some people stay in their homes and maintain compliance with their medications. Click here for more.

Hospital’s study on ‘quiet time’ shows improved patient care and satisfaction

Here is something hospitals across the country may want to try. WakeMed Health & Hospitals in North Carolina schedule “quiet time” to help patients get undisturbed rest in an effort to improve patient care and satisfaction. Lights are dimmed, paging-system volumes are turned down and routine care is not scheduled during those hours. Click here for the report.

Editor’s Note: If you have done this in your facility, e-mail me at allewellyn@contexomedia.com to let me know how the project went.