News From Around the Web
> The Bipartisan Policy Center, Heritage Provider Network and the Advisory Board Company on Tuesday launched the Care Transformation Prize Series, a national contest to address "the most daunting data problems U.S. healthcare organizations face as they implement new delivery system and payment reforms." The contest calls on teams to develop solutions and algorithms that help healthcare organizations improve quality and reduce inefficiencies. Announcement
> New research from the University of Luxembourg finds that the use of social media by the elderly can offer valuable support in cases of sickness and diseases. According to an announcement, in a new publication, Anja Leist, from the University's Research Unit INSIDE, concludes that "possibilities for a systematic application in clinical practice" seem promising. Announcement
Provider News
> As busy administrators and managers, it's a perennial challenge to keep your team of employees happy and engaged. The frequent advice from experts is simply to talk with your staff, to keep the discussion open. Before your next one-on-one or meeting with employees, consider these questions to direct the conversation. Article
> When patients have contextual issues that interfere with their healthcare--such as transportation issues or financial struggles--more than four in 10 doctors do not form a care plan with these challenges in mind, according to a study using 774 real patients who secretly audio recorded their visits with 139 resident physicians at two Chicago VA facilities. Article
Health Finance News
> Healthcare spending nationwide increased 3.9 percent in February 2013, compared to February 2012, according to new data from the Altarum Institute. Despite spending levels reaching a historic low, healthcare jobs continued to grow at a steady clip. Article
And Finally... The Dark Knight apparently isn't stealth enough. Article