Patients must take an active role in advocating for their own health and well-being.

In this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Nancy J. Lewis, president of Progressive Techniques Incorporated, discusses patient advocacy, self-empowerment in healthcare, and the importance of personal responsibility for health. Her personal experiences with healthcare made her realize the importance of advocating for herself and ensuring her concerns were addressed. However, those experiences also showed her healthcare professionals sometimes lack the emotional intelligence and sensitivity needed to understand their patients’ needs fully.

Nancy stresses the importance of asking questions, seeking second opinions, and being proactive about understanding medical results. She also highlights that patients should take personal accountability for their health by improving diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices. Physicians, she notes, should be patient and provide clear information to help patients make informed decisions.

Nancy also talks about her company, Progressive Techniques Incorporated, which focuses on management development training, emotional intelligence, leadership, diversity, and inclusion. She emphasizes the importance of faith, positivity, and surrounding oneself with uplifting people. Finally, she urges listeners to be their best advocates, stressing the significance of taking charge of one's health.

Tune in as we explore the power of asking the right questions, taking control of your health journey, and how emotional intelligence can transform patient care!

Workplace violence in healthcare requires a comprehensive approach, including improved reporting, supportive policies, technology, and legal protections, to create a safer and more respectful environment for healthcare professionals.

For this episode of the Straight Out of Health IT podcast, Dr. Rhoda Collins, Chief Nursing Officer at Kontakt.io, has a conversation with host Christopher Kunney about the rising issue of workplace violence against healthcare professionals. Dr. Collins explains that most workplace violence involves verbal abuse from patients, although physical assaults and lateral violence (among colleagues) also occur. She emphasizes the need to remove the stigma around reporting incidents and create a culture where workers feel safe seeking help.

Dr. Collins identifies stress as a key driver of coworker-to-coworker violence and notes that improvements in diversity, inclusion, and communication have reduced such incidents over the years. She mentions the role of professional organizations and guidelines, such as those from the Joint Commission, which help hospitals address violence. Technology, such as wearable distress buttons, is also playing a growing role in preventing violence by enabling quick responses in emergencies.

Towards the end, Dr. Collins discusses legal measures, including laws that classify healthcare workplace violence as a felony in 32 states. She also encourages advocacy for federal legislation and promotes resources from organizations like the American Nurses Association and Emergency Nurses Association to help healthcare workers and institutions better handle workplace violence. It is the collective responsibility of communities, healthcare administrators, and lawmakers to ensure a safer environment for healthcare professionals.

Tune in to learn about the growing issue of workplace violence against healthcare workers and how we can work together to create safer, more supportive environments for those who care for others!

Resources

• Connect with Dr. Rhonda Collins on LinkedIn here.

• Visit Kontakt.io!

  
  

  Check out these risk assessment tools for workplace violence against healthcare professionals by the American Nurses Association, the American Organization of Nurse Leaders, the Emergency Nurses Association, and the CDC.
  

Innovative technology is revolutionizing the lives of individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, empowering them toward greater independence and inclusivity.

In this episode, Bradley Dick, a prominent healthcare leader and advocate for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), discusses his work with zerodivide.ai, a company dedicated to leveraging technology to support the I/DD community.

Bradley shares his journey from a healthcare CIO to founding zerodivide.ai, a company with a mission to bridge the digital divide for individuals with I/DD. He emphasizes the importance of creating accessible and user-friendly technology solutions that empower individuals with I/DD to live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Throughout the conversation, Bradley explores the unique challenges faced by the I/DD community, including access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. He also discusses the importance of inclusion and normalizing such diagnostics in daily life and how technology can be a powerful tool in addressing these challenges.

Tune in to learn more about how Bradley and his team at zerodivide.ai are making a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with I/DD!

The U.S. has the highest incarceration rates globally, impacting millions of individuals and their families.

In this episode, Melissa Denino, the Senior Director of Market Access at Innsena, talks about the profound impact of incarceration on health in the United States. She discusses the high rates of chronic and infectious diseases, mental health issues, and the lack of adequate healthcare in prisons.

Thanks to her personal connection to the cause, Melissa is deeply passionate about her work with the Realness Project and her efforts to leverage Medicaid to support justice-involved individuals. Throughout this conversation, she touches on the challenges of reentry, the need for habilitation rather than rehabilitation, and the role of technology and telemedicine in improving inmate care.

Melissa further explores the contentious issue of privatization in the prison system and stresses the importance of reducing the stigmatization of the incarcerated. She also emphasizes how stigmatizing incarcerated individuals harms the community and suggests ways to support these individuals through volunteering and donations.

Tune in and learn about the crucial intersections of health and justice and how we can support those impacted by the incarceration system!

Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone!

In this episode, Jill Squire, an esteemed author, podcast host, and devoted cancer survivor advocate, shares invaluable insights on navigating the cancer journey and highlights resources for credible, cancer-type-specific information and clinical trials.

Jill discusses the importance of fostering collaborative relationships with healthcare providers, the necessity of asking questions, and the necessity of documenting every step of the process. She underscores the significance of self-advocacy, mental health, and self-care as pivotal elements during treatment and beyond.

Jill also introduces her practical, supportive book, “Cancer Journey Guide and Journals: Empowerment in Diagnosis, Treatment, and Beyond,” which is designed to aid cancer patients in self-advocacy and retaining their benefits. The book includes guided journals for tracking crucial interactions.

Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare provider, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and a dose of hope.

Art in hospital rooms can help patients and families create a sense of identity and cope with their experiences by transforming their spaces.

In this episode, Erica Olenski, Founding Executive Director of August’s Artists, shares her son's journey as a brain tumor survivor and highlights the critical role of proton therapy in his treatment. Throughout this conversation, she highlights the importance of raising awareness about brain tumors and advocating for research and treatment advancements.

Erica emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, the impact of cancer on families, and the need for empathy and support. Additionally, she stresses the role of technology in healthcare and the need for trauma-informed care that focuses on family and community outcomes.

In the midst of her son’s experience, Erica discovered art as a powerful tool for coping and she explains how it can help patients and their families create a sense of identity in hospital settings. She also touches on the significance of providing practical help, such as food and comfort, to families during hospital stays.

Tune in and learn about the challenges and triumphs of those affected by brain tumors and how you can support awareness and research efforts!

With partnerships like the W.H.O. and Gates Foundation, HIMSS is shaping the future of healthcare on a global scale.

In this episode at the 2024 regional HIMSS Conference in Texas, Hal Wolf, the CEO of HIMSS, highlights the organization's focus on thought leadership, best practices, and digital health solutions globally. He elaborates on HIMSS' collaborative efforts with clinics, hospitals, and governments, offering practical strategies and insights into global healthcare trends.

HIMSS boasts a diverse membership comprising providers, payers, technology companies, and academic institutions. Hal talks about how the organization has a pivotal role in the evolving landscape of healthcare IT, emphasizing data as a fundamental currency.

With a global presence and partnerships with organizations like the W.H.O. and Gates Foundation, HIMSS is shaping the future of healthcare. Hal explains how partnerships like this, driven by its unique approach of year-round value, foster significant growth and influence in healthcare policy and technology adoption and encourage ongoing member involvement and feedback.

Tune in and learn about the evolving role of HIMSS in global healthcare!

Modern medicine often focuses on treating illness rather than preventing it, and adopting a holistic approach to health can lead to better long-term outcomes.

In this episode, Justin Roethlingshoefer, founder of Own It, shares how, after discovering and overcoming a cancerous ulcer and precancerous polyps, he embarked on a mission of helping others take ownership of their health through personalized, proactive care. He likens the body to a house that requires proper maintenance, thus stressing the need for intentional living and health stewardship.

Justin touches on the dangers of quick fixes and the importance of understanding one's own body, emphasizing that chronic stress leads to chronic deficiencies and symptoms. He discusses societal issues like obesity and chronic illness, pointing out that lifestyle changes can prevent 95% of deaths from chronic diseases.

Throughout this interview, Justin criticizes the reactive nature of modern medicine, such as the controversial use of drugs like Ozempic, and argues for sustainable health practices over quick fixes while advocating for a holistic approach to health. He also highlights the significance of heart rate variability in managing stress and underscores the role of personalized health solutions.

Tune in and learn how to take true ownership of your health for a better, more intentional life!