Today is World Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD) Day, recognizing the estimated 328 million people worldwide who are living with COPD. Organized by the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD), in collaboration with healthcare professionals and COPD patient groups worldwide, this day aims to raise awareness, share knowledge, and discuss ways to reduce the burden of COPD. COPD is a lifestyle condition that affects the lungs as a result of the long-term effects of smoking or extended exposure to air pollutants. By the time patients are diagnosed, they are typically experiencing shortness of breath during strenuous physical activity, limiting their ability to work and play. One in 20 patients admitted into the hospital for a severe COPD episode are readmitted within 30 days. 

On October 28, three federal agencies issued an alert that healthcare organizations face “an increased and imminent cybercrime threat,” including ransomware attacks, data theft, and medical service disruptions.

Are you looking for the latest news and opinions from healthcare IT leaders? During these challenging times, it is important to sift through the noise. By following top influencers in our industry, you can stay informed without getting distracted. Here are some of my favorite go-to people to follow. Take a look and start following today. Also, don’t forget to stay up to date with the latest from MEDITECH on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Even as the COVID-19 pandemic has changed so many aspects of life one thing has remained: The dedication and creativity of healthcare professionals to respond to the ongoing threat and continue to provide care for their patients.

With the flu season upon us and the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to surge, healthcare organizations now face an unprecedented challenge. As medical resources are stretched to capacity, the ability to quickly identify the appropriate level of care and safely, but efficiently, move patients through the system, is of critical importance. Frontline workers need the guidance to successfully evaluate patients and transition them to post-acute levels of care in order to avoid occupancy challenges many have faced throughout the pandemic. 

CMS recently announced that they’ve extended the Educational and Operations testing period for hospitals and providers to comply with the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) program without payment consequences.

At MEDITECH’s 2020 Physician and CIO Forum, we all saw the impact of how a virtual learning environment can help us to address common challenges in an uncommon time. And with remote technologies, I’m proud to see how we’ve been able to bridge the miles between us and even many of the uncertainties that COVID-19 has brought.

In healthcare, almost everything we do is influenced and determined by digital technology. At Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, we care for over 330,000 children per year, making it essential  for us to leverage the power of innovative technologies to enhance patient care and productivity. 

As consumers continue to take charge of their own care and healthcare organizations adapt to this new market reality, the tools and processes that ensure quick, accurate sharing of patient information will come into sharper focus in 2021.

September marks National Recovery Month — a time to recognize those who have been affected by substance use or mental health issues, including those who have been impacted by the opioid crisis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 128 people die every day from opioid-related drug overdoses. This year marks an especially challenging time due to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on opioid overdose rates, in addition to the ongoing overprescribing of opioids — resulting in an increased vulnerability for patients.