The study discussed in the article sheds light on the ongoing disparities in digital health portal use, notably during and after the COVID-19 pandemic's peak periods. Key findings indicate that despite an overall increase in patient portal engagement spurred by the pandemic, significant gaps remain among older individuals, those with lower socioeconomic status, and individuals with limited health literacy. This work emphasizes the need for targeted efforts to enhance digital literacy and access, aligning with the goals of the 21st Century Cures Act for more transparent and accessible medical records. The research suggests a proactive approach in addressing technological and educational barriers to equalize healthcare access and improve outcomes for underrepresented populations.

Disparities in Digital Health Portal Use Persist Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic Drug Topics

CommonSpirit Health, a leading nonprofit health system, has introduced Insightli, its proprietary internal AI assistant, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and data security. Launched to address the limitations of external AI solutions which often compromise privacy, Insightli enables the creation of personalized and relevant content quickly, ensuring data remains within CommonSpirit's secure environment. Senior Executive Vice President and CIO, Daniel Barchi, highlighted Insightli's success in processing over 17,000 prompts in just a few months, significantly improving workflow and allowing staff to concentrate on their core tasks. This innovative tool supports CommonSpirit's commitment to improving work lives while safeguarding sensitive information.

CommonSpirit Health Announces Launch of Internal AI Assistant, Insightli | CommonSpirit Health CommonSpirit Health

In a January 2023 survey by AMN Healthcare, a staggering 85% of hospital nurses indicated plans to leave their roles within a year, reflecting serious concerns over job satisfaction and emotional well-being. However, contrary to these alarming predictions, a mass exodus of nurses from hospitals did not materialize by early 2024. Efforts by health systems to improve retention, through strategies like flexible work schedules and increased educational opportunities, have shown some success in keeping nurses on board. Despite these initiatives, challenges remain, including widespread burnout among nurse leaders and the ongoing need for healthcare organizations to adapt to the changing needs and expectations of their nursing staff. Future strategies may need to go beyond short-term incentives, focusing instead on creating work environments that genuinely support nurses' professional and personal goals.

85% of hospital nurses said they'd quit by 2024. Did they? Becker's Hospital Review

The article discusses the evolving perspective of healthcare professionals towards the term "burnout," with many now referring to their experiences as "moral injury." This change in terminology better captures the ethical and emotional turmoil faced by nurses and doctors who are unable to deliver the quality care they know patients deserve due to systemic issues like understaffing and excessive administrative burdens. During a POLITICO Health Care Summit, speakers from National Nurses United and Moral Injury, a healthcare advocacy group, highlighted how this moral injury not only affects healthcare workers' well-being but also poses risks to patient care. They advocated for policy changes, including regulation of insurance authorizations and support for care providers' mental health, to mitigate these challenges and retain healthcare professionals in their roles.

It’s not burnout, it’s moral injury Politico