Reducing unnecessary testing or treatments in older patients
When a doctor ordered a routine prostate screening for an 80-year-old man -; as doctors often do -; a dramatic yellow alert popped up on the electronic health record with dire warnings.
Stay updated with breaking news from Craigr Fox. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
When a doctor ordered a routine prostate screening for an 80-year-old man -; as doctors often do -; a dramatic yellow alert popped up on the electronic health record with dire warnings.
<p>Doctors routinely orderunnecessary screening tests for older adults -- including PSA for men and urinary tract infections for women -- that can result in unnecessary care and serious health problems. Researchers tested a yellow alert on electronoic health records to discourage doctors from ordering these tests. It worked. The approach significantly reduced unnecessary and potentially harmful screeiings. </p>
A new study from the USC Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics reveals fresh insights into the relationship between peer comparison and job satisfaction among clinicians. To avoid negative impact, the research team discovered it is important for clinicians to have control over the behavior being evaluated or encouraged, such as ordering tests or whether to prescribe medication. The results challenge prior findings that peer comparison increases job dissatisfaction and burnout.