NEWS - March 2009
"GREEN" HOSPITALS
Recycling is one green habit U.S. citizens have widely adopted. According to Paper Recycles, 57.4% of paper used in the United States in 2008 was recycled.[1] Enterprise-wide paperless systems are being incorporated in businesses large and small. For health care systems and hospitals, electronic medical records have the potential to combine reduced paper use with improved delivery of care and services.
Electronic Solutions For Scripps Health
Recently, Scripps Health (San Diego CA) chose Allscripts' Enterprise® and Clinical Quality Solution to automate clinical decision support, electronic prescription orders, lost charge capture, and performance / quality programs in 19 outpatient clinics. The detailed reporting process complies with requirements for the Physician Quality Reporting Initiative (PQRI), which is a incentive program developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to reward physicians whose services demonstrably improve outcomes for their patients. The federal stimulus program also encouraged Scripps Health's administrators to incorporate Allscripts' information technology solutions.
To read the original article ("Scripps Health Selects Allscripts for Electronic Health Record", PR Newswire, April 2, 2009), visit: PR Newswire
"Green" Patient Rooms
Going beyond recycling and waste reduction, some hospitals are incorporating green elements into newly constructed facilities. One example is a patient room designed by Anshen + Allen for Skanska USA Building. Materials that are green, low emission, non-toxic, or renewable are used for bedding, ceilings, floors, and walls. Plumbing includes low-flow faucets, while heating and cooling are controlled by a smart system that varies air volume according to need. Natural light is supplemented with LED fixtures. Wood finishes and homey accessories such as Internet access and a sleeper sofa minimize the institutional look commonly found in other medical settings.
To read the original article ("Hospital Room Goes Green", The Boston Globe, March 27, 2009), visit: The Boston Globe
West Wireless Health Institute
With $45 million in funding and two founding participants, the Gary and Mary West Foundation is developing the West Wireless Health Institute. The facility, Qualcomm (founding sponsor), and Scripps Health (founding health care affiliate) are all based in San Diego, California. The objective for West Wireless Health Institute is to convert concepts and ideas into cost-effective technology-based health solutions for doctors and patients. Bioengineering and biomedical expertise will be combined with clinical research to improve diagnosis, management, prevention, and treatment of a wide range of conditions (Alzheimer's, heart disease, obesity, etc.). One area of interest is to expand wireless sensors from current measurement capabilities (e.g., blood sugar, blood pressure, and vitals signs) to more customized or individualized tracking (e.g., caloric intake, caloric expenditure, etc.).
To read the original article ("Gary and Mary West Foundation Commits $45 Million to Create Wireless Health Institute", PR Newswire, March 30, 2009), visit: West Wireless Health Institute
Health Organizations Implement Eco-Friendly Initiatives
At Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, one department has developed a "Goin' Green" campaign to replace paper cups with travel mugs. One such change can help reduce oil consumption and landfill waste. A bigger challenge is to recycle computers, electronics, and medical equipment, which are often exported to Africa and Asia for disposal.
In partnership with the World Health Organization, Health Care Without Harm (Arlington VA) is focusing on ways to eliminate mercury-based batteries and medical devices on a global basis. In the United States, legislative reforms have addressed the mercury problem in medical products.
The latest waste management concern is the large numbers of single-use devices associated with minimally invasive procedures. Decades ago, the switch from reusable to disposable medical supplies was fueled by patient safety issues. Some hospital administrators are considering ways to return to reusable items. Basic guidelines are available from local sources, as well as through Health Care Without Harm.
Green building and health information technology solutions are available for hospitals that are remodeling or starting new construction. The Shapiro Cardiovascular Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital is certified by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council (Washington DC). Children's Hospital of Philadelphia is participating with 19 other Pennsylvania facilities in the Green Hospital Pilot Project, which is operated as part of an Environmental Protection Agency program (Challenging Hospitals to Build Healthy Environments).
To read the original article ("Green Dreams", ADVANCE, March 26, 2009), visit: ADVANCE
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[1] Paper Recycles
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