The Hospitalist Movement: The Quiet Revolution In Healthcare

Nurses Activism

Published

  • Home Health Columnist / Guide
    Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

sjoe

2,099 Posts

Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.

"several recently published studies have demonstrated that hospitalist programs result in better quality inpatient care (i.e., reductions in readmissions and mortality rates). "

Whatever happened to the idea of "continuity of care" and all the arguments for that?

I certainly have misgivings about this medical specialty and its attempt to exert maximum control over a most profitable part of healthcare instead of, for example, community health clinics and small rural hospitals in "economically-challenged" areas of the country where there is a shortage of docs.

Where are these "specialists" when they are truly needed in these areas? Oh, I forgot. They are engaged in political turf wars with other MDs over control of large, more profitable hospitals.

"Follow the money" still seems to be the basic rule.

PRNnightnurse

14 Posts

I am an agency nurse and I have worked at a couple of hospitals that utilize hospitalists.

I find that I like the system. It's nice knowing the hospitalist (or the one covering for him/her) is in house at all times.

I've run into situations and called the hospitalist and had the doc at the bedside in 5 minutes. Sure is better that trying to explain gut feelings to an attending over the phone at 2 AM.

I just like having the doc's handy, especially in the middle of the night. IMHO.

Jacki

-jt

2,709 Posts

Whats the difference between that & being in a hospital that has interns & residents? We are staffed with MDs 24 hrs a day on evry unit. My ICU cannot be without an intern physically in the unit at all times.

This topic is now closed to further replies.

By using the site, you agree with our Policies. X