scott kowalski’s Post

Last year's COVID, flu, & RSV #tripledemic burdened healthcare systems and stretched resources beyond capacity. As winter 2023 approaches, what can hospitals do to prepare for a sudden influx of patients? Here, I got to explore actionable steps these institutions can take, from educating patients in advance ("Psst... there's an urgent care clinic down the street!") to preparing provisional campaigns that go out on an as-needed basis ("We've got vaccines in stock!"). Read on to learn how data & strategy can help you can weather the season: https://lnkd.in/eE4Fmyw5

It's important to understand that patients can check boxes without the need for a doctor. We as doctors have become so conditioned to cHeCK ThoSe BoXEs that we forget the whole point of why we became doctors. Patient needs colonoscopy for colon cancer screening based on age. (Referral given - check) Patient smokes. (counseled on importance of smoking cessation - check) Patient needs immunization. (instructed to get immunization - check) The patient leaves the exam room and does nothing. He is stressed to the gills about his impending divorce so continues to smoke for relief. He really doesnt understand colonoscopies and heard something on a recent podcast saying immunizations are bad for you. He doesnt say anything however because he thinks he will be judged and the doctor "seemed really busy" so didn't want to bother him. So the doctor really didnt do his job. His chart note looks beautiful though. A bunch of checked off boxes in the emr for the billing department. And the patient sees no real value in this encounter so doesnt schedule a follow up appointment. The patient returns 5 years later to "re-establish care" for a "chronic cough". What are we doing again exactly? Are we not missing the DEPTH of care that patients need? #directprimarycare #dpc

Healthcare providers: A new CDC study shows that adults with 3 or more underlying conditions were 45-74% more likely to have a severe flu-related outcome such as ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death compared to those with no underlying conditions. More than half (55%) of adults aged 18-49 years hospitalized with flu in this study had 3 or more underlying conditions. This highlights the importance of flu vaccination to prevent severe outcomes in people with chronic conditions. Make a strong flu vaccine recommendation to patients with chronic conditions. They should know the importance of annual flu vaccination and how it can help prevent serious flu-related outcomes. Full study here: https://bit.ly/49rTVDO

Recognising the role of remuneration in pharmacy services is paramount, especially as vaccination becomes increasingly prominent worldwide. Adequate compensation not only acknowledges the pharmacist's expertise but also serves as a catalyst for enhanced patient care and increased accessibility.  Equitable remuneration drives innovation, prompting pharmacies to implement efficient vaccination models, ultimately contributing to widespread disease prevention and fostering universal health coverage. Join our webinar on 25 April at 14:00 CEST to learn more on this topic: https://lnkd.in/drWA5GU8

Check out this fact-based decision guide to help raise awareness of the cardiovascular risk factors associated with flu. The SHARED decision-making guide assists healthcare providers and adult patients to determine which flu vaccine may be most appropriate based on age and risk factors. https://ow.ly/T3aJ50Q3gfP

VAERS, V-Safe program. The dangers of self-reported adverse events by the population. Absence of validation and evaluation of these AE. Anti-vaxxers like Andrew Crockett, pseudo-journalist, have been using such data to push a narrative around dangers related to COVID, only to see that large database analysis have shown that non-vaccinated indiduals are confronted with more health / COVID issues than vaccinated individuals, as published in Science Direct. These pseudo-scientists are now turning to VAERS and V-Safe to try to support their lies. While out of the approximate 10 million individuals that registered and submitted data to v-safe, 782,913 individuals, or over 7.7% of v-safe users, had a health event requiring medical attention, emergency room intervention, and/or hospitalization, which is has been quantified as to the severity of such. We all agree that a fever is nothing other than a fever, and reporting pain at injection site is somewhat irrelevant. Over 25% had an event that required them to miss school or work and/or prevented normal activities. … Yes, it was laughable they referred as such as very alarming. The problem with the anti-vaxxers a la Andrew Crockett is deny the science and facts only to believe their lies. And when proven wrong as the Science Direct paper did, they try to find new lies.

Open Access Government: The silent struggle for Long Covid patients by Long Covid Support "Long Covid can be debilitating, and thus, further research and support for those living with the condition are urgently needed. The presentation of Long Covid symptoms is wide ranging and can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, health status, vaccinations, or prior exposure to COVID. Those at the more severe end are left bed-bound and dependent on care. This includes young children missing out on their all-important formative years. Like other post-viral illnesses (e.g. ME/CFS), patients encounter suspicion and gaslighting at the hands of healthcare professionals who suggest they’re anxious, depressed or even lazy. This sense of disbelief may extend to loved ones and employers who rely on the expertise of doctors." Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e-yW-rCy #pwME #MECFS #MyalgicE #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #LongCovid #PostCovid 

Check out this link for important new information about long COVID, including a definition, criteria, and proof that vaccination helps prevent it. It is imperative that everyone be vaccinated against COVID. #LongCOVID #Vaccination #COVIDPrevention

As the respiratory virus season intensifies and healthcare strains increase, Jackson Nurse Professionals is here to support you. With COVID-19 and flu hospitalizations on the rise, our experienced professionals offer swift and adaptable staffing solutions. 💡 Why Partner with Jackson? ✅ Experienced Team: Skilled healthcare professionals at your service. ✅ Rapid Response: Quick deployment to minimize disruptions. ✅ Adaptable Solutions: Tailored staffing to meet evolving needs. ✅ Comprehensive Support: Beyond placement, fostering collaboration. 🚑 Current Landscape: 📈 Rising metrics hint at an approaching peak in COVID, flu, and RSV. 🌐 RSV activity remains elevated, with a peak expected soon. 🏥 Hospitals may face delays; occupancy rates are high. 🤝 Collaborate with Us! Choose Jackson Nurse Professionals for reliable and dedicated healthcare staffing. Let's work together to ensure community well-being. Reach out today! #HealthcareStaffing #JacksonNurseProfessionals #HealthcarePartnership #CommunityWellBeing

💙 November is National Long-Term Care Awareness Month. 💙 Residents of LTC facilities and the staff who treat them face numerous healthcare challenges: 🏥 49% of residents have been diagnosed with 2–3 common chronic conditions -- diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses -- that require ongoing testing, monitoring, and specialized care. 🏥 One-half have high blood pressure. 🏥 Influenza and other respiratory illnesses spread quickly among LTC staff and residents. LTC staffing shortages can make it hard for these vulnerable populations to access the healthcare they need and deserve. Primary.Health helps to close LTC care gaps and support staff with easy, affordable diagnostic testing, vaccinations, and preventive screenings. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/grTJGdjz #LongTermCare #LTC #ChronicCare #publichealth #diagnostics #healthequity