Kelly Emrick MBA, PhD

Elderly patients' access to healthcare has attained a notable landmark, or "milestone," in public health, policy, and clinical practice. This is a significant moment because, as the people in our societies grow ever older (a global trend), making sure that our elderly receive good healthcare takes on new urgency. This discussion will look into the forces that are pushing for change in this matter and the forms that change is taking—especially the technological, which is always in the limelight. It really is an interesting conversation with a potentially positive outcome. Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Access The access to healthcare for the elderly is determined in large part by their socio-economic status. Unsurprisingly, older adults who are better off in this respect are more likely to get and make use of medical services. On the other hand, those who are on a fixed income (from a pension or retirement savings, for instance)—and whose numbers are growing—find it

The advent of AI in healthcare heralds a new era of innovation and improvement in hospital operations and patient outcomes. By streamlining administrative processes, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, personalizing patient care, and enabling proactive health management, AI stands to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered. As healthcare leaders navigate the complexities and challenges of integrating AI into healthcare systems, it is imperative to focus on the ultimate goal: improving patient care and outcomes. The future of healthcare is bright, and with AI as a key driver, the industry is positioned to achieve unprecedented advancements in medical science and patient well-being. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept reserved for sci-fi novels or tech conferences; it is a present reality, fundamentally reshaping various industries, with healthcare at the forefront. As hospitals and healthcare systems grapple with increasing demands, dwindling resources, and t

If my scholarly projections are correct, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will profoundly change healthcare more than any other factor. AI and automation are transforming healthcare at an unprecedented pace, offering innovative solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in the industry. These technologies promise to enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline administrative processes, and improve patient outcomes. However, their integration into healthcare also raises important ethical, regulatory, and societal considerations. AI and automation have been steadily integrated into various aspects of healthcare over the past few decades, driven by advances in machine learning, data analytics, robotics, and natural language processing. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery by enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and personalization of medical services. Machine learning, a subset of AI, involves the use of algorithms and statistical models to analyze and i

  The most important book of the year! Game Theory & Leadership by: Kelly Emrick, MBA, PH.D., DHSc(c).

  In our interconnected world, the relationships we forge shape the fabric of our lives. From family bonds to romantic partnerships, from friendships to professional connections, these relationships have the power to uplift, inspire, and bring joy. However, not all relationships are created equal. Sometimes, we find ourselves entangled in toxic dynamics that drain our energy, erode our self-worth, and leave us feeling trapped and powerless. Toxicity can manifest in many forms – manipulation, gaslighting, emotional abuse, physical violence, and more. It can infiltrate any relationship, from the most intimate to the most casual. Toxic relationships can have profound impacts on our mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and post-traumatic stress. They can make us question our reality, doubt our self-worth, and lose sight of who we are. Nevertheless, here is the truth: you are not alone. Toxic relationships are far more common than many people realize, affecting

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) campaign against healthcare worker burnout took a step forward this week by releasing a new instructional guide for executive-level hospital leaders (CDC, 2024). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes Foundation have collaboratively developed the “Impact Well-being Guide: Taking Action to Improve Healthcare Worker Well-being.” This initiative is designed to support hospital leaders and executives in enhancing the professional well-being of healthcare workers. The guide leverages NIOSH’s extensive expertise in occupational safety and health, enriched by its 50 years of experience in the field, to propose an evidence-informed and practical framework to improve the work environment for healthcare professionals. This summary provides a detailed overview of the guide, its foundational principles, key actions, and implications for hospital operations and healthcare worker well-being

According to Numerof and Schlosser (2022), healthcare executives must grasp that achieving proper population health requires a transformative shift from the outdated fee-for-service (FFS) model to an entirely new patient-centered, value-based care model. The unsustainability of FFS has been laid bare by staggering financial losses at major health systems, rural hospital closures, and overall economic distress exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. At its core, FFS is provider-centric, with little accountability for outcomes across the complete care continuum. As highlighted in the Numerof & Associates 2022 State of Population Health Survey Report, COVID exposed FFS’ profound failure to address social determinants of health, leaving millions vulnerable. The pandemic also revealed FFS’ precariousness when procedure cancellations cut off revenue. Executives must accept that FFS’ days are numbered amid trends like growing government payer mix with lower reimbursements, private payer pus