Hospital Employee Health 2009-04-01

Employee health programs: A resource is more cost-effective than an outsource

If your hospital administrators think that outsourcing employee health would be cheaper than paying your salary (plus that of a few others), show them the numbers. An in-house program is a much better value than paying the marked-up cost of consultants.

Breaking down the cost-benefit equation

Should you spend the money for ...?

Cost a factor in checking HCWs measles immunity

Cost considerations may stymie an effort to make sure that all hospital employees are immune to measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR).

Boosting wellness on the 'graveyard shift'

There's a reason the night shift is dubbed "the graveyard shift." Working overnight has been linked to a greater risk of cancer, heart disease, depression, and automobile accidents. That is why Albemarle Hospital in Elizabeth City, NC, has focused wellness efforts on this often-forgotten group of employees.

Study points to flu inhalation risk

Influenza virus particles remain suspended in the air, which suggests that the virus may be transmitted by an airborne route.

RNs at risk for asthma from cleaners, disinfectants

Exposure to cleaning products, solvents, and disinfectants continues to place nurses at risk for occupational asthma.

Nurse staffing levels affect HC infections

Hospitals struggling to decrease their rates of health care-associated infections such as Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may want to consider a new strategy: Hiring more staff.

Israeli HIV+ surgeon cleared to work

A cardiothoracic surgeon in Israel specializing in open-heart procedures was found to be HIV-positive in January 2007 during evaluation for fever of recent onset, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports.

Hospital Employee Health – April 1, 2009

April 1, 2009