Fall 2003 - Volume 7 Number 4
Clinical Contributions
A Case Study of Cauda Equina Syndrome
Dan-Phuong Esther N Ho, MD
Using a case example, this article explores the epidemiology, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of the cauda equina syndrome.
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Understanding Noncompliant Behavior: Definitions and Causes
Fred Kleinsinger, MD
This article describes noncompliant behavior, discusses its common reasons, and provides insight into the behavior while offering strategies for coping with noncompliant patients.
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Corridor Consult:
How Can Busy Physicians Better Manage Laboratory Results?
Kenneth D Burns, MD
In a system not yet up-to-date with the electronic medical record, physicians are often overwhelmed managing laboratory test results. This article offers some techniques for reducing and managing this important aspect of a physician's day.
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Health Systems
Special Feature Update:
Prevention and Treatment of Overweight and Obesity: Toward a Roadmap for Advocacy and Action.
Brian Raymond, MPH; Cindy Moon, MA
In August 2003, 47 public and private sector professionals convened for a roundtable discussion to identify priorities to address the epidemic of overweight and obesity. This article is a brief overview of that meeting and its results.
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Patient-Centered Care in the Exam Room at Warp Speed.
Lee Jacobs, MD, Moderator
These excerpts from recent dialogues with members of KP's Interregional Clinician-Patient Communication Leadership Group and The Permanente Medical Group's Communication Consultants focus on the foundation of patient-centered care experience--effective clinician and patient communication in the exam room.
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Keeping Your Clinical Team Winning: Insights and Experience From the KP Georgia Region.
James Hipkens, MD, PhD
There have been six guiding rules to come out of the Georgia Region's experience in developing clinical teams. This article outlines and discusses these rules.
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Clinical Renovations: A Scientific Structure for Success.
William F Pfeiffer, MD
Historically, the medical industry has not been noted for excellence in customer service. With changing times, the need to address this issue has become more important. This article discusses the Pediatric Department at KP Honolulu's approach to changing the systems to work for the end result: serving patients.
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Staff Empowerment, A Prescription For Success.
Cynthia R Copp, MSN, APRN, CPNP; Christine Agpaoa, CMA; Sandra Carvalho; William F Pfeiffer, MD
By empowering staff and by equipping them with effective, reliable tools, leaders give all members of the team an opportunity to realize their full potential. This article explores the KP Honolulu Pediatric Department's experience.
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Optimal Office Practice Support: A Systemic Approach to Improving Efficiency and Support in Medical Offices.
Darla S Holland, MD; Darlene C Squires, M Sc, OD
In response to economic and practical pressures, the KP Orange Medical Service Area commissioned the Optimal Office Practice Support project. This article discusses the goals, processes, products, and learnings from this project.
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CPC Corner:
An Overview of Empathy
James T Hardee, MD
Appropriate use of empathy as a communication tool facilitates the clinical interview. This article defines empathy and explores its uses, barriers, and value.
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Physicians as Leaders:
What Physicians Can Do to Improve Patient Care and to Enhance Their Everyday Work Experience.
Deborah Konitsney, PhD
This article is adapted from a chapter, Focus on the Patient, in the resource guide, Creating the Best Place to Practice: What Physicians Can Do to Improve Patient Care and to Enhance their Everyday Work Experience.
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Commentary
Transitions of Clinical Information Systems
Andrew M Wiesenthal, MD
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A Perspective on the Women's Health Initiative Findings
Gavin Jacobson, MD
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Editorials
Is Your Practice "Patient Centered"?
Lee Jacobs, MD, Associate Editor, Health Systems
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Successful Practices in the Physician's Work Environment.
Tom Janisse, MD, Editor-In-Chief
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Physicians in the News
Physician News Roundup
Barbara Caruso, BA
This is a brief outline of events of national significance within Kaiser Permanente.
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Abstracts
Abstracts of articles authored or coauthored by Permanente clinicians
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A Moment in Time
SCPMG Celebrates Its "First 50 Years".
Chad Fifer
The year 2003 marks the 50th anniversary of the Southern California Permanente Medical Group. This article gives a brief overview of its history and the celebratory events planned for this year.
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Celebrating a Medical Center's Anniversary and an Emotional Reunion.
Steve Gilford
The 60th Anniversary of the Oakland Medical Center reunited a doctor and patient who met in 1941 at the naissance of the Permanente Medical Groups. Their story is detailed here as a reflection of the success of Dr Sidney Garfield's dream.
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Letters to the Editor
Letters from our readers
Book Reviews
Prescriber's Letter
Anna Luise Kirkengen, MD, PhD
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Growing Up Fast
Joanne Lipper
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Your Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook: Your Guide to Understanding the Disease, Treatments, Emotions and Recovery From Breast Cancer
Judy C Kneece, RN, OCN
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Epidemic Of Care: A Call For Safer, Better, and More Accountable Health Care
George C Halvorson and George J Isham, MD
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Soul of the Healer
"The 'Three Redheaded' Sisters"
Patty Stelz, RN
Art
"805"
Alan D Fremland, MD
Art
Impending Death
Kelly Ann Malone
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"Country Road"
Alan D Fremland, MD
Art
Why do you do, What you do, When you do, What you do
Calvin Weisberger, MD
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"Honu' has the right of way"
Patty Stelz, RN
Art
