Today’s NewsStand

Today’s NewsStand

By Iowa Hospital Association|
|May 2, 2022

Iowa news

Six health system execs on how to battle labor shortages beyond pay

Although compensation increases have played a key role in retaining and recruiting health care employees amid a major workforce shortage, perks such as mental health services and education financial assistance have also helped meet staff needs. Six health system CEOs (including MercyOne’s Bob Ritz) and CFOs shared their best tips for retention and recruitment that go beyond compensation. (Becker’s Hospital Review)

Health system launches wellness program incorporating wearable tech, coaching

MercyOne is launching a subscription-based service, Circle+, that combines wearable technology with a suite of health-related apps augmented by personalized health coaching. “Our vision is to be radically convenient,” said Troy Cook, director of business solutions for the MercyOne health system. “It’s really taking advantage of some of the innovation in the (health care) market and combining it into one platform, with information delivered by the subject matter experts of the health system.” (Telegraph Herald)

NAMI Iowa hosting Beautiful Minds fundraiser, mental health awareness events

NAMI Iowa will host its fifth annual Beautiful Minds fundraiser from 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, May 6, at Des Moines University for a conversation about the stigma around mental illness. Additionally, the reception will be the first in a series of events aiming to create a bridge between mental health and the arts. Throughout the month of May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, guests can attend dinner parties at homes across the Des Moines area that will feature a “famous thinker,” a local actor portraying a figure from history or pop culture who has experienced mental illness. (Business Record)

National news

U.S. flu hospitalizations continue to rise

Flu hospitalizations rose for the 12th week straight, according to the CDC’s latest FluView report. Of all specimens tested in a clinical lab, 7.8% were positive for the flu for the week ending April 23, down slightly from 8.9% the week prior. For the week ending April 23, 3,452 lab-confirmed flu patients were hospitalized, up from 3,243 the week before. The cumulative hospitalization rate was 11.1 per 100,000, up from 9.8 a week earlier. This marks the 12th consecutive week flu-related hospitalizations reported to HHS have increased. (Becker’s Hospital Review)

2022 Healthcare Workforce Rescue Package

Two years into a global pandemic, health care team members are in crisis. Leaders are bombarded with competing messages about how to support them and address workforce shortages. A group of experts in collaboration with the National Academy of Medicine identified the top five actions leaders should take to support team members now. These evidence-based actions can be initiated within three months and build a foundation for a long-term system well-being strategy. (ALL IN: WellBeing First for Health Care)

A subdued COVID-19 climb: What four experts make of it

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising nationwide for the first time since January, though totals are still down significantly from last winter’s omicron surge. As of May 1, COVID-19 cases were increasing in 46 states. The nation’s seven-day case average was 56,700, up 51% in the last 14 days. At the height of the omicron surge, this figure surpassed 800,000. New hospital admissions for COVID-19 also were increasing in 38 states as of May 1. Nationwide, the seven-day admission rate has increased 16% in the last two weeks to 17,248. This figure surpassed 159,000 daily admissions during the omicron surge’s peak. (Becker’s Hospital Review)

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