/ en Sun, 15 Jun 2025 02:48:30 -0500 Tue, 10 Jun 25 14:02:33 -0500 /role-hospitals-louisiana-childrens-medical-center-five-hospitals-within-louisiana-childrens-health-system-receive-birth-ready <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-4"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-06/ths-lcmc-birth-ready-700x532.jpg" alt="Louisiana Children’s Medical Center. A pregant woman sits talking with a female physician" width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>Five hospitals within the LCMC Health system — East Jefferson General Hospital, Lakeside Hospital, Lakeview Hospital, Touro and West Jefferson Medical Center — have earned the Louisiana Birth Ready or Birth Ready+ Designation, a recognition awarded by the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (LaPQC). The designation honors hospitals that have implemented evidence-based practices to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.</p><p>Launchedin 2021, the Birth Ready program evaluates hospitals across five key areas, including clinical readiness, patient partnership and the implementation of policies to address severe maternal morbidity. “LCMC Health is committed to providing the highest quality and best practice of safe patient care for all our patients,” said Toni Flowers, Ph.D., corporate chief social responsibility officer at LCMC Health. “All five of our birthing hospitals have demonstrated this commitment by obtaining and sustaining Birth Ready and Birth Ready+ designations. We applaud our team’s dedication to achieving improved health outcomes for mothers and infants in our community.”</p><p>This achievement is part of a broader statewide effort to improve maternal health outcomes. “Birthing hospitals across Louisiana are working diligently to ensure safe and patient-centered care for Louisiana families,” said Veronica Gillispie-Bell, M.D., medical director of the LaPQC.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.lcmchealth.org/blog/2025/march/lcmc-health-celebrates-five-of-their-hospitals-a/">LEARN MORE</a></p><p> </p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/center/population-health">Improving Health and Wellness</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:02:33 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-keck-school-medicine-usc-makes-hearing-breakthrough-studying-mouse-inner-ear <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-5"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-06/ths-usc-keck-hearing-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="USC Keck School of Medicine. Illustration of soundwaves entering an ear canal" width="700" height="532"></div><p>Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine, made a major discovery in understanding how the brain may help regulate hearing. And they did it by adapting an imaging technique currently used in ophthalmology offices, called optical coherence tomography.</p><p>The team used OCT to capture real-time images of the cochlea — a part of the inner ear involved in hearing — in mice, revealing that the brain can send signals to the inner ear to enhance sound sensitivity. The study found that while the cochlea doesn’t respond to short-term brain state changes, it does increase activity in response to long-term hearing damage in mice with genetic hearing loss. The study suggests the brain compensates for hearing loss by boosting the function of remaining sensory cells.</p><p>The team is now preparing clinical trials to test whether blocking certain brain-to-ear signals could help reduce symptoms in patients with sound sensitivity disorders. Findings could lead to new treatments for conditions like tinnitus (ringing, buzzing or other phantom sounds) and hyperacusis (where everyday sounds become uncomfortably loud).</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://scitechdaily.com/new-brain-discovery-could-revolutionize-hearing-loss-treatment/" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/topics/promoting-healthy-communities">Building Healthy Communities</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:08:29 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-commonspirit-st-elizabeth-hospital-provides-toiletries-clothes-and-other-necessities-community-members-through <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-5"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-05/ths-commonspirit-st-elizabeth-clothing-toiletries-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="CommonSpirit St. Elizabeth Hospital provides toiletries, clothes, and other necessities to community members through its Care Closet" width="700" height="532"></div><p>CommonSpirit St. Elizabeth Hospital's Care Closet is a compassionate initiative aimed at improving the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals and families in the community. By providing essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and feminine products, the Care Closet offers crucial support to those experiencing hardship.</p><p>St. Elizabeth President John Swanhorst emphasizes the importance of access to these basic needs, highlighting the hospital's commitment to extending a helping hand beyond its walls. “We believe access to these basic needs is crucial for overall health and well-being, and we are proud to offer this support to those who need it,” he said.</p><p>The Care Closet is accessible through St. Elizabeth staff members who identify a need in patients or community members. Although not open to the public, anyone who inquires can receive materials. The hospital provides toiletry bags, clothing, and other necessities for both children and adults. Generous community support has enabled the Care Closet to participate in local events, distributing items like coats and gloves.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.mountain.commonspirit.org/news/commonspirit-st-elizabeth-hospital-provides-toiletries-clothes-and-other-necessities-community-members-through-its-care-closet" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/topics/promoting-healthy-communities">Supporting Public Health</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Thu, 08 May 2025 13:10:46 -0500 Patient care and Information /aha-center-health-innovation-market-scan/2025-05-06-4-critical-steps-scale-generative-ai <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/4-Critical-Steps-to-Scale-Generative-AI.png" data-entity-uuid="7ea69c77-70fc-4898-b953-67ac0db1cbd5" data-entity-type="file" alt="4 Critical Steps to Scale Generative AI. A brain that is half generative AI and have biological brain connecting health care data." width="1200" height="751"><p>As health care organizations grapple with rising operational costs, an aging population and a worsening workforce crisis, the need for transformative solutions has never been greater. A new Accenture report, <a href="https://www.accenture.com/content/dam/accenture/final/accenture-com/document-3/AI-Amplified-Scaling-Productivity-Final.pdf" target="_blank" title="Accenture—Gen AI amplified: Scaling productivity for healthcare providers">“Gen AI Amplified: Scaling productivity for health care providers,”</a> highlights how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can offer a critical path forward — unlocking unprecedented productivity gains, enhancing patient care and reshaping the future of care delivery.</p><h2>Health Care’s Inflection Point</h2><p>Health care providers face a historic staffing shortage: By 2033, the U.S. is projected to lack as many as 139,000 physicians while the global nursing shortfall could reach 13 million. Traditional solutions like increased hiring and training alone cannot meet this demand. Providers must embrace innovative technologies to scale human capacity.</p><p>Generative AI presents a powerful opportunity. According to Accenture’s survey of 300 U.S. health care C-suite executives, 83% view boosting employee efficiency as the biggest opportunity of generative AI, and 77% expect it to drive direct revenue growth productivity gains. Early pilots show promise — automating routine tasks, improving data analysis and enhancing decision-making — but widespread adoption remains limited.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Potential-Benefits-of-Generative-AI-in-Health-Care.png" data-entity-uuid="2fbbdc98-8b8d-4810-8e21-52ee7353de18" data-entity-type="file" alt="Potential Benefits of Generative AI in Health Care. 70% of health care workers’ tasks could be reinvented with AI. 20%: Automation could free up 20% of nurses’ repetitive tasks, unlocking $50 billion annually. 9+: Generative AI could help doctors see 9 additional patients per month. Source: Accenture 2025." width="896" height="197"><p>Despite high awareness, a major execution gap exists. While 83% of health care organizations are piloting generative AI, fewer than 10% have invested in the infrastructure needed for enterprise-wide deployment. Without decisive action, health care risks falling behind industries like automotive and finance, where AI-driven gains are already significant.</p><h2>A Road Map for Action</h2><p>The Accenture report outlines four critical steps to help health care leaders move from fragmented pilots to scaled implementation:</p><ol><li><span><strong>Build a reinvention-ready digital core.</strong></span> A robust digital infrastructure — including cloud integration, seamless data access and scalable AI capabilities — is essential. Organizations with a strong digital foundation are poised to reinvent twice as many functions with generative AI over the next three years compared with those without.</li><li><span><strong>Strengthen data quality and strategy.</strong></span> High-quality, centralized data are a prerequisite for reliable AI outcomes. Health care providers must prioritize data cleansing, standardization and accessibility to empower AI to deliver clinical and operational benefits.</li><li><span><strong>Prioritize responsible and secure AI deployment.</strong></span> As the use of generative AI expands, safeguarding patient privacy and preventing cybersecurity breaches are nonnegotiable. Embedding responsible AI governance is critical to building trust among patients, providers and regulators.</li><li><span><strong>Forge strategic partnerships.</strong></span> Scaling generative AI requires expertise beyond internal capabilities. Collaborations with technology leaders, academic institutions and specialized vendors are key to accessing cutting-edge tools and accelerating innovation.</li></ol><h2>The Productivity Promise</h2><p>Accenture estimates that 70% of health care workers' tasks could be reinvented through technology. In nursing alone, automation could free up 20% of repetitive tasks.</p><p>Examples already abound:</p><ul><li>Generative AI can automate clinical documentation, giving physicians back minutes to hours per day — time that can be redirected to patient care.</li><li>Generative AI-augmented call centers have reduced patient wait times and improved first-call resolution rates without compromising security.</li><li>AI-enabled clinical appeals processes have achieved a 70% reduction in handling time and a 30% decline in misrouted claims.</li></ul><p>However, staying in pilot mode comes at a cost. Piecemeal implementations prevent providers from achieving the full operational efficiencies that scaled deployment can offer and widen the gap between health care and faster-moving industries.</p><h2>Leadership Alignment Is Critical</h2><p>A unified C-suite vision is essential. While CEOs recognize the transformative potential of generative AI, clinical leaders like chief medical officers (CMOs) and chief nursing officers (CNOs) are often underutilized in planning and deployment efforts, even though clinical workflows are among the most impacted.</p><p>The report stresses that everyone from board members to front-line clinicians must be involved in redefining roles, automating tasks where appropriate and reskilling teams to work alongside AI tools.</p><p>Key takeaways for health care leaders</p><ul><li><strong>The time to act is now.</strong> Scaling generative AI can drive productivity, reduce burnout and enhance patient care — all while improving financial sustainability.</li><li><strong>Build the foundation.</strong> Investment in cloud infrastructure, high-quality data and responsible AI frameworks are nonnegotiable prerequisites.</li><li><strong>Don’t go it alone.</strong> Strategic partnerships will be critical to closing skill gaps and accelerating deployment.</li><li><strong>Empower clinical leadership.</strong> CNOs and CMOs must play a central role in redesigning work processes to ensure that AI initiatives improve, not burden, care delivery.</li><li><strong>View generative AI as an ongoing journey.</strong> Scaling technology is not a one-time event, but a continuous reinvention of how health care operates.</li></ul><p>Generative AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a present-day imperative. Health care organizations that act decisively today by scaling generative AI strategically and responsibly will define the next decade of health care delivery. Those that hesitate risk being left behind.</p><h3>Additional Resource</h3><p><em>The AHA recently released a report to guide hospital and health system executives on using AI and AI-powered technologies to transform their organizations’ operations. The report, </em><a href="/center/emerging-issues/market-insights/ai/building-and-implementing-artificial-intelligence-action-plan-health-care"><em>“Building and Implementing an Artificial Intelligence Plan for Health Care,”</em></a><em> features insights from 12 health care AI experts and leaders, published health care articles, presentations, reports, research and surveys on health care AI.</em></p></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/center" title="Visit the AHA Center for Health Innovation landing page."><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/logo-aha-innovation-center-color-sm.jpg" data-entity-uuid="7ade6b12-de98-4d0b-965f-a7c99d9463c5" alt="AHA Center for Health Innovation logo" width="721" height="130" data-entity- type="file" class="align-center"></a></p><p><a href="/center/form/innovation-subscription"><img src="/sites/default/files/2019-04/Market_Scan_Call_Out_360x300.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type alt width="360" height="300"></a></p></div></div></div>.field_featured_image { position: absolute; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0 0 0 0); height: 1px; width: 1px; margin: -1px; padding: 0; border: 0; } .featured-image{ position: absolute; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0 0 0 0); height: 1px; width: 1px; margin: -1px; padding: 0; border: 0; } h2 { color: #9d2235; } h3 { color: #9d2235; } Tue, 06 May 2025 06:15:00 -0500 Patient care and Information /press-releases/2025-04-29-mary-beth-kingston-receive-aha-award-honor <p><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> (April 29, 2025) — The ���������� Association (AHA) today announced that its 2025 Award of Honor will be presented to Mary Beth Kingston, PhD, RN, FAAN for her dedication to advancing the nursing profession and improving patient care. The award is given to individuals or organizations in recognition of exemplary contributions to the health and well-being of our nation through leadership on major health policy or social initiatives. Kingston will receive the award during a ceremony on May 5 at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.</p><p>During Kingston’s 45-year career, which includes service as the chief nursing officer of multiple health systems, she continually has fostered the professional growth of the nurses serving under her leadership, many of whom have become chief nursing executives. She has been a strong and outspoken advocate for nurse safety, leading efforts to reduce violence against the health care workforce through the AHA and the federal government and publishing extensively on workplace violence reduction and workforce wellbeing. </p><p><strong>“Mary Beth is an inspirational nursing leader whose cutting-edge efforts on nurse safety and workforce wellbeing have made a tremendous difference for patients and caregivers,” </strong>said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack.<strong> “We thank her for the countless hours serving her communities, including her contributions to the AHA by serving on the board, committees and as chair of the AHA’s Hospitals Against Violence Advisory Group as well as past president of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.”</strong></p><p>Kingston serves on the boards of Providence Saint Joseph’s Health and Main Line Health and is board chair of Chamberlain University. In 2024, she received the <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.7kr010ACWZRfM3MOuCoTb98fFqUCFwdqQcXQFXsONWz3hfoZhFg6Brf8ZsCN3KaQCnL6gnbEiPuLCnmp1L5beWgN74W4XxuDDACVHHrnebzfNk6W-2FzP5hFA-2FlsHSVCe-2FlrwJX5CBwzx-2FFt-2Bd1-2FALQE4xxbQVtu65bdYqRX7qhZI-3DbFQv_d2RbcZIH1cPr8T71lfy9-2Baax-2F-2BEajmJ1xBQdwzrxSfXYrczhBuOKN0y9-2Fz7LWn8-2BDbxbRMmISA8VWYgeVYMYLehFbJjjJrsDU061vryWib5OgupGu7XbukALgR8dzkZg2Dg9g351m0vxxGiu8sGH-2FkRhtTs7FMGhnIphAQ2V0ggdxRZqByV3qd-2FWW8XcNkvZCoysmb3CXqB9z8pe-2FfPQeTUcBBRwbGLUAH8RMyKIiGibQXO-2BGAsIk9KzpUWIQlni9Fz-2BzmXRkBiewQDRex7LPP2IE6LhH-2FaG-2BRay1ioNwhZGRnViGU9ql00PT4Tn7qHUNzbuDCCRek-2FDpeDyJFsgIbb-2B-2B00cSrADiT-2FSwazq54-2FhZ1TTIBB8ifj2VBL8hksl&data=05%7C02%7Cbteicher%40aha.org%7Cb465832ff339414aa9d208dd872c6d31%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638815347071289211%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2qybybu08vPgvaUkhO%2BlsUQIOWGM%2Fg%2BeGRbrNaW3Sew%3D&reserved=0">AONL Lifetime Achievement Award</a> and the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. She became a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2020. </p><p> </p><p class="text-align-center">###</p><p><strong>About the AHA</strong></p><p>The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.7kr010ACWZRfM3MOuCoTb4j1A7dsWuFv5c9nef7CCBE-3DnvOh_d2RbcZIH1cPr8T71lfy9-2Baax-2F-2BEajmJ1xBQdwzrxSfXYrczhBuOKN0y9-2Fz7LWn8-2BDbxbRMmISA8VWYgeVYMYLehFbJjjJrsDU061vryWib5OgupGu7XbukALgR8dzkZg2Dg9g351m0vxxGiu8sGH-2FkRhtTs7FMGhnIphAQ2V0ggdxRZqByV3qd-2FWW8XcNkvZCoysmb3CXqB9z8pe-2FfPQeV2OeSNhdVU3D6l9H6c4J9GEpgsCR6QS-2F-2FXqSGZ8jyilM7ZeWQQsi2cBrS52gPy8-2F8WO-2FZLhOCvQa3PF-2B9eGk2IZarVaQQgXpX67HvpjDcfmFwl0MLlKIbthCxZUl4GWk6khcG2Ni8JUOIpCY6f8nOlGurgZPGWQQesBuGmDf8mF&data=05%7C02%7Cbteicher%40aha.org%7Cb465832ff339414aa9d208dd872c6d31%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638815347071311896%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qPhXIyHop9ltKml1v8RES7VkUj1qvsLlXB2cfVFqo6U%3D&reserved=0">www.aha.org</a>.</p><p class="text-align-center"> </p> Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:46:37 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-university-oklahoma-cancer-center-implements-new-technology-make-cancer-care-more-comfortable <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="col-md-5"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/ths-oklahoma-radiation-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="University of Oklahoma Medical Center. A patient receiving radiation therapy is viewed from inside the machine looking out" width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>The Stephenson Cancer Center at University of Oklahoma Medical Center is the second hospital in the nation to introduce a groundbreaking cancer treatment called surface-guided radiation therapy. The treatment uses a non-invasive technology known as the Accuray Radixact System, offering cancer patients faster, more precise and comfortable treatments. The Radixact System delivers image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy, helping health care teams to effectively position patients and target tumors with increased accuracy while protecting healthy tissue. This advanced technology is particularly beneficial for patients with tumors in challenging locations, such as the lungs or near critical organs, as it minimizes the impact on surrounding healthy tissue. It can also track tumors in real time and adjust treatment to account for changes in tumor size.</p><p>“Every advancement in cancer treatment technology means new hope for our patients,” said Jerry Jaboin, M.D., radiation oncologist at the Stephenson Cancer Center. “With the Radixact System, we can offer more patients access to precise, personalized treatment plans that fit their specific needs while minimizing disruption to their daily lives."</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.ouhealth.com/blog/2025/january/new-cancer-treatment-technology-at-stephenson-ca/" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/topics/innovation">Innovation, Research and Quality Improvement</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:03:06 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-penn-medicine-chester-county-stroke-surgery-and-advanced-care-team-close-home <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="col-md-5"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/ths-penn-carotid-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital. A health worker passes an ultrasound probe over a woman's neck" width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>Donna Carr's life was saved by a timely and advanced medical intervention at Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital, thanks to the hospital's investments in advanced operating rooms and trained personnel.</p><p>In late 2024, Carr experienced symptoms of a stroke due to blood clots blocking her carotid artery. She underwent a minimally invasive procedure called transcarotid artery revascularization (TCAR), which filtered out the clots and prevented further strokes. This procedure involves reversing blood flow around the blockage, using a balloon and stents to reopen the artery while filtering out plaque and clots. The hybrid operating room at Chester County Hospital, equipped with advanced imaging tools, facilitated this precise and life-saving intervention.</p><p>The hospital’s investment in upgraded capabilities has paid off by attracting innovative care providers and improving patient outcomes. Chester’s facility combines the capabilities of a standard operating room with the imaging tools needed for endovascular procedures, allowing for detailed and accurate interventions. This setup also streamlines scheduling and reduces the number of personnel needed for procedures.</p><p>The hospital's commitment to cutting-edge care has led to successful recruitment of skilled clinicians like vascular surgeon, Daniel Lee, M.D., of whom Carr said “He saved my life, what can I say? ... I can’t brag about him enough.”</p> <a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.pennmedicine.org/news/news-blog/2025/march/a-stroke-a-surgery-and-an-advanced-care-team-close-to-home" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a> </p>--></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/topics/innovation">Innovation, Research and Quality Improvement</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Mon, 28 Apr 2025 11:45:20 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-providence-alaska-medical-center-innovative-therapy-prostate-cancer <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="col-md-6"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/ths-providence-alaska-prostate-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Providence Alaska. A male physician sits talking with an older male patient" width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>In 2025, researchers predict about 313,780 new diagnoses of prostate cancer and 34,770 deaths across the United States. But those cases aren’t evenly spread across the country. Mortality rates for Alaskans, for example, are typically higher than the general population due to a range of factors including limited access to treatment. </p><p>In Anchorage, Providence Alaska Medical Center has become the first facility in the state to offer an innovative treatment for metastatic prostate cancer. In March, the hospital began administering Pluvicto, a targeted therapy designed to identify and kill prostate cancer cells that express a protein known as prostate-specific membrane antigen. Pluvicto is different from traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatments because it specifically targets these cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells. </p><p>“Pluvicto is one of the only treatments that improves overall survival in men with prostate cancer that has spread elsewhere in the body and is no longer responding to hormonal treatments,” said Dr. John Halligan, radiation oncologist and medical director of Radiation Oncology at Providence Cancer Center. </p><p>Treatment data shows that combining Pluvicto with standard chemotherapy and radiation led to 30% of men experiencing tumor reduction or disappearance. In contrast, those who received standard therapy alone saw a 2% reduction. Thanks to this new therapy, Alaskans no longer need to travel to the Lower 48 to receive this care.<br><br><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.nnbw.com/news/2025/mar/06/healthcare-industry-focus-conrad-breast-center-expected-to-open-this-summer/" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p><p> </p></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/topics/innovation">Innovation, Research and Quality Improvement</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:44:08 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-renown-healths-comprehensive-hub-breast-cancer-care <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="col-md-6"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/ths-renown-breast-cancer-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Renown Health. A female physician holds a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon " width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>This spring, the Renown Specialty Care Center at Renown Health in Reno, Nev., will open the <a href="https://www.renown.org/Health-Services/Cancer-Care/Breast-Health" target="_blank">Conrad Breast Center</a>, a multidisciplinary, one-stop shop for breast health and wellness.</p><p>The center, which will open on the third floor of the hospital, will feature state-of-the-art diagnostic medical equipment such as 3D mammography, breast MRI and breast ultrasound. It will also feature a breast wellness center for patients with a high genetic risk of developing breast and other types of cancers. These services will be available in one place, reducing travel requirements for patients and setting the facility apart from other care centers in the community.</p><p>“It was very fragmented, but now it will all be under one roof,” said Madeline Hardacre, oncology wellness physician at Renown Health. “It allows us to treat patients in a more collaborative and comprehensive way, which is better for our community since everything will all be located in one center.”</p><p>Certain cancer-related services, like medical oncology and chemotherapy infusion services, will remain at the main hospital campus. But most breast-specific services will be housed in the new center.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.nnbw.com/news/2025/mar/06/healthcare-industry-focus-conrad-breast-center-expected-to-open-this-summer/" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p><p> </p></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/topics/innovation">Innovation, Research and Quality Improvement</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:49:45 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-queens-health-systems-collaborate-provide-enlightened-cancer-care-hawaiians <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="col-md-6"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/ths-queens-medical-cancer-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="The Queen’s Health Systems. An older woman wearing a scarf on her head sits in a chair receiving cancer treatment from a nurse" width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>The Queen’s Health Systems, based in Honolulu, Hawaii, joined a new collaborative initiative — called Ka Umeke Lama, or “Bowl of Enlightenment” in Hawaiian — that aims to transform cancer care across the islands.</p><p>In Hawaii, over 7,000 residents are diagnosed with invasive cancer annually, and 2,000 residents die each year of cancer. As the population continues to age and the need for cancer care grows, the <a href="https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2024/12/17/new-initiative-aims-transform-cancer-care-hawaii/" target="_blank">Ka Umeke Lama initiative</a> aims to improve access to care and cancer outcomes through research, workforce development and culturally informed practices.</p><p>Specific plans include the creation of a centralized clinical research database; the launch of clinical trials that address cancer disparities among different populations; deployment of oncology providers and early detection units to rural and underserved areas; the development of telehealth systems; and use of artificial intelligence-based clinical trial screening and monitoring tools.</p><p>Additionally, Queen’s Health Systems has partnered with the University of Hawaii Cancer Center to provide oncology care in a newly constructed hospital wing — a collaborative project with the Hawaii Cancer Consortium, the members of which also form the Ka Umeke Lama Initiative. This partnership offers early-phase clinical trial treatments, so patients won’t have to travel to other states to receive cutting-edge care options.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.queens.org/the-queens-health-systems-and-uh-cancer-center-parnter-to-develop-hawaiis-first-on-campus-cancer-clinical-center/" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p><p> </p></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/topics/innovation">Innovation, Research and Quality Improvement</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Fri, 11 Apr 2025 15:34:51 -0500 Patient care and Information