Article Abstract:
Sharp HealthCare has utilized a regional integrated health delivery system with great success. In just 10 years the San Diego County system has grown from one hospital to a network of five, providing coverage to 325,000 patients - approximately 25% of the market - under managed care plans. Because Sharp's managed plans stress the importance of providing patients with appropriate care, the company has taken pains to provide a continuum of services. It has also made a special effort to include participating physicians in management decisions.
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Article Abstract:
Milwaukee-based Horizon Healthcare, utilizes a joint venture approach to provide regional integrated care. A consortium of three independent area hospitals, Horizon is governed by a board which includes four representatives from each of its member hospitals. As a result, the system's array of services is austere but complete, representing the continuum of care. To insure greater involvement of medical personnel in management decisions, 1/4 of the system's board is comprised of physicians.
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Article Abstract:
Art can relieve patient stress, according to Lynn Basa, who directs the art program at the University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle. An artist in residence encourages patients to create their own works, including print making. The drab, cold atmosphere of many medical centers contributes to the patients' feelings of depression, isolation and hopelessness. Pleasant surroundings, even in treatment rooms, speed the recovery process.
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