Practices of the best companies in the medical industry

A report containing information about three of the top medical manufacturing companies in the world--Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Johnson & Johnson and Medtronic, Inc. Resources have been gathered and employees in key positions from each company have been interviewed to obtain the most current and accurate information. Interviewees were asked what factors contribute to their company's success. These factors were then explored more explicitly through a variety of publications, and the results are included in this report. In today's competitive market, companies must keep current with the market trends and be flexible and open to changing and/or improving their practices in order to remain successful. It has been found that although the main focuses of each company may be similar, the processes by which they strive to meet their goals are quite unique.     

CPGs may not be best for older patients

Researchers evaluate CPGs for nine of 15 most common chronic diseases. Non-pharmacological guidelines, as well as meds, may contradict each other. In hypothetical patient, recommended medications would cost more than dollar 400 per month.     

Eldercare benefits offered by the best companies to work for in America

The top 100 companies to work for in American were surveyed to determine what eldercare benefits they offer to employees and retirees. Benefits that allow employees flexibility (leave, time off, part time work, flextime, flexplace) were most frequently offered. Information and referral services (telephone, seminars, consultation) were less frequently available. Direct care services (home care, day care, case management) were seldom offered. The most frequently offered benefit for retirees was health insurance.     

Influenza 2004--2005: the best of times, the worst of times

Last year's flu vaccine shortage caught public health officials around the country off guard. Minnesota's efforts to locate vaccine within the state and distribute extra doses to areas with the greatest need paid off, as the state was able to make vaccinations available to people who were at greatest risk--and eventually to everyone else--long before the rest of the country. This article looks at how officials in Minnesota handled the situation and how better communication and development of a Web-based data collection tool to assess and project the supply of vaccine could better prepare the state for another shortage.