Humans are simple creatures. We’re always looking for a way to reduce our condition to one measure. Check out James Hamblin’s latest Atlantic piece, The Power of One Push-up. It details the quest for the best single measure of health. It’s entertaining but maybe better suited for a 20th century audience. The problem is that our world is too complicated. Humans ... Continue Reading about The Human Quest for a Single Measure of Health
Downgrading Humans – Tristan Harris as Tech’s Critical Voice
This Wired article is worth a read. Tech is Downgrading Humans. It's time to fight back describes ex-Googler Tristan Harris’ efforts to start a conversation about the dark side of our technology. He's an important (and evolving) voice. Digging into the Twitter commentary there’s some scathing criticism of Harris’ thinking. Characterized by one as an ‘old man ... Continue Reading about Downgrading Humans – Tristan Harris as Tech’s Critical Voice
Gig Economy Meets Medicine – The Limits of Virtual Care
This Bloomberg article shows how the gig economy meets medicine. Or how doctors are choosing to care for patients in their pajamas. This concept isn’t new necessarily, but it got me thinking about how we might be getting ahead of ourselves. This quote caught my eye: "The current system doesn’t work. It’s inefficient,’’ said Amy Fan, a 30-year-old ... Continue Reading about Gig Economy Meets Medicine – The Limits of Virtual Care
What Bonobos Can Teach Us About Health Care
I needed a jacket and I wanted a fresh look. So I went to the Market Street Bonobos in The Woodlands, TX. I had never been there before. I read that they were doing things differently. The dance of sizing up a human being In I go. I meet the general manager, Krissy. We pick out a casual, unconstructed blazer. I like it. But then Krissy grabs me one of ... Continue Reading about What Bonobos Can Teach Us About Health Care
Physician Tolerance and the Six Sigma Clinic
There’s a concept in manufacturing called tolerance. It’s the error allowed as part of the process of making stuff. Engineering tolerance is the permissible limit or limits of variation in: a physical dimension; a measured value or physical property of a material, manufactured object, system, or service ... — Wikipedia In medicine patient care is increasingly ... Continue Reading about Physician Tolerance and the Six Sigma Clinic
Lessons From a Botched Telemedicine Encounter
This week Ernest Quintana, a 78-year-old man with lung disease, was told by a doctor on a telemedicine encounter that he did not have long to live. Caught on phone video the family took to the media where it has triggered a national conversation about conversations. Here are 3 takeaways from this case: Hold critical conversations in person When possible. Critical ... Continue Reading about Lessons From a Botched Telemedicine Encounter