Destaques
Three out of five of the focus utilization metrics saw a decrease in volume from November to December 2024. Observation admissions showed only a small decline compared to January 2020 baseline going from 0% in November to -1% below baseline in December. Ambulatory surgeries and psychiatric admissions also showed a relatively small decline compared to baseline going from -2% to -5% and -24% to -27% respectively. Emergency department visits and acute care admissions present a slight uptick in volumes respectively going from -26% to -20%, and -16% to -13% below baseline as shown in Fig. 1 below.

The shift in psychiatric admissions remains this month as volume continue to remain below the median for the reported period as shown in Fig. 2 below. Although not a statistical shift, specialty admissions show a similar pattern in recent months as shown in Fig. 3 below.

Patient safety is a top priority for health care organizations. A better patient safety environment is associated with a lower probability of significant complications and dramatically reduces medical errors and adverse events, improves patient outcomes and increases efficiency and effectiveness. A patient safety culture within hospitals contribute to a higher standard of care, encourages collaboration and open communications, more coordinated care and improved overall performance.

The economic impact findings, which tell the story of Howard’s 157-year commitment to strategic investment and service to its community, show that Howard’s economic impact in the District alone totaled $1.154 billion in 2019. That year, the University’s student body population, comprised of nearly 13,500 students, spent over $25 million on retail consumer services, entertainment, dining, and other convenience goods. The University made payments totaling more than $500 million to more than 2,300 vendors in fiscal year 2024, including more than $235 million paid to local vendors. In addition, the University and Hospital Universitário Howard current workforce was comprised of nearly 5,000 employees, with a payroll of $395 million.

Digitization and technology dependency in organizations have necessitated the increased need for cybersecurity and compliance in unprecedented ways. Cybersecurity measures are designed to protect an organization from cyber threats, and compliance ensures that an organization adheres to industry regulations and standards. Over the years, cybersecurity and compliance have become intertwined, with their intersection causing significant confusion. Read more to explore the intersection of cybersecurity and compliance and learn all you need to know about the two.