The decedent affairs office: a unique centralized service

Article Abstract:

The rate of autopsies has declined since the 1950s to the point where only 13 percent of patients who die in the hospital undergo the procedure. While one reason cited for this trend is improved diagnostic methods that leave little to be learned from autopsy, discrepancies between diagnoses made before and after death (as determined at autopsy) occur at the same rate as they did before the decline. Autopsy rates remain low for several reasons, including fear that treatment or diagnostic errors may be uncovered, inadequate communication between clinicians and pathologists, and inadequate communication between physicians and the decedent's family. A description is presented of a centralized decedent affairs office (DAO), established in 1984 at the University of Texas Medical Branch Hospital. The DAO is a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week service that is always accessible, staffed by DAO officers who are supervised by a technical director. The technical director is a trained pathology assistant. DAO officers must possess a bachelor's or associates degree and have a background in life sciences. They are trained in DAO procedures, including the appropriate ways to approach the decedent's family. The functions of DAO officers and the DAO coordinator are outlined. A description is presented of the steps taken when a patient dies in the hospital. The DAO officer expresses sympathy to the next of kin and completes necessary paperwork if the case is not under the jurisdiction of the medical examiner. The autopsy usually begins within two hours of death if death has occurred within regular working hours. A minimum of eight people are needed to staff such a service as the DAO. A survey of physicians, nurses, and directors of funeral homes and organ banks indicated that a large proportion felt the office had exerted a positive impact. Since 1984, autopsy rates and the number of skin and organ donations have increased. The time between death and autopsy has also grown shorter. An indirect benefit of the DAO is increased accuracy of records, since autopsy is now requested routinely and death certificates are made up by the office on all hospital deaths. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Management, Autopsy

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Understanding the personality types in your office

Article Abstract:

Difficulties can arise in an office, such as a chiropractic office, if the relationships between doctor, staff and patients are not harmonious. By examining the strengths and weaknesses of those involved, a more productive and peaceful office setting can be established. The Greek physician Hippocrates proposed that each person falls mainly into one of the four basic types of personality: sanguine, choleric, melancholy and phlegmatic. These classifications are still useful today. The sanguine person's main goal is fun; he works work hard and plays hard. These individuals do well working at the front desk, and typically would not enjoy entering data into a computer. The sanguine doctor really understands the healing power of laughter. If the patient is sanguine, he may have difficulty keeping appointments and may forget the doctor's orders; they are a great source of office referrals. The choleric person is an extrovert and has a strong need to control; he gets things done. These people make good office managers. A doctor with this personality may be a great leader or he may be too bossy. Choleric patients tend to be know-it-alls; they are excellent referral sources. The melancholy personality is introverted, loves to analyze, and organize. Staff members with this personality work well on computers, filing and organizing. The doctor who is melancholic runs a tight ship with a specific schedule; there may be little humor in the office. The melancholic patient takes everything seriously sometimes becoming hypochondriacal. Often illness can be traced to depression. The phlegmatic person is an introvert, cool, calm, sympathetic and kind. These types listen attentively and work well with patients. The doctor with phlegmatic personality often spends too much time with patients and is a poor organizer. The phlegmatic patient is sometimes lazy, and does not always follow orders. The patient may simply ignore the order; these personalities do not like confrontation. Understanding the personality types involved in the chiropractic office can improve its functioning. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Social aspects, Chiropractors, Office workers, Personality, Personality (Psychology)

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How to ... chic up your office space

Article Abstract:

Ilene Rosenzweig and Cynthia Rowley, authors of Home Swell Home,?offer advice on sprucing up work office space by nicely framing family photos and adding?stylish rugs or lamps. New picture-frame magnets can add fun to cabinets or bathroom spaces. Anastasia Mann of orbitz.com recommends saving on the flight but splurging on accommodations as one way to travel like a celebrity.

Office decoration, Architecture, Domestic, Home design, Self-help techniques, Self help techniques

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