How to Identify Sudden Cardiac Arrest Symptoms and Reduce Your Risk

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

The concept of health. Fresh strawberries with a stethoscope and a pressure measuring device on a blue background, top viewWritten by Esmu Wang.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the most serious and life-threatening medical emergencies. Unlike a heart attack, which typically involves a blockage that restricts blood flow to the heart, SCA occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating altogether. This can happen without warning and often results in death if immediate medical intervention isn’t provided. According to the American Heart Association, over 350,000 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States alone, with only about 10% of those affected surviving.

Knowing how to recognize the signs of sudden cardiac arrest and understanding your personal risk can make a life-saving difference. Early action and proper prevention strategies are critical in reducing fatalities and improving outcomes.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Individuals experience fainting, dizziness, or chest discomfort in the minutes or hours before cardiac arrest. While sudden cardiac arrest can strike without warning, there are certain symptoms of cardiac arrest that may precede the event. Others might notice a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, or sudden fatigue. These symptoms can be easily overlooked or mistaken for anxiety or exertion, which is why it’s important to take them seriously if there is a known history of heart disease.

When cardiac arrest occurs, the most immediate and obvious symptom is a sudden collapse, accompanied by no pulse, no breathing, and loss of consciousness. Unlike a heart attack, which may involve intense chest pain but allows the person to remain awake and responsive, SCA leaves the victim unresponsive. Prompt cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can double or even triple the chances of survival.

Know the Risk Factors

A variety of health and lifestyle conditions can increase your risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common underlying cause, particularly among older adults. Other heart-related issues, such as arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, congenital heart defects, and previous heart attacks, elevate the risk. People with a family history of sudden death, or those with inherited arrhythmia syndromes like Long QT Syndrome, should be cautious.

Beyond heart conditions, chronic illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and sleep apnea have been linked to an increased likelihood of SCA. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, sedentary behavior, and poor dietary habits further compound the danger. Identifying these risk factors early and working with healthcare providers to manage them is a proactive way to reduce your risk.

The Importance of Regular Screenings

Many people are unaware that they’re at risk for sudden cardiac arrest until it’s too late. This makes regular checkups and cardiovascular screenings all the more crucial. A routine physical exam that includes blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and an electrocardiogram (ECG) can uncover hidden problems. In cases where there’s a family history of heart issues, additional testing such as echocardiograms, stress tests, or even genetic screening may be recommended.

For athletes and individuals who engage in intense physical activity, pre-participation evaluations are important. Sudden cardiac deaths in young athletes, while rare, often stem from undiagnosed heart conditions. Many sports organizations now require screenings to minimize these tragic events.

Learning CPR and AED Use Saves Lives

One of the most powerful tools against sudden cardiac arrest is education. When bystanders are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to perform CPR and use an AED, lives can be saved. The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association offer courses that teach both skills, often in just a few hours.

The earlier CPR is initiated, the better the outcome. Each minute without defibrillation reduces the chance of survival by 7% to 10%. Having AEDs accessible in schools, workplaces, gyms, and other public places increases the likelihood of timely intervention. Learning how to identify SCA and respond appropriately can turn an average citizen into a lifesaver.

Monitoring Lifestyle Changes for Prevention

The prevention of sudden cardiac arrest hinges largely on controlling risk factors through healthy living. Adopting a heart-smart lifestyle involves more than occasional dieting or exercise, it’s about long-term behavior change. Maintaining a balanced diet low in sodium, saturated fats, and processed sugars helps keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check. Incorporating regular aerobic activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, strengthens cardiovascular health and reduces obesity, which is a significant risk factor.

Quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and managing stress are equally crucial. Chronic stress and anxiety have been linked to inflammation and irregular heart rhythms, both of which can precipitate SCA. Practicing mindfulness, yoga, or engaging in hobbies that bring joy can be small but impactful steps toward a healthier heart.

Medication and Medical Devices

Lifestyle changes aren’t enough for those with diagnosed heart conditions. Medication plays a critical role in managing arrhythmias, high blood pressure, and cholesterol. Adhering to prescribed treatment plans is important, as skipping doses or stopping medications abruptly can trigger dangerous events.

For high-risk individuals, doctors may recommend implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). These devices continuously monitor the heart’s rhythm and automatically deliver a shock if a life-threatening arrhythmia is detected. ICDs have proven to be highly effective in preventing sudden death in patients with a known risk.

Genetic Counseling and Family History

If sudden cardiac arrest or unexplained fainting has occurred in your family among younger members, genetic counseling could provide valuable insights. Hereditary conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia may go unnoticed without targeted testing. A consultation with a cardiologist or genetic counselor can lead to early diagnosis and preventative strategies for at-risk relatives.

Screening family members becomes even more important if an SCA incident is linked to a genetic cause. Children and siblings of the affected individual may be carrying the same risk factors unknowingly. Identifying and addressing these issues early offers the best protection for future generations.

Sleep and Heart Health

Emerging research has shown a strong connection between poor sleep quality and cardiovascular risk. Sleep apnea, in particular, is a major contributor to both heart disease and sudden cardiac arrest. People with undiagnosed sleep apnea often experience oxygen deprivation during the night, leading to spikes in blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms.

Treating sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines or other interventions can significantly lower the risk. Establishing good sleep hygiene, maintaining a consistent bedtime routine, and seeking medical attention for snoring or sleep disturbances contribute to cardiac health.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a critical medical event that leaves little room for error. But with awareness, preparation, and a commitment to health, it’s possible to reduce your risk and protect those you care about. Recognizing early symptoms, staying proactive about heart health, and equipping yourself with lifesaving skills can truly make a difference when every second counts.

 

Author’s bio- Esme Wang is a copywriter and content strategist. She helps businesses stop playing around with content marketing and start seeing the tangible ROI. She loves writing as much as she loves the cake.

 

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Integrating Holistic Approaches with Traditional Grief Counseling Techniques: Effective Methods for Supporting Emotional Healing and Long-Term Recovery

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Depressed muslim woman in headscarf sitting on sofa and touching foreheadWritten by Farwa Hassan,

Grief strikes us in so many forms, whether it is the heartbreaking pain of a loved one lost, the silent loss of a dream, or the head spinning change of a significant change in our lives. It can actually knock us off in a way that we are lost and unsure of what to do next.

Human beings are able to move through this rough emotional terrain after ages. And in the new world, professional grief therapy has already proved itself as a form of a lifeline to many. It provides us with a guide on how to do it, tried and tested tools, and a secure environment to untangle those sticky emotions, make sense of what is happening and learn how to manage it. 

In this article, we will get into how it is possible to mix grief counseling with these holistic practices to make a journey into healing incredibly powerful. 

We will learn what each of them can offer to the table and how, when they are combined, they can assist you on a path to lasting peace and recovery. It is all about the celebration of your own personal journey towards being made whole once more.

Tried-and-True Grief Counseling Techniques

Conventional counseling is not mere guesswork but incorporates strategies that have been found useful in assisting individuals like you to work their way through grief. Best Psychiatrists are aimed at addressing the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that accompany loss in order to provide you with actual tools on your journey:

1. Talk Therapy: 

This is most likely the first image that would come to mind when you hear the word counseling. It is just about having some confidential, non-judgmental area where you can pour your heart out, emotions, memories, and problems. Your counselor is somebody who will listen to you with all their heart, help you disentangle those feelings, and gradually, tenderly, make you comprehend what has occurred.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): 

Grief has a way of bending our minds to the wrong ways of thinking- you might be beating yourself, or just feel like you are at the end of your rope. Here steps in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It assists you in becoming aware of such insidious thoughts and pushing them towards something more constructive or realistic. And it provides you with methods to gradually and steadily get back to the rhythm of everyday life.

3. Accepting and Moving Forward (ACT – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): 

The technique enables you to deal with challenging emotions, as opposed to resisting them. It motivates you to know what is really important to you and then be committed to doing whatever it is that you feel is important to you, even as pain is involved. An example: you may agree to feel sad in missing somebody, but still make a decision to go spend time with the family since that is important to you.

4. Talking It Through (Role-Play and Letter Writing): 

Sometimes you can have a tough time saying what you must say. Role-playing can assist you in rehearsing the dialogues you should have had, or tell your beloved the feelings you have without being in his/her presence. Sending letters to your loved one is also a great experience to free your unsaid sentences and have a feeling of rest.

5. Specialized Support: 

Extremely severe or prolonged loss of bereavement has certain treatments, such as Traumatic Grief Therapy (loss associated with trauma) or Complicated Grief Therapy (loss seems stagnant and takes over). These provide you with greater intensity of support to get in motion.

 

Various Holistic Methods for Emotional Healing:

The techniques are used in addition to the more traditional methods of counseling and provide tactile means of making sense of the grief. They may make you feel relaxed, able to communicate pain and emotion without any words, to re-establish a relationship with your body, and to derive solace in activities that bring healing to your inner being:

1. Mindfulness and Meditation: 

The specified practices will make you concentrate on the present time. In the case of grieving people, they are able to tame anxiety, deal with overwhelming emotions, and bring peace in the middle of a storm. To have a moment of relaxation and balance, it is possible to concentrate on your breath or senses.

2. Movement and Yoga: 

A physical movement of the body in yoga or other soft activities may be able to relieve bodily tensions and soul barriers that the grief may form. It enables you to get in touch with your body, express yourself, and feel alive. They can also enhance sleep and lessen the level of stress.

3. Creative Experience (Art, Music, Journaling):

Just say it with art when you can hardly find words. You can display your inner feelings by drawing, painting, or sculpting. Music is able to unleash emotions and provide some comfort. Journaling allows you to look into your mind and recollections to provide an understanding of your sorrow.

4. Energy Healing and Bodywork: 

Other practices, such as gentle touch therapies or massage, deal with the natural energy in your body and help you relax and even heal. They are able to relieve both physical pain and emotional stress, which assists your own self-healing.

5. Nature Therapy: 

Parkings can be very therapeutic, as well as gardening or walking. Nature provides a connection, peace, and a viewpoint. We can also have a light reminder of rebirth through its life and death cycles.

6. Nutrition and Lifestyle Healthy Living: 

The physical health can be affected by grief, as well as your appetite, sleep, and energy level. They may go out to advise you on eating well, hydration, and healthy habits to make your body strong during this painful period, as holistic counselors. For those seeking professional support across a range of emotional and physical health challenges, explore holistic healthcare options at Marham.

The advantages of an Integrated Approach:

There are numerous advantages of integrating traditional and holistic grief counseling, and they result in greater healing and permanent recovery:

  • Healing Your Whole Self: 

This ensures that your grief is treated in every aspect, including emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental, making the healing process complete.

  • Better Coping Skills: 

Having additional tools also leads to the acquisition of stronger and more effective mechanisms to deal with challenges, and therefore, makes you more resilient.

  • New Meaning and Growth: 

All these methods can allow you to create fresh values and development following your loss. Such a devastating experience often brings positive changes to people with their lives.

  • Avoiding Chronic Battles: 

The multifactorial approach helps to ensure that grief does not get to a permanent state of relative inability and indefinite distress, thus serving to provide a sustainable well-being. It not only assists you to survive, but also actually excel in your transformed life.

 

Conclusion 

The grief process is rather intimate and usually transforming. Although the use of traditional grief counseling has never been a weak element of support helping us and making us comprehend our loss and deal with it, we have found out that healing cannot be limited to the mind and the feelings. It embraces our bodies and souls, too.

Carefully integrating classic talk therapies with holistic modalities, such as mindfulness, yoga, and creative arts, and reconnection to nature, we come up with a far more generous and more complete process of healing. It is this multi-faceted approach that enables a gentler, more personal reaction to grief to cover all its various aspects, intellectually, emotionally, and physically, and a sense of meaning in life.

References

Worden, J. William. (2009). Grief Counselling and Grief Therapy: A Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioner (4th ed.). Routledge.

 

Author Bio: 

Farwa Hassan writes for Marham and holds a background in homeopathy along with a degree in applied psychology. She’s passionate about helping people understand their health and uses her knowledge to create content that supports both emotional and physical wellness.

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Grief Counseling Certification program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

The Advantages of Medical ID in Emergency Care: Exploring the Role of Patient-Carried Information

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Medical id card, health card - medical insurance illustration. Modern flat vector concept digital illustration -plastic identification card as medical records file metaphor. Two doctors browsing filesWritten by Lucy,

An emergency medical situation is often unanticipated, but it always requires quick thinking and action. That often comes from bystanders and first responders. 91% of adults who have been trained in “any form of emergency response skill” indicate that they are prepared to step in until professionals arrive at the scene of a medical emergency, a national poll from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and Morning Consult revealed. While bystanders and emergency medical personnel play crucial roles in emergency situations, there are critical ways in which individuals can prepare for an unforeseen event. From natural disasters to everyday scenarios, patient-carried medical information serves as the foundation for proper care in the case of an emergency.

 

Multi-situation preparation — the role of unpredictability 

Unpredictability is a major factor in medical emergencies, especially when it comes to situations where emergency medical records (EMRs) are inaccessible. While patient-carried medical information typically won’t involve the complete picture regarding a person’s medical history, they can inform bystanders and first responders of the basic, need-to-know information that could save a life in an emergency. This typically includes the patient’s name, medical condition, allergies, necessary medications, as well as emergency contact information. This insight can help medical professionals determine the correct course of action and can prevent any preventable mishaps. A medical ID that indicates an allergy to a medication, for instance, will prompt a first responder to use a more appropriate alternative based on the situation at hand.

Patient-carried medical information can prove to be an asset in a number of situations. In air travel, flight attendants and medical professionals on board will be able to better determine the intricacies of the situation when this information is present. For example, should a traveler lose consciousness due to severely low blood sugar, a medical ID bracelet could provide valuable insight about the patient’s underlying condition (hypoglycemia). The same could be said for a patient who experiences a severe allergy, heart condition, or other medical occurrence in which the individual is unable to verbally communicate their condition and needs.

In natural disasters, patient-carried medical information can serve as a valuable resource for those aiding a victim, especially when considering the unpredictable nature of various disaster scenarios. For example, tornadoes, hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and even severe thunderstorms can all result in debris that can easily render an individual unconscious. Should an individual have an underlying medical condition (like diabetes), medical professionals will be able to address exterior wounds as well as take their medication needs into consideration. It’s worth noting that patient-carried information can prove to be especially beneficial in areas where natural disasters are typical for the area, like California, where threats like earthquakes and wildfires are always present. A Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) statewide survey that focused on wildfires revealed that just 35% of adults report that they are “personally prepared for a disaster.” While preparations for a natural disaster like a wildfire include such measures as prepping an emergency first aid kit, preparations can extend to medical ID solutions as well.

 

Medical jewelry — an easily identifiable choice

Patients have a myriad of choices when it comes to effective medical ID. Wearables are just one timeless solution that can easily facilitate patient-carried information, and there are a variety of options to choose from. Engraved jewelry pieces are common choices, and can range from those that depict a clear medical symbol to those that are more discreet. Often crafted with stainless steel, medical ID jewelry is a durable choice that medical professionals and bystanders can easily spot.

Dog tags are a classic option, and have a long history as a prime form of identification with roots that can be traced back to the military (specifically the Civil War). While silver dog tags serve as a form of general identification for each member of the military, dog tags characterized by a red hue serve another purpose. Red dog tags play a crucial role in order to successfully identify that an injured soldier has an underlying medical condition or allergy with ease. Similar to military red medical dog tags, civilian medical jewelry is often characterized by distinctive markings like a red Caduceus for a distinctively identifiable piece when out in public.

 

From wrists to wallets — valuable secondary options

Many individuals today may prefer a more modern and tech-driven approach to patient-carried medical information, like a smartphone app or even a smartwatch. While such avenues do have a few drawbacks like limited battery life, there are several advantages to keep in mind. Smartphone integrated features like the smartphone emergency medical identification tool (SEMID), for instance, is an accessible and simple way for individuals to store up-to-date, valuable medical information on their device. This includes details such as blood type, medical history, current medications, contact information, and other important healthcare notes. For patients who used this feature on their smartphone, a study led by the University of Rochester researchers discovered that the information “was useful and relevant to patient care in 75% of cases.”

This emergency medical ID feature extends to wearable devices, like popular brands of smartwatches. In addition to a screen that displays traditional emergency medical information, certain features can prove to be an asset in an unforeseen situation. Fall detection, low blood sugar warning, and emergency calling are just a few that can help a patient to better navigate a variety of situations. However, medical professionals and patients alike must consider the potential concerns associated with this type of technology in emergencies. For example, while traditional medical ID jewelry can often be an obvious sign that medical professionals and bystanders seek out, a smartwatch alone may not be universally recognized as a form of medical ID by many — especially if the individual is unable to verbally communicate. This is just one significant factor that underlines the importance of modern details in emergency service and response training, which can help heighten awareness among those in the field.

Generally speaking, traditional wearable medical IDs can serve as the most recognizable form of ID for bystanders and medical personnel when in an emergent situation, though there are other forms of ID that can act as a backup. A medical ID card that can be kept in a wallet can be a great way for patients to keep important information close by in the event of an emergency. However, due to the fact that these are not always accessible in every situation. For example, an individual may not have their bag or wallet nearby when a natural disaster or other emergency occurs, or may get separated from their ID in the commotion of a frantic event. Even when present, a medical ID card that is tucked away in a wallet could potentially go unnoticed. It’s crucial to note, however, that wallet cards can present a key advantage over traditional medical IDs due to their ability to display more information. This includes additional contact numbers and specifics about medication or a condition that can shed even more light on an individual and their needs in an emergency.

Emergency medical situations are never anticipated, though there are simple and effective ways that individuals can prepare. Medical ID solutions such as wearable devices, classic ID jewelry pieces, and even identification cards can all help provide bystanders and medical professionals with the right information in the event of an emergency.

 

Author bio

Lucy is a freelance writer who enjoys contributing to a range of publications, both in print and online. She spent almost a decade working in the care sector with vulnerable people before taking a step back to start a family and now focuses on her first love of writing.

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Manager Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Clinical Hypnotherapy and Changing Bad Habits

Posted on by Mark Moran

Hypnosis and producing the effects of change derived from it a partnership between the hypno-therapist and the client.  It involves understanding how to help the client reach a state of peace to speak to the subconscious and it takes work on the part of the client to implement the changes in daily life.  Success is based on this partnership.  It is not a brainwashing, or altering of one’s identity but an understanding of how to help the client rewire the subconscious to be compliant to the conscious mind.  In a previous blog, we discussed the nature of the subconscious mind and its intrinsic ways.  We discussed how to better re-program it to the wishes of the conscious mind.  To review that blog, please click here

In this blog, we will take a closer look at keys to successfully implementing hypnosis to produce change.  If you would like to learn more about hypnotherapy, then please review the American College of Hypnotherapy’s certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals who wish to practice hypnosis within the scope of their practice.

Finding the Alpha State

Finding the alpha state is key to successful hypnosis.

Hunter points out that in entering hypnosis, or even self hypnosis, individuals must understand the concept of progressive relaxation.  Progressive relaxation helps the mind enter into the all important alpha state.  Hunter points out that progressive relaxation involves finding a comfortable place to relax.  Upon finding a quiet, calm and comfortable place, Hunter suggests employing deep breathes to help the body and mind enter into a more relaxed state.  He suggests imagining every part of the body becoming relaxed, starting from the tips of one toe, through each part of the body until the top of head (1998, p. 35-37).   Within progressive relaxation, you can imagine a peaceful place.  During this process, time distortion can occur within alpha, where time seems longer or shorter, as well as the wandering of the mind from various countdowns.  Hunter suggests not worrying about time and if the mind wanders to gently guide it back to the last recalled countdown (1998, p. 36).   After the session is over, one can awaken if with a therapist or alone, by simply counting down and stating that one is now awake and again fully aware.

In addition to relaxation, Hunter also suggest eye fixation which involves staring at object, such as a candle flame or dim light (1998, p. 37). After focusing, one should then proceed with deep breathes and one enters into the progressive relaxation script of imagining all parts of the body being relaxed.  Another way to find a deeper alpha state is to utilize mental misdirection in which the hypnotherapists will have the client imagine something to produce a response.  One example includes imagining oneself carrying a bucket of water. One can also imagine holding to balloons and how they gently pull (Hunter, 1998, p. 38).

All of these help the clinical hypnotherapist, or individual engaging in self hypnosis to find the trance like state to encounter the subconscious at a productive level.

The Importance of Motivators

Motivators in hypnosis can motivate the subconscious in the desired direction or opposite direction.  Since, as seen in our last blog, the subconscious is deeply committed and anchored to past ideas and habit.  These are anchored in repetition, subconscious alpha states, authority instilled principles, deep emotion, and desire to be identified as something.  These things while also playing a large part in making our subconscious what it is, also play a role in creating new standards.

For instance if working on weight loss, Hunter utilizes these motivators.  He states that emotion can help us fantasize about the benefits of weight loss and how we will look and feel.  In regards to alpha state, he suggests clients replace the urge of snack associated with the trance state of watching tv to replace it with the habit of drinking water.  Hunter points out that repetition of good eating habits will enforce new habits as opposed to bad past repetitious habits.  In addition, identity, he encourages one to find someone to admire or discover a mentor who has lost weight and try to tie one’s identity to that person’s qualities.  Finally, new authority can help the subconscious reform to weight loss.  Turn to a mentor, spiritual power or God to help find strength, or use authority against itself by rebelling against the previous authority of junk food in one’s life.   These motivators need to be utilized and understood in hypnosis so as to anchor new ideas in the mind when confronted with past triggers to bad habits.  New triggers during hypnosis can be applied and help the subconscious work with the conscious decision to eat less (Hunter, 1998, p. 60-61).

Overcoming Obstacles

The subconscious mind has many obstacles to overcome and most exist within the mind.  In hypnosis, the therapist helps confront those obstacles with different ways of thinking.  Hunter first points out the failure trap.  Past failures can trap one from true change.  It is important during hypnosis to address those failures and affirm positive outcomes (1998, p. 74).   Another trap is self justification.  In this state, one justifies the poor choices with negative emotions or ideals.  Self pity and prolonged anger can look to justify how one is behaving, instead of finding growth (Hunter, 1998, p. 74).  Hunter also points out the importance of overcoming a “if only” mentality that again looks for excuses for a certain behavior (1998, p. 75).  Instead, Hunter emphasizes that one must forgive oneself and others and find ultimate responsibility for choices in life and allow oneself to move forward with the subconscious without any negative ideals (1998, p. 75).

Words and Affirmations

Hypnotherapists can help clients sell ideas and changes to the subconscious mind

Ultimately during hypnosis, one is trying to sell something to one’s subconscious.  The success of selling determines the outcome.  Hunter points out that words are important and inappropriate words can hurt the subconscious (Hunter, 1998, p. 118). When things are yelled to not do something or not to forget, then the mind tends to remember the negative connotation before the message itself.   This is why it is important to positively state messages rather than use the negative connotation.  Instead of telling someone to :not forget your coat”, instead state “remember your coat” (Turner, 1998, p. 118).  Hunter encourages the Law of Expectancy.  Within this law, hypnotic suggestions are constructed in a positive way to help the subconscious mind see the possibility of what is consciously accepted (1998, p. 119).    In addition, Hunter warns against telling the subconscious of what it cannot do.  The Law of Reserved Effect produces the exact opposite.  Hunter points out when one thinks of what they cannot have, the mind creates a fantasy of wanting it more.  Hunter points out that the term “Don’t drink and drive” can create the undesired result.  Instead he suggests a positive term as “Drive sober” (1998, p. 120).  Hunter illustrates that one should adhere to the Law of Awareness.  Within this law, one tends to attract what dominates one’s mind.  Hence it is important to make the mind aware of positive statements.

Hence with any affirmation, it is important to say what one is as opposed to what one is not.  For instance, Hunter uses the example of a public speaker who may be nervous.  Instead of saying, ” I am not afraid to speak in public”, he emphasizes the positive affirmation, “I am a confident public speaker” (Hunter, 1998, p. 122).   Hunter teaches the importance of affirmations that are positive and in present tense.  He emphasizes active words that end in “ing” that impose a now mentality.  Hypnotherapists need to utilize these proper affirmations to properly convince the subconscious to change.

Hence the proper use of strong words and positive and present emphasis is key in helping someone convince the subconscious of desired change.

Goals

Hunter also emphasizes a good planning strategy in producing change.  Goals are key and celebrating success is critical in the minor battles one wins over the subconscious when reprogramming over bad habits.  Clinical Hypno-therapists should help the client set goals both short term and long term and help them reach those goals.  Hunter lists both short term and long term goals but he categorizes them into different groups as achievements, possessions, characteristics, projects or changes (1998, p. 87).  The hypno-therapist can help the client prioritize, understand and ultimately achieve the goals through various triggers.

One should never underestimate the power of imagination in hypnosis and its power to convince the subconscious to change and meeting new goals and habits.  Imagination can transform and carry one to new levels of success in meeting goals.

Conclusion

Hypnosis is successful when properly conducted.  It is ultimately about selling an idea to the subconscious and rewiring against what it previously held dearly.   The hypno-therapist can help unlock past locks and clear past obstacles with new ideas for change through utilizing motivators, proper words and good goal setting.

Please also remember to review AIHCP’s Clinical Hynotherapy program.  The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals who seek to utilize hypnosis within the scope of their practice.  To review, click here

Additional Resources

Hunter, C. (1998). “Master the Power of Self Hypnosis” Sterling Publishing.

“Hypnotherapy For Habits”. Inspired to Change.  Access here

“How Hypnosis Can Help Break Bad Habits: A Step-by-Step Guide”. (2024). Melbourne Healing Center.  Access here

Warner, A. (2023). “How hypnotherapy can break unwanted habits”. Healthful Mind Clinic.  Access here

“Breaking Bad Habits: A Comprehensive Approach with Self-Hypnosis”. HypnoBoost.  Access here

Hypnosis and the Subconscious Mind

Posted on by Mark Moran

Hypnosis and the Subconscious

The concept of hypnosis is not a stage trick or parlor game but has its roots in basic alpha states of the mind.  While many conceive hypnosis to be mind control, it is in reality merely voluntary rewiring of the subconscious to be more willing to obey the wishes of the conscious mind.  To better understand how the true science of hypnotherapy works and how it helps individuals face issues in their life, it is important to understand hypnosis and how it works with the natural subconscious mind to help produce change in people.

Hypnosis looks to guide the subconscious mind into making change at the conscious level

Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Program.

There are four states of the mind.  The first brain wave is beta, or the conscious mind when individuals are awake and fully operating.  The second state is alpha when the person is day dreaming, meditating, or prior to falling asleep.  The final two states are theta, the dream state, and delta, the deep sleep state (Hunter, 1998, p. 21).  According to Hunter, the brain waves of alpha which are between 8 and 13 cycles are a state between conscious and subconscious are most open to suggestion (pg. 21).   However, even in this state, the person maintains complete control, the hypnotherapist is merely a guide that helps induce the deeper state and help the individual find resolution to conscious habits or issues.  Ironically, one is under the state of alpha many times without realizing it when intently watching a movie, or television show, especially during commercials.  One is also in the alpha state while day dreaming, or prior to sleep.  Hence it is a very natural state and not something unnatural or dangerous in itself.

According to Hunter, hypnosis is important because no matter what change one wishes to implement, the subconscious wins over the conscious mind (1998, p. 43).  Hunter points out that habits are controlled by the subconscious mind (1998, p. 15).   All habits are a direct result of past programming in our life at the subconscious level due to various motivators.  It is hence important to anchor new ideas into the subconscious mind and establish triggers for the conscious mind to utilize when facing change in life.  Many  negative triggers can push one to again smoke, but new ways of thinking that are anchored into the subconscious can help individuals promote change in life.  All habits or change are difficult because they are cemented within the unconscious and because of that, it is important to strengthen the subconscious.  In facing the subconscious, Hunter points out that the subconscious usually does not change because the conscious mind decides one day to suddenly start a new habit or change of life.  The subconscious does not comply to force but only persuasion at the subconscious level.  New ideas and ways to form new habits need to be implemented (1998, p. 16).   Hunter states that this involves a conscious decision to change but one that is truly backed with motivation to do what needs to be done and a responsibility to accept one’s part in the habits (1998, p. 17).  Like a rebellious child, the subconscious needs to be gradually subdued without brute force but time and patience.

Hunter recommends various “gateways” to better strengthen the subconscious.  Repetition is the first gateway but it can be a long trek in replacing old habits with new habits.  The subconscious mind holds tightly to past habits, yet, repetition is key to forming new habits (1998, P. 47).   The second gateway to the subconscious is authority.  Authority can play a key role into a our subconscious molding as children.  It is good to find positive authority motivators as opposed to negative authority motivators in breaking old habits (Hunter, 1998, p. 49).  The third gateway is ego.  Within ego, one is subconsciously pressured for good or bad via peer pressure, various mentors, recognition and rewards, or identification within a particular group (Hunter, 1998, p. 49-53).  The fourth gateway is the utilization of the alpha state.  According to Hunter, hypnosis is merely guided day dreaming that utilizes the imagination, the language of the subconscious, to help one change (1998, p. 53). Finally, Hunter lists the power of emotion tied to one’s subconscious mind as the most powerful motivator to change.  Whether fear or joy, emotion plays a powerful role in our ability to change or not change (1998, p. 55).  Hence these various gateways are possible ways to help the subconscious mind accept change, albeit, some take too long, or resistant, but ultimately if understood and utilized properly, they can work together to help the subconscious accept change.

While these gateways are productive, these motivators can also be inhibitors within the subconscious programming.  Repetition of bad habits, rebellion against authority, bad identifications, bad habits in alpha and negative emotion and triggers associated with those bad habits may need reworked to help the person change (Turner, 1998, p. 59).   Replacing these gateways with positive aspects of each, can help the person escape the negative associated with them and drive the subconscious into new habits that are good.

Please also review AIHCP’s Clinical Hypnotherapy Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

To learn more about hypnotherapy, the The College of Hypnotherapy and AIHCP offers certification in Clinical Hypnotherapy for qualified professionals.  While hypnotherapy at the current moment (2025) is rarely regulated, a few states require a licensure, but most require merely utilizing within the scope of ones education and training.  Hence, clinical professionals can utilize hypnosis for deeper pathological issues of trauma, while non clinical are limited to basic stress management and changing bad habits.  AIHCP accepts both non clinical and clinical into the hypnosis program.  Via the required courses, qualified professionals can become certified in clinical hypnotherapy and practice within the scope of their practice and education.

Please click here to learn more about AIHCP’s program to see if you qualify!

Resource

Hunter, C. Roy, 1998. “Master the Power of Self-Hypnosis”. Sterling Publishing Company.

Additional Blogs

Is Clinical Hypnotherapy Safe?  Click here

Additional Resources

“What Is Self-Hypnosis and How Do I Do It?”. (2023).  Cleveland Clinic. Access here

Harley, J. (2020). “Self-Hypnosis: What It Is & How to Do It”. Mindset  Health.  Access here

Watts. T. “The Subconscious Mind and Hypnosis”. Self Hypnosis. Access here

Anbar, R. (2025). “Consulting the Subconscious in Everyday Life”. Psychology Today.  Access here

Why is Cloud-Based EHR the Future of Healthcare Practice Management?

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Nurses standing in a line posingWritten by Muhammad Numan

Healthcare in 2025 would look totally different to someone who had practiced in the 90s. In fact, we do not even need to go back that far in the past. The rise of AI post-COVID has changed everything, including healthcare. Thanks to the many technological innovations, doctors are now spending more time with patients and less time on administrative tasks.

Among these technological inventions, cloud-based Electronic Health Record systems (EHRs) have revolutionised healthcare practice management. Unlike traditional EHRs, cloud-based EHRs marked a paradigm shift to a more accessible, secure, and patient-centred approach.

For professional healthcare providers, cloud EHRs offer a tactical advantage in managing the complexities of modern healthcare. Healthcare systems, like EHR for small practices, offer uninterrupted access to patient data, scalable solutions to administrative workload, and, most importantly, compliance with regulatory bodies.

Let’s dive into the blog to learn how a web-based EHR system can revolutionize healthcare practice management, improving patient care through EHR!

Challenges That Most Doctors Face Today

Are you a professional healthcare provider who wants to ensure adequate healthcare for your patients, but still finds it challenging sometimes? Most doctors are buried under paperwork that eats into their patient time and energy. And this affects their relationship with patients.

Here are some challenges you might encounter in ensuring optimal patient care!

1.    Fragmented Patient Data

One of the biggest hurdles of healthcare management is fragmented interoperability and data silos. Interoperability has real-world consequences, especially for healthcare professionals.

Around 18% to 20% of EHR-related patients’ safety concerns arise from the data exchange issues between the key stakeholders. Such disruptions are a fragmented workflow that significantly threatens patient safety.

Modern cloud EHRs can tackle this problem greatly by introducing FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource). This enables the system to eliminate data silos by supporting SMART on FHIR apps that let clinicians access longitudinal data across systems.

2.    Administrative Workload

Administrative workload remains another challenging and arduous task for professional healthcare providers, especially when using conventional Electronic health record systems. The excessive documentation burden often forces healthcare providers to spend more time charting than providing healthcare services.

Research shows that doctors spend twice as much time on traditional EHRs as on in-person consultations, leading to clinical burnout. This problem is further exacerbated by inefficient interfaces, ample digital health records, persistent task interruptions, and a lack of mechanisms for timely task delegation.

Cloud EHRs, on the other hand, offer various compelling solutions by integrating AI tools, real-time access to information, and role-based responsibilities. These tools allow the practitioners and administrative staff to access patient data, streamline workflow, and minimize disruptions.

Moreover, a centralized cloud-based infrastructure designs innovative interfaces, and supports real-time analytics and language to reduce the administrative workload for practitioners. Such benefits can reduce clinical burnout and enhance patient care.

3.    Information Overload

Information overload is observed to be one of the most influential factors when impeding the efficiency of any web-based EHR system. It can lead to clinical inefficiency and delayed decisions by seasoned healthcare professionals.

Research shows that bloated notes and vast amounts of information regarding lab results and medication force physicians to filter out all the irrelevant information, requiring them to invest 20 to 30% of each patient encounter time.

Physicians also complain that they spend nearly 70 minutes daily only reviewing the inbox of the EHR patient portal, with an average of 57 alerts. This does not contribute to clinical burnout but rather to daily mental fatigue.

Such a data overflow is significantly reduced via EHR implementation, which enables your system to automatically filter unnecessary information from your database and presents a more organized structure. It employs advanced search and filtering capabilities, cloud-hosted voice and AI tools, and integrates team-based inbox workflow systems.

Why Choose a Cloud-Based EHR?

Cloud-based EHR for small practices promises to provide various services to professional healthcare providers, ensuring accessible and quality healthcare. Here are some of the main cloud EHR benefits doctors have noticed after switching to reliable healthcare practice management software, like Practice EHR:

1.    Provision of Real-Time Analytics and Optimization

Retrospective reports are often generated by conventional EHRs, but such reports might not be sufficient for high-tempo decision-making settings. On the contrary, cloud-based platforms support real-time dashboards that continuously monitor clinician activity or documentation time, enabling timely and data-driven intervention.

For instance, a study by Albert Milstein in Health Affairs shows that the healthcare organizations integrated with real-time analytics and optimization show better healthcare outcomes, significantly improving operational metrics and overall efficiency of the clinical decisions.

Real-time analytics and optimization also mitigate alarm fatigue by analyzing alert response patterns and modifying thresholds accordingly.

Cloud-based EHR for small practices offers some of the most transformative capabilities, including real-time analytics. Physicians and administrative staff can use data-driven insights to improve patient care in addition to operational efficiency.

2.    Security, Redundancy, and Regulatory Compliance

As cybersecurity threats and regulatory compliance intensify, it has become imperative for web-based EHRs to ensure security, redundancy, and regulatory compliance.

Unlike traditional EHRs based on outdated infrastructure, cloud EHRs have a multi-layered security architecture, guarantee regulatory compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and SOC 2, and enhanced security against data breaches and illegal activities.

Healthcare Organizations with web-based EHR systems are less prone to data breaches if they show compliance with various certifications and third-party requirements, such as SAS70 Type II, PCI DSS Level 1, ISO 27001, and the US Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA).

Lastly, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a multi-factor authentication tool that cloud vendors provide to safeguard patient data in the clinical workflows. Web-based EHRs are also gaining popularity because their recovery time (in the case of a data breach) is low. In high-stakes settings, such features ensure regulatory compliance and show massive resilience against cyber threats.

3.    Patient Centric Care and Engagement

Cloud EHR systems are designed to ensure patient care at every stage, offering secure and accessible personal healthcare information. This feature of EHR systems has empowered patients to keep a check on their health status by reviewing their lab results, treatment plans, and feedback from physicians.

A review of 18 studies shows that direct patient access to EHR systems has significantly enhanced patient engagement by developing self-management, self-care, and adherence to treatment plans among individuals.

Additional evidence on web-based EHR shows that patient portals have significantly increased preventive care rates and reduced the need for manual scheduling, as portals provide self-scheduling services. According to reports by the Office of the National Coordinator (ONC), about 60% of patients use patient portals to schedule meetings with their physicians and access their medical data storage.

By empowering patients, cloud EHRs are not only reducing their healthcare costs but also making them adopt a healthy lifestyle in the long run.

4.    Future-Proofing Healthcare Practice Management

Cloud-based EHRs have become a strategic imperative in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape and can provide an adaptable foundation for transformative innovation.

Cloud EHRs are interoperable enough to integrate cutting-edge technologies such as ambient clinical intelligence, AI-powered decision support, real-time imaging analytics, and telehealth-native workflows. Such platforms offer continuous updates, enabling the health systems to bring innovations that disrupt the seamless workflow of clinical operations.

A recent Philip Future Health Index report shows that over 43% of healthcare leaders have integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions across various healthcare platforms. AI integration into web-based EHRs is done to support clinical decisions for in-hospital patient monitoring.

Cloud-based environments have also integrated ambient voice technology to improve documentation efficiency and patient care. Cloud EHRs also serve as a springboard for a modern digital health ecosystem aimed at integrating data from wearables, remote access to patient data, counselling, and genomics.

AI Solutions at Practice EHR

In the era of conventional EHRs, cloud EHRs give AI solutions for most administrative and health-related work, and Practice EHR takes the lead here. AI EHR, such as Practice EHR, promises to provide the benefits of AI in healthcare systems that improve patient care and provide cost-effective EHR solutions.

Healthcare professionals can simplify their manual work with AI EHR tools, which can automate the documentation process. Some AI-powered tools offered by Practice EHR are:

1.    AI Scanner

The AI Scanner feature of PracticeEHR successfully removes the hassle of manual paperwork, streamlining the workflow with automation. With Practice EHR’s AI Scan, your staff can populate patient data within seconds by just scanning a patient’s driver’s license or insurance card.

2.    AI Scribe

AI Scribe from Practice EHR provides hands-free, patient-focused care by turning every patient-provider conversation into precise notes during the visit. This tool ensures a meaningful connection with your patients by avoiding lengthy typing and distractions.

Moreover, AI Scribe recommends accurate CPT and ICD codes based on the notes created at the end of the visit. This can bring relief for the billing department and speed up the claims submission process.

Conclusion

Cloud-based EHRs are beyond technological upgrade! They represent a complete shift in healthcare delivery and management. Highly skilled healthcare professionals are using web-based EHR for modern clinical realities.

Unlike conventional EHR systems, which cannot scale and remain adaptable, cloud-based EHRs are scalable EHR systems that use robust platforms for real-time analytics, regulatory compliance, and other cross-system collaborations.

A 2020 study published in Sensors argues that it is high time that clinical systems realize the need to integrate robust and innovative cloud-based systems for reducing burnout, a protective shield against breaches, and fast-paced data sharing without loss.

 

Author’s Biography

Muhammad Numan is a healthcare writer and Content Marketing Executive at Practice EHR, where he has spent the past two years creating impactful content for healthcare professionals. With a Master’s degree in Pharmacy, he brings a unique blend of clinical knowledge and marketing expertise to help health tech companies communicate more clearly and effectively. His work focuses on bridging the gap between complex healthcare concepts and accessible, audience-friendly messaging.

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Health Care Manager Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Behavioral Mental Health Video Blog on Ghosting and Gas Lighting

Posted on by Mark Moran

Ghosting and gaslighting are two common issues in relationships with people.  They are both manipulative and damaging to the victim.  This video takes a closer look at both issues.

Please also review AIHCP’s behavioral health certifications and see if they meet your academic and professional goals.

Reframing Menopause: Clinical Perspectives on Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

stethoskop on paperWritten by Dr. Jane Smith, MD

Menopause represents a substantial shift in a woman’s physiological landscape, typically occurring between ages 45 and 55. This natural decline in ovarian hormone production can generate an array of symptoms that significantly affect quality of life: vasomotor instability, urogenital atrophy, insomnia, mood fluctuations, and cognitive disturbances, to name a few. For many, these changes signal not only a biological transition but also an existential one. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), particularly formulations based on bioidentical hormones, is increasingly considered a targeted approach to managing these effects.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are chemically and molecularly identical to the endogenous hormones produced by the human body. Most commonly, these include estradiol, estriol, and progesterone. Derived from plant sources like yams and soy, bioidentical hormones are compounded or manufactured to mirror the body’s natural hormones.

The differentiation between bioidentical and synthetic hormones often generates confusion. Synthetic hormones, though sometimes derived from similar natural precursors, differ structurally from the hormones they are meant to replicate. This structural variance can influence receptor binding, metabolism, and downstream effects.

Clinical Efficacy of Bioidentical HRT

Research indicates that bioidentical HRT, particularly formulations approved by the FDA such as micronized progesterone and estradiol, are effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms. A 2017 review in “Climacteric” found that women using bioidentical estradiol and progesterone reported significant improvements in vasomotor symptoms, sleep quality, and sexual health.

Moreover, bioidentical hormones, especially when administered transdermally, have been associated with a lower risk of thromboembolic events and stroke compared to oral synthetic preparations. These outcomes are contingent upon appropriate patient selection, dosage individualization, and monitoring—hallmarks of responsible clinical care.

Regulatory Framework and FDA Approval

The FDA has approved a number of hormone therapies that qualify as bioidentical, including estradiol in patches, gels, and tablets, and micronized progesterone in capsule form. These products are subject to stringent regulatory oversight regarding safety, efficacy, and manufacturing standards.

However, a separate category exists for compounded bioidentical hormones. These are prepared in compounding pharmacies using FDA-approved ingredients, tailored to a prescriber’s specifications for an individual patient. It is important to distinguish that while the ingredients are FDA-approved, the final compounded product is not subject to FDA approval. This distinction is often misrepresented or misunderstood in both clinical and popular discourse.

Winona’s Formulary Integrity

Winona offers HRT through both FDA-approved medications and custom-compounded bioidentical formulations. Their oral pills and transdermal patches use bioidentical hormones that are FDA-approved, meeting rigorous standards for consistency and efficacy. Their compounded creams, however, represent a different regulatory pathway.

As per Winona’s official statement:

“Our bioidentical oral pills and transdermal patches are FDA-approved, and our compounded creams are created with FDA-approved ingredients in our compounding pharmacy to match your Winona doctor’s specifications/dosage.”

“Compounding is a practice in which different ingredients found in FDA-approved medicines are combined to create medications that meet the needs of individual patients. Currently, once FDA-approved ingredients are combined, they can no longer be labeled FDA-approved, since the FDA does not regulate compounding. This means that while our creams are not labeled FDA-approved, they are formulated with ingredients from FDA-registered sources.”

This approach underscores a commitment to transparency and patient-specific care. It also reflects an understanding of regulatory boundaries that is essential for health professionals prescribing or recommending these treatments.

Individualization and Patient-Centered Models

Menopause manifests heterogeneously. Some patients experience intense vasomotor symptoms; others may be more troubled by cognitive fog or genitourinary syndrome. The individualization of hormone therapy is therefore central to effective management. Winona employs board-certified physicians who tailor treatment plans to reflect both symptomatology and patient history.

This is where compounded therapy offers potential value: it allows for dosing and combinations not readily available in standardized, FDA-approved products. However, clinical vigilance is critical. Hormone levels must be monitored periodically, and the prescribing professional must remain informed on emerging safety data.

Risks and Controversies

All forms of HRT carry potential risks—breast cancer, cardiovascular events, and gallbladder disease among them. The magnitude of these risks depends on the formulation, route of administration, patient age, and duration of use. Importantly, the “Women’s Health Initiative” trial, often cited in HRT discussions, used conjugated equine estrogens and medroxyprogesterone acetate, not bioidentical hormones.

Subsequent analyses have suggested that bioidentical hormones may have a different risk profile, though long-term data remain incomplete. For compounded hormones, the lack of large-scale, controlled studies remains a limitation. Nevertheless, observational data and small trials have supported their use under medical supervision.

Educational Implications for Healthcare Providers

Providers must be able to distinguish between marketing rhetoric and clinical evidence. The term “bioidentical” is not synonymous with “safer” or “natural,” nor does it imply a lack of risk. Clinicians must guide patients through nuanced discussions, presenting benefits and risks in the context of personal medical history and preferences.

Winona, by providing clear information and medical oversight, serves as a useful model for responsible telehealth-based hormone therapy. Their integration of FDA-approved treatments and well-sourced compounding allows them to meet diverse patient needs while staying within ethical and clinical boundaries.

Conclusion

Menopause is not a disease, but the physiological ramifications of hormonal decline can be profound. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers a meaningful avenue for symptom relief and health optimization, especially when implemented under thoughtful, evidence-based guidance.

Platforms like Winona reflect the future of individualized hormone therapy: rooted in science, regulated when possible, and transparent about the limitations of current regulatory frameworks. Healthcare professionals must continue to advocate for informed, patient-specific approaches while remaining cautious of the limitations that accompany non-standardized formulations.

Author Bio:

Dr. Jane Smith, MD, is a board-certified endocrinologist with over 15 years of experience in women’s health and hormone therapy. She has authored peer-reviewed publications on menopause management and lectures nationally on innovations in hormone replacement. Her practice emphasizes evidence-based, personalized medicine with a focus on midlife health.

References

North American Menopause Society. (2022). The 2022 hormone therapy position statement. Menopause, 29(7), 767–784. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000002028

Files, J. A., Ko, M. G., & Pruthi, S. (2011). Bioidentical hormone therapy. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 86(7), 673–80. https://doi.org/10.4065/mcp.2011.0208

Winona. (n.d.). 5 Ways You Can Benefit from Bioidentical HRT. Retrieved from https://bywinona.com/5-ways-you-can-benefit-from-bioidentical-hrt

 

Please also review AIHCP’s  Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Emerging Trends in AI Diagnostic Tools: Shaping the Future of Accessible Healthcare

Posted on by Joseph Gerard

Nurse working at a computer

Written by Emily Stokes

For healthcare providers and patients, AI diagnostic tools have emerged as a significant asset in clinical settings. With the advent of AI, healthcare providers gain the ability to make more precise diagnoses and operate more efficiently, while patients benefit from these advances. The overarching result is an enhanced approach to healthcare management that improves outcomes and quality of care.

With ongoing pressure to offer better services within tight timeframes, healthcare professionals must rely on AI-powered tools to supplement their efforts. Best of all, this reliance is helping patients get faster results and better treatment. If you’re curious about the latest trends reshaping diagnostics, keep reading to discover how today’s advances are building a more accessible, organized, and precise approach to healthcare.

Assessing Patient Symptoms to Offer Diagnoses

Many clinicians spend valuable minutes gathering information from their patients to help shape a diagnosis in the early stages of an appointment. Although this step is necessary, it can take up a lot of time. That’s where AI can enter the equation as a critical tool to expedite this process. AI can collect information from patients, including symptoms and health histories, to include in their patient portal and even formulate diagnosis right away. Clinicians then receive this information ahead of time, enabling them to know which diagnoses are most reasonable and turn their attention to treatment details. In short, AI-powered tools can help clinicians save time and assess which patients need the most urgent care.

In busy emergency departments, AI’s ability to collect information and generate recommendations in a matter of seconds can be lifesaving. Algorithms have reshaped the initial steps in a patient’s journey, releasing work from a healthcare provider’s load so they can turn their attention to the nuances of a patient’s situation. AI-powered tools give health providers the confidence to make decisions that can serve their patients more effectively.

Enhancing Online Consultations

Telehealth has become another popular tool in the ongoing effort to make healthcare more accessible to everyone. Remote consultations can help with the management of chronic conditions and improve patient engagement. They can also help reduce the financial burdens associated with frequent in-person visits.

Some individuals may forgo in-person appointments due to cost concerns or transportation limitations. This action can have bad consequences if a patient needs urgent attention. Fortunately, virtual interactions can act as a preliminary step, and they have become even better thanks to AI. AI can gather critical patient information, highlight risky symptoms, and create reports based on the encounter.

Platforms like Doctronic, for instance, allow patients to interact with a physician-trained chatbot to arrive at a set of potential diagnoses. This AI doctor format gives patients the convenience of inputting information from the comfort of their own home. The platform can also suggest lab or imaging recommendations given the patient’s set of symptoms and health history. And, if patients want to seek further input from a human doctor, they can do so for a small fee.

For patients unable to wait weeks before seeing their primary care physicians or unwilling to pay for an in-person visit, AI-powered chatbots are a significant solution.

Improving Interpretations of Imaging Data

Reading images to detect changes or inconsistencies is critical in areas like radiology or dermatology. Even small visual changes within a scan could be indicative of looming health problems. AI has helped improve the accuracy of readings, which helps with early disease detection while minimizing the potential for human error. AI can work in tandem with human health professionals when reviewing anything from MRIs to CT scans. Individuals undergoing cancer screenings or seeking updates on chronic conditions can feel more confident knowing that both human and AI-trained eyes are analyzing imaging data for inconsistencies or abnormalities. Further, AI can catch changes in patterns from one scan to the next, letting providers know that additional imaging may be necessary. This advancement is not meant to replace the expertise of trained medical experts. Rather, AI is meant to serve as a collaborative partner for clinicians, giving them a trusted partner to offer greater consistency in diagnoses. And for patients, this collaboration means that health providers can identify problems more quickly, permitting earlier interventions that may save lives.

AI models are trained on datasets to ensure they offer the most precise readings, too. AI can improve image resolution to catch small details that may be easy to miss otherwise. And having both radiologist and AI readings can yield a more comprehensive approach to disease detection. Additionally, AI can produce radiology reports and generate analyses quickly, saving providers time and resources.

The administrative tasks embedded within clinical work can be time-consuming, but AI creates professional summaries for patients and their records. With faster turnaround times for diagnoses and proposed next steps, patients can trust that they are receiving a higher level of care.

Using Wearables to Predict Health Challenges

Many individuals are taking their healthcare into their own hands through patient-generated health data (PGHD) from wearables. Fitness trackers and smartwatches are among the gadgets anyone can use to collect information about their health and activity levels. These types of devices can capture data on oxygen saturation, sleep patterns, hydration levels, and heart rate variability. Wearables have come a long way from their origins as devices that were primarily used to track daily steps.

Today’s AI-powered wearable devices can capture data that can be used to develop health recommendations. And with the help of better sensor data, health metrics are more accurate. In other words, an AI-powered wearable can detect differences in exertion from walking to running and adjust calorie readings in response.

Wearables give everyone personal accountability when it comes to their health. But the advantages don’t end there. Healthcare professionals aiming to offer the best suggestions for their patients can harness the power of AI to their advantage. A wearable may collect data on heart rate shifts, for instance, that prompts intervention from a provider.

AI-fueled wearables can use data, plus a patient’s history, to predict health issues that a patient can take action to change. The ability to gather data, interpret it, and produce actionable suggestions gives patients the incentive to continue wearing devices that can positively impact their overall health.

Streamlining Clinical Workflows 

Healthcare professionals don’t have spare time to waste when they’re busy meeting with and treating patients. And with increasing patient loads, providers need to maximize every minute and outsource what tasks they can. AI has provided great assistance in this realm, helping providers provide better care more quickly. Clinics can turn to AI for real-time alerts and help with prioritization of patient needs. And for clinicians juggling lots of cases, they can monitor patients remotely, keeping tabs on vital signs as they work throughout the day.

AI has the potential to save time by automating intake forms and visit summaries. AI can tackle repetitive tasks, like appointment scheduling and documentation. And AI can enhance documentation accuracy and flag urgent patient cases. When AI can integrate with electronic health records, it’s easier for healthcare professionals to update a patient’s latest medications, diagnoses, and other pertinent information, as well.

Ultimately, this streamlines tedious processes, saving harried healthcare workers time as they tackle their patient loads.

Building Healthcare Equity and Greater Trust

When patients face language barriers, they may be less likely to seek medical attention. In addition, language barriers between healthcare professionals and patients can cause miscommunications that adversely impact the quality of care. Clinicians can take advantage of AI tools to overcome this problem. Current AI diagnostic tools can read different languages and even demonstrate sensitivity to cultural norms within given populations. As a result, healthcare providers can better serve multilingual patients.

Healthcare providers must be certain they’re using AI without compromising patient anonymity of safety. This means adhering to established HIPAA guidelines and conducting routine audits for issues like bias against certain populations. Software also should be used in conjunction with federal directives regarding clinician decision support (CDS) tools. CDS tools are defined as resources that can help healthcare workers make decisions or diagnoses regarding a patient’s care.

All AI-powered platforms and tools should include clinical references to support suggested care plans or diagnoses. This certifies that all final recommendations communicated to patients are evidence-backed and vetted. When healthcare professionals abide by tight standards and protocols with their AI use, they’ll improve their care and earn the respect of the patients they serve.

Collaborating with AI in Today’s Healthcare Landscape

AI diagnostic tools have been a positive development for healthcare professionals navigating increasingly complex patient demands and workloads. Clinicians aren’t spending as much time in the early steps of data gathering and reading. Instead, they can collaborate with AI algorithms to refine treatment plans and help patients understand the best next steps.

More robust telehealth platforms and stronger imaging readings are among the contributions AI has made to the healthcare landscape in recent years. While providers gain more streamlined operations, patients reap the rewards of more precise diagnoses that can help them move forward.

 

Author bio:

Emily Stokes is a freelance writer with experience in the higher education and non-profit industries. She creates content for blogs and other online resources, and enjoys distilling down complex concepts through her writing.

 

 

Please also review AIHCP’s Pet Loss Grief Support Certification programs and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  These programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification

Mental Health and Bullying/Shaming Video Blog

Posted on by Mark Moran

Bullying and shaming are large problems in our society.  It not only causes mental issues for the bullied but also creates dangerous responses and reactions when not processed properly.  Physical injury or death can occur for the bullied, but also lead to shootings or other events.  It is important to lobby and be an advocate for the bullied to help them overcome the emotional and mental and physical pains of being bullied.  This video takes a psychological look at both the bullied and bully.

Please also review AIHCP’s Behavioral Health topics and  Mental Health Certifications