Sara R. Rubino & Sarah L. Solomon

Abstract
Inclusion in healthcare management continues to be researched, developed, and integrated into practice. Hospitals can be an overwhelming experience for any patient, but they can be almost unbearable for patients with sensory sensitivities and communication difficulties such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). More specifically, this commentary explores issues that often arise during an MRI scan for patients with ASD and methods that healthcare workers can implement to better accommodate these patients. Three main themes of accommodation during MRI scans for individuals with ASD are communication, sensory friendly environment, and pre-visits. Additional research is needed to evaluate these methods in the adult population and better refine their use to develop broad guidelines for practitioners.

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Roundtable Journal on Health Policy  |  Volume 5  |  Issue 1

Continue reading ““Steps Toward Inclusivity”: How to Improve the MRI Experience for Patients on the Autism Spectrum”

Huzefa Diwan

Abstract
In anesthesiology, addressing midlevel encroachment and finding an optimal mix of various anesthesia providers (e.g., Anesthesiologists and Certified Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs)) has numerous implications to patient care, cost-effectiveness, and physician shortages in certain communities. While there has been significant disagreement between two major professional groups, the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, there may be collaborative solutions that benefit rural communities, resource- constrained environments, and critically ill patients. This article discusses considerations central to this topic and posits potential solutions.

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Roundtable Journal on Health Policy  |  Volume 5  |  Issue 1

Continue reading “Tenuous Balancing Act: Finding the Right Roles for Anesthesia Providers”

Sarah Wu

Abstract
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a therapy for advanced cases that had progressed to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, demand for the treatment exceeded capacity in many regions, and the resource-intensive nature of ECMO meant that it was mostly feasible only at specialized centers or other tertiary-care facilities. This shortage served to exacerbate preexisting inequities implicit in the healthcare landscape of the United States. Regionalization, a philosophy of organizing medical services through collaboration between separate facilities and providers in a given area, was utilized by various regions to maximize available resources, and may be able to be targeted to address and reduce inequities in access.

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Roundtable Journal on Health Policy  |  Volume 5  |  Issue 1

Continue reading “Inequity in Access to ECMO During COVID-19”

Parvathy Retnakumar

Abstract
Plastic pollution is a well-known environmental concern through its accumulation in landfills, harm to ocean ecosystems, and deadly effect on wildlife. Microplastics (MPs) are a subset of plastic pollution that has gained attention recently due to novel studies that suggest possible health implications, causing many to wonder if MPs are the asbestos of our generation leading to disease decades down the line. Research on health implications is ongoing and while there are some policies in the US concerning MPs, there is a large gap in regulation compared to other countries. Physicians and medical students should increase their own knowledge on the subject of MPs to become better advocates for their patients and increase public awareness.

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Roundtable Journal on Health Policy  |  Volume 5  |  Issue 1

Continue reading “Microplastics and the Prevention of the Next Environmental Health Hazard”

Sara E. Islam

Abstract
The transgender and gender non-conforming population has long been a marginalized group with significant barriers to medical care. Despite mounting evidence that gender- affirming surgery improves psychological distress and quality of life, these patients still experience difficulty accessing treatment and incur substantial financial burden. This article explores policies influencing access to and coverage of gender-affirming surgeries in the United States and proposes potential solutions to improve the health disparities prevalent in this population.

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Roundtable Journal on Health Policy  |  Volume 5  |  Issue 1

Continue reading “Gender Affirmation Surgery: A Case for Increased Access and Coverage for Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Patients”

Rajkumar S. Pammal

Abstract
The long-standing issue of Emergency Department (ED) boarding and overcrowding continues to persist despite public calls to action from emergency physicians and numerous studies detailing patient safety risks and poorer health outcomes. ED boarding is associated with increased in-hospital mortality, higher probability of patients leaving the ED against medical advice, and increased adverse events and preventable errors. Some key factors contributing to this issue include financial incentives that set up hospitals for ED overcrowding, nursing and staffing shortages, and lack of healthcare facilities for safe discharge of admitted patients. Ultimately, meaningful intervention to the public health crisis of ED boarding needs to occur at the federal public policy level in order to protect our nation’s patients and physicians.

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Roundtable Journal on Health Policy  |  Volume 5  |  Issue 1

Continue reading “Emergency Department Overcrowding is a Public Health Crisis: Detailing the Causes, Consequences, and Potential Solutions”