Arizona - November 2013 Archives

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The perception that doctors who are based in hospitals burn out quicker than doctors in outpatient settings is just wrong – doctor burnout happens equally, according to a new Mayo Clinic study, published in the November issue of the Journal of Hospital Medicine. MULTIMEDIA ALERT: Video of Dr. Roberts is available for download from the Mayo Clinic News Network. Researchers at Mayo Clinic reviewed 54 burnout studies worldwide to see if there is any validity to the longstanding belief that practicing in the hospital incites greater burnout. The studies included data from more than 5,000 outpatient physicians and more than 1,300 inpatient physicians. Burnout is defined in the study as a syndrome affecting the entirety of work life and characterized by cynicism, detachment and inefficiency. The Mayo Clinic study looked at these factors to determine overall burnout. While there were slight differences in the effect of burnout of inpatient and outpatient doctors, overall burnout was equal. "Burnout is everywhere and if you look for it you'll find it," says Daniel Roberts, M.D., an Internal Medicine physician at Mayo Clinic Hospital in Arizona and lead author of the study. "What this study tells us is that it is as much a problem for clinic-based doctors as it is for hospitalists and others who work in shifts. It's a little reassuring to find that hospitalists aren't particularly prone, but it's more concerning how burnout spans different specialties and practice locations." The studies reviewed in this research represented a board range of burnout related issues, various physician specialties and diverse inpatient and outpatient settings. Although the Mayo Clinic study focused on the difference between the two groups, past studies have suggested factors both leading to and avoiding burning.

ROCHESTER, Minn. — People with epilepsy may have a new high-tech way to manage hard-to-control seizures. A new implantable medical device that delivers responsive neurostimulation has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The technology is designed to detect abnormal activity in the brain and respond and deliver subtle levels of electrical stimulation to normalize brain activity before an individual experiences seizures. The treatment is available at all Mayo Clinic sites. MULTIMEDIA ALERT: For audio and video of Dr. Joseph Sirven talking about the device, visit the Mayo Clinic News Network. Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota were all involved in the clinical trials for the device (and have collectively enrolled the highest number of patients into the trials). The device is indicated for use as an adjunctive therapy in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in people 18 years of age or older with partial onset seizures who have undergone diagnostic testing that localized no more than two epileptogenic foci, are refractory to two or more antiepileptic medications, and currently have frequent and disabling seizures (motor partial seizures, complex partial seizures and/or secondarily generalized seizures).

AVH becomes first member of Mayo Clinic Care Network in Colorado ASPEN, Colo. — Mayo Clinic and Aspen Valley Hospital officials announced today that the hospital was recently selected to be a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, which was established by Mayo to extend its knowledge and expertise to physicians and providers interested in working together to enhance the delivery of health care within their communities. Aspen Valley Hospital (AVH) is the first network member in Colorado. "AVH is honored to be the first hospital in Colorado selected to be a Mayo Clinic Care Network member," says John Sarpa, interim CEO at Aspen Valley Hospital. "Sharing a common philosophy, commitment and mission to improve the delivery of health care through the use of best practices and evidence-based medical care provides a solid foundation for this collaboration." Aspen Valley Hospital providers now have access to Mayo Clinic resources to enhance patient care, including the latest Mayo-vetted medical information through its AskMayoExpert database and electronic consulting that connects physicians with Mayo Clinic experts on questions of diagnosis, therapy or care management. "It's a pleasure to formalize this relationship with Aspen Valley Hospital," says Wyatt Decker, M.D., vice president of Mayo Clinic and CEO of Mayo Clinic in Arizona. "Collaborating with other medical providers to provide the best possible care for patients has always been part of Mayo Clinic's culture. The Mayo Clinic Care Network helps Mayo and community hospitals like Aspen Valley work closer together, in new ways, to enhance the lives of patients. We are delighted to welcome Aspen Valley Hospital as the first Colorado location." Chris Beck, M.D., president of the Aspen Valley Hospital medical staff is excited about the possibilities. "The challenges of medicine in this modern age demand that we seek and share vast amounts of knowledge, says Dr. Beck. "Things constantly and rapidly change — new protocols, new technology, new medications, etc. This collaboration with Mayo Clinic will enhance the outstanding care AVH physicians already provide." "This is one more step in Aspen Valley Hospital's evolution," says Barry Mink, M.D., president of the hospital board of directors and member of the medical staff for 40 years. "Our small-town hospital provides a level of care one would expect in a major medical center, and becoming a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network reflects our commitment to the highest standards of medical care for local residents and visitors to the area."