Wading into Blogdom!
A couple of months ago, we had a successful experiment with our pandemic flu blog. It was done in advance of a conference on preparedness we had in Washington D.C. I found myself engaged in reading the comments and learning from them. So, I’ve decided to wade in a little deeper into blogdom by writing one for the next month or so. I’m going to see how I feel after that time period. I may continue; I may not.
The viability of my capacity to do this longer term, will be determined by time management considerations. I want to write my entries personally, rather than relying on staff. If I can do it justice we will continue; if not—we won’t. I likely won’t write everyday, but I commit to check in most days and will read as many of the comments as time allows. I have no idea how many comments there will be. I may try to reply to comments occasionally, but not always.
I expect some of my entries may only be a paragraph or two punched out on my Blackberry while traveling in a car or waiting in an airport. Anybody who uses a similar device understands the efficiency and the limitations (No spell check, for example).
I will have some help monitoring the comments. Our web management folks feel that is important. They have set some rules about how comments will be handled. I’ll leave management of that to them.
Most of my postings will typically be about something I’ve learned or experienced during the day. What I value most about this job is the remarkable opportunities it provides to learn and gain perspective on problems. I hope I can share a small part of it this way. I may also invite some of my colleagues at HHS to share some of their experiences.
There are an unlimited number of things to write about. This is an intensely demanding period. For example, I’ll be traveling the last two weeks of August in Africa to get a better perspective on our nation’s efforts to battle HIV-AIDS and malaria. I am in the midst of a special assignment President Bush has given me to lead a Cabinet level working group on import safety. The reauthorization of SCHIP must occur before the end of September and I’m focused hard on increasing the velocity of health information technology standards development.
Topics won’t be the rate-limiting factor here; time will. But, let’s give this a try and see what happens. I hope you will add to the value with your comments.
Posted on August 13, 2007 in Blogging
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Dear Mr Leavitt,
Welcome to the blogosphere! I'm glad to hear that you found the HHS blog experience successful. I'm particularly pleased that you were not deterred by the passionate responses you received on some of those posts, mine included, of course. LOL!
Let me say, Bravo! More power to you, sir, for your willingness to come back for more!
I must warn you, however, :-) that this stuff grows on you and has a tendency to take you further than you intended...
When I first started posting on the old Flu Wiki forum http://www.fluwikie2.com/index.php?n=Forum.Forum (now read-only, and christened Old Yellor by our community!) I was only going to make 'a couple of comments', to clarify some minor piece of scientific information, as I recall. As a matter of fact, I didn't even bother to think up a more original username than anon_22! A lot of things have happened since, and my original 'maybe the occasional post' has grown to an almost full-time involvement in pandemic preparedness and related activities!
The most amazing part of this experience has been the people that I've met along the way. To be honest, I never thought it was possible to engage in conversation and thrash out ideas (in more ways than one, as you know, LOL) with such a variety of interesting people, who bring with them such richness and diversity that, no matter what you are blogging about, there is always something to learn.
I do hope that you find this experience rewarding. I hope especially that you will be able to persuade your colleagues to be as open and willing to share their thoughts and experiences as you are. The internet has made it possible for all of us to be just one click away from learning from people all round the world 24/7 as you said. Let's not waste this opportunity to share our experiences and thoughts, and most of all create change in the world, for a better place for future generations to grow up in.
Wishing you every success in this and other work that you do,
Susan Chu MD
Posted by: SusanC | August 13, 2007 at 04:32 PMEditor,
Flu Wiki
http://www.newfluwiki2.com/frontPage.do
Hello Dr. Leavitt,
Can you please say whether or not you have any concerns about the flu activity in Australia and, if so, what is the U.S. doing/thinking about it. Also, shouldn't our mainstream media be reporting this? Australia seems to be a little more proactive with their people than we are, don't you think?
I have kids, and I have invested a lot of time into following the world flu situation so that I can protect them. I would appreciate our government giving me a little more "heads up" than when there is someone sick in the U.S., or even worse when there is someone sick in my town; however, I fear that is exactly how it will be handled.
Betty
Posted by: Betty | August 13, 2007 at 05:52 PMwelcome to the blogosphere, Mr. Secretary.
I'm glad your first experience was a positive one.
There are more and more internet users, regular people sharing their experiences and pooling their knowledge. And most importantly, there are a good number of readers with an intense interest in public health. We need to make sure that readers here and elsewhere get to understand and value public health so as to be better prepared to support health officials when called upon to do so, whether for budget purposes or other.
I look forward to your posts and appreciate the example you are trying to set.
With respect,
Posted by: Greg Dworkin, MD | August 13, 2007 at 08:06 PMSecretary Leavitt:
Welcome to our world and our passion for "making a difference" in planning for an event, which you referred to as "It is not a matter of if, but a matter of when".
I strongly believe we can learn from you and you can learn from us. We have many dedicated people who are involved in tracking H5N1 articles everyday. There are also many on the Fluwiki site who add great value and incite by their comments and questions.
I know you are a very busy man and I thank you for getting involved. I hope to read everyone of your comments in the future.
Posted by: Carol Owens | August 13, 2007 at 08:33 PMGood Evening Sec. Leavitt.
I am so very glad to see a person of your stature willing to read the thoughts of 'Joe or Jane American'.
I'm no one special, just a hard working wife/mum with quite a bit of varied life experience who is very concerned for the health and safety of my family, friends, and fellow Americans in the face of a future that is daily increasingly uncertain and frankly - quite frightening to contemplate. I thank you sincerely for your willingness to entertain the thoughts and suggestions of the very intelligent and experienced people (from whom I have learned so much in the past few years since I began to follow the issue of Pan-flu) who will put their thoughts down on this blog. My personal skills lie more in the "life without modern technology" sector of what is commonly refered to as "prepping"- more of the, what to do in the wake of the disaster sort. Therefore I cede the floor to the greater expertise of the many more educated people who will post their thoughts for you to read. I just wanted to let you know that this Jane American appreciates your interest.
Regards,
Posted by: cinda | August 13, 2007 at 08:45 PMCinda
Sec. Leavett,
Welcome aboard! I am glad you decided to venture in deeper to the world of online communications. Having learned how people interact online is a learning experience.
I would love to discuss with you my county pandemic plans. We are a large county with one small hospital (where I work) near a larger metro area. I work (Volunteer) with our public health department pandemic planning and it has opened my eyes to the limitations we face in most areas of preparedness. Not because of lack of planning…… Great people and we are miles ahead of the counties surrounding us…. But, because of lack of resources and lack of some specific guidance from the government on certain issues. There is also a great need for triage guidelines for hospitals. These need to be issued in a format similar to the triage guidelines from the Canadian Pandemic Plan. Our physicians would be much more receptive to be involved when following accepted standards of care, even following the AHRQ Altered Standards of Care.
We need guidance on specific needs at an individual county level. While I do get response from Tallahassee DOH, I feel they are as lost for guidance as we are. I should add that they have never failed to return a call, and offer suggestions when they could.
Enough for now… I do hope you decide this is a worthwhile venture…… and can make the time to read and respond occasionally. Discussion about these issues in an online venue, assist those who only read, also. (We call them lurkers)
Sincerly
Posted by: Kim Crady RN | August 13, 2007 at 09:22 PMSecretary Leavitt,
Welcome back! I am truly impressed you are making this effort. I am just an ordinary mom, and for the first time I feel I can have my health-care concerns listened to in a way that might possibly have an effect. Speak to me and you speak to all the families I do. Thank you for opening this dialogue!
One of my concerns is in relation to pandemic or other severe flu, and access to Tamiflu, currently a prescription medication. I know the creator of Tamiflu has called for it to be an over the counter medication, saying it has to be taken quickly in order to be effective; if one has to wait for a doctor's visit, it may be too late. I am watching the deadly flu season currently killing toddlers in Australia, where frantic mothers are driving all over town trying to find flu medications for their sick kids, and knowing if that strain hits here, it will be the same situation.
In addition, I know many people would feel safer having some Tamiflu tucked away in the case of a pandemic flu breakout. I feel terrible when I hear Roche plans to destroy huge quantities of the drug as they approach their expiration date. How many of those doses could have been sold to people wanting a personal supply - and supported Roche's investment in manufacturing a sufficient supply in the case of emergency?
So my question is, what can be done about making Tamiflu more readily accessible to the public, off prescription?
Thank you for your time and the chance to ask my question, Mr. Secretary.
Posted by: Northstar | August 13, 2007 at 10:06 PMSecretary Leavitt,
You are a brave man to re-enter the Blogsphere following the Last attempt at communication.
I hope that your new blog will begin that dialog "we in flublogia" have wanted to have with you.
I have one question... why does the HHS recommend people stockpile only 2 weeks worth of supplies when you have clearly said that a pandemic wave lasts 6-8 weeks and that there will be disruptions to the supply chain lasting at least that long And that we cannot count on the Government to come to our rescue?
OK - One more please -
Why do the state and local health department pandemic plans rely so heavily on anti-viral and Vaccine distribution when there clearly wont be a vaccine nor enough anti-virals to go around to the general public? Don't you think the message should be moved toward personal preparation now?
Posted by: Goju | August 13, 2007 at 11:57 PMI know you have a full portfolio but I like many others have one issue in focus. I would like you to write a blog post about where pandemic disease, specifically H5N1, ranks on the list of things you personally worry about. Please share the nuts and bolts process you (and/or the administration more generally) use to understand the current situation with regard to H5N1.
My second suggestion for a blog topic is a hypothetical question: If you could be guaranteed, with 100% certainty, that H5N1 would be Stage 6 (at ... pick your Case Fatality Rate and Attack Rate, your choice) in October of 2008 what would you recommend the country do for the next 14 months? What personal preparation strategies would you recommend (if any) that differ from the current suggested preparation strategies?
I hope your blogging is a success.
Posted by: Bill Peckham | August 14, 2007 at 12:51 AMyou could also make a forum instead of a blog.
A forum is better organized, has more features and members can discuss with each other.
So, a blog is basically a forum where only one person can start new threads.
Posted by: gsgs | August 14, 2007 at 03:51 AMWell, you could let people discuss their own related subjects in some subforum.
Mr. Secretary - you just gotta get a screename and an avatar if you're gonna be a real blogger LOL! Just kidding (sort of):)
Ditto on what SusanC has said about getting hooked on the internet.
While you're in Africa, could check up on the H5N1 situation there and give us a report when you return. We don't get much news from there - and it is worrisome.
TIA,
Snick
Posted by: Snicklefritz | August 14, 2007 at 07:20 AMSecretary Leavitt,
Thank you again for opening up a blog so people who want to communicate and share information can.
Internet or not, I hope not only to make this the best documented but most mitigated pandemic to date so both us and the next generations know more and suffer less.
I hope Admiral Agwunobi will join also as I have used his quote "I can not lead people who are unprepared to follow" often.
I still find it very hard to find out what the local plans are or to educate the average citizen.
Your web pages, CDC and OSHA have made more of an impact on my pharmacist, doctor, friends and business than the WHO or common sense idea "Those who are prepared suffer less than those who are not."
I look forward to your posts, DemFromCt, Susan Chu, ACM and others.
Regards,
Posted by: Allen | August 14, 2007 at 10:16 AMAllen
"We have a long way to go and a short time to get there."
Secretary Leavitt -
Thank you for engaging in participatory government function.
Best Wishes.
Posted by: Florida1 | August 14, 2007 at 10:20 AMSharon Sanders
President & Director
FluTrackers.com, Inc.
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/
Coordinating DHHS policies and plans with DHS and especially with Corporation for National & Community Service (with it's 3/4 million federally supported and encouraged volunteers is IMO as or more important than attempting to act alone.
FYI, CNCS has budgeted 35 slots for pandemic flu policy and planning. Only one, yes, one, slot is full (as of 30 days ago). There is no policy because there are no policy makers. Whatever you at DHHS plan which plan includes federally supported voluneers is at this time, years into panflu's evolution, a non-starter.
While it's not under your control, if you don't press your sister entity to raise its priority and to act on pandemic flu, there will be NO VOLUNTEER iNFRASTRUCTURE to support DHHS plans.
This glaring void on the part of CNCS was obvious in your last DHHS blog. Not a single comment was posted, nor blog initiated by CNCS.
Without volunteer-involvement being led by CNCS, DHHS is assuredly hitching itself, with best intentions, to a team that can't and won't pull when pandemic flu finally shows its unbridled H2H2H head.
What is the DHHS position on this current reality?
Posted by: Gaudia Ray | August 14, 2007 at 10:50 AMMr. Secretary, thanks for coming back to this most vibrant form of communication. I wish other leaders in government would take a cue from you.
May I add my "second" to the questions/ideas about Tamiflu posted by Northstar, above. Tamiflu should be an over-the-counter medicine, or at least one purchased at will from a pharmacist who can give specific instructions to the consumer, with no need for an Rx.
At the very least, doctors should be encouraged to provide prescriptions to patients in their practice for advance purchase of Tamiflu so that people can have it stored in their homes.
To think that during a pandemic people will not become frantic and perhaps behave VERY badly trying to secure Tamiflu or any other antiviral...or to think that it is a good idea for people during a pandemic to line up in a medical clinic to get a script for it, then line up again in a pharmacy, even if they are behaving well...uh, I think this needs some serious re-thinking.
People should have Tamiflu, or Relenza, or any other new antiviral coming out (if there are not serious and common side effects) on hand at home, now.
This government wants people to be self-sufficient and take care of themselves, their families, and communities. Well then, provide the open avenues to do that. As it is, too many American and others are buying "Tamiflu" (probably fake) through overseas sources.
Please see what you and your staff can do about turning this situation around.
Posted by: flutracker | August 14, 2007 at 12:50 PMSecretary Leavitt,
Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to share your thoughts. I am very interested to hear your opinions on the serious public heath issues facing the world, and in hearing about the day to day adventures your fascinating job must provide.
I must say that I, like many of the posters you are likely to encounter here, was brought into the arena of public heath by my concern over pandemic flu. Rumor has it that this is not the only critical issue the world faces, and I hope you will be able to discuss a wide variety of issues. We flu-preppers can seem like a narrowly focused (and maddeningly persistant) bunch, but I have seen a genuine concern about the bigger picture - the role of the federal government in ensuring the well-being of citizens, and its readiness to perform that role.
I look forward to reading your blog.
Elizabeth - aka "Sahara"
Posted by: Elizabeth | August 14, 2007 at 01:17 PMMinnesota
Sir:
For two years I have been seeking clarification on who is to do the actual pandemic planning for my NJ township. (In reference to your comment that during a severe pandemic local communities must plan to be on their own).
I recently received a letter stating the county will prepare for all the townships (37) within their borders.
I agree with you that in a worse case scenario each town in this country needs to be ready to stand on their own, and needs to prepare now for such an event.
Why the seeming disconnect between state, county, local planners and your clearly stated (and quite candid) comment?
Posted by: Grace RN | August 14, 2007 at 02:17 PMSecretary Leavitt,
Welcome to the blogosphere! I work in a School of Public Health at a major university in support of numerous federal research projects, and I want to take this opportunity from the very beginning to advocate to you on behalf of this technology for greater emphasis on integrating these systems into federal research. For example - using technology much like a blog, we can revolutionize the data collection procedures for research by using blackberries to (much like you making a blog post in the car) do participant interviews in the field. The assessment's answers are then sent directly to HIPAA compliant secured databases, saving HHS money by eliminating the paper trail and the associated labor costs from data entry. These systems pay for themselves very quickly, and provide substantial savings over the term of the funding for the study. I'll check back here, or feel free to use my e-mail address you should have on file to contact me if you'd like any more details on this that I can provide.
Thanks!
Greg C.
Posted by: Greg | August 14, 2007 at 04:48 PMSecretary,
One thing I would say (besides welcome back) is to comment on the stock speeches you make where you refer to Y2K in less than glowing terms. I was in the audience in Tallahassee back in February 2006 when you and then-Governor Bush signed the memo of understanding.
Y2K was a non-event because very dedicated people worked the problem, and also because funding was available to get the job done. The press blew Y2K all out of proportion, but everyone in IT will tell you there would have been serious (maybe not calamitous, but serious nonetheless) issues with both governance and commerce if Y2K code glitches had not been addressed. Banking systems, utility and telco systems, even drawbridges would have been negatively impacted. IT professionals worked the problem and were successful, largely because the problem was real and the deadline was looming.
Of course, with pandemic preparednes we do not have a deadline per se, because we cannot see the clock's hands.
Secretary, stay active in the blogosphere. We both need your participation and welcome the opportunity to address you.
Scott
Posted by: Scott McPherson | August 14, 2007 at 05:05 PMSecretary Leavitt,
Thank you for returning to the blogosphere.
I look forward to reading your posts and hearing of your travels and concerns. I don't have much to bring to the table but I do have a deep level of caring and concern for people and what we all will face in the near future. I try to learn as much as I can so that I can be as helpful as I can possibly be. The pandemic preparation forums (all of them) have been a blessing for me and I hope that you get a chance to visit us in flubogia (even if you do so anonymously).
Thank you again for providing an opportunity to learn from you.
Best Regards,
Posted by: standingfirm | August 14, 2007 at 05:06 PMStandingfirm
I watch the way England handles Foot & Mouth as an indication of how pandenics would be handled by a government, and so far England has a failing grade. It is my opinion that a government does not take strong enough action at the first indication of a problem, which allows the situation to rapidly spin out of control. Who would be calling the shots were a pandemic to begin in the US and how would you intend to enforce restrictions, and/or how would you be able to enforce restrictions when everyone would try to flee the area?
Posted by: Overseas | August 14, 2007 at 05:22 PMSecretary Leavitt,
Welcome back to the blogosphere! It is exciting to see a federal official seek citizen input in this way. Perhaps what you are doing here will prove to be the leading edge of a robust online dialogue engaging citizens and public officials from many agencies, across all levels of government.
Please click my name for a project coming this fall from the Study Circles Resource Center, which is working to promote broad civic dialogue in person and on the 'net! (SCRC has worked with HHS in some of its earlier pandemic flu citizen engagement efforts.)
Best wishes as you blog forward!
Julie Fanselow
Posted by: Julie Fanselow | August 14, 2007 at 05:45 PMMr. Secretary,
Thank you for the time and effort you are giving to open yet another channel of communication. I firmly believe that open communication builds trust and a spirit of collaboration. Both are direly needed, both nationally and internationally. I am grateful.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
Des
Posted by: Des | August 14, 2007 at 07:56 PMSir:
First of all, I am a Canadian so you don't have to read one word of what I am about to say.
I have never liked talking points used by agencies in your country and mine by regulatory agencies. In my opinion, that is blatant plagerism.
I have no doubt that you are a very busy person with great responsibilities...but I also fundamentally disagree with putting your name at the bottom of text written by someone else...which was quite obvious in the your previous attempt.
I believe that both you and Dr. Nabarro have the distinct capability to make a real difference proactively in the unevitable collision that is about to happen between nature and mankind.
No guts...no glory...please put the 'message managers' and the 'spinners' in their place. It would be a shame to climb the mountain...to have the ability and power to make the difference,,,only to be strictly controlled by a public relations firm.
Thanks again for your efforts and best of luck as we inch ever closer to an unprecedented catastrophe.
Posted by: Tom DVM | August 14, 2007 at 09:08 PMAs the founder and publisher of The Flu Wiki, let me join my colleagues Greg Dworkin and Susan Chu in welcoming you to the blogosphere. As a blogger with five years of experience, I can tell you that you are in for an interesting ride. This new medium creates all kinds of relationships that were never possible before.
Posted by: Melanie Mattson | August 14, 2007 at 11:12 PMAre we feeling a suicidal urge here? Just kidding. I hope the experience is both rewarding and informative. Wish you the best of luck and appreciate your interest.
Kindest regards,
Aeolus
Posted by: Aeolus | August 15, 2007 at 12:41 PMMr. Secretary,
I have to agree with many of the comments.
Like Scott said: the real success of Y2K is that it was a "non event" - yet Y2K looms over pandemic planning as "Much to do about nothing." Even though the number of H5N1 cases and deaths continue to grow there seems to little action. That we are doing much about nothing because there is no problem.
Do note Y2K was a non event because governments took such an active lead role. I attended two lectures by the FBI on Y2K because of the risk of data loss, misuse, falsification or security breaches. Business faced losses if things went badly. So far for H5N1 I do not see nor feel that. Some times I get: "Its a pandemic - what can be done???" That one can do more for global warming than mitigating a pandemic.
This is normal. Living on the east coast of Virginia people around me do not prepare for hurricane season. They do not want me to tell them about tropical storms until "they are close and it is time to prepare." Even then most wait until the last 24 hours.
Unfortunately some disasters last more than the few seconds of an earthquake, the few moments of a tornado or the few days of a hurricane. A pandemic could last few months or a year and a half.
Like Greg C said - having database and IT infrastructure in place for one time entry of accurate data is good. It aids in surveillance and reporting and analysis of what works and what does not. I have concerns over privacy of the database and the 12 million (give or take) illegal aliens who will not have a unique SSN# or other unique identifier. People visiting will have Visa or other permit number. They may end up in the system multiple times.
I am confused that with so many groups producing so much information for an interested audience that getting official information is difficult.
Does any one out there think or believe that practicing a plan is good??
Please let me know if it is a good thing or a bad thing to practice.
Regards,
Allen
"Those who prepare suffer far less than those who do not prepare"
Posted by: Allen | August 15, 2007 at 12:57 PMMr. Secretary,
I look forward to some interesting discussions.
I hope you will continue to address the importance of preparing for a possible pandemic.
We need to work together in helping our communities get ready.
Posted by: Science Teacher | August 15, 2007 at 01:10 PMThe American public as a whole is tragically unaware and unprepared.
Dear Mr. Leavitt:
You show courage. I admire that.
Let us get down to business. What are the obligations of a doctor in private practice if he or she discovers that a computer breach has occurred and patients’ personal data have been lost?
Darrell Pruitt DDS
Posted by: Darrell Pruitt | August 15, 2007 at 02:38 PMAs time is of the essence, perhaps a general call to order is appropriate, as it is my understanding h5n1 may in fact migrate this fall. Given this possibility, perhaps a series of PSA's are in order?
Posted by: Aeolus | August 16, 2007 at 04:17 AMDear Mr. Leavitt,
I am kina impressed that China is spending $400 million U.S. dollars just on IT and computer equipment for the summer Olympics a year from now in August 2008. Source: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,135974-c,currentevents/article.html That number will probably increase.
What did catch my eye was testing. From the same article "To reduce risk, there will be a lot of tests before the games," said Hou Xinyi, deputy director of the technology department at the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad"
I really hope other countries and us are spending money on their surveillance and communication infrastructure for a Pandemic. I remember new some internet service providers (ISP) stayed behind and kept their web cams running. That sort of on the ground "situational awareness" was great. During a pandemic the satellite photos will not say much about the disease. Riots maybe, but not disease. That will require people reporting accurately.
Hmmm - sounds a bit like weather spotters. Average un paid folks who are trained before hand to give accurate reports for an area using standard terms and measurements.
Even if a pandemic does not happen - are we better off un-prepared?
It would be sad if America had the technology to cover a disaster like the Redskins losing the Superbowl with great precision but not a real disaster like Katrina or Pandemic.
For this is what one citizen wants. I have two kids in the 1-19 year old range. Those most likely to die during a pandemic. It would be so nice to make a 1918 like pandemic a non event like Y2K.
Regards,
Allen
"Everything I know never changed my mind as much as the one thing I did not" - Kobie
Posted by: Allen | August 16, 2007 at 09:01 AMHi.
Before blogs there where discussions at the table. Charlie Rose has one where Google, univeristies and governments sit together.
Charlie Ross Science Series show from August 15th, 2007 about H5N1 and pandemics available for free online.
It is 59 min long - you can start, stop, fast forward or reverse the show. It can be downloaded.
The show has seven experts around the table from Laurie Garrett - U.S. foreign affairs to Larry Brilliant, Jeff Koplan, other university doctors.
It seems to be a good resource to help educate others about current state of affaires.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2157440237847954853&q=charlie+rose&total=333&start=0&num=10&so=1&type=search&plindex=6
More information here: http://www.charlierose.com/home
Hopefully it is of interest. If so please pass it along to others.
One thing not mentioned is that even if there is a plan - we the people have not read it. Once the message goes out we may need a few days to digest and act upon it.
As Aeolus posted - some PSA's are in order. I do not fear pandemic fatigue as people have not gotten tired of hearing "Smoking is bad, buckle up, eat right."
Regards,
Posted by: Allen | August 16, 2007 at 02:02 PMAllen
Dear Mr. Leavitt
What is the purpose with Medicare if you can't ever talk to someone without waiting over an hour to talk to someone?
So I went to the web site searching for help and the only thing I got from them was asolutely nothing that would help me. The only thing that they told me is to go call the 800 number and sit and wait for one hour to get a response. I think that this is pitful and if there needs to be someone hired that can give better service then that should be done.
Thank you,
Posted by: Mary Lou Willoughby | August 20, 2007 at 11:58 AMMary Lou
Dear Mr. Leavitt,
Welcome to the blogosphere. As a professor of healthcare informatics and writer for Healthcare Renewal on medical informatics-related topics, I would like to hear your opinions on issues impeding the widepread dissemination of effective healthcare information technology.
Critical issues that receive far too little attention, in my opinion, are the sociotechnical ones: the interplay between major stakeholders in healthcare organizations and their interactions with technology.
Technologic determinism seems the order of the day, i.e., the belief that "Computer + Clinician = Marcus Welby".
There is a taboo in the healthcare and IT industry on writing about failures, especially those due to human factors issues. Yet, healthcare organizations have little extra capital for IT misadventure caused by ignoring these issues.
I provide numerous case examples of these issues at my website "Common Examples of Healthcare IT Failure" at this URL:
http://www.ischool.drexel.edu/faculty/ssilverstein/medinfo.htm
Posted by: S Silverstein, MD | August 22, 2007 at 09:54 PMDear Mr. Leavitt,
Welcome to the blogosphere. I am a medical informaticist and writer for the Healthcare Renewal blog on medical informatics-related topics.
I am interested in seeing your thoughts on your blog about impediments to widespread dissemination of effective healthcare information technology, and how the U.S. intends to avoid difficulties being experienced by other nations, e.g., the UK and Australia in their national EHR efforts.
One area causing healthcare IT difficulty are organizational and human factors ("sociotechnical") issues. These issues seem taboo. In clinical medicine and indeed in any scientific field, however, you cannot just count the "hits" and ignore the "misses."
Organizational and human factors issues associated with healthcare IT have led to project difficulties and failures. Detailed case accounts might improve knowledge sharing between healthcare organizations on lessons learned and best implementation practices, but such material is quite uncommon.
Industry bias tends towards sharing information on successes and publishing little about failures, combined with a notable blindness to the healthcare IT industry’s own methodological shortcomings. Yet, healthcare organizations have precious few extra dollars for health IT misadventure.
There's more on these sociotechnical issues at my website "Common Examples of Healthcare IT Failure" at this URL:
http://www.ischool.drexel.edu/faculty/ssilverstein/medinfo.htm
Posted by: S Silverstein | August 22, 2007 at 10:11 PMCongratulations on your courage in creating your blog. I'm an American blogger residing in France where my centers of interest are eHealth and quality of care. If you are interested in making comparisons (there are more than you think) about the French and American healthcare systems efforts to improve quality, please let me know. I also wrote a recent report about the VHA turnaround under Ken Kizer, which was very well-received in France. There are lots of interesting lessons for France and the US.
Posted by: denisesilber | August 23, 2007 at 04:39 PMDear Mr. Secretary,
I appreciate and congratulate you on your fine work with this blog. Regarding the HHS website, however I have several concerns. I appreciate your personal consideration of these points.
I am disappointed in the latest redesign of the HHS homepage, because: (1) an important navigational aid has been removed, (2) user tasks have been ignored, (3) most of the real estate is used for PR, and (4) the branding and graphics are amateur.
I explain each of these points further on http://www.dotgovwatch.com, but I believe it is important for you to consider these points because the homepage has a major impact on the HHS mission and credibility. Both of which I fear are being harmed by the recent design changes.
Thank you for your time.
-- Coby Logen, concerned citizen
Posted by: Coby Logen | August 23, 2007 at 11:01 PMMr the Secretary,
Thank you to come back and face the Internet Community. I am happy to witness courage being manifested.
Some 194 countries should do the same thing or at least try it.
Mr the Secretary, I am deeply concerned on what will happen to the Internet forums in a major crisis.
Since a week, we witness in Bangladesh the execution of a protocol of management of crisis that includes; shutting down of cell phones, earth lines and of course Internet.
You are aware that not all Bird Flu forums are on-line to promote personnal agendas or curriculum, you are aware that not all flu forums are not allowing counter productive satements against dedicated Health Agencies, and you are aware that many have renounced to do fear mongering.
Can you reassured us on what will be the conditions of the Internet access in the case of a major disaster ??
Thank you again for daring to care about us on the Internet, your sole willingness granths a sense of security.
Snowy Owl
Posted by: Snowy Owl | August 26, 2007 at 01:19 PMEditor of Flu Trackers and H5N1experts.org
it is indeed good that we care for the heatlh of each other
Posted by: graygrantham | October 08, 2007 at 02:39 PMbut it would be even better if the us government would put an immediate end to taking money from the sale of tobacco which is responsible for the death of so many american citizens.
the us government should not on one hand create a system in which a young child dies because his mother could not afford to pay to have is teeth fixed
but yet cigarettes are accessable to virtually anyone!
what kind of people are running america?
it leaves me with a sense of sadness for american people because it seems to me that they are ruled in a hypocritical immensely unfair and undignified manner.
You could actually think of making a forum instead of a blog.
A forum is better organized, has more features and members can discuss with each other.
So, a blog is basically a forum where only one person can start new threads.
Posted by: FernandezAlexia | October 21, 2007 at 03:48 PMSecretary Leavitt
Posted by: lasvegasintenist | October 22, 2007 at 10:06 PMI have not done the blog-thing before; can we ask questions too (not just make comments)
Regarding healthcare price transparency: there seems to be several of us in different States who have started websites to assist patients with "outpatient" price transparency (Ours with physician/lab/radiology/pharmarcy pricing: www.transparenthealthcost.com). So where do you see it... The states developing their own site (Delotte study) or central website provided by the federal gov't or what we have now - a bunch of us providing pricing for our specific area (patch-work)?
Till now you must have been reading or hearing only about the negative aspect of bird flu but I have found something positive out of it; did you know that leaders of the United States, Canada and Mexico have released a plan that outlines how the three countries will work together if the highly pathogenic virus makes its way to North America. “Neighbors help each other in times of distress” this is a proof…..at least with the excuse of avian flu these countries have come together and are working for a common cause. I think the rate of deaths from avian flu is causing such changes……anyways its good. It was a wise step……I think anyone will seek help specially after reading those dreadful articles on http://www.drugdelivery.ca/bird-flu.aspx I have been reading them since 1 hr…..they are SCARRY!!
Posted by: hans | October 23, 2007 at 04:45 AMSec. Leavitt,
The prospects for the health of the 9/11 responders has just gotten much worse with the failure to reappoint Dr Howard.
It's a mystery to me why someone who has demonstrated he's the right person for the job and enjoys the strong support of his peers would be pushed aside.
I urge you to reconsider this decision and to reappoint Dr Howard.
Posted by: Bob McNamara | July 17, 2008 at 02:50 PMDear Mr Levitt. Thank you so much for working to defend the rights of health care workers who do not feel that they can, in good conscience, assist or perform abortions. We need principled people like you to continue to work for these kind of conscience-oriented rights. For many of us...Thanks.
Posted by: STEVE DOAN | September 09, 2008 at 03:30 PMDear Sec. Levitt,
Posted by: Doug | November 19, 2008 at 07:23 PMI wanted to express my deepest gratitude for your character, integrity, and sound judgement the midst of such pressure to force others to compromise their convictions on the job discriminating against so many. Thank you for your support!
Thank you Secretary Leavitt for what you are doing to preserve the rights of medical professionals who refuse to take part in abortive acts because of their moral consciences. God bless you.
Posted by: Billy Keith | November 20, 2008 at 11:38 AMThanks for protecting the employment of medical professionals who don't want to facilitate abortions.
Posted by: S Vance | November 20, 2008 at 03:31 PM