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The effect of multitasking on worker performance

Diwas KC, associate professor of information systems & operations management, completed an in-depth investigation of the impact of multitasking in a complex work environment by analyzing patient flow and clinical data of physicians in a large hospital ER. The study provides important findings for understanding multitasking and its “implications for a knowledge economy, where attention and focus are significant drivers of productivity and quality.” The research indicated that multitasking starts out as a positive influence on work, giving physicians the “ability to utilize idle time between tasks.” Additionally, lower levels of multitasking actually improved the quality of care, since “low levels of stress can aid cognitive function.” Once multitasking behavior became excessive, productivity declined dramatically due to a variety of factors, including work interruptions and coordination costs. A higher level of multitasking also led to a drop in detected diagnoses and an increased rate of revisits in a 24-hour period for patients initially treated in the emergency department. Physicians spent less time with patients and their overall focus suffered. Source:

Baylor Gerontology Expert: It's Important for People to Know the Signs of Elder Abuse

Gerontology expert James Ellor, Ph.D., M.Div., professor in Baylor University’s Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, said it's important to remind people what elder abuse looks like and how they can respond if they see the signs. Reports of abuse are most often submitted by family members, hospital staff and law enforcement. But churches and other organizations should also be diligent, Ellor said, adding that clergy are considered mandatory reporters in many states. “No one group of caring persons can solve this problem alone; it takes a community of caring lay and professional leaders to even try to start to make a difference,” Ellor said. Elder abuse – intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individual – comes in many forms: * neglect or isolation * physical abuse, sexual abuse * exploitation or financial abuse * emotional and psychological abuse * verbal abuse and threats “If signs are noticeable, the next steps will depend on the type of abuse. In most cases, counseling support is critical, but often the need for medical help or legal help is also very important,” Ellor said. Read the linked article to learn more. ... Dr. Ellor works with older adults around issues of mental and spiritual health. He has served on the executive committee of the Midwestern Geriatric Education Center and provided education, counseling and planning for individuals and groups who work with seniors. His research includes work in entrostomal therapy, hunger, the church as service provider, spiritual assessment and intervention techniques with cognitively impaired older adults. Source:

ChristianaCare Forms Joint Venture For Cardiovascular Ambulatory Surgery Center

ChristianaCare, Cardiovascular Physicians of Delaware and its partner organization, US Health Partners, have formed a joint venture to establish a new cardiovascular ambulatory surgery center in Newark. This new facility will be launched through the ChristianaCare Atlas ASC partnership. This is a pivotal moment showcasing the power of a local health system, strength of a national ASC management company, and expert community-based physicians working together to deliver a lower cost, easy-to-access model of care to our community. “The ChristianaCare Cardiovascular Surgery Center at Newark represents a deep partnership between ChristianaCare and community cardiovascular experts who are truly committed to caring for this region,” said Kert F. Anzilotti, M.D., MBA, chief physician executive and president of The Medical Group at ChristianaCare. “By working side by side with trusted community physicians, we are aligning expertise and decision making to strengthen heart care across the region and ensure it continues to evolve with the needs of the people we serve.” “By expanding access to outpatient heart care, we can reduce wait times, improve the patient experience and lower the overall cost of care—while using our hospital resources more wisely and preserving capacity for patients who need complex or urgent cardiac services,” Anzilotti added. “With over 30 years of providing cardiac care to Delaware residents, we are proud to collaborate on this center,” said Brian Sarter, M.D., president of Cardiovascular Physicians of Delaware. For patients, this is about getting the right care, in the right place, at the right time. Patients will receive specialized heart care in a focused setting designed for same day procedures, with a smoother experience, faster recovery and seamless coordination with hospital care if it’s ever needed.” “This joint venture brings together ChristianaCare and Cardiovascular Physicians of Delaware’s strong clinical leadership and a proven outpatient care model,” said Aaron Snyder, M.D., chief executive officer of US Health Partners. “Our aim is to build and run a center that is efficient, reliable and patient-focused from day one, so physicians can focus on care and patients can count on a high-quality same-day experience close to home.” Reducing the Cost of Heart Care Ambulatory surgery centers lower the cost of heart care by safely moving appropriate procedures out of the hospital and into a more efficient outpatient setting. Most patients return home the same day, while hospitals preserve capacity for complex and urgent cases. As reported in Ambulatory Surgery Center News, outpatient procedures performed in ambulatory surgery centers cost 30 to 40 percent less than the same care delivered in hospitals, improving access and efficiency as demand for heart care continues to grow. The move also frees up limited hospital resources to better care for people with more complex or urgent cardiovascular needs. Meeting a Growing Need for Heart Care Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in Delaware, and demand for cardiovascular care is rising. According to the Delaware Population Consortium, the number of New Castle County residents age 65 and older is projected to increase by 23 percent by 2035, increasing pressure on cardiovascular services. Forecasts show outpatient heart and vascular procedures could reach nearly 10,800 annually for New Castle County residents by 2029 and more than 24,000 across the broader region, according to health care analytics firm Sg2. At the same time, hospital operating room capacity remains limited. Cardiovascular Physicians of Delaware’s many decades of experience in Newark and across the state positioned the group as a natural fit for the collaboration. Focused on Same Day Cardiovascular Care Expected to open in late 2027, the nearly 9,000 square foot center will be located on the second floor of the HealthCare Center at Christiana, across from Christiana Hospital. The center will focus exclusively on outpatient heart and vascular procedures. Services will include diagnostic heart catheterizations, coronary and peripheral vascular interventions, ablation procedures, pacemaker/ implantable defibrillator implantations and other minimally invasive cardiovascular procedures. Hospital based cardiac care will continue to be available for patients who need inpatient treatment, emergency care or more complex services. Other Details The project will cost an estimated $9.3 million and is expected to create 14 full time jobs across clinical, administrative, leadership and support roles. The facility represents an additional investment beyond ChristianaCare’s previously announced $865 million commitment to Delaware, reinforcing the organization’s focus on expanding services and improving health outcomes statewide. Key features of the surgery center include two new cardiac catheterization/ electrophysiology labs, dedicated pre operative and post anesthesia care space and on site sterile processing and administrative areas. Atlas Healthcare Partners will manage and operate the center, while Cardiovascular Physicians of Delaware will provide clinical oversight and perform outpatient surgical cases. ChristianaCare and Atlas Healthcare Partners formed the joint venture in 2024 to build an ambulatory surgery center network across the Mid-Atlantic region.