Tip sheets

Journalists and experts have written about covering health reform and presented discussions on the topic at AHCJ conferences and workshops. This is a collection of the most useful and relevant tips. Click the title of the tip sheet that interests you and you will be asked to login because these are available exclusively to AHCJ members.

 

Artificial intelligence

Cloud computing

Cybersecurity

Data

Electronic medical records

Health information exchange

Telemedicine

Wearables

Artificial intelligence

Ethical questions journalists should consider when reporting on AI in health care

October 2018
The health sector is implementing AI tools to help clinicians make care decisions at a fast pace. What are the ethical implications of these products, and what questions should journalists think about when reporting on AI?

Rebecca Vesely reached out to Danton Char, M.D., assistant professor of anesthesiology, perioperative and pain medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine, to discuss the emerging ethical issues. 

Cloud computing

Covering how health care organizations are using 'cloud computing'

September 2016
In an age when health care organizations are managing massive amounts of (often sensitive) data, cloud computing can help with storage, analytics and security of that data. Cloud computing is the advanced use of information and communications technology to remotely deliver a range of services including programs, storage, processing and tools. 

Rebecca Vesely provides some background on cloud computing in health care, including what it is, how health care organizations use it, security concerns and what questions reporters should ask about how it's being used.

Cybersecurity

Tips on covering health system ransomware attacks

June 2021
Ransomware and other types of digital attacks are becoming increasingly common in the health care world. What better target than an organization that must operate around the clock, handles large amounts of money, and operates a highly complex business full of computers and humans often working under stress and time pressure?

San Diego recently learned just how serious such an attack can get. On May 1, Scripps Health announced that a cyberattack had forced the shutdown of its four major hospitals serving the San Diego region. It quickly became apparent that the malicious software incursion was much broader than it first seemed. Doctors’ offices, outpatient surgery centers, and pretty much every other type of location operated by the $3 billion health care system were affected.

What to know before diving into a health care cybersecurity story

August 2016
Breaking news on cyberattacks at hospitals and health plans is increasingly common. Here are some tips on reporting on health care data security breaches, what questions to ask and helpful resources.

Data

Tips for covering the hidden trade in patient data

February 2017
The big health data bazaar: Author and journalist Adam Tanner has tips for covering the hidden trade in patient data. Tanner has written two books on the subject, finding that the business of patient data is an opaque trade that is hard to unravel.

He says that the big health data bazaar is complicated but fascinating, and one worthy of further reporting as society grapples with the balance between allowing patients to control their own data, and allowing outsiders to study it to advance commerce and science.

This tip sheet provides an overview of what kind of data is out there, how it is used, who the big players are in the business, why we should care and questions that journalists should explore.

Electronic medical records

Preparing for overhaul of the VA's electronic health record system  

April 2017
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will decide this summer if it will replace its “home-grown” electronic health record (EHR) system with a commercial off-the-shelf product, VA Secretary David Shulkin, M.D., announced in March. Estimated costs range between $8 billion and $16 billion.

With the Trump administration promising big changes at the VA in terms of care access, coordination and delivery, reporters should keep in mind the colorful history and uncertain future of the VA's EHR system. Besides military spending and the border wall with Mexico, an EHR replacement is one of the few areas where President Donald J. Trump has proposed increasing spending.

Health care reporter Andis Robeznieks offers background and some tips for what to watch for as this process moves ahead.

Electronic medical records: Promised land or mirage?

October 2011
Electronic medical record systems have been touted for years as the way to fix health care. Proponents say electronic prescribing would warn against dangerous drug interactions and electronic access to patient medical information could reduce unnecessary procedures. States and the federal government, particuarly in the Affordable Care Act, are pursuing plans to link hospitals, doctors and patients electronically, dangling incentives for medical providers. Meanwhile, privacy problems continue to surface with information breaches such as occurred at Stanford Hospital, where data for 20,000 emergency room patients was posted on a commercial Web site, including names and diagnosis codes.

Lee Tien, senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, discussed privacy and security concerns, as well as suggesting some possible story ideas for reporters.

Health information exchange

What you need to know about health information exchange

health information technologyJune 2016
Health information exchange is the action of sharing relevant health information electronically among trusted clinical partners regardless of physical location.

The information sharing can be about a single patient to enhance the care of that patient. Or, the information can be about a group of patients for the purposes of public health tracking and improvement. 

Learn more about the concept, why it's important and get some ideas on how to cover it locally.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine: What reporters need to know

April 2016
Telemedicine is the use of telecommunications for clinical care. The American Telemedicine Association defines it as two-way video, email, smartphones, wireless tools and other forms of telecommunications that provide primary care, specialty care, remote monitoring, consumer and medical information and medical education. 

In writing and reporting on telemedicine, exact definitions matter because patients, organizations and policymakers see it differently. It can be very broad and open-ended or very precise. The explanation of exact uses can be finagled to manipulate payment and legality. 

Wearables

Exploring the exploding world of wearable health technology and devices

The terms “wearables,” “wearable technology“ and “wearable devices“ refer to electronic technologies that are worn on the body or clothing to perform computing tasks. Generally, wearables are able to store and transmit data, and information can be accessed in real-time.

The most commonly used wearables today are fitness trackers worn on the wrist made by FitBit, Jawbone and other competitors. But there are others: smart fabrics, smart backpacks, jewelry, headgear, belts and even diapers are in development. 

Rebecca Vesely, AHCJ's health IT core topic leader, breaks down exactly what they are, their economic impact, consumers' concerns and story ideas for reporters to pursue.