Comments: Compensation for Victims of Uninsured Motorist Accidents

Uninsured motorist insurance permits innocent policyholders indemnification from their own companies when their automobile is struck by a negligent uninsured driver. Unfortunately, many consumers are unaware of the importance of carrying adequate amounts of coverage. All too often, consumers are caught with a minimum of coverage that indemnifies them for only a fraction of the cost of their injuries. In this article the author examines the law surrounding uninsured motorist insurance and suggests ways for states and insurance companies to help assure more complete compensation to these innocent victims

Comments: Compensation for Victims of Uninsured Motorist Accidents

Uninsured motorist insurance permits innocent policyholders indemnification from their own companies when their automobile is struck by a negligent uninsured driver. Unfortunately, many consumers are unaware of the importance of carrying adequate amounts of coverage. All too often, consumers are caught with a minimum of coverage that indemnifies them for only a fraction of the cost of their injuries. In this article the author examines the law surrounding uninsured motorist insurance and suggests ways for states and insurance companies to help assure more complete compensation to these innocent victims

Self-Assessment of Nursing Informatics Competencies for Doctor of Nursing Practice Students

This study examined the informatics competencies of doctor of nursing practice (DNP) students and whether these competencies differed between DNP students in the post-baccalaureate (BS) and post-master\u27s (MS) tracks. Self-reported informatics competencies were collected from 132 DNP students (68 post-BS and 64 post-MS students) in their first year in the program (2007 to 2010). Students were assessed in 18 areas of 3 competency categories: computer skills, informatics knowledge, and informatics skills. Post-BS students were competent in 4 areas (computer skills in communication, systems, documentation, and informatics knowledge about impact of information management), whereas post-MS students were competent in only 1 area (computer skills in communication). Students in both tracks reported computer skills in decision support as their least competent area. Overall, post-BS students reported slightly higher than or similar competency scores as post-MS students, but scores were statistically significant in only 3 of 18 areas. The assessment indicated that knowledge and skills on informatics competencies need to be improved, especially in computer skills for data access and use of decision support systems. Strategies are suggested to integrate competencies into existing informatics course and DNP curricula. Further studies are recommended using an objective measure of informatics competencies

Genetic testing in ambulatory cardiology clinics reveals high rate of findings with clinical management implications

Purpose Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in adults in the United States, yet the benefits of genetic testing are not universally accepted. Methods We developed the "HeartCare" panel of genes associated with CVD, evaluating high-penetrance Mendelian conditions, coronary artery disease (CAD) polygenic risk, LPA gene polymorphisms, and specific pharmacogenetic (PGx) variants. We enrolled 709 individuals from cardiology clinics at Baylor College of Medicine, and samples were analyzed in a CAP/CLIA-certified laboratory. Results were returned to the ordering physician and uploaded to the electronic medical record. Results Notably, 32% of patients had a genetic finding with clinical management implications, even after excluding PGx results, including 9% who were molecularly diagnosed with a Mendelian condition. Among surveyed physicians, 84% reported medical management changes based on these results, including specialist referrals, cardiac tests, and medication changes. LPA polymorphisms and high polygenic risk of CAD were found in 20% and 9% of patients, respectively, leading to diet, lifestyle, and other changes. Warfarin and simvastatin pharmacogenetic variants were present in roughly half of the cohort. Conclusion Our results support the use of genetic information in routine cardiovascular health management and provide a roadmap for accompanying research