Breaking down barriers: How interpreters can enhance patient care
Sharing medical concerns with clinicians can be hard for anyone — a challenge that’s amplified in patients when English isn’t their first language. The results are troubling: One recent study by Boston Children’s pediatric hospitalist and researcher Alisa Khan, MD, MPH, found that patients and families who have limited English proficiency are three to five ... Read More
Undescended testicles: Why prompt referral is key
An estimated 3 percent of boys have undescended testicles at birth, making it a common problem encountered by pediatricians and urologists alike. Also known as cryptorchidism, an undescended testicle is one that hasn’t moved into its proper position in the scrotum before birth. Typically, only one testicle is affected, but in some cases, both may ... Read More
Shining a light on the SPF gap: Why sun protection is so important for children of color
With summer just around the corner, it’s important to understand the risks that come along with those long, hot days in the sun. It’s also important to recognize some pretty dangerous misconceptions about sun protection — namely that Black children and other children of color don’t need to worry about skin protection and skin cancers. ... Read More
Preventing another infant formula crisis: What needs to happen now
The current national shortage of commercial infant formula might seem like it came out of nowhere, but today’s scarcity is an exacerbation of a longer-standing problem. Triggered by supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation worsened recently. This February, a major manufacturer voluntarily recalled and then ceased production of its powder formula, ... Read More
Seeds of hope for Annie: one family’s story of epilepsy care
Ten-year-old Annie Dinan experienced her first noticeable seizure just before her fourth birthday while riding in the car with her family. “I had never seen a seizure in my entire life,” her mom, Lindsay, says of witnessing Annie lose then quickly regain consciousness. “But somehow, I knew exactly what it was.” Refusing to settle Following ... Read More
Nurses Week 2022: Leading the way in advancing nursing documentation
Boston Children’s Hospital nurses are dedicated to providing high-quality care to patients and families, which is best accomplished through maximizing time with patients for assessment and direct care. However, studies have shown that the long documentation process in an electronic health record (EHR) too often detracts from direct patient care and is a common barrier ... Read More