Book clubs are always interesting. If you have the time, you should join on. The books are often stimulating. The conversation is always energizing. Besides, it is not a bad idea to be up on the most current reads available.
That is one of the reasons I just finished reading, “The Best Care Anywhere” by Phillip Longman. Our book club will discuss this interesting evaluation of the nation’s healthcare in light of the Veteran’s Administration healthcare system.
Having worked at the Richard L. Roudebush hospital for the past three years, I can honestly say that his observations are accurate and insightful. Longman draws examples from other hospital successes and failures to enlighten the reader to the strengths that VA medicine offers.
My biggest concern is that most of the author’s opinion related to improving healthcare centers around electronic medical records. While it is a over-simplification to say so, it appears that Longman’s solution to most of the country’s medical dilemma is to put everyone into the VistA medical records system. It is a good system but I’m not sure it will solve the medical care problem of our country.
Best Care is a good book that offers a lot to think about. If nothing else, it does shine a bright re-assuring light on the VA Healthcare system.
