Emotions tend to run high in hospitals, and patients or patients’ loved ones can be rude to medical professionals when they perceive inadequate care.
But berating your child’s doctor could have harmful — even deadly — consequences, according to new research.
The findings by University of Florida management professor Amir Erez and doctoral student Trevor Foulk reinforce their prior research that rudeness has “devastating effects on medical performance,” Erez said.
A Johns Hopkins study estimated that more than 250,000 deaths are attributed to medical errors in the U.S. annually—which would rank as the third-leading cause of death in the U.S., according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Some errors could be explained by a doctor’s poor judgment due to a chronic lack of sleep. Those types of circumstances, according to prior research from Erez and Foulk, account for about 10 to 20 percent of the variance in practitioner performance.
The effects of rudeness, Erez said, account for more than 40 percent.
“[Rudeness] is actually affecting the cognitive system, which directly affects your ability to perform,” Erez said. “That tells us something very interesting. People may think that doctors should just ‘get over’ the insult and continue doing their job. However, the study shows that even if doctors have the best intentions in mind, as they usually do, they cannot get over rudeness because it interferes with their cognitive functioning without an ability to control it.”
In a previous study, Erez and Foulk examined the effects of rudeness from a colleague or authority figure on individual medical professionals. This study analyzed team performance and the effects rudeness has when it comes from a patient’s family member.
In the new study, 39 neonatal intensive care unit teams (two doctors and two nurses) from Israel simulated five scenarios where they treated infant medical mannequins for emergency situations such as severe respiratory distress or hypovolemic shock. An actress playing the baby’s mother scolded certain teams while the control groups experienced no rudeness.
Erez and Foulk found that the teams that experienced rudeness performed poorly compared to the control groups. The teams that encountered rudeness were deficient in all 11 of the study’s measures, including diagnostic accuracy, information sharing, therapy plan, and communication, over the course of all five scenarios showing that the negative effects last the entire day.
To combat the effect of rudeness, the researchers included “interventions” for selected teams. Some teams participated in a pre-test intervention which consisted of a computer game based on a cognitive-behavioral attention modification method intended to raise the threshold of the participants’ sensitivities to anger and aggression. Other teams participated in the post-test intervention, which consisted of team members writing about the day’s experience from the perspective of the baby’s mother.
Erez and Foulk found no difference in the performances of the control groups and the teams that played the computer game. The teams recognized the mother’s rudeness —both midway and after the simulation — but were not affected by it.
“It’s really shocking how well it worked,” Erez said. “They were basically immunized from the effects of rudeness.”
Conversely, the post-test intervention, which research has shown to be extremely successful for victims of trauma, actually had a negative effect on teams.
“What is really concerning is that, at midday, these teams recognized the mother was rude to them,” Erez said. “But at the end of the day, they did not. So not only did it not work, but it caused them to not recognize rudeness later.”
Considering the researchers’ findings and the large number of deaths attributed to medical errors, teaching medical professionals to handle rudeness more effectively should be a priority for the medical community.
“In the medical field, I don’t think they take into account how social interactions affect them,” said Erez, “but it’s something they’re starting to pay attention to. The purpose of this research was to identify what’s going on here. Now that we’ve found serious effects, we need to find more realistic interventions.”
Dr. Arik Riskin, a professor of Neonatology at the Technion, Israel Institute of technology, and Peter Bamberger, a professor of management at Tel Aviv University in Israel, also collaborated on this research. The study, “Rudeness and Medical Team Performance,” appears in the January issue of Pediatrics.
Writer: Milenko Martinovich
Source: Amir Erez, [email protected], 352-273-0339
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Florida A&M University's Statement Regarding SGA's Electoral Commission Decision
The Florida Legislature has provided for university student governments to self-govern, and pursuant to the August 2016 opinion, the First District Court of Appeals upheld this autonomy.
Subsequently, on January 11, 2017, Florida A&M University’s Student Government Association (SGA) – through its Electoral Commission – issued an electoral resolution determining that Justin Bruno and Devin Harrison are the SGA President and Vice President, respectively. The SGA has the authority to self-govern pursuant to Florida Law and the Florida Board of Governors’ regulation.
The University’s administration looks forward to working with SGA’s representatives.
Statement by Senator Galvano Regarding Comprehensive Gaming Legislation Filed Today
Senator Bill Galvano (R-Bradenton) today released the following statement regarding Senate Bill 8, Gaming, which represents an important step in the development of a comprehensive, statewide approach to reforming current gaming laws.
“This legislation in large part builds upon Senate work that has taken place over the last several years. My goal has been to address all aspects of gaming in a comprehensive manner that balances the interests of an industry that has contributed to Florida’s economy for nearly a hundred years, our ongoing revenue-sharing agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and the authority of local voters, while maximizing revenues to the state.
“The modifications within the bill represent a myriad of ideas advocated by various Senators and address industry concerns regarding antiquated and ambiguous provisions of current law. The bill balances the will of the voters who have authorized additional games and locations with a retraction of gaming permits across the state.
“Further negotiations to reach a new agreement with the Seminole Tribe of Florida are necessary. While this legislation represents an important step, there is still a great deal of work to be done. I look forward to discussing the bill further during the upcoming Senate committee meeting and continuing to work with Governor Scott, our colleagues in the Florida House, the Seminole Tribe, industry stakeholders and constituents across the state in the weeks to come.”
Ten Arrested in Mail Theft Scheme
Attorney General Pam Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, the U.S. Postal Inspector Service and the Coral Springs Police Department today announced the arrests of 10 individuals in connection to string of mail thefts from post office boxes of Coral Springs residents.
According to the investigation, the defendants took letters containing checks deposited in the U.S. Mail. After illegally removing the letters from the stream of transit, the defendants allegedly removed all written information from the checks, leaving only the pre-printed information. The defendants then allegedly wrote in their own name and a higher amount and deposited the checks into their bank accounts.
The victims did not know the checks placed in the mail had been redirected, changed to a higher amount and cashed out until they received their bank statements.
Authorities arrested the following Miami-Dade County residents in connection to this case:
· Angel Luis Arcila Berovides, 19;
· Dayan Moreira Clemente, 21;
· Liubert Cordero, 27;
· Mario Jorge Marrero-Corvo, 21;
· Rosalia Llompart Garcia, 21;
· Lorena Gonzalez, 19;
· Geysi Hernandez Mendoza, 37;
· Enlys Cosme Palacios, 22;
· Alexander Reyes, 25; and
· Frank Rojas, 27.
The defendants face charges that include organized scheme to defraud, grand theft and identity theft. If convicted of all counts, the defendants face up to 15 years in prison. Attorney General Bondi’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute this case.
FDLE arrests Port Charlotte man for child pornography
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement today arrested Nicholas Berlen, 25, of 2474 Mockingbird Street, Port Charlotte, Florida on 20 counts of possession of child pornography.
FDLE special agents, with assistance from the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at Berlen’s home on January 12, 2017, and seized several computers. FDLE agents conducted forensic examinations on the computers seized and recovered more than 5,000 images of suspected child pornography, some involving children as young as five years old.
Berlen was booked into the Charlotte County Jail. The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit.
Please visit the Secure Florida website to review tips for keeping your children safe online.
Senators Gainer, Broxson, and Montford File Legislation to Keep BP Oil Funds in Northwest Florida
Senator George Gainer (R-Panama City), Senator Doug Broxson (R-Pensacola), and Senator Bill Montford (D-Tallahassee) today filed Senate Bill 364, The Recovery Fund for the Deepwater Horizon Incident, to ensure funds received in the settlement of the state’s economic damage claims caused by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill remain in Northwest Florida’s eight disproportionately affected counties.
“These funds represent a tremendous opportunity to make long-term investments in Northwest Florida’s economy. By sending settlement funds directly to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., we can ensure they are allocated in a transparent and accountable manner,” said Senator Gainer.
Under current law, the eight disproportionately affected counties are to receive 75 percent of all economic damage settlement funds received by the state. Senate Bill 364 clarifies that funds are to be directly appropriated to Triumph Gulf Coast Inc. no later than 30 days after they are received by the state.
“By clarifying the requirements under current law, this legislation ensures a smooth transfer of funds to Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc., not only for the funds the state recently received, but also for any future settlement payments,” said Senator Broxson.
The eight Florida counties disproportionately affected by the Deepwater Horizon Spill include: Bay County, Escambia County, Franklin County, Gulf County, Okaloosa County, Santa Rosa County, Walton County and Wakulla County.
“Nearly seven years after the spill began, on a daily basis, we are still hearing from constituents whose families and businesses were drastically impacted,” said Senator Montford. “This legislation affirms our longstanding commitment to keep these critical funds in Northwest Florida to provide for the ongoing economic recovery of our region.”
During the 2013 Legislative Session, under the leadership of then-Senate President Don Gaetz (R-Niceville) the Florida Senate developed legislation (Senate Bill 1024) sponsored by current Senate President Joe Negron (R-Stuart), which created Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. to ensure that economic damage settlement funds coming to the state would both benefit the eight disproportionately affected counties and be properly accounted for. Under this legislation, the five-member Triumph Gulf Coast board, chaired by former Florida House Speaker Allen Bense, is responsible for utilizing the settlement proceeds to promote job creation through lasting economic development over a period of thirty years.
Triumph Gulf Coast, Inc. is tasked to work with local governments to make awards to programs and projects that meet the priorities for economic recovery, diversification, and enhancement of the disproportionately affected counties. This includes economic development projects, grants to support programs of excellence that prepare students for future occupations, as well as infrastructure projects.
The corporation is required to abide by the state’s public record laws and public meeting notice requirements. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, the Governor, the Attorney General, and the Chief Financial Officer each appoint one board member. The governing board will be responsible for evaluating the economic benefits provided by each proposed project and will approve or decline funding.
Attorney General Bondi and OFR Reach Multimillion Dollar Settlements with Online Lender
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Office of Financial Regulation Commissioner Drew J. Breakspear today announced coordinated settlements with the operators of an online lending scheme. The operators of the alleged scheme are Western Sky Financial, LLC, CashCall, Inc., WS Funding, LLC, Delbert Services Corporation and John Paul Reddam, who is President, CEO, owner and director of CashCall. Attorney General Bondi and OFR filed a joint action against the lenders in Hillsborough County Circuit Court. OFR also filed a separate administrative case font-family: Arial; font-size: medium;”>.
These settlements, in coordination with a pending Florida class action settlement against CashCall and Reddam filed in the U.S District Court for the Southern District of Florida, resolve allegations that the lender offered, serviced and collected on Western Sky loans to Florida borrowers with illegal interest rates of more than 18 percent. Subject to final court order in the class action, the settlements collectively provide more than $27 million in monetary relief to Floridians.
“Lending schemes harm consumers seeking financial assistance, and with these settlements, Florida borrowers will now be better protected from such business practices,” said Attorney General Bondi. “Thanks to a great partnership with the Office of Financial Regulation, Floridians will receive millions in restitution.”
Commissioner Drew J. Breakspear said, “I applaud the diligent efforts of our agency’s Division of Consumer Finance investigative team and the Florida Attorney General’s Office to protect Floridians from illegal business practices. Ensuring the financial industry is safe for consumers to do business is a top priority.”
Under the settlements, approximately 14,000 borrowers are expected to be eligible for a cash payment from a combined fund of more than $11 million. To be entitled to share in the fund, borrowers must have taken out a loan from these lenders and paid back more than principal plus 18 percent interest. Eligible borrowers will be contacted once payment details become formalized and refunds will vary based on the amount paid.
The settlements collectively include the following:
- The lenders are prohibited from enforcing or collecting an amount of more than $15 million in outstanding loan balances;
- The lenders are banned from future lending in Florida, including collecting, funding, making, offering, selling, servicing, soliciting or transferring any loans;
- CashCall’s lending license is revoked;
- John Paul Reddam is barred for life from obtaining any lending or other license from OFR; and
- The lenders are required to request the credit bureaus to remove any credit reporting entries relating to these loans appearing on borrowers’ credit reports.
The lenders paid $1,250,000 to Florida: a $500,000 civil penalty to Attorney General Bondi’s Office, a $500,000 administrative fine to OFR and $250,000 to Florida for costs.
To view the Attorney General’s Office and OFR’s joint stipulated judgment, click here.
To view a copy of the final order for OFR’s administrative case, click here.
To view the preliminary approval order in the pending class action settlement, click here.
People’s Trust Insurance Offers Tips for Homeowners to Protect Their Homes as Florida Enters Coldest Months
People’s Trust Insurance knows that Florida may not truly experience winter, at least by hearty Midwestern standards, but temperatures do fall in the Sunshine State when the calendar flips over to January. Because Florida homes are better prepared to deal with heat than cold, the Florida home insurance company is offering convenient tips for Florida homeowners to protect their homes as the state deals with its chilliest months.
Florida’s average January temperature is 58 degrees, with average highs in the 70s through much of South and Central Florida. But Miami hit an all-time low of 36 degrees in January 2010, and the thermometer regularly plunges far lower in the northern parts of the state – the capital city once hit -2, and the average January low is just 39 degrees.
“Floridians need to prepare for chilly weather in January and February, because most of our homes simply aren’t prepared for the lowest temperatures we see,” said George Schaeffer, the company’s Chief Executive Officer. “Maybe we don’t need to stock up on rock salt and snow shovels, but there are steps we should all take to make sure our homes make it through winter in good shape.”
People’s Trust Insurance offers the following tips to help plan a winter home maintenance checklist and keep your house secure as temperatures begin to drop, inside and out:
- Inspect and Insulate Doors and Windows – As much as 7 percent to 12 percent of a home’s heating loss occurs around windows and doors. Before winter arrives, inspect your home’s openings to ensure that they are properly sealed, and replace worn weather stripping to prevent warm air from escaping.
- Prepare Pipes for Freezing Weather – Frozen pipes are the second leading cause of home insurance claims in the United States., according to the Insurance Information Institute. If you live in those parts of Florida that experience colder weather, consider insulating exposed pipes to keep them from freezing and bursting. The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)® recommends three steps to prevent frozen pipes. Foam: insulate outdoor pipes that are exposed to cold drafts; Dome: install an insulating dome or cover on outdoor faucets and spigots to help prevent water inside the pipes from freezing or expanding; Drip: on those infrequent cold days, let your faucets drip to reduce the buildup of water pressure inside the pipe.
- Clear Dead Leaves and Brush – Following the recent active storm season, chances are yards and gutters are due for a cleaning. Clear dead leaves or brush that have accumulated around the yard, in gutters, and on the roof.
- Prepare Your Backyard Pool – While Floridians don’t exactly need to “winterize” their backyard pools, there are important steps to take to keep a pool healthy during the offseason. For example, homeowners should vacuum the bottom, empty filters, and remove any surface debris – and also take adequate precautions against algae, which can still bloom during winter months.
- Reverse Ceiling Fans – Homeowners can save up to 15 percent on annual heating costs by reversing ceiling fans to push warm air down during colder months. Setting fans to spin clockwise at a low speed will circulate warm air near the ceiling, reducing the need to use the home’s heating system.
- Replace Air Filters – A dirty HVAC filter can cause a heating and cooling system to run inefficiently and drive up utility expenses. To prevent the buildup of dirt and dust, and to save money, homeowners should inspect air filters once a month and replace them every three months, if not more frequently. Changing HVAC filters will help improve air quality inside the home.
- Inspect the Attic – Attics should be closely inspected for signs of water damage, infestation or insulation problems that could cause serious damage to the home if left unfixed. It’s important to catch any potential issues early to prevent them from becoming a widespread problem.
By following this winter home maintenance checklist, Florida homeowners will be ready for whatever winter throws at the Sunshine State.
About People’s Trust Insurance
Founded in 2008, People’s Trust Insurance has emerged as one of Florida’s top 10 home insurance companies, providing homeowners with affordable Florida homeowner’s insurance rates and benefits not available anywhere else. Honored with the 2013 Enterprise Florida Governor’s Innovators in Business Award, People’s Trust provides a “Better Way” for nearly 150,000 Floridians to insure their homes. With more than 600 employees in its family of companies and an affiliation with Florida’s largest residential insurance restoration general contractor, People’s Trust is Florida’s best-prepared home insurance company and a full partner in policyholders’ recovery after loss.
Workforce Development Open House for I-4 Ultimate Project
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold an open house for the I-4 Ultimate project’s Workforce Development program. The purpose of this open house is to inform the community of the project and the potential job opportunities that are available throughout the project. The open house will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2017 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., with brief presentations at 12:15 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Career Source Center, 609 N. Powers Drive, Orlando, FL 32818. Anyone is encouraged to apply for the opportunity to build a career in the construction industry. Please note: this is an informational open house only. No applications will be taken and no interviews will be conducted.
The I-4 Ultimate project will transform 21 miles of Interstate 4 (I-4), from Kirkman Road to State Road 434 with new express lanes, reconstructed general use lanes, interchanges & bridges, and landscaping throughout the corridor.
Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Jennifer Smith, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator by phone at (386) 943-5367, or via email at [email protected].
Persons with disabilities who require special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or persons who require translation services (free of charge) should contact Katie Widdison, Project Public Involvement Coordinator, by phone 386-212-0449, or by email at [email protected] at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice).
Media questions may be directed to the FDOT public information office: Jessica Ottaviano at 386-943-5473 or via email at [email protected].
Pinellas educator earns prestigious national award
Lukas Hefty surprised with $25,000 for student-focused STEM program
IN PHOTO, L-R: Dr. Jane Foley, Senior Vice President of the Milken Educator Awards; Lukas Hefty; Pinellas County Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Grego; Jamerson Elementary Principal Brandie Williams-Macon; FDOE Deputy Chancellor for Educator Quality Dr. Brian Dassler.
Today, Lukas Hefty, the math and science magnet coordinator at Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Elementary School in Pinellas County, was honored by the Milken Family Foundation during a surprise assembly for his work in developing the school’s nationally recognized STEM curriculum. Hefty joins an elite group of educators as one of only 35 nationwide to receive this year’s award.
“Today, there are more jobs than ever in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and that trend is expected to continue,” said Education Commissioner Pam Stewart. “By engaging students as early as kindergarten in the school’s STEM activities and inviting families to join in the fun, Mr. Hefty is helping young learners establish a solid foundation that will benefit them as they continue their education and eventually enter the workforce. I am pleased to recognize him for his dedication to education, and I look forward to learning about the great things his students are bound to accomplish as a result of his efforts.”
The Milken Family Foundation is celebrating 30 years of surprising teachers. Dr. Jane Foley, Senior Vice President of the Milken Educator Awards and a 1994 Indiana Milken Educator, made today’s announcement at Douglas L. Jamerson, Jr. Elementary School.
“Having talented, passionate educators in science, technology, engineering and mathematics is paramount to preparing students for the challenges of a fast-paced global economy,” said Dr. Foley. “Lukas Hefty draws students into the excitement of these fields and carefully guides them to reach their maximum potential. He is also a valued resource to colleagues by synthesizing complex material, sharing best practices and modeling techniques. Lukas truly personifies the Milken Educator Awards motto, ‘The future belongs to the educated.’”
Hefty has been an educator for 11 years and was instrumental in writing and developing a unique integrated math and engineering curriculum, which led to the school becoming the 2015 Top Elementary STEM School in the Nation. He regularly facilitates lesson study opportunities and models best practices for instructional improvements for grade level teachers as well as provides training in mathematics and science to help parents gain a better understanding of the curriculum in which their children are engaged. Hefty is National Board Certified and holds a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Mathematics and Science.
“Jamerson Elementary School’s success is built on the dedication of its educators, and Mr. Lukas Hefty exemplifies this commitment through his leadership, creativity and insatiable passion for teaching,” said Pinellas Superintendent Dr. Michael Grego. “The engineering and mathematics program has become a nationally recognized model, and Mr. Hefty’s keen vision for what excellence should look like has helped shape the program’s growing success. Our students are fortunate to have him in Pinellas County.”
Described as the “Oscars of Teaching,” the Milken Educator Awards provide recognition and unrestricted financial awards of $25,000 to exceptional elementary and secondary school teachers, principals, and specialists who are furthering education excellence.
New recipients are invited to join the Milken Educator Network, a nationwide group of distinguished educators whose expertise serves as a valuable resource to fellow educators, legislators, school boards and others shaping the future of education. Florida has had 41 educators recognized with the Milken Award since 1998.
In addition to participation in the Milken Educator Network, 2016-17 recipients will attend a Milken Educator Forum, March 23-25, in New Orleans. Educators will have the opportunity to network with their new colleagues and hear from state and federal officials about the importance of maximizing their leadership roles to advance educator effectiveness.
For more information about the Milken Educator Awards, visit Milken.
For more information about the Florida Department of Education, visit www.fldoe.org.
