Reading Room - March 2016

This month's reading room selections are about mindfulness and the future of healthcare IT. Two very different topics to choose from. Enjoy.

The Mindful Leader - Ten Principles for Bringing Out the Best in Ourselves and Others (Michael Carroll). Michael Carroll is a Buddhist-trained HR executive with years of experience in the corporate world. I'm not a Buddhist (nor do I play one on TV), but I do find the calm, thoughtful approach to work to be a good reminder. Chapters include Simplicity, Respect, Patience and Awareness, things we can all benefit from.

The Journey Never Ends (David Garets and Claire McCarthy Garets, Editors). This book is not light reading - but it's a must-read for anyone in healthcare IT who wants to understand current issues at a deep level. I was fortunate to speak with David and Claire at the HIMSS16 conference when they were signing their new book. This book gathers the most current thinking from some of the industry's leaders in various subjects. What I like most about the book is that each chapter stands on its own. I can jump right into a topic, such as "Using EMR Data to Improve Clinical Protocols, Outcomes, and Patient Safety" written by Dr. H. Lester Reed, who's illustrious career included achieving HIMSS Analytics Stage 7 and the Davies Award while he was with the MultiCare Health System. This is a must-read book for any healthcare IT leader who really wants to understand the current drivers in the industry.