Rhabdomyolysis is an acute and potentially fatal syndrome characterized by striated muscle breakdown and subsequent release of muscle cell contents into the systemic circulation. The sudden release of large quantities of potassium, calcium, organic acids, and myoglobin into the bloodstream can cause renal tubal toxicity, cardiac dysrhythmias, and death. Complications can be managed and minimized if predicted and treated early, but patients may not have classic symptoms of rhabdomyolysis and may even be asymptomatic on presentation. This article reviews the pathophysiology, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of acute rhabdomyolysis.
Purpose
This article proposes a new disruptive innovation in healthcare through the development of a physician assistant business model, which can be most readily applied in vulnerable rural health care settings.
Design/methodology/approach
This study reviews the current state of the health care system in terms of physician assistant utilization and primary care shortages in rural communities. The study proposes that the physician assistant-owned and -operated primary care business represents a disruptive innovation, via the application of the five principles of Clayton Christensen’s (1997) thesis on disruptive innovation.
Findings
Considering the current state of the health care industry, the study logically defends the proposed model as a disruptive innovation in that it: focuses on an underserved market, has lower costs, has few competitors, offers high quality and provides a sustainable competitive advantage.
Practical implications
The physician assistant business model is a viable solution for providing primary care for rural communities with educational, financial, transportation and other resource limitations.
Originality/value
This is a unique application of the theory of disruptive innovation, which illustrates how a new business model can solve a chronic shortage in primary care, especially in underserved populations.
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