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QIO HHQI Weekly Update :: October 8, 2007   

TIP OF THE WEEK

Best Practice Intervention Package: Physician Relationships

Welcome to the eighth Best Practice Intervention Package (BPIP). This month's topic is Physician Relationships:

Due to the BPIP's file size, you may want to right-click on the link and select "Save Target As..." to save a copy of the file to your hard drive.

ASSOCIATED RESOURCES

VIDEO: HPNA PHYSICIAN COMMUNICATION NEW!

A 25-minute video featuring two scenarios involving a nurse and a physician. There is also section that features tips on how to communicate better with physicians.

Physician Communication Video (WMV)

PODCASTS/AUDIO RECORDINGS

Right-click on the audio file link below to select "Save Target As..." This will allow you to save the audio recording to your hard drive. You may then listen to the podcast from your computer or burn it to a CD.

EDUCATIONAL WEBEXES

Please read the instructions for downloading the WebEx software. Even if you have previously installed WebEx, you will need to download the software. Once you have installed the software, right-click on the WebEx file link below to select "Save Target As..." This will allow you to save the WebEx recording to your hard drive. You may then view the WebEx.

INTRODUCTION TO THE BEST PRACTICE INTERVENTION PACKAGE -- PHYSICIAN RELATIONSHIPS

The Physician Relationships WebEx provides a quick overview of this Best Practice Intervention Package. The presentation introduces clinician education resources and many national key tools are highlighted. The WebEx purpose is to provide a general overview for leadership of the package and/or for clinicians to learn more about the Best Practice Intervention Packages, specifically Physician Relationships.

SBAR MADE EASY WEBEX

SBAR Made Easy is an interactive WebEx that introduces the clinician to the SBAR technique for communication between disciplines and with physicians. Time is provided to review the SBAR tool and communication examples. Discipline specific scenario exercises are also included. Allow about 60 minutes to complete.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Free 1.6 CNE contact hours available for Registered Nurses and a Certificate of Participation for LPNs/LVNs (NEW) for completing the Nursing Track for the Best Practice Intervention Package: Physician Relationships. An online evaluation/post-test is required after completing the Nursing Track. Registered Nurses and LPNs/LVNs click here.

Therapists (PT, OT, ST, PTA & COTA may apply for a certificate of participation – 1.6 continuing education hours. An online evaluation/post-test is required after completing the Therapy Track. PTs, OTs, STs, PTAs & COTAs follow this link.

VOLUNTARY SURVEY

 

 

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Join the Home Health Quality Improvement National Campaign
If you haven’t taken advantage of all the national campaign has to offer – like monthly reports and intervention package previews – register online today.

 

IN THE NEWS

CONGRESS POSTPONES TAMPER-RESISTANT PRESCRIPTION PAD LAW

October 10, 2007 -- AAFP -- Congress has moved quickly to delay implementation of a recently passed law requiring physicians and pharmacists to start using either electronic prescriptions or tamper-resistant prescription pads for their Medicaid patients.

Congressional members approved a measure on Sept. 27 that delays implementation of the tamper-resistant prescription pad law by six months, which means physicians and pharmacists have until April 1 to comply with the law passed in late July as part of the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007.
Read more >>

FEWER SENIORS LIVE IN NURSING HOMES

September 27, 2007 -- USA Today -- Despite the graying of the nation, the percentage of elderly living in nursing homes has declined, according to Census data released today. The downturn reflects the improved health of seniors and more choices of care for the elderly.

About 7.4 percent of Americans aged 75 and older lived in nursing homes in 2006, compared with 8.1 percent in 2000 and 10.2 percent in 1990. Read more >>

HEALTH CARE QUALITY INCREASES — BUT SO DOES COST

September 25, 2007 -- MSNBC -- The quality of healthcare in the United States is steadily improving, with more patients getting recommended treatments, but there are a few notable gaps — and costs are skyrocketing, according to a report released on Tuesday. Read more >>

FLU-SHOT SUPPLY TO HIT RECORD

September 25, 2007 -- The Wall Street Journal -- Health officials, anticipating a record vaccine supply for this year's flu season, are trying hard to make up for past missteps and boost low immunization rates by urging people to get flu shots -- even if they wait until after the holidays.
Read more >>

 

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Preventing Adverse Drug Events (Medication Reconciliation)
IHI Teleconference -- October 9, 2007, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Dial: 1-800-860-2442. No PIN code is required. Ask the operator to connect you to the Campaign Office.

CMS Home Health, Hospice & DME Open Door Forum
October 10, 2007, 2:00 p.m.
Dial: 1-800-837-1935, ID #: 17456028

Improving AMI Care
IHI Teleconference -- October 18, 2007, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Dial: 800-860-2442. No PIN code is required. Ask the operator to connect you to the Campaign Office.

OCHC Home Health Reform PPS Workshop
A full day in-depth program is scheduled for October 24, 2007 to provide detailed instruction on how to implement the changes at your agency. Download flyer >>

OHCO: Connecting OASIS and Clinical Decisions in the post-PPS Reform Environment

October 30, 2007
Contact Karen Lowe at (614)763-0036, Ext. 206 for more information.

The Many Facets of Pain Management: An Integrated Approach

November 7, 2007, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland.
Call (216) 778-7707 for more information.

 

The Tip of the Week Archive is available on the Ohio KePRO Web Site.