TIP OF THE WEEK
Heart Failure and Acute Care Hospitalizations
There are currently five million cases of heart failure in the United States with an additional 500,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Heart failure is the number one primary/secondary diagnosis for people over the age of 65 who are hospitalized.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS REFRESHER COURSE
- Shortness of breath
- Decreased urination
- Edema of the feet, ankles, hands, abdomen, sacrum or generalized (anasarca)
- Increase in weight of 2 –3 lbs. in 24 hrs or 3 lbs in one week
- Dry hacking cough or cough producing a white, foamy sputum
- Orthopnea
- Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
- Increase weakness or fatigue
- Confusion, agitation or restlessness
PATIENT SELF-MANAGEMENT
- Obtain daily weights at approximately the same time each day
- Adhere to physician prescribed sodium restriction
- Take all medications as prescribed by the doctor
- Identify changes in condition early and report them to the nurse or physician
- Obtain abdominal girth daily
PATIENT AND CAREGIVERS EDUCATION
- Instruct patients and caregivers to limit sodium intake and adhere to any physician’s prescribed fluid restriction
- Instruct patients and caregivers to adhere to prescribed medication regimen
- Encourage patients and caregivers to notify the Home Health Agency with any changes in medical status
Report changes in symptoms at once to prompt early intervention and decrease the likelihood for hospitalization.
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT
Free CEs Expire February 29, 2008
The HHQI National Campaign will end on February 1, 2008. What will happen to the HHQI resources? The HHQI Web site, www.homehealthquality.org, will remain up until July 31, 2008. Most HHQI resources are being transferred to www.medqic.org so they will remain accessible to QIOs and providers. Please Note: Continuing education will ONLY be available for Transitional Care Coordination and all previous BPIPs until February 29, 2008! To view a table with available continuing education and links to the appropriate BPIPs and continuing education evaluations/post-tests go to: www.homehealthquality.org/hh/hha/contacthours/cne.aspx.
Home Health Prospective Payment System Fact Sheet is Now Available (PDF)
Medicare Learning Network - - The Home Health Prospective Payment System Fact Sheet, which provides information about coverage of home health services and elements of the Home Health Prospective Payment System, is now available.
IN THE NEWS
LIKE THE FOOD GUIDE, RATINGS FOR DOCTORS
January 9, 2008 -- NY Daily News -- An insurance provider, WellPoint, says it will launch doctor ratings in Connecticut, Los Angeles, and Ohio. The insurer will team with Zagat Survey on a program that will allow patients to rate doctors on trust, ability to communicate, availability, and office environment. Read more >>
FINDING DAY CARE -- FOR YOUR PARENTS
January 10, 2008 -- Wall Street Journal -- The Wall Street Journal examines how adult day care is becoming an increasingly important player in the business of elder care. Demand for adult day care is growing between an estimated five percent and 15 percent annually, depending on location. Adult day care facilities serve about 400,000 elderly U.S. residents nationwide. Read more >>
HEALTH LITERACY PRACTICES IN PRIMARY CARE SETTINGS: EXAMPLES FROM THE FIELD
January 11, 2008 -- Commonwealth Fund -- According to a study released by The Commonwealth Fund, low health literacy is a growing concern in the United States, particularly among older adults and people with limited education or English proficiency. Patients with low health literacy are at greater risk of misunderstanding treatment recommendations, taking prescription medications improperly, and experiencing lower health status and poorer health outcomes. Read more >>
INDUSTRY EVENTS
Quality Basics for Providers
A national teleconference sponsored by the Process Improvement QIO Support Center.
Tuesday February 12, 2008, 12:00 to 1:30 PM
E-mail piqiosc@waqio.sdps.org for more information.
Space is limited. Register now >>
Upcoming Education from the Ohio Council for Home Care:
- February 13, 2008: Dancing with Your Data in 2008: The New Paradigm
Teleconference - 11:30 am to 1:00 pm EST - February 27, 2008: OASIS Integrity: The Battle for Accuracy and Managing Case Mix Weight
Webinar - 11:30 am to 1:00 pm EST - February 29, 2008: Home Care 101 Workshop. Columbus. Ohio
The Tip of the Week Archive is available on the Ohio KePRO Web Site.
Clinically driven. Client focused. Value based.