TIP OF THE WEEK
Emergency Care Planning
Home health agencies depend on patients and their caregivers to assume an active role in their care. One way to meeting the needs of chronically ill older patients is to develop an emergency care plan. If implemented properly, the emergency care plan can help your agency intervene before the patient is rehospitalized. (Coleman, et al., 2006).
The goal is for the patient and their caregivers to be knowledgeable about the signs and symptoms that indicate the patient’s condition is worsening and what are the next steps to take. The home health agency can collaborate with the patient and caregiver(s) to provide a written emergency care plan. This emergency care plan identifies the signs and symptoms that indicate changes in health status and identifies who and when to call regarding these changes in health status. Clinicians should discuss with patients and their caregivers which signs and symptoms indicate a change in health status, whom to call and when, as well as the home health agency’s contact information should they have additional questions. Clinicians should review and update the emergency care plan with patients and their caregivers at every visit.
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT
Emergency Care Planning Best Practice Intervention Package
This is a comprehensive manual for agency leadership and staff to identify and implement emergency care planning for home health patients. Tools, educational resources (including WebEx and audio presentations) and guidelines are provided for easy implementation.
CHF Zones for Management
From the Improving Dyspnea, Tools and Resources package developed by Delmarva, the Congestive Heart Failure Zones for Management can be used during patient visits.
IN THE NEWS
CMS RELEASES REGULATION MODERNIZING DIALYSIS CENTERS
April 3, 2008 -- CMS -- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule that will modernize the Medicare conditions for coverage for the nation’s dialysis centers and promote higher quality of care for patients receiving dialysis. | Final rule (PDF)
INSOMNIA PROLONGS DEPRESSION IN THE ELDERLY
April 4, 2008 -- Sleep -- Study published in the Sleep Journal suggests that insomnia is a perpetuating factor for late-life depression. | Journal Article
OHIO KEPRO EDUCATION
EXPERIENCE WITH TELEHEALTH - TWO AGENCY PERSPECTIVES
June 12, 2008, 3:00 to 4:30
Save the date. More details to come.
COMING ATTRACTIONS
Ohio Council for Home Care – Upcoming Education
- April 15-16 – OASIS Revisited
- May 13-15 – Breaking the Code – Competency in Diagnostic Coding
Ohio Hospice and Palliative Care – Upcoming Education
- May 12 – Palmetto GBA Updates for Hospice and Home Care
- May 13-14 – Home Health Spring Conference
Health Policy Institute of Ohio: Regional Meetings on the Ohio Family Violence Prevention Project
The Tip of the Week Archive is available on the Ohio KePRO Web Site.
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