TIP OF THE WEEK
Is your nursing home a shining star?
The Setting Targets – Achieving Results (STAR) Web site helps nursing homes track quality measure scores, set goals, and celebrate reaching them. This Web site currently includes target-setting tools for high-risk/postacute pressure ulcers, chronic care/post-acute pain, restraints, and depression. Through various calculation methods, you can compare your scores against state and national benchmarks. Or, if you prefer, you can use your own calculation to arrive at an achievable goal for your home.
7 out of 10 nursing homes in Ohio have created a STAR account
Many of these homes diligently check their progress every quarter on www.nhqi-star.org and adjust their targets so that they are aiming for realistic goals. By monitoring your success and sharing it with your staff, you can create a strong and committed team that works together to improve resident care.
STAR targets are intended for internal use for your home to assess your progress in critical areas for quality improvement. Your registration and targets are not shared with any survey agencies or with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). All data taken from the Web site are aggregated and de-identified.
ONE STEP CLOSER TO ADVANCING EXCELLENCE
Setting annual goals on www.nhqi-star.org is one of the organizational goals for the Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes Campaign. If you commit to setting goals on the STAR Web site, consider also going to www.nhqualitycampaign.org and enrolling in the Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes Campaign.
RESOURCES:
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT
CMS Adult Immunization Homepage
This Web page provides information and resources related to the coverage, billing, delivery, and promotion of influenza, pneumococcal, and hepatitis B vaccinations. Bookmark this page!
Preventive Services Educational Products The Medicare Learning Network (MLN) resources listed on this Web page give Medicare fee-for-service health care professionals information on coverage, coding, billing, reimbursement, and claim filing procedures.
IN THE NEWS
QIO PROGRAM IS 'GOOD VALUE FOR HEALTH CARE DOLLARS'
August 2, 2007 -- Newswire -- In a study released earlier this year, researchers found that Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) program efforts in nursing homes were “a very sound investment” for Medicare, costing significantly less than $10,000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). In the U.S., a QALY falling between $50,000 and $100,000 is commonly considered a good value.
Read more >>
TERMINALLY ILL PATIENTS PREFER HOME CARE
August 3, 2007 -- Reuters Health -- In-home care for terminally ill patients can improve patient satisfaction while reducing medical care costs, researchers report in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society. The team says the findings provide "strong evidence for reforming end-of-life care."
GERIATRIC HEALTH CONDITIONS HAVE MAJOR EFFECT ON HALF OF ALL SENIORS
August 7, 2007 -- Newswire -- A broad study of adults ages 65 and older has found that half of them have one or more conditions that can affect their ability to participate in activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing on their own. Read more >>
OPSI HELPS HOSPITALS ‘BAND’ TOGETHER FOR SAFETY
August 9, 2007 -- OHA -- A November 2006 survey of Ohio health care providers found that there are currently 19 different color wristbands with 28 different meanings in use throughout Ohio. Thus, the Ohio Patient Safety Institute (OPSI) has set forth the following standard: white/clear = patient identification; red = allergy; yellow=fall risk; and green=blood product. Read more >>
OHIO KEPRO EVENTS
THE GOOD APPLES: TIPS FOR ATTRACTING AND RETAINING THE RIGHT EMPLOYEES
In this half-day workshop, we will delve into key strategies for improving workforce retention in the nursing home, including:
- The impact of turnover and absenteeism on an organization and what you can do about it.
- Strategies to improve the hiring and orientation process.
- Motivating employees and improving staff satisfaction.
- Setting goals and measure improvement in workforce retention.
Who should attend: Directors of Operations, Directors of Nursing, Nursing Home Administrators, Staff Development, and Human Resources.
8/15 – Columbus
8/21 – Wellston
NURSING HOME QUALITY AFFAIR
Northeast Conference Center, Westerville, Ohio
September 11, 2007 – 9:30 to 3:30
At this meeting, we will spotlight nursing homes that achieved remarkable rates of improvement and overall performance in the areas of pain, pressure ulcers, depression, and/or the use of physical restraints.
This event is an opportunity for your nursing home to renew its quality improvement efforts by learning “what works” and discussing successful strategies at a forum of your peers.
Who should attend: Administrators/CEOs, Directors of Nursing, Direct Care Staff, Social Workers, Activities Professionals.
Download the flyer and register today!
INDUSTRY EVENTS
Ohio Immunization Partners for Healthy Adults Meeting
September 6, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.
LifeCare Alliance, 1699 W. Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43223
Or dial 1.877.339.0018, conf ID: *8625947*
RSVP by calling Liz Simpson at 216.447.9604 by August 31, 2007
Medicare Learning Network:
Learning resources and products for the healthcare professional.
Alzheimer’s Association Training Events
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Courses
Ohio Department of Health, Technical Assistance Program – New Programs
Ohio Health Care Association Events
An archive of The Nursing Home Weekly Update is available on our Web site. Click here >>
