By docadmin
June 23, 2017 6:29 am
Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) can lead to excess length of hospital stay and increased risk of mortality. Ever since they became a reportable Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) outcome measure though, there has been a 46 percent reduction in CLABSIs in hospitals across the country. However, nearly 30,000 CLABSIs still occur in hospitals each year. 1 Peripherally inserted catheters (PIV) can also be a source of bloodstream infections and are starting to receive some notice. Because central line associated bloodstream infections are only currently part of the CMS value based purchasing metrics, the true impact of PIV related bloodstream infections are not known. Most infection prevention programs do not include this type of surveillance. In 2014,...read more
By docadmin
June 17, 2017 2:30 pm
Medical Improv is an emerging field that holds much promise for us in healthcare. There are scores of experiential activities that can be adapted from theater education and improvisational comedy to build emotional intelligence and improve communication, teamwork, and leadership. All of which contribute to a foundation from which we can provide safe, quality, and compassionate care as well as well as sustain long-term and rewarding careers. Almost any Medical Improv activity can help participants develop self-awareness, self-expression, the ability to identify emotional cues in others, while building positive relationships and decreasing stress. All of these will help nurses hold conversations that may be emotionally charged and painful such as those around death and dying. Here are five ways Medical...read more
By docadmin
June 9, 2017 4:57 am
Summary: The Health Care Industry Cybersecurity Task Force’s report contains valuable recommendations to help improve cybersecurity. Health records possess a wealth of critical information, and the ability of healthcare professionals to quickly access them can be vital to ensuring positive patient outcomes. However, these records also contain information that is valuable to cyber criminals. Data gathered by the healthcare industry for the good of their patients also are targeted by nefarious people for fraud, intentional disruption, data ransoming, corporate espionage, and financial crimes. All of these cyber threats are capable of triggering emergencies with the potential to impact patient care and public health as we saw with the recent ransomware incident that struck hospitals, clinics, and other systems across the...read more
By docadmin
May 29, 2017 6:58 pm
By docadmin
May 25, 2017 2:09 am
Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare introduced the P903 Full Electric Expandable Width Low Height Long-Term Care (LTC) Bed to its premium line of beds and bedding products today. Equipped with a wide selection of features and capable of supporting up to 600 lbs., this bed can ultimately help to reduce resident falls and staff injuries. The integrated width expansion option allows the caregiver to adjust the bed from 36″ to 42″ in a matter of seconds to accommodate residents of all shapes and sizes, and the integrated length expansion easily accommodates taller residents by expanding the length from 80″ to 88″. The P903 also features a dual-pedal floor lock braking system, under-mount LED lighting, handheld pendant control, synchronized hi/lo motors, adjustable wall...read more
By docadmin
May 19, 2017 6:09 am
Summary: National Foster Care Month celebrates the families and individuals who work with children in foster care. May is National Foster Care Month, which reminds us of the many children, youth, and families in our communities who lack a safe and stable home. Nearly 428,000 children and youth in the United States reside in foster care and are looking to be reunited with their families, or find another option like kinship care, guardianship or adoption. This year, our theme is “Empowering Caregivers, Strengthening Families.” We’re taking the time to honor the collective efforts of all who assist these young people and their families. Children and youth in foster care often face unique challenges, but the support they receive helps them...read more
By docadmin
May 11, 2017 3:01 pm
Summary: The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition encourages all Americans to #MoveInMay. Each year, the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition encourages all Americans to #MoveInMay. Why? Because it’s National Physical Fitness and Sports Month and what better time to focus on being active and becoming a healthier you! What’s your favorite activity or sport? Mine is racquetball. Old school, right? Well it’s a fun and exciting way to be active. I started at age 6, and I plan to play until I’m at least 86. Is there an activity you’d like to try or gym shoes you’d like to dust off? Go for it and share your move with us on Twitter @FitnessGov using #MoveInMay! Remember,...read more
By docadmin
May 4, 2017 4:02 am
I will never forget her confusion, the sudden decline in being able to care for herself or function. Overnight, she became debilitated and aged. That “she” was my paternal grandmother, a woman who took on a bear by staring it down, ready to fire her gun if it moved. The bear knew she wasn’t kidding. When I rushed her to the hospital, I was shocked to learn that she had a severe electrolyte imbalance caused by three different doctors prescribing diuretics and blood pressure medications. None had checked to see what she was currently taking, none had told her what to stop. That was in 1982. Fast forward to 2016 and a phone call from a dear friend of mine...read more
By docadmin
April 28, 2017 4:14 am
So, what’s the deal with diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs)? They sound so technical, but getting one can be as simple as wearing loose socks that caused your shoe to rub in just the wrong spot, or forgetting to put lotion on your heels and they begin to crack. We’ve all experienced these discomforts before, but for those with diabetes, there could be severe consequences associated with these minor nicks and blisters. DFUs are among the most common reasons diabetic patients in long-term care are hospitalized. In fact, around 25% of patients with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime. These are scary numbers to the 11.2 million Americans over the age of 65 live with diabetes each year....read more
By docadmin
April 20, 2017 3:15 am
As the population in the United States ages, incontinence is an issue that is, or soon will be, impacting virtually every American household. The National Association for Continence says more than 25 million adults suffer from some form of incontinence and more than half of all homebound and nursing home residents suffer from incontinence. These figures are driving the incontinence and ostomy care market that a new report shows is worth $11.5 billion.1 Incontinence can be daunting, confusing, troublesome and embarrassing for those experiencing it. A recent study found the symptoms in middle-aged women impact their exercise routines, often times cutting out the physical activity. What I hear is patients don’t know there are options, but there’s a bigger issue...read more