Volume 4, Issue 45 - December 12, 2011

Top Story

SafetyFirst: 5Ps for Patient Handoffs

Did you know that patient handoffs are one of the most high-risk situations in health care? Whether it’s transferring patient care from one shift to another or handing off a patient from one area to another, research from Saint Joseph Health System and across CHI indicates this is an area of concern.

Making patient handoffs safe and seamless is easier when we learn and adopt the 5Ps for patient handoffs: Patient or project, Plan, Purpose, Problems and Precautions.

Here’s how it works:

1. Patient or project. What will you be handing off? Mr. Campbell, who just had knee replacement surgery, is being moved from surgery to the medical-surgical floor.
2. Plan. What needs to happen next?
3. Purpose of the plan. What is the desired end state? How will you help make sure that the patient handoff is complete and critical information about the patient communicated?
4. Problems. What do you know about the patient that is different, unusual or complicated about this patient? For example: Mr. Campbell is a diabetic and has been struggling lately to keep his blood sugar levels under control.
5. Precautions. What could be expected to be different, unusual or complicated about this patient?

Safe patient handoffs use direct communication between current and future care providers and occur as close as possible — timely — to the transfer of care. Minimizing outside interruptions and using other safety behaviors such as repeat-backs and read-backs and asking clarifying questions also lead to safer patient handoffs.

Saint Joseph Health System reminds you to put SafetyFirst! And, ask yourself and your team, how can the 5Ps improve patient handoffs?

Watch for more information about safety and error prevention techniques to put into practice as part of the SafetyFirst initiative!

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News

Kentucky Newco — Frequently Asked Questions

Three organizations in Kentucky have agreed to merge into a unified health care network. These prospective partners include:

• Jewish Hospital & St. Mary’s HealthCare including Jewish Hospital, Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital, Our Lady of Peace, Frazier Rehab Institute and Jewish Physicians Group
• University of Louisville Hospital and the James Graham Brown
Cancer Center
• Saint Joseph Health System including its eight regional facilities and the SJHS Physician Enterprise.

For now, the new organization is referred to as “Kentucky Newco.” The official closing of the merger is pending state and Church approvals.
Visit PartnershipProgress.org for details.

Click here for Employee Questions & Answers about the merger.

OneCare Program to Develop Electronic Health Record for KY Newco

A key component in planning for Kentucky Newco is the development of an electronic health record. For Kentucky Newco, this electronic health record would be created through a program known as OneCare. OneCare is the way Kentucky Newco will transform health care and advance patient care by creating a universal, shared, electronic health record for each patient.

OneCare will:

• Improve patient safety and clinical outcomes
• Enhance the patient experience
• Provide clinicians and staff with necessary
   tools and information
• Eliminate duplication and waste
• Better position us for the future

OneCare will change the way in which care is provided at our organizations. It is important that everyone become familiar with it. Your manager has been provided with materials to help you understand the project better. Additional information and routine updates will be provided throughout the project.

Click here to read an overview about the project or watch the video.
You can also visit chionecare.net.

Disposition of Former London Facility

Over the past year and a half, Saint Joseph - London has actively searched for a buyer to purchase its former facility. Some stepped forward with an interest but all have decided not to pursue the project. Most cited interest in the land but not the building. Maintaining the building is cost prohibitive. For these reasons, Saint Joseph - London has reluctantly decided it will be necessary to demolish the building.

An environmental site assessment was completed to determine any need for special handling of materials. Adams Management will oversee the project and bids from demolition companies have been received. Demolition is expected to begin later this month.

Useable equipment was donated to other health care facilities, other system hospitals and Supplies Over Seas, a non-profit organization that cleans, refurbishes and distributes health care equipment to approximately 90 countries worldwide. These efforts are not only humanitarian but keep literally tons of waste from going to landfills.

Initial demolition work will take place inside the building as salvageable materials are removed. The rest of the building is expected to be removed by late spring 2012. The site will be returned to an open field configuration and offered for sale to interested parties.

Physician Enterprise Update

In spring 2010, Saint Joseph Health System (SJHS) partnered with our physicians to create the Physician Enterprise to improve our ability to care for patients across central and eastern Kentucky and make that care more affordable. Today the SJHS Physician Enterprise includes more than 100 physicians, practicing in SJHS clinics and hospitals. Watch for regular Physician Enterprise spotlights in inCommon.

Spotlight On: Alberto Castellanos, MD | James Pezzi, MD | Amy Tiu, MD
Gastroenterology Specialists of Lexington has joined Saint Joseph Gastroenterology Associates. Board-certified gastroenterologists Alberto Castellanos, MD, James Pezzi, MD, and Amy Tiu, MD, pictured left to right, offer a wide variety of digestive care for disorders of the intestinal tract, liver and pancreas, including: GERD (heartburn), ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, colon polyps, hepatitis and pancreatitis. Also, they are experts in endoscopic procedures, such as upper endoscopies and colonoscopies. To schedule an appointment, call 859.278.8400. Location: Saint Joseph Office Park, 1401 Harrodsburg Rd.,
C-305, Lexington.

Spotlight On: Donald E. Goodin, MD
Donald E. Goodin, MD, has joined the Saint Joseph Cancer Center team and is available to see new patients at 3470 Blazer Parkway, Suite 150. Dr. Goodin is board-certified in internal medicine, hematology and medial oncology. He has special interests in the treatment of breast and lung cancers. To schedule an appointment, call 859.629.7110.

Work Commitment for Tuition Reimbursement
and Relocation Benefits

Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, Saint Joseph Health System will require a work commitment if an employee receives tuition reimbursement or relocation benefits. If you receive tuition reimbursement or relocation benefits after Jan. 1, 2012, you must maintain your employment with our organization for 12 months following the date that the benefit is paid to you. If you voluntarily terminate your employment prior to completing your 12-month work commitment, you will be required to repay the full amount of the benefit.

A work commitment requirement ensures that Saint Joseph Health System retains at least a portion of the significant investment being made on behalf of employees who take advantage of the benefit. Any tuition reimbursement course that is pre-approved after Jan. 1, 2012, will require a 12-month work commitment. The on-line pre-approval form is being updated to include details about the 12-month work commitment.

If you voluntarily terminate employment without completing the work commitment, the repayment amount is deducted from your final paycheck. If the repayment amount exceeds legal limits of your final pay, your manager or Human Resources leader will meet with you to establish a payment plan prior to your last work day.

You can find more information about these benefits if you go to HR/Payroll Connection and click on My Handbook or by calling the HR/Payroll Support Center (888.450.9450) or check with your Human Resource office for additional details about these benefits.

Deadline Extended for Flu Immunizations & iPad Drawings

The deadline has been extended to Friday, Dec. 16 to become eligible for the iPad drawings! To be entered into the drawings you must receive your free flu vaccine before this date. Contact your local employee health office NOW to schedule your vaccine if you are not immunized. Our goal continues to be 90% flu immunization for all health care providers. Thank you for helping to protect our patients against influenza.

Remember … every employee throughout the system who receives their flu vaccination will be entered into a drawing Dec. 16 for one of six iPads (one per 1,000 employees) and over $500 worth of gift cards!

Reader Reward Offers iPad 2

Make sure to take the “Reader Reward” challenge in the fall issue of Common Thread for a chance to win an iPad 2! The drawing will be Monday, Dec. 12. Enter before 9 p.m.

Do you know of an employee who should be highlighted in our magazine? You can share your story ideas and read past issues at CommOnline – Saint Joseph Health System’s news site at news.sjhlex.org.

Thanks for Making ‘The Perfect Gift’

“The Perfect Gift” Employee Giving Campaign, of Saint Joseph Hospital, Saint Joseph East and Saint Joseph - Jessamine, has wrapped up another successful campaign just in time for Christmas. SJH/SJE/SJJ President Ken Haynes said, “I am so proud and thankful to our employees for living the Saint Joseph mission and making generous monetary gifts and donating PTO to support programs and services that provide support to our patients, their families and our employees. This staff is incredible and I personally thank each person who supported our Foundation. We surpassed last year’s numbers and this truly demonstrates the care and compassion the Saint Joseph Family has for this ministry.”

Foundation President/CEO Barry Stumbo stated, “The funds raised for the Foundation exceeded last year’s total by nearly 3% and the participation rate increased by 2% to 44% of employees donating to the campaign. Given the current economic conditions the success of the campaign is that much more meaningful. In addition, I would like to thank our facility co-chairs, Dent Smith, Tim Livesay, Denise Hundley and Dan Andrews for their dedication and hard work; this was truly a team effort.”

Please see below for the full results and the latest winners!

Top Giver Winners ($200 Visa Gift Card):
Jamine Hamner, Volunteer Services
Michael Brandenburg, SJH Facility Operations
Linda Stewart, SJH ED

End of Campaign Winners:
Tina Grider, SJH Case Mgmt., Nike Golf Umbrella
Scott Buck, SJE Pastoral Care, Nike Golf Umbrella
Rebecca Akers, SJH Case Mgmt., Nike Golf Umbrella
Carrie Purkwoko, SJH ICU South, Nike Golf Umbrella
Billie Benson, SJE Bariatrics, Nike Golf Umbrella
Andrea Northcutt, SJH 4E Cardiac Care, Leather Bag
Vicki Stephens, SJE Newborn Nursery, $25 BGH Gift Card
Hannah Allen, SJHS IT, $25 BGH Gift Card
Nicholas Napier, SJH Safety & Security, $25 BGH Gift Card
Peggy Marr, SJH Pre-Op/Post-Op, $25 BGH Gift Card

Please contact Anna Taylor at 313.2055 to claim your prize.

Events

Education

Upcoming LEARN Assignments

Check your LEARN account regularly for your assignments, so you are not past due on mandatory training! Modules that are currently assigned are:

All assignments are mandatory unless marked optional.

Feedback

Letter to Saint Joseph - Berea

Dear Saint Joseph - Berea,

Our mother was a patient at Saint Joseph - Berea. She spent the week on the third floor with the exception of Thursday in ICU (she passed away at the end of the week). During her stay at least one of us was always by her side. Lots of times, we were joined by spouses, grandchildren or even great grandchildren. Momma was always treated with kindness and respect by the entire staff. The caring attitude was also bestowed on us. It was a comfort and blessing to be treated in such a compassionate manner.

We know that you can train employees to use phrases that express Saint Joseph's dedication; however, we felt the hugs, heartfelt words and tears during our entire week were not from training but from the loving concern of your employees. Please extend our thanks to those who took care of Momma and us. They all deserve a Love Award nomination. And, thank you for having that kind of people as employees.

Photo Gallery

From London's Pumpkin Patch

Saint Joseph - London Foundation presented five babies born in November with pumpkin-shaped bonnets hand-knitted by Kathy Keller, mother of Dianna Milam (Foundation board member and wife of Jeff Milam, anesthesiologist). Keller, with help from her daughter, donated the bonnets in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. Parents gathered around as their newborns were photographed with their seasonal bonnets. Two of the five babies were twins and all were boys.

Madison Dulcimers Visit Berea

Saint Joseph - Berea's "Lunch with the Arts" series featured fourteen members of Madison Dulcimers in The Gallery. Employees and patients enjoyed renditions of mountain Christmas carols and songs.

In addition to lap dulcimers, Madison Dulcimers includes a bowed psaltry and a hammered dulcimer, instruments mentioned in the Bible.

A tiny patient enjoyed strumming a dulcimer.

MOB Open House in Mount Sterling

Saint Joseph - Mount Sterling (SJMS) hosted an after-hours open house event in the Medical Office Building (MOB) adjacent to the hospital facility on Nov. 30. The event was open to Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce members, SJMS Hospital Council, and SJMS physicians. Participants toured the facility, met with staff and physicians, and enjoyed finger foods and an array of desserts prepared by the nutritional services department. A gift basket from Ruth Hunt Candies was provided as a door prize, and all who attended were treated to an assortment of Blue Monday chocolates. The MOB opened in October, and houses the following services: cardiology, sleep lab, pulmonology, PT/OT/speech therapy, OB/gynecology, neurology and oncology. Pain management services are expected to begin in January of 2012.

Back row, left to right: Nathan Eldreth, OT, Bridgette Blackburn, ST, Heather Poole, OT, Laura Hensley, receptionist; front row, left to right: Jennifer Wertzler, PT, Jessica Williams, PTA

Left to right: Miller Hoffman, SJHS board member; Benny Nolen, SJMS president; Cliff Stilz, Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce member; Martin Riggs, SJMS foundation director

SJMS physicians Worawute Supaongprapa, MD (left), pulmonology, and Sherif Malek, DO, OB/GYN (right)

Left to right: Martin Riggs, foundation director; Amanda Kinman, executive director of finance; Betsy Foster, physician practice manager

Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce members, left to right: Cliff Stilz, Andy Baker, Sandy Romenesko, Isaac Goodpaster, Natalie Cox, Jody Oney

Day of Hope in Berea

Misty Naze (right) of the Saint Joseph - Berea self-pay team handed out warm mittens and gifts to a gentleman at Berea's Day of Hope. Fellow colleagues Sonja Merritt, Cherry Ruffing, Leigha Kates and Sherry Kates were also among Saint Joseph - Berea employees and families who staffed the hospital's booth at Berea's Day of Hope. Along with gifts from the Winter Warmth campaign, hospital staff provided health care financial counseling to families.

A Day of Hope served an estimated 852 families. Many families had several children. In addition to providing education, clothing, gifts, prayer, hair cuts and other needed services, the event served 2,000 hot meals and entertained families with a live Christian rock band.

Celebrating Med-Surg Nurses at SJH

Saint Joseph Hospital celebrated Medical-Surgical Nurses Week in November with a celebration. Each nurse was given surgical scissors inscribed with
their name.

'Remembering Our Babies' in Bardstown

The "Remembering Our Babies" service sponsored by Flaget Memorial Hospital's Birth Center staff was held Oct. 23 at the hospital. This service is held annually in honor of those whose lives have been touched by the loss of an infant or child. It offers a time of reflection for those in various grieving stages in the community and unites everyone touched by the loss. A candlelight vigil was held during the service and a balloon release immediately followed in the serenity garden.

Committee members, left to right, front row: Brenda Alexander, certified nurse midwife; Katy Thomas, RN-OB; Nancy Littrell, RN-OB; Michelle Isaacs, RN-OB; back row: Ben Wiederholt, vice president of mission integration; Karl Lusk, chaplain; Brooke Dadisman, RN-OB; Vicki Cecil, RN-OB

One of the participating couples at this year's service.

A returning family said, "We look forward to seeing you all each year, it helps us to know that we have continued support and that we are not alone in our loss."

Legends Make Donation to Nursing Scholarship Program

The Lexington Legends presented the Saint Joseph Hospital Foundation with a check for $3,840 for the Nursing Scholarship Program. Each year the Legends generously host a “Jersey off our Backs” night to raise funds for the program.

Ron Borkowski and “Big L” with the Lexington Legends presented Di Boyer, director of major gifts, with the check from the proceeds of “Jersey’s off our Backs” night.

Flaget's Auxiliary Bazaar & Luncheon

Flaget Memorial Hospital held its annual Auxiliary Bazaar & Luncheon Nov. 18 with proceeds supporting the Auxiliary’s special projects of the hospital.