CurrentsAt the communications meeting Rosemary Ellis, director of Quality, updatedthe management team on the findings of our Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture conducted last year. The survey findings, as highlighted below in this newsletter, indicate that our work climate promotes patient safety and we are moving in a positive direction. According to the findings, we have opportunities to improve coordination between units, including transferring of patients from one unit to another. Our MUSC Excellence initiative will include updated goals related to quality and safety and will further strengthen our patient safety efforts and culture. I want to thank everyone for your work in support of this organizational priority. We plan to have the new goals and metrics in place by the beginning of the new fiscal year. On a related matter, Chris Rees, Performance Improvement manager, reported to the management team on the progress of the Environment of Care (EOC) Process Improvement Team. This multidisciplinary group was chartered by the Quality Council to conduct rounds in an effort to assist hospital units in complying with safety regulations. The team ensures that we “close the loop” on requests for repairs and, to the extent possible, facilitates resolution on the spot. The work of this team has been well received to date and the rounds will continue to be scheduled weekly. Finally, as indicated in this newsletter, the annual MUSC YES Campaign is under way. Everyone is encouraged to consider supporting the campaign. Contributions can be earmarked for an array of programs and services, including Medical Center needs. Thank you very much. W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center Patient safety, YES Campaign reviewed8D nurse manager Kim Harris-Eaton reminded managers of the next Leadership Development Institute program scheduled for June 7-8.YES Campaign Yearly Employee Support (YES) Campaign coordinators Becky Dornisch and Kristin Romness gave a presentation about this annual giving program. This year’s theme, “Spring Into Action,” is supportive of their goal of $310,000. The annual campaign kick-off was held April 17 at the Horseshoe. This year’s campaign is led by chairman Dave Neff, Ambulatory Care administrator and leadership chair Jack Feussner, M.D., chairman of the Department of Medicine. Dornisch emphasized the importance of participation and how it effects the outcome of how MUSC solicits corporations and foundations for major gifts. MUSC’s participation with YES and United Way each year gives the public a clear signal as to our institution’s contributions to the community. Romness spoke more about details connected with the campaign. A brochure was distributed in April via campus mail. The brochure contains further information about most funds and provides a pledge form. Gifts made to the campaign and Health Sciences Foundation (HSF) are tax-deductible. With more than 600 different funds associated with HSF, employees can designate their donation to many worthy causes. YES provides several options for giving including a one-year payroll deduction (beginning July 1 to June 30), by check or credit card. As campaign sponsor, Costco has committed to provide weekly random prizes for drawings throughout the campaign. Grand prize is a year’s Costco executive membership (valued at $150) and a gift card. Finally, any gift made to the Hospital Authority Building Fund will be matched, no matter what the amount. Quality/Safety Improvements Using data from University Healthsystem Consortium (UHC), Rosemary Ellis congratulated the organization for the outcomes related to quality and safety of care. Such indicators as hospital pneumonia mortality demonstrate a consistent downward trend. According to Ellis, this trend is a reflection of everyone's effort to get the right treatment to the right patient and at the right time. Ellis also highlighted some of the results from the 2005 Organization Patient Safety Culture Survey. The full report will be posted to the intranet. Communication between areas/departments and continued work on a non-punitive culture will be a primary focus during the next year. Seventy-one percent of the respondents rated their unit/area patient safety grade very good to excellent. EOC Process Improvement Team Chris Rees, Process Improvement manager, discussed the progress with the EOC Process Improvement Team. The team was tasked to create a process involving the collaboration of several departments to sponsor inter-disciplinary rounds to combat workplace issues throughout the Medical Center. The impetus for this effort is to build relationships between clinical and facilities staff in an effort to improve a total environment of care. Participation in this weekly rounds schedule includes representation from several departments including: Biomedical Engineering; Occupational Safety and Health Programs; Safety, Security and Volunteer Services; Environmental Services; Facilities; Infection Control; and Quality Management. Started March 30, the teams do more than conduct inspections; they provide a proactive purpose meeting with nursing and clinical staff to discuss various issues relevant to a specific work area and seek ways to resolve problem quickly. So far the program has met with positive success. Each week, the team generates a progress report to hospital leaders. Organizers would also like to share their reports to managers at the weekly communications meetings. The EOC Process Improvement Team will continue with their rounds schedule beginning at 1 p.m.: May 18, 8E; May 25, 6W and June 1, 6E. Additional dates are being coordinated. 7W nurse manager Nancy Davidson reported that her recent experience working with the EOC Process Improvement Team was positive for both herself and her staff. She was able to resolve some issues or begin to address others. HR Update MUHA HR director Helena Bastian thanked participants for their help with the distribution of bagels, fruit and refreshments for the kick-off celebration of National Hospital Week, May 7-12. Bastian recognized the NICU staff who won the MUSC Hospital Week’s scrapbook contest. A total of 22 department participated in this contest. Entries are displayed in the Main Hospital cafeteria. Finally, Bastian asked managers to identify temporary agency staff working throughout the Medical Center. This includes all temporary/agency staff (including secretaries and admini-strative support). This excludes travelers who are processed through the HOP office. Managers should submit information to Bastianh@musc.edu or harrisf@musc.edu. If you have any questions, contact Fran Harris, 792-6219 or Helena Bastian, 792-5098. Employee Appreciation Heart & Vascular Center administrator Bill Spring recognized cath lab nurse Heather Adams for her compassionate care given to an 80-year-old female patient who expired during an unsuccessful Mayday response. Adams spent time comforting the family and quietly related to them their mother’s final, peaceful moments while in her care. Announcements Oncology and Medical Surgical Services director Colleen Corish introduced Kristen Wachsmuth, R.N. as the new nurse manager in 10E.Wachsmuth returns to MUSC after previously working in Transplant Services, 6E and industry nursing. Friday, May 12, 2006 |
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