July 16, 1998

At our July 14 communications meeting, the management team heard updates on a variety of interesting and important matters as summarized in this newsletter. One topic, which was presented by John Franklin, director of Support Services, dealt with the work of the Technology Assessment Committee. This committee has done an outstanding job.

Since its inception in 1995, the Technology Assessment Committee has dealt with a complex decision-making process in an exemplary fashion. This interdisciplinary committee, which includes physicians, clinical leaders and technical experts, serves as an example of how cooperative teamwork can support the best interests of the Medical Center and our patients. During its visit last August, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations survey team was very impressed with this committee and referred to it as a model for other hospitals. Thanks for a job well done.

W. Stuart Smith, Interim Vice President for Clinical Operations, Interim CEO, MUSC Medical Center

Announcements

• Lee Budd was introduced as the Medical Center’s new manager of the Risk Management Department. Budd comes to MUSC with five years of experience as a critical care nurse, more than nine years of experience in hospital risk management, and two years of risk management consulting and program development experience with a physician’s mutual liability firm. It was also noted that Donna Cool has done an outstanding job while serving as the acting manager for the past seven months.
• Recently, videotapes of Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action training were issued to all Medical Center directors. Lucille Skaggs, business manager, Office of Diversity, has asked that a list of all employees who view the videotape be sent to her. Anyone with questions should call Skaggs at 792-2146.

Recognition

• Al Nesmith, director of Safety, Security and Volunteer Services, announced a Department of Health and Environmental Control visit took place on Tuesday, July 14. The visit was prompted by a patient complaint, but the complaint proved groundless. DHEC staff members then announced they would inspect Dietary while they were here. Nesmith said Dietary scored 100 in the inspection. Congratulations to the entire team.

Technology Assessment Committee Progress Report

• At the July 14 communications meeting, John Franklin, director of Support Services, explained how the Medical Center chooses what equipment to purchase each year. He said the technology assessment process provides a systematic approach to evaluating, processing and managing patient care equipment that serves the Medical Center’s mission.
• The Technology Assessment Committee, which has representation from a wide range of areas, is responsible for making purchase recommendations to the administrative operations committee. Requests for clinical equipment submitted to Finance are forwarded to the Biomedical Engineering Department for review and compilation of information for the committee.
• The committee then decides what recommendations to make based on industry reviews of the products, background information supplied by the requester and total costs of acquiring and using the equipment, including the costs of any training needed. Other things looked at include: the clinical necessity of the item; whether it replaces old technology; market factors (for example, whether our competition has the item); construction costs; use of existing assets instead (whether we have the item elsewhere and can use it for this new purpose); compatibility with existing equipment; and standardization.
• Since the committee formed in 1995, it has reviewed $54.8 million in requests and has recommended $31.1 million in purchases.

University to Adopt New Logo

• Chris Murray, director of Marketing Services, told the management team the transition to using the new corporate image to represent the MUSC clinical system has gone fairly smoothly. She thanked the managers for their cooperation while questions about logo use have been answered and unforeseen problems (such as with paper and envelope stock) have been resolved.
• Murray also announced that the President’s Council has approved use of the MUSC corporate logo for all academic and research-oriented written materials. The corporate image will replace the university seal on letterhead, business cards, brochures and other written documents. A new graphic standards manual is being developed to reflect the change, and will be given to all managers, directors and administrative staff members.
• The President’s Council also approved the charter of the University Communications Council, a group formed to make sure MUSC presents a cohesive image to the public. Members of the council include representatives from many areas of the Medical Center and the university. Murray said that all areas producing internal or external communications should have representation on the council.

Legislative Audit Under Way on Campus

• Marion Woodbury, chief executive officer of University Medical Associates, said staff members from the Legislative Audit Council have begun work on the audit of MUSC and UMA that was requested by several members of the state legislature.
• The original request for an audit included 14 questions. Several related to matters concerning Columbia/HCA Healthcare Corporation and will not be addressed, as the council does not look at items under litigation. Topics the council will address include questions about:
• Federal disproportionate share and whether MUSC overstated the case of future cuts to this funding.
• UMA, how it was incorporated, whether it is a public body, its funding and whether it has purchased or affiliated with subsidiary or private organizations legally.
• The financial relationship between UMA and MUSC.
• The MUSC Rutledge Tower bond issue. (Woodbury noted that there are several precedents nationwide of faculty practice plans such as UMA issuing tax-exempt bonds.)
• Use of the state-owned airplane.
• Gifts from MUSC or UMA to charities or political causes, the guidelines in place and whether these are met.
• Nepotism—whether relatives of employees have been illegally hired.
• Woodbury said many of these questions have been addressed in the past. He expects no surprises from the audit.
• The Legislative Audit Council is made up of five private citizens, who are appointed by the governor and the legislature, and two ex officio members from the State Senate. The council’s support staff is made up of state employees. Four people make up the team researching MUSC and UMA. Woodbury said many different people will be called for information. He said employees should feel free to share with the council representatives what they know and how they feel about how MUSC or UMA does business.
• The audit will continue for six months or more. Woodbury said administrators will meet with the auditors periodically for updates and to respond to questions when needed.

Hurricane Season

• Al Nesmith, director of Safety, Security and Volunteer Services, reported the hurricane symposium held June 19 went well and included useful information. He distributed packets of information from the program and reminded the management team of its responsibilities regarding disaster preparedness.
• A list of essential employees designated to be available for work during a disaster should be posted, and “A” and “B” teams assigned. Designated employees should have their supplies, such as emergency food and water, in order. Parking will be available in the high-rise garages for designated employees.
• Weather emergency supply cabinets located in nursing care units should include flashlights, lanterns, bulbs, batteries, extension cords and chem sticks. Call 792-3984 to request restocking of the cabinets.
• This year, all managers, directors and administrators will be issued lanterns that include a regular light, a flashing light and a fluorescent tube.
• Also new this year are placards to be hung in cars of designated employees. These placards allow employees to get through areas blockaded by police. Nesmith asked managers to get a count of the number of placards needed and send the information to Cynthia Washington through e-mail at “washingc” or call 792-6902.
• Generators for emergency power are in place. However, staff members from Physical Plant and Facilities Management will work together to determine exactly which items are on emergency power.
• Pre-cut plywood is available for windows. Nesmith said the Medical Center is looking into “hardening” our facility further by using a new type of window film on key windows. The film is said to keep windows intact in high winds.
• For communication in an emergency, a “weather emergency card” was created listing all departments and contact phone numbers. As a backup plan, the Medical Center is working with MUSC Public Relations and local television and radio stations to help with communication.
• “Last resort” child care will be located in the occupational and physical therapy areas. “Last resort” pet care will be available in room 300 of the Clinical Sciences Building. (For a brochure listing requirements of the pet care program and a registration form, contact Patty MacFarland at 792-1319.)
• The Department of Health and Environmental Control requires the Medical Center to have a written plan for total evacuation of the hospital. While it is hoped that such an evacuation will never be needed, Nesmith said a plan he believes will work has been written. The plan is being reviewed by administration.