Return to Main Menu

Currents To Medical Center Employees: At the Jan. 28 communications meeting, we had a general discussion regarding the voluntary smallpox vaccination program.  The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is responsible for statewide coordination of the voluntary program. Our clinical leadership team is responsible for determining an appropriate course of action in the best interests of our patients and employees. As we have made plans for the voluntary smallpox program, some new issues and questions have surfaced that are being addressed.  Similar to other acute care hospitals, we have decided to limit the number of smallpox vaccination volunteers. Initially we projected that 100 or more volunteers would receive the vaccination. It now appears that we can achieve an appropriate level of preparedness with a smaller number of vaccinated employees.  The smallpox vaccine uses a live vaccinia virus. It is related to but not the same as the variola virus that causes smallpox. There is a risk, however small, that individuals vaccinated and those who have close contact with the recently vaccinated could experience adverse side effects or become ill. Those most at risk include persons with weakened immune systems, certain skin disorders and pregnant women. Our goal is to minimize any risks while addressing patient care and employee needs. Based on observations of trends throughout the nation, our smallpox program has slightly shifted its focus. Our plan now is to make proper preparations and educate concerned employees regarding vaccinia diagnosis and precautions needed when vaccinia is suspected. We will also educate a “first response team” and others as necessary regarding a smallpox triage protocol and precautions for encountering suspected smallpox cases, in the event of a bioterrorism incident.  DHEC has not received the vaccine doses for volunteers to date. DHEC expects to have the vaccine in mid-February. However, military personnel are now receiving the smallpox vaccination. Some employees who are reservists may receive the vaccine prior to being called to active duty. Any employees who are vaccinated in the course of fulfilling military obligations (but have yet to report to active military duty) are asked to promptly inform their supervisor (manager or director) or hospital services coordinator (HSC). The supervisor or HSC will be responsible for providing the Infection Control Department the names of employees vaccinated and for ensuring vaccinated employees are not placed in a caregiver role for at-risk patients for an appropriate period of time. The Infection Control Department will ensure that arrangements are made for these employees’ vaccination site care and evaluation.  In the weeks ahead we will continue our planning and education to prepare properly for monitoring and treatment of vaccinia cases and, in the event of a bioterrorism incident, smallpox cases. We expect some new issues and questions will surface as we progress.  In the meantime, anyone with questions should call the Infection Control Department at 792-4306 or e-mail Betty Harley, infection control practitioner, at harleybw@musc.edu. Thank you very much. W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center   STAR Productions presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’  At the Jan. 28 communications meeting, Lois Kerr, JCAHO consultant, shared highlights of JCAHO survey changes scheduled for 2004. The Medical Center’s survey expected for November 2003 will be among the last surveys conducted under the “old” survey process.  The new process involves specific survey designs for each organization surveyed and is based, in part, on reports and other information JCAHO will collect before the survey visit.  The new survey methods involve a comprehensive look at patient care, including an analysis of how the organization handles a patient through each step from point of entry to discharge.  Because the 2004 standards are packaged differently, managers must be familiar with the entire JCAHO manual, rather than selected sections applicable to a certain function or service. For example, H R training will not be referenced in multiple sections of the standards, but instead will appear only in H R .4.  The 2004 survey no longer includes a scoring grid or Type I recommendations; a hospital will either be accredited or not accredited. Organizations’ responsibilities include conducting a self-assessment halfway into the survey cycle (18 months). Announcements Susan Carullo, Compensation and Employment manager, presented pictures from the “What I want to be” day at downtown elementary schools two weeks ago. Staff and employees from 21 professions went to the district 20 school for the second year to expose students to opportunities in their “own backyards.” Carullo’s office plans to work on programs for all ages, from shadowing programs to summer camps. She gave a special thanks to all those who participated, including Paul Moss, Safety and Security manager, who works with five students from one elementary on a weekly basis.    Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.