YouTube video lets employees share message: 1/21

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YouTube video lets employees share message

MUSC departments let loose for a YouTube video that promotes a safety message. Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5xJ0LEGWJI.

by Megan Fink
Public Relations
MUSC’s latest YouTube video shows off how well employees can jam for a cause.

The video, which has gotten more than 2,800 hits, is successfully spreading awareness of MUSC’s compulsory influenza vaccine policy that requires all medical center employees to get a flu shot or wear a surgical mask while at work.

“MUSC Safety Dance” is a YouTube video staring numerous employees from various department and units who dance along to the Men Without Hats ’80s hit Safety Dance to educate patients;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5xJ0LEGWJI. Some participating departments and units include Patient Admissions, Public Safety, Volunteer Services, Dietetic Services, Labor and Delivery, Perinatal Services, Emergency Medicine, Employee Health Services, Public Relations, Transportation Services, Hollings Cancer Center, and Human Resources.

“This was a fun way to educate folks about MUSC's new flu vaccine policy,” said Tony Ciuffo, public relations information specialist. “We were looking for a way to not only get the word out, but have folks remember and understand our message, which was the ultimate goal. When you're a patient or a visitor at MUSC, we want you know that your safety and comfort is a priority, and our flu vaccine policy is just one example. Initially, most performers were nervous and a little hesitant to let loose, but once the music started playing, they showed their true talents. It was a blast and something we look forward to doing more of in the future.”

In addition to raising awareness of MUSC’s flu vaccine campaign and policy, the making of the video has been good for employee morale.

“I volunteered Employee Health Services (EHS) to participate in the Safety Dance to promote our support of the flu vaccine,” said Cheryl Harris, R.N., EHS manager.

“The flu vaccine is the best way to prevent the flu and flu prevention should be a goal for everyone. The staff embraced the dance, and it was a chance to see who has rhythm and who does not. I will be the first to admit that I cannot dance. We laughed before, during and well after the dance. Laughter can be the best medicine. We have administered thousands of flu vaccines in our office this flu season, a record number. I am fortunate to work with staff that readily agreed to dance in the effort to educate and promote flu vaccinations. It was an enjoyable experience for all.”

MUSC’s compulsory influenza vaccine policy took effect January of this year. Medical center staff, volunteers and residents who declined the flu shot must wear a mask while in the hospital or clinic through the end of March.

For policy specifics, refer to the following link: https://www.musc.edu/medcenter/policy/Med/C166.pdf.
You also can view the Society for Hospital Epidemiology of America’s recent position statement on influenza vaccination in health care workers at http://mcintranet.musc.edu/cceps/Documents/ Influenza%20Vaccination%20of%20Healthcare%20 Personnel.pdf.

If employees have questions about this policy, contact Infection Control, Employee Health Services or Student Health Services.

Friday, Jan. 21, 2011

The Catalyst Online is published weekly by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. The Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to The Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.