Connection August 2011

August 2011

The Saint Thomas Health

CONNECTION With you for life.

In This Issue: l

Message From Dr. Mike Schatzlein

l O ur

Mission in Motion: Middle Tennessee’s First Mobile Mammography Coach

l W hat

is MissionPoint Health Partners?

Answers from MissionPoint CEO, Jason Dinger

August 2011

A Newsletter For Saint Thomas Health Associates

CONNECTION Dear Fellow Associates, I recently met with our leadership teams to discuss our new vision and strategic direction for Saint Thomas Health (STHe) and its health ministries. I’ve enjoyed getting to discuss Vision 2020 and the specific strategies, and value the input I’ve received. Changes are needed to prepare STHe for the future environment of health care in the United States. While the changes may be tough at times, I can assure you that each decision is being considered carefully to make sure it aligns with our mission while helping to keep STHe remain the market share leader in Middle Tennessee.

In this issue of Connection, the goal is increase your knowledge of the strategic direction of STHe. There is an insightful interview with Jason Dinger regarding MissionPoint Health Partners, a new platform for the delivery of health care in which you will be a member!

On the Cover: From left to right: Sadye McIntyre, Breast Imaging Technologist–Saint Thomas Health, Carole Williams, Nurse Navigator–MTMC, Lydia Anthony, Mammography Technologist–Baptist Hospital, Irene Bradford, Nurse Navigator, Saint Thomas Hospital, and Samantha Kirby, Centers for Breast Health Director, Saint Thomas Health.

Alan Strauss and members of the Symphony Steering Committee provide a review of the recent user acceptance testing for the Symphony systems. As we move into the deployment phase of Symphony, you’ll receive a lot more information about what Symphony means for you and your everyday lives at STHe. With just five months until Symphony “goes live” at STHe, there is a lot of work to be done to ensure a smooth transition; our Steering Committee is working hard to make that happen.

The health ministries of STHe have been busy leading the way in health care trends and technology. I’m proud of the work you have done and proud to showcase just a few of your accomplishments in this issue.

As always, I thank you for your dedication to STHe and its patients. You are the reason that STHe is No. 1 in cardiology, cardiac surgery, orthopedics, obstetrics, vascular surgery, cancer, gastroenterology and urology in Middle Tennessee.

Sincerely, Dr. Mike Schatzlein President & CEO, Saint Thomas Health

Saint Thomas Health is a member of Ascension Health, the nation’s largest not-for-profit health care system. Our ministry includes Saint Thomas Hospital, Baptist Hospital,The Center for Spinal Surgery, Middle Tennessee Medical Center and Hickman Community Hospital. www.sths.com

Middle Tennessee Medical Center Receives

National Achievement Award from Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons

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he Commission on Cancer (CoC) of the American College of Surgeons has granted its Outstanding Achievement Award to Middle Tennessee Medical Center (MTMC) as a result of surveys performed during 2010.

MTMC is one of a select group of 90 currently accredited and newly accredited cancer programs across the United States.

Elizabeth Lemons

“In 2010 we became an accredited comprehensive community cancer program because of our extraordinary 19 percent growth over the past three years (624 cases in 2005 versus 742 in 2009),” says Elizabeth Lemons, Chief Operating Officer at MTMC. “It is indeed a wonderful achievement to both move into the highest level and also be recognized with an elite number of cancer programs.”

Established in 2004, the CoC Outstanding Achievement Award (OAA) is designed to recognize cancer programs that strive for excellence in providing quality care to cancer patients. The award is granted to facilities that demonstrate a Commendation level of compliance with seven standards that represent six areas of cancer program activity: cancer committee leadership, cancer data management, clinical management, research, community outreach and quality improvement.

The level of compliance with the seven standards is determined during an on-site evaluation by a physician surveyor. In addition, facilities must receive a compliance rating for the remaining 29 cancer program standards. Ninety programs, including MTMC received the OAA as a result of surveys performed in 2010. This number represents approximately 17 percent of programs surveyed during this period. A majority of recipients are community-based facilities; however, teaching hospitals, NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, Pediatric and Network Cancer Programs also received the award.

Registrars, Danita Hawks and Patsy Peyton, have consistently worked to maintain the rigorous standards recommended by the American College of Surgeons. I think it is especially impressive that our hospital was able to maintain these standards while experiencing a rapid increase in the number of patients we serve.”

In the fall of 2011, the Cancer Center at MTMC will relocate to the Seton Medical Office Building located on the campus of the new Middle Tennessee Medical Center, Medical Center Parkway.

Dr. Charles Wendt

The MTMC cancer program, combined with the cancer programs at Baptist Hospital and Saint Thomas Hospital, diagnose and treat more Middle Tennesseans than any other cancer program.

In fall of 2011, the Cancer Center at MTMC will relocate to the Seton Medical Office Building located on the campus of the new Middle Tennessee Medical Center, Medical Center Parkway.

Additional offices to be located in the Seton Building include: • Bariatric Center at MTMC • Center for Breast Health at MTMC • Palliative Care • Saint Thomas Heart at MTMC • Tennessee Oncology • The Wellness Center and Cardiac/Pulmonary Rehab • Wound Care Center • Murfreesboro Diagnostic Imaging

“We are honored and gratified by this award,” says Dr. Charles Wendt, Radiation Oncologist with the MTMC Cancer Program. “The Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes the hard work of all groups involved in cancer care at MTMC, who with the dedicated and innovative leadership of our Tumor

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v ita l s ch E C k A Message from Alan Strauss CFO of Saint Thomas Health (STHe)

We have just completed our fiscal year operations as of June 30, 2011. Overall, this was a challenging year from a financial perspective. Income from Operations was $46.3 million compared to the budget of $51.7 million – under budget by $5.4 million. Patient volumes in several areas did not reach budgeted expectations but did show improvement compared to fiscal year 2010. The lower than expected performance is a reflection of economic factors during the year that could not be foreseen when the fiscal year 2011 budget was developed. The most significant was the treatment of a greater number of individuals requiring a higher level of charity care assistance. Of note STHe provided $63.3 million in Community Benefit/Care of the Poor which is almost $13 million more than what was budgeted. The amount of care provided continues to reflect the needs of our patients to which STHe is committed to serve. We have taken a variety of steps to mitigate the added cost of care with significant reductions in spending and a focus on supply costs and salary expenses. We have been working on staffing productivity improvements as well as reorganizing existing work flow structures through several lean process initiatives.

While the economy is still struggling and the level of support provided to the community through charity care is significantly increasing, STHe associates continue to provide compassionate and quality care. It is because of your efforts and dedication that Saint Thomas Health is able to provide Healthcare that Works, Healthcare that is Safe and Healthcare that Leaves No One Behind. Thank you for all you do for our patients and each other!

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Wells and Hagar Honored

by The Tennessean at Salute to Nurses Awards Each year The Tennessean honors the best in nursing in Middle Tennessee. With categories such as Vision of Nursing and the Caring Heart Award, the ceremony honors individuals who go above and beyond in their profession. In 2011, two nurses from Baptist Hospital were finalists for Nurse of the Year: Suzanne Hagar, RN, and Norman Wells, RN. Hagar was honored in the Caring Heart category and Wells was chosen as winner in the Vision of Nursing category.

Norman Wells, RN, Nursing Director “The most rewarding part of my job is being able to serve both patients that come to our ministry for and being able to motivate and support the associates that care for our patients.”

“Baptist Hospital is lucky to have such talented nurses caring for its patients,” said Kathie Hirsch, Chief Nursing Officer at Baptist Hospital. “Norman and Suzanne are great examples of how nurses make a difference in their patients’ lives both physically and spiritually.”

Suzanne Hagar, RN “I love nursing and am very glad I was called to this profession. It is not just a job to me; it is a calling of God to help his people. I try to minister this through my care daily.”

Norman Wells, RN, has served as the Director of Medical/Surgical Nursing at Baptist Hospital for the past four years. Before joining Baptist Hospital, Wells worked at Saint Thomas Hospital from 1999 to 2003. In additional to his normal duties as a Director of Nursing, Wells works closely with Perri Lynn White on patient experience initiatives to improve both care and experience.

Suzanne Hagar, RN, works in the Cath Lab at Baptist Hospital and was honored as the Caring Heart award winner at The Tennessean’s 2011 Salute to Nurses. Hagar’s first experience with Baptist Hospital began nine years ago and she just recently rejoined the Baptist Hospital family. Suzanne was nominated for her work with Maxim Healthcare as a school nurse in three schools in Davidson County’s Metro school district.

Saint Thomas Hospital

A ward e d Joint Replacement

C e rti f icatio n and

R ecertification of the

Advanced Primary S tro k e C enter From

The Joint Commission

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aint Thomas Hospital recently earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval™ for its Joint Replacement Program.

Saint Thomas Hospital’s Advanced Primary Stroke Center was also recertified as a Primary Stroke Center.

“Joint Commission accreditation provides us a framework to take our organization to the next level and helps create a culture of excellence,” says

Dawn Rudolph, President and CEO, Saint Thomas Hospital. “Achieving Joint Commission certifications in Joint Replacement and Stroke Care for our organization are major steps toward maintaining excellence and continually improving the safe care we provide.”

Joint Replacement To achieve certification in Joint Replacement, Saint

Thomas Hospital demonstrated compliance with The Joint Commission’s national standards for health care quality and safety in diseasespecific care. The certification award recognizes Saint Thomas Hospital’s dedication to continuous compliance with The Joint Commission’s state-of-the-art standards.

Saint Thomas Hospital underwent a rigorous on-site survey on April 12, 2011. A team of Joint Commission expert surveyors evaluated Saint Thomas Hospital for compliance with standards of care specific to the needs of patients and families, including infection prevention and control, leadership and medication management.

“In achieving Joint Commission certification, Saint Thomas Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its patients with Joint Replacement,” says Jean Range, M.S., R.N., C.P.H.Q. Executive Director, Disease-

’s Orthopedics Team and  Saint Thomas Hospital al  Joint Commission Gold Se

In addition to Saint Thomas Hospital, Baptist Hospital has also earned the Gold Seal of Approval™ from The Joint Commission for its Joint Replacement Program.

Specific Care Certification, The Joint Commission.

“Certification is a voluntary process and I commend Saint Thomas Hospital for successfully undertaking this challenge to elevate its standard of care and instill confidence in the community it serves.”

Primary Stroke Center Saint Thomas Hospital earned this distinction after the Joint Commission conducted an on-site review on April 13, 2011, as part of its recertification process.

Saint Thomas Hospital first received Stroke Center Certification in February 2007.

“In stroke care time is brain,” says Range. “By achieving certification as a Primary Stroke Center, Saint Thomas Hospital has proven that it has the ability to provide effective, timely care to stroke victims and can significantly improve outcomes for stroke patients.”

Along with Saint Thomas Hospital, both Baptist Hospital and MTMC are certified by The Joint Commission as Primary Stroke Centers.

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Saint Thomas Health:

Leading the Way in Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

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wenty-five percent of all breast cancer patients in Tennessee are diagnosed and treated through Saint Thomas Health’s Cancer

Program. Last year we diagnosed 951 women and five men at one of our breast cancer programs at Baptist Hospital, MTMC and Saint Thomas Hospital – making our breast cancer program one of the largest in the world.

You Are Not Alone: Nurse Navigator Program In the course of a lifetime, one in every eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. If it happens to you, the Saint Thomas Health Centers for Breast Health Nurse Navigators will be there to help you every step of the way.

“You have breast cancer” are words no one wants to hear. It’s easy to be overwhelmed amid the vast sea of questions, concerns, tests and treatment options. Fear is a normal reaction to a breast cancer diagnosis. When turned in a positive direction, fear can motivate us toward better education and communication. It can move us in a forward direction to find the community and support teams that are best equipped to help us through the times ahead.

The team of Nurse Navigators is specially trained to help patients manage fear — after diagnosis and throughout treatment — provide education, help gather information for more informed decisions, facilitate communication with the medical team, help patients understand the tests and procedures they will face and connect patients with the many resources available.

Nurse Navigators serve as educators, advocates, guides and liaisons between patients, the medical team, the family and Saint Thomas Health’s extensive network of support resources to facilitate treatment, recovery and rehabilitation.

Left: Fannie Baxter, Nurse Navigator

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Our Centers for Breast Health at Baptist Hospital, MTMC and Saint Thomas Hospital act as the entry to the breast cancer program by providing mammograms to more than 40,000 women per year.

Recently, the three breast cancer programs within Saint Thomas Health became the only program in Middle Tennessee to be nationally accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), a program administered by the American College of Surgeons. Accreditation by the NAPBC is only given to those breast cancer programs that undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of their performance and compliance with 27 evidenced-based standards of care.

Only four other facilities in Tennessee have received the accreditation.

“More than 40,000 women in our community choose our centers for breast procedures each year,” said Samantha Kirby, Director of the Saint Thomas Health Centers for Breast Health. “We voluntarily sought this accreditation. That sends a powerful message about our dedication to quality care as we help women with their breast health needs – from annual screenings to caring for them in their fight against breast cancer.”

The Centers for Breast Health have 44 associates, including Nurse Navigators, Patient Navigators, Mammography Technologists, Ultrasound Technologists, Imaging Assistants, Nurses, Mammography Data Specialists, Radiologists, Breast Surgeons and a Secretary. In addition the breast cancer program includes Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, a Genetics/High Risk program, clinical trials and integrative medicine and personalized medicine option.

O u r M issio n i n M otio n

Middle Tennessee’s First Mobile Mammography Coach

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ur Mission in Motion is an effort by Saint Thomas Health and supported thought grants from the Susan G. Komen Foundation. This program has provided Middle Tennessee with its first Mobile Mammography Coach.

This coach will provide mammography for underserved populations throughout Middle Tennessee in 14 counties.

The lack of mammography services in these areas and the uninsured or underinsured populations account for higher instances of non-compliance in screening mammography and higher rates of death from breast cancer and late stage detection.

“We have a comprehensive, multidisciplinary breast care program,” added Kirby. “Instead of care being fragmented, we know how important it is to guide patients though the complex health care maze and to create a customized plan for each patient.”

On April 25, the Centers for Breast Health launched www.

ScheduleMyMammo.com, an innovative Web site where patients can schedule, re-schedule, or cancel annual

Need has also been established for insured populations of women who cannot afford the time away from work for appropriate screenings. The mobile coach will work with corporations to provide screening on-site for these women – creating a timesavings from three hours (including drive-time) to approximately 30 minutes.

It is the hope of Saint Thomas Health and Komen Foundation to improve the compliance rates for screening mammography, thus decreasing the late stage detections of breast cancer for all women in Middle Tennessee.

screening appointments at any of the Centers for Breast Health. All Centers for Breast Health offer all-digital mammography for screening and diagnostic needs, breast ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy capabilities, clinical trials, nurse navigation and access to specially trained Radiologists, Breast Surgeons, Medical Oncologists and Radiation Oncologists.

Now, the Centers for Breast Health are taking the show on the road. With

a grant from the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the Centers for Breast Health have purchased a mobile mammography coach, Our Mission In Motion, to bring digital mammography to women in 14 counties that currently have limited access to mammography.

V isit www.ScheduleMyMammo.com for annual screening appointments.

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Saint Thomas Health out in the

coMMUNity March for Babies 

Associate Award

 On Tuesday, July 19, Patricia Hudson (Verifier, Saint Thomas Physician Services) was honored as the Great Circle of Faith Award winner by Metro Center’s Employee Advisory Committee.

On April 17, more than 200 walkers from Baptist Hospital participated in the 2011 March of Dimes March for Babies at Centennial Park. Baptist Hospital’s fundraising efforts produced more than $53,000 in donations. MTMC had over 80 walkers attend the Rutherford County walk, and gave $20,454.41 to the March of Dimes. Both hospitals served as title sponsors.

Relay for Life 

Saint Thomas Hospital’s Rebecca Farrell and Lisa Spangler participated in May’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life event. The event, originally scheduled at LP Field, had to be moved to the East Park Community Center because of severe weather. Relay For Life is a community event that celebrates the lives of those who have battled cancer, remembers loved ones lost and helps us all fight back against the disease.

Medical Mission 

Saint Thomas Health held its fifth Medical Mission at Home on April 23 at Eagleville High School. More than 125 patients were seen by an estimated 100 volunteers from across Saint Thomas Health. The next Medical Mission at Home is being planned for Fall 2011 in Hickman County. Stay tuned for details and how you can volunteer.

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Honk for Babies

 In conjunction with the March for Babies in Nashville and Rutherford County, associates from Baptist and MTMC campaigned for babies with a “Honk for Babies” events. Associates held signs and generated excitement for the upcoming walks.

Saint Thomas Health associates have been busy the last few months. From March of Dimes to Strike Out Stroke, associates have worked to educate the community and volunteered their time to raise money for important causes in events throughout Nashville and Rutherford County.



Sounds Game

On May 13, Baptist Hospital associates enjoyed an evening at the Nashville Sounds game as they took on the Fresno Grizzlies during “Baptist Hospital Night.” This event was part of Baptist Hospital’s Hospital Week celebration.



Miles for Hope

Left to Right: Michael

Johnson, RN, Clinical Coordinator; Dr. Paul Rosenblatt and Dr. Steve Abram, Co-Medical Directors of the Brain and Spine Tumor Center at Saint Thomas Hospital, speak to participants after completion of the inaugural Miles for Hope 5K. Saint Thomas was a major sponsor of the event.

Here’s Your Chance...

Join Saint Thomas Health out in the community in one of the following events in Nashville and Rutherford County.

American Heart Association Heart Walk Nashville Saturday, Oct. 1 www.nashvilleheartwalk.org Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Saturday, Oct. 29 Maryland Farms, Brentwood, TN www.komennashville.org American Heart Association Heart Walk Rutherford County Sunday, Oct. 30 www.rutherfordtnheartwalk.org

MS Walk 2011 

Saint Thomas Hospital associates fight MS at Nashville’s MS Walk on April 9.

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NAMI Walk

Saint Thomas Hospital recently sponsored the “Peppy Steppers Cheer Team” at this year’s National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) walk. The 2.5 mile walk raised awareness and funds for this local organization that provides services and resources for people suffering from mental illness.

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da Vinci Surgical System Installed at Saint Thomas Hospital

You’ve just been diagnosed with a condition requiring surgery.

Until very recently your options included traditional surgery with a large open incision or laparoscopy, which uses small incisions but is typically limited to very simple procedures.

Thanks to a breakthrough surgical technology, there is a new category of minimally invasive surgery for which you may be a candidate. Through the use of the da Vinci® Surgical System, surgeons are now able to offer a minimally invasive option for complex surgical procedures.

Imagine major surgery performed through the smallest of incisions. Imagine having the benefits of a definitive treatment but with the potential for significantly less pain, a shorter hospital stay, faster return to normal daily activities – as well as the potential for better clinical outcomes.

Hickman Community Homecare Awarded

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AdvisorMed’s 2011 Great Tennessee Home Health Care Award

With the da Vinci Surgical System, surgeons and hospitals are re-writing accepted standards for surgical care. da Vinci is changing the experience of surgery.

Saint Thomas diVinci robot Hospital began using the da Vinci Surgical System for cardiothoracic, urologic, gynecologic and ENT procedures in July. Both Baptist Hospital and Middle Tennessee Medical Center are also currently using the da Vinci system.

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ickman Community Homecare, part of Hickman Community Hospital, has achieved AdvisorMed’s 2011 Great Tennessee Home Health Care Award by demonstrating results that consistently exceed their patients’ expectations.

Hickman Community Homecare ranks within the top tier of all the Home Health Care Agencies in Tennessee.To calculate this award AdvisorMed uses a variety of national standardized data including information from CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) along with consumer reviews.

“In achieving this award Hickman Community Homecare has demonstrated its commitment to the highest level of care for its residents that goes beyond the typical requirements for most Home Health Care Agencies,” says James Taylor, CEO of AdvisorMed. “I want to congratulate Hickman Community Homecare for successfully achieving these results.”

AdvisorMed is a free, online report card/health care guide featuring home health care agencies, nursing homes and hospitals. Advance Med’s goal is to help consumers with their health care choices.

Q Hickman Community Homecare

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“With AdvisorMed’s Award, it shows we are making a significant investment in quality within Hickman Community Homecare. This recognition from AdvisorMed helps recognize our culture of excellence,” says Wanda Hullett, Administrator at Hickman Community Homecare.

“Achieving the ‘Great Tennessee Home Health Care Award,’ also reassures our patients and families Hickman Community Homecare is committed to maintaining excellence and continually improving the care we provide.”

Saint Thomas Health –

O ur F uture D irection P art T wo

In the March issue of Connection, Dr. Mike Schatzlein, President and CEO of Saint Thomas Health, outlined his vision and strategy for the future of our health ministry. At the same time, he announced Jason Dinger as the leader tasked with developing a formal accountable care organization called MissionPoint Health Partners. Dinger and his team are working hard, but he took a few moments to answer some questions about MissionPoint Health Partners.

model is not a gatekeeper model, every patient retains the choice to see whichever provider they choose – but the care is coordinated, anticipated and increasingly focused on prevention. It’s a true privilege to be a part of designing a new way forward in health care delivery.

2. What steps are Saint Thomas Health and MissionPoint Health Partners taking to become an ACO? We’ve developed a three-phase plan to get us ready for an official launch on Jan. 1, 2012.

1. What is an Accountable Care Organization (ACO) and why is Saint Thomas Health trying to become one?

An accountable care organization is a network of physicians, facilities and other health care partners working together to manage the entire continuum of health care needs of a patient. This involves sharing patient information between primary care physicians, hospitals, specialists and personal care teams to better anticipate patient needs and ensure the highest quality of care possible. This approach will help fill in the gaps of care and communication we see today.

Jason Dinger

…every patient retains the choice to see whichever provider they choose – but the care is coordinated, anticipated, and increasingly focused on prevention. It’s a true privilege to be a part of designing a new way forward in health care delivery.

As an example, if my son has asthma, the pediatrician and asthma specialist, along with that patient’s care coordinator, will work closely together to develop an individualized plan of care. If he has an acute episode and ends up in the Emergency Department, the ACO will notify the care coordinators and physicians to make sure they have all the information they need for follow-up, including helping the patient navigate the return visit – as well as ensure no unnecessary tests are re-run. In order to lower the risk of further attacks, the ACO will also provide a personal care team available for home visits – and therefore help me reduce those items in the home that might be triggering his asthma attacks.

I think our entire team is excited about this project because it’s the type of care we’ve always wanted for our families. Our

Phase I, which ran from February through early May, was strictly focused on meeting with physicians, patients and employers to learn what they would like to see in a new system of care. We’ve specifically asked patients where they have found gaps in care, what parts of the system are most difficult to access and how the entire health care ecosystem could better meet their long-term needs. We’ve engaged employers around how to better integrate with their unique benefit designs and what we might be able to do together to better manage the rising cost of health care. Physicians have been open about how we might better align incentives, improve time with patients and better coordinate care transitions.

In Phase II, which will run through summer and early fall, we’ll be incorporating the 100+ discreet suggestions we’ve received from all parties into an overall design and infrastructure.

In Phase III, we’ll launch several pilots to test and modify our systems in order to be ready on Jan. 1.

3. How does becoming an ACO fit in with the Mission, Vision and Values of Saint Thomas Health?

Our health ministry was founded on the commitment to deliver spiritually-centered, holistic care, which sustains and improves the health of individuals and communities. I believe continued page 13

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i t p a s l ’ s o M H a t ernal Infant Center t s i t p a B

It is no secret that Baptist Hospital is known as the “baby hospital” throughout Middle Tennessee. In 2010, more than 7,000 babies were born at Baptist Hospital – that’s 25 percent of all babies born in Tennessee!

The hospital has been named the Best Place to Have a Baby by Nashville Parent magazine for 10 consecutive years thanks to outstanding physicians and a compassionate care team. In order to provide the best care possible, Baptist Hospital’s Maternal Infant Services associates work together to care for their patients, solve problems and ensure the safest possible, quality care for every baby born in the hospital.

The entire department is ready to care for mother and baby whether it’s a normal delivery, complicated pregnancy or newborn that needs intensive care.

“Our primary focus is the baby, which happens to be the only patient that is unable to have a voice in the care given to them,” said Ellen Gregory, Manager of the Beaman Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Baptist Hospital. “This is an overwhelming amount of responsibility. Our team works together to problem solve by listening to the front line caregivers and parents while evaluating the infant’s condition to not only provide care, but always looking for ways to improve care.”

In order to continue to provide the best care possible, the Maternal Infant Services department has several projects going on to improve safety and the quality of care.

FetaLink

on a display monitor at the bedside, throughout the hospital or clinic and through remote access.

With FetaLink, clinicians can create a comprehensive record of care by incorporating the fetal monitoring data into the EMR.

FetaLink Power Users

The department is currently working on a PowerChart Maternity Project for all obstetrics related units that will go live fall 2011. This includes labor and delivery, antepartum, nursery, postpartum and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

O2 Blenders O2 Blenders are being placed in all delivery operating rooms at Baptist Hospital. This will bring Baptist Hospital into accordance with the new Neonatal Resuscitation Program guidelines that go into effect in 2012.

Impacting Quality Care Across Tennessee

Baptist Hospital is a project participant site with the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care (TIPQC) and has been heavily involved in several statewide pilot projects, including efforts to monitor temperature of babies when admitted to the NICU Did You Know? and increasing the use of breast milk Baptist Hospital: in low birth weight babies. Associates lA verages 7,000 births per year were able to present their data at a rel Has 22 Labor, Delivery and Recovery Rooms cent TIPQC annual meeting, allowing l Has 63 Postpartum Rooms other hospitals across the state to learn l Has 7 Obstetrics Triage Rooms from our efforts.

In late April, Baptist Hospital convertl Has 19 High Risk/Antepartum Rooms ed from the WatchChild Fetal Monitor Managing a baby’s temperature is critil Has 6 Obstetrics Operating Rooms Surveillance System to a Cerner cal, especially for very sick or premal Has a 4-Bed Surgery Center product called FetaLink. FetaLink is a ture infants and TIPQC’s goal is to l Is a Level III NICU with 52 Beds maternal and fetal monitoring system reduce the number of infants whose l Has 64 Nursery Beds that facilitates the flow of data from NICU admission temperature is less l Has more than 100 OB/GYNs on staff and 434 associates medical devices to support display than 36 degrees Celsius. needs of clinicians in acute and outpaTo accomplish this goal, the Maternal tient settings. The solution documents Infant Center is working to improve pre-delivery environmental and provides a graphical display of the relationship between factors like using polyurethane hats, increasing delivery room fetal heart rates and contraction data. It also stores and displays temperature, using mattress pad warmers, warming blankets, waveforms and annotations – information clinicians can view wrapping infants by using polyurethane bags and using a giraffe 12

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ting Innovative Id n e m e l p eas Im bed shuttle. By optimizing thermal management during resuscitation, our teams will decrease the occurrence of infant mortality.

TIPQC is also focused on using human breast milk to increase the overall health of low birth weight babies.

The use of human breast milk improves the baby’s health while decreasing morbidity, mortality and cost and length of stay. The Maternal Infant Center set a goal to reduce the number of non-breast milk first feedings and non-breast milk feedings at discharge by 50 percent. To do this, associates are educating nursing staff and parents of patients regarding the importance of breast milk. In addition, associates are encouraging NICU mothers to begin pumping their milk within six hours of delivery. The NICU already has three lactation rooms for pumping and breastfeeding moms and will also add a pump in the family waiting room.

Baptist Hospital has also been active with other TIPQC projects, including reducing elective deliveries before 39 weeks and is the largest of four pilot sites in Tennessee participating in a new project for 2011 to focus on the “golden hour” or first critical hour of life for neonates.

Preemie for a Day On Feb. 22 and 23, NICU, labor and delivery and nursery nurses, physicians, patient care techs and respiratory therapists from Baptist Hospital and Middle Tennessee Medical Center experienced what it is like to be a pre-term or sick baby as part of “Preemie for a Day.” Preemie for a Day is an interactive, experiential multisensory program that mirrors an infant’s experience in the moments after birth to admission and care in the NICU. During the training, participants learned how to use positioning and handling techniques that promote proper flexion and self-soothing. They also were introduced to fostering developmentally supportive care during admission, feeding strategies that promote successful feedings and facilitating better collaboration between family and caregiver.

Left and Above: Erin

Stogner, Leslie Pelham, Alisa Tedder, Elizabeth Hazlett and Ashley Davenport participate in Preemie for a Day.

O ur F uture D irection continued from page 11

the ACO is simply the next evolution in our efforts to realize these founding principles.

The ACO is not only committed to holistic care in a spiritual tradition through coordinating services with churches and other community institutions, but also looking beyond the individual to support true community strategies for preventing long-term health care challenges – which will cause premature deaths and health care costs that could eventually bankrupt our country.

The ACO is not only solving existing problems but also building a better future for our community. The future we envision will allow us to serve more of the poor and vulnerable in our community and increasingly meet the health care needs of our patients beyond the walls of our facilities.

4. How can our associates be a part of this movement?

We are constantly looking for new ideas on how to better deliver health care outside of our facilities and in partnership with providers. As health care providers, we witness the challenges our patients face every day, and therefore, have unique insight into how we might fix a myriad of problems. If you have a solution you’d like us to look at, please email Theresha Armstrong at tarmstro@stthomas.org. Our team reviews new ideas each week and we welcome the insights of all our associates.

I would also like to acknowledge the 40+ associates who have been working with us throughout April to help design our ACO structure. They have provided great insight, wisdom and humor to the challenging task before us.

Stay tuned to future issues of Connection for more information on MissionPoint Health Partners and the future direction of Saint Thomas Health.

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Symphony: Innovation through Collaboration From design to implementation, Symphony has been a collaborative effort of associates from across Ascension Health.

Saint Thomas Health has been fortunate to have several associates serve as stakeholders and subject matter experts during this process. As the “go live” date for Symphony at Saint Thomas Health draws near, associates and executives of our health ministry went to St. Louis to test the new systems that will be Symphony.

Read this first-hand account from Saint Thomas Health tester, Symphony Stake Holder and Chief Financial Officer for Saint Thomas Health, Alan Strauss, to get an idea of the testing process.

In addition to Strauss, Stephanie Stewart, Human Resources Director, and Melissa Amell, Senior Director of Supply Chain Operations, have been in St. Louis.

A Note from Melissa Amell:

Symphony Goes Live in Pensacola On July 1, Sacred Heart Health System in Pensacola, Fla became the first Ascension Health ministry to launch Symphony. During this time of transition, associates at Sacred Heart are working hard. Let’s keep them in our thoughts as they go through the successes and hiccups of implementing an initiative of this size.

I have been leading a team of subject matter experts (SME’s) in testing the new cost accounting system for all the Ascension Health Ministries as part of the Symphony project. We have just concluded week one of three in St. Louis doing user acceptance testing (UAT). So far all that we have tested works well and the SMEs all indicated that the system will be more user friendly than our current system.

A great deal of thought and preparation has gone into this particular phase of work with teams collectively exceeding 150 participants. Our days are long but have been rewarding in that we are also addressing future needs while staying within the boundaries of the approved design plan. You should be comforted in knowing that there are so many educated and committed individuals working to make this project a success.

I want to also personally thank the people who have stepped in to assist each ministry while their fellow associates are in St. Louis helping with the testing. Symphony, when concluded, will definitely be a byproduct of all our hard work and commitment. This is our system and we will be proud of what has been created.

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From a Supply Chain perspective the end users will also see improved functionality in the requesting and approval process. They will actually be able to see how their order progresses through the requesting, approval and purchase order process. Currently in Lawson, this process is somewhat cumbersome or requires manual intervention such as a phone call to Purchasing. We have had the opportunity via the Guided Labs to go through scenarios that will exist in the future for the local requesters at each of the hospitals that detail these processes.

A Note from Stephanie Stewart: Human Resources will also see enhancements to its current system. The position action form (PAF) and position approval process will now be automated in PeopleSoft. Managers will be able to make changes to positions and process terminations directly in the system. Associates will also be able to make personal data changes (i.e. name change, address change, etc.) directly in PeopleSoft.

With “go live” just four months away, Saint Thomas Health has moved into the deployment phase of Symphony. During this phase, associates will begin to hear more about how Symphony will change their everyday work lives. As information is made available to leadership, it will be passed on to associates. During the eight weeks prior to “go live” associates will be trained on the new systems to ensure you have the knowledge and skills needed as we make our transition.

Stay tuned to Connection, LIFE and LifeNet for futher information.

Their Prayers Are With You

E

ven though there are fewer Daughters of Charity working in the hospitals of Saint Thomas Health, they are always praying for our ministry, its associates and its patients. Three Daughters of Charity living in Evansville, Ind., are specifically missioned, or assigned, to pray for Saint Thomas Health: Sister Elizabeth Parham, D.C., Sister Mary Lawrence Ryan, D.C. and Sister Mary Ann Wiltzius.

Sister Mary Lawrence Ryan was once stationed at Saint Thomas Hospital and she had heart surgery here 20 years ago. From the words of a letter she wrote several years ago, “Unfortunately, a later stroke has left my body a bit handicapped, but my soul and spirit still are able to intercede for you. Among my services as a Daughter have been nursing, nursing education, diabetes education and other services related to formation and healing. I am a Chicago native but have enjoyed my times in the South, both Nashville and Birmingham.”

Sister Mary Ann Wiltzius’ last assignment before retirement was at Saint Thomas Hospital. You may have seen the diminutive Sister riding a scooter, visiting patients on the floors and families in the waiting room, as well as taking her turn at the main information desk. The trauma of last year’s flooding of the Sisters’ house in Nashville and their consequent relocation was too much for Sister Mary • Sister Mary Lawrence Ryan, D.C. • Ann’s health, and, against her will (but accepting God’s will as expressed through her superiors), she was reassigned to the retirement residence. She is most happy, however, to continue her association with Saint Thomas Health as one of our “praying Sisters.”

• Sister Mary Ann Wiltzius, D.C. •

Sister Elizabeth Parham is new at Seton Residence. She spent most of her community life on the West Coast. Since she is a native of Nashville, her family strongly desired her to come closer to them; but Sister Elizabeth had a stroke and is unable to live with the Sisters in Nashville. This is the next best thing for her, to unite her prayers to our needs.

As you live the mission of Saint Thomas Health, remember their prayers are with you.

“As we indicated, our bodies are not as able as they used to be, but our hearts and minds are willing and able to hold you in prayer. We ask you to do the same for us.”

– Sister Mary Ann Wiltzius, D.C., Sister Mary Lawrence Ryan, D.C., and Sister Elizabeth Parham, D.C.

• Sister Elizabeth Parham, D.C. • 15

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P.O. Box 380 Nashville, TN 37202

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Care for the Caregiver Ceridian LifeWorks Not only can life be stressful, work can be extremely stressful. That’s why Saint Thomas Health has partnered with Ceridian LifeWorks to provide confidential support to help associates manage work, home, health and life at no cost to associates.

Ceridian provides support on a wide range of issues, including: • Addiction and Recovery • Elder Care • Emotional Well-being • Financial / Personal Budgeting • Legal Issues • Mid-life and Retirement • Parenting and Childcare • Schooling • Education • Work • Managing People • Taking Care of Yourself

For immediate assistance, call 1-888-267-8126 or visit www.lifeworks.com.

The Saint Thomas Health user ID is STHS. The password is EAP. 16

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