November 18, 2011
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 30, No. 14
ChapLaIn’s Cheer gIves Comfort
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tIps In handLIng hoLIday grIef
It’s hard dealing with grief, but the holidays can make it even worse. Here are tips from MUSC chaplain Lynn Conklin about handling the holidays if you or a loved one faces a season of grief.
1. Give yourself extra TLC.
Be intentional about taking extra good care of yourself. That means eating well, getting adequate rest and doing comforting activities. It also means preparing for the unexpected and unusual, such as an outburst of crying or having to explain to someone again the loss in your life. It also means ignoring well-meaning, but hurtful comments that people may make.
2. Change the holiday routine. Rev. Lynn Conklin gets a laugh from patient Latoshaj Fludd, who’s awaiting the birth of her baby.
By Dawn Brazell Public Relations
T
he Rev. Lynn Conklin strikes fear into the hearts of some of the patients she visits. They’re not exactly sure why she has come to visit. They fear it’s a sign of imminent death. She’s quick to assure them otherwise. “I tell them, ‘I’m not coming in to
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prod or probe. I don’t stick needles, and I don’t take blood pressure.’ I try to put people at ease.” When she comes across employees in the hallways who apologize for perhaps some colorful language that they may have used, she puts them at ease as well. “You know what? I was a human – still am — before I became a chaplain. And if you whisper, God doesn’t hear you.”
spIna BIfIda program MUSC’s staff responds to the needs of patients, families at specialty clinic.
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That generally gets a laugh when they figure out she’s teasing. Laughter’s good for the soul, as are the honest, sincere talks that Conklin and the other chaplains are on call to provide 24/7, 365 days of the year. Conklin is part of MUSC’s Pastoral Care staff, which includes eight full-time and six part-time chaplains. Eighteen
Do things differently. When her father passed away, she decorated her tree in purple and teal. Changing the tradition from what it usually was helped her cope with a holiday that wasn’t going to be the same with her father gone. She also encourages people to think about changing their routines to do something different.
See Chaplain on page 6
See Tips on page 6
Women In LeadershIp
2
Applause
Pilot program exposes girls to medical leadership roles.
5
Meet Eric
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Currents
READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst
2 The CaTalysT, November 18, 2011
Holiday parade set to roll Jesse Dasinger cuddles with his dog, Liberty, a prize from his parents on the one-year anniversary of his diagnosis. He had a bone marrow transplant Jan. 20.
Some employees think MUSC’s Holiday Parade is just a cheery break in the day. Though that’s true, Elizabeth Nista, quality coordinator of MUSC’s Blood & Marrow Transplant Program, knows it’s so much more. It’s a way to salute the courage of the children and their families, such as Jesse Dasinger who is this year’s parade marshal. Nista describes him as a miracle child. “Every single one of them had lifethreatening illnesses but are here because of the expertise and care they’ve received, and they are going to be here for this Christmas and a lot more Christmases,” she said. Nista said the parade is a concrete way of showing the generosity that MUSC has for its patients. MUSC and the Angel Tree board was recognized
Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425. 843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723 Editor: Kim Draughn catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Cindy Abole, aboleca@musc.edu Dawn Brazell, brazell@musc.edu
Applause Program The following employees received recognition through the Applause Program for going the extra mile: Medical Center
by the Salvation Army as being the largest contributor to the Angel Tree program. Nista said there will be 2,000 toys coming into the Horseshoe. “People show up with trucks loaded up with toys even if they haven’t picked an angel. MUSC employees are generous every day just by the work they do, but this is a fun, concrete way to show their generosity.” This year’s parade starts at 11:45 a.m. Dec. 9, leaving from Ashley River Tower, going down Jonathan Lucas to Sabin Street and then up Ashley Avenue to end at the Horseshoe at noon. Nista said they need employees to participate in the parade, doing everything from riding on floats to pushing along toy bikes, as well as cheer on the sidelines. For more information, visit http:// www.musc.edu/catalyst/angel.html, call 792-8382 or email nistal@musc.edu. The Catalyst is published once a week. Paid adver tisements, which do not represent an endorsement by MUSC or the State of South Carolina, are handled by Island Publications Inc., Moultrie News, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C., 843-849-1778 or 843-958-7490. E-mail: sales@moultrienews.com.
Dana McCarthy, Med/Surg ICU; Linda Bredewater, Pharmacy; Harolyn Smith, Safety & Security/Volunteer & Guest Services; Chris Hardee, 3W; Oliver Horne, Medicine; Diana Fikes, Safety & Security/Volunteer & Guest Services; Mary Katherine Melroy, Occupational Therapy; Courtney Matthews, 9PCU; Megan Artz, 4E; Nadirah Peterson, 4E; Carolyn Reed, Surgery; Suzanne Ramage, Safety & Security/Volunteer & Guest Services; Christina Picado, 9E; Patty Johnson, 2 CCV; Sandra Buck, Urology Clinic; Jessica Fowler, 8E; Krishna Woods, 8E; Jerome Perilla, 8E; Kristen McCutcheon, 8E; Nicole Summers, 8E; Megan Squires, 8E; Sara LaBissoniere, 8E; Joan Madriaga, 8E; Leanna Loud, 8E; Marites Wallace, 8E; Wesley Smith, 8E; Nicholas Salvucci, 8E; Baby Cinense, 8E; Melinda Anderson, 8E; Amy Hanna, 8E; Kellyn Schroeder, 8E; Maria Torres, 7E; Gloria Mort, 9E; Rebecca Cleaves,
Pharmacy; Melvena Nelson, Environmental Services; Lisa Pinckney, Family Medicine; Cheryl Kerrigan, Pediatrics; Rickey Greene, Business Operations Administration; Melanie Brooks, 8E; Patricia Maddox, GI Clinic; Ashley Sevier, 6W; David Marcum, 6W; Christopher Hairfield, Transplant; Judith Singleton, Transplant; Joseph Amundsen, 8E; Shirley Dais, 8E; Diana Williams, Environmental Services; Jacobi Whaley, Environmental Services; Demetre Taylor, 8E; Nathalee Nelson, PAS; Sonita Mom, CCU; Rita Duffy, Safety & Security/Volunteer & Guest Services; Snek Gaillard, Inpatient Phlebotomy Services; Diana Fikes, Safety & Security/Volunteer & Guest Services; Melissa Knoppe, CTICU; Latonia Ray, 2 CCV; Eric Rice, Patient Transport Services; Shandela Gethers, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine; and Kimberle Pride, Pre/Post Ambulatory. University
Dee Crawford, Human Resources Management; Michelle Daniel, Cardiology; Terrence O’Brien, Cardiology; and Dolores Tetreault, General Internal Medicine.
Nurses get high patient ratings MUSC medical center has received an Excellence in Patient Care award given by the Studer Group. The award is based upon exemplary “nurse communication” ratings on the HCAHPS patient survey. HCAHPS, or Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems, is a national standardized survey tool used to measure adult inpatient perception of the quality of care people receive at a given acute care hospital. The 27-question survey was created in 2002 by the combined efforts of The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Scores are publicly posted four times a year at http://www. hospitalcompare.hhs.gov. The Studer Group gives its Excellence in Patient Care awards based on very high scores in each of the HCAHPS categories. MUSC medical center
received its award in the “500 and Above beds” category for having the best responses to HCAHPS questions regarding nursing performance in the areas of courtesy, careful listening and clear explanations. “Providing a positive patient experience is one of our top priorities. We are very pleased to have our nurses recognized for their great work,” said W. Stuart Smith, vice president for clinical operations and executive director, MUSC medical center. Quint Studer, founder of Studer Group, explained, “This is the HCAHPS composite most highly correlated with overall satisfaction. In other words, communication matters — a lot. When nurses listen carefully, treat patients with courtesy and respect, and explain things in a way patients can understand, everyone wins. Patients get the best possible care, and the organization gets to feel good about providing it.”
The CaTalysT, November 18, 2011 3
Spina Bifida Clinic provides family-centered care
By CinDy aBole Public Relations Evie Gray is not your typical teenager. The 14-year-old freshman at Cane Bay High School in Goose Creek loves to travel, fish, water ski, swing on a zip line and other typical activities teens do. What is different is that Evie, who is wheelchair bound, has lived with spina bifida since birth. She can do all these things because of her own tenaciousness, spirit and support from others. Evie is one of hundreds of Tri-county children (up to age 21) diagnosed with this disorder who receives treatment and care at MUSC’s Spina Bifida Clinic, which operates monthly at Rutledge Tower. Established more than 20 years ago, the clinic provides comprehensive, family-centered care to more than 200 pediatric patients. MUSC’s program is one of two pediatric spina bifida clinics serving South Carolina patients. The other clinic is at Shriner’s Clinic in Greenville. Born Dec. 27, 1996 in Fort Worth, Texas, Evie is the youngest daughter of Jeff and Wanda Shotsberger-Gray, and was diagnosed with myelomeningocele — the main form of spina bifida. Wanda is a histology technologist who wanted to return to coastal South Carolina to be closer with family. Before relocating to Charleston, Wanda inquired about pediatric programs and clinical support for her then, 3-year-old daughter “Having this clinic and available pediatric specialty services was extremely helpful to us. These services were available to us whenever Evie has needed it.” In the U.S., spina bifida is the most prevalent, inherited physical disability affecting children. Seven out of 10,000 newborns are diagnosed with the disease each year. More specifically, the defect affects the lower back and spinal column of a developing fetus and occurs when the neural tube fails to close resulting in full or partial paralysis and other medical issues. Although the effects of spina bifida are different with each person, children diagnosed with forms of the disease — meningocele, myelomeningocele and sacral agenesis — can seek treatment at MUSC’s specialty clinic.
A Charleston County Park employee assists 14-year old Evie Gray as she learns to sea kayak. Gray, who is wheelchair-bound, has been a patient of the Children’s Hospital’s Spina Bifida Clinic since 2000.
“The coordination of care for Evie, and patients like her, is so important. It’s what makes a difference in responding to the most immediate needs of children with spina bifida.” Dr. Michelle Macias The clinic is headed by medical director and developmental pediatrician Michelle Macias, M.D., nurse practitioner Anne Marie Webster and a team of specialists. At the clinic, which operates on the fourth Tuesday of each month, children receive independent evaluations, referrals and an overall continuum of medical
care from prenatal to adulthood. The clinic provides medical management and care coordination throughout all stages of the disease. Medical specialists contribute to patient care, which includes pediatric orthopaedics, developmental pediatrics, neurosciences, pediatric urology and rehabilitation services-occupational and physical therapies. Other as-needed support also can be offered to patients in social work, clinical nutrition, speech-language pathology, neuropsychological and vision and hearing evaluations. “We’re also focusing on guiding families with available support to improve patient outcomes. Families can also benefit from psychosocial and family resources, including learning from each other. When this happens, patients do well and lead better lives,” Macias said. Once settled in Charleston, Evie spent the next decade in and out of area hospitals. She had to undergo a total of nine surgeries and procedures including numerous shunt revisions to help relieve fluid build up in her brain, surgery for a clubfoot, scar repairs and a spinal cord untethering, which resulted in her
developing and recovering from severe meningitis. Macias, Webster and other specialists have supported Evie throughout her journey. “The coordination of care for Evie, and patients like her, is so important. It’s what makes a difference in responding to the most immediate needs of children with spina bifida,” Macias said. Now in her teens, Evie is enjoying life. Wanda, who works in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, is her daughter’s biggest fan and advocate. The fun-loving teenager grew up attending public schools — interacting and playing with children her age. For a middle school project, Evie gave a 14-slide PowerPoint presentation about living with spina bifida to her classmates. For social activities, Evie attended the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control’s Camp Burnt Gin in Wedgefield and racing legend Richard Petty’s Victory Junction Camp in North Carolina. Both are summer camps that promote fun and empowerment for children with physical disabilities and chronic illnesses.
See CliniC on page 8
4 The CaTalysT, November 18, 2011
Waring library wins 2011 program innovation award The Waring Historical Library was named one of the winners of South Carolina Archival Association's (SCAA) 2011 “Program Innovation” award. This award recognizes the historical library’s achievement in increasing the visibility of the special collections at MUSC via MEDICA, online and physical exhibits, and an oral history program. During the past three years, staff at the Waring Historical Library, lead by curator Susan Hoffius, university archivist Brooke Fox, and digital archivist Jennifer Welch, have increased the visibility of the special collections. By incorporating current technologies and exploring new ways of increasing awareness of and access to its collections, the Waring Historical Library has expanded its outreach program beyond MUSC. Some of the innovative outreach tools used by the library include MEDICA (MUSC's digital library), an oral history program, and physical and online exhibits. q The Waring Historical Library’s most significant innovation has been
Accepting the award are Jennifer Welch, from left, Susan Hoffius and Brooke Fox. MEDICA, the institutional repository and digital archives of MUSC. MEDICA was created to provide access to current research of MUSC faculty and students, as well as the historical archival collections held at MUSC’s Waring Historical Library and University Archives. MEDICA’s collections include
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articles written by MUSC faculty, thesis and dissertations written by MUSC students, and historical photographs and documents relating to the history of the health sciences. This institutional repository has opened access to the library’s materials on South Carolina medicine.
q Oral history program, established in 2008, has captured histories of MUSC from a variety of perspectives: faculty, staff, patients and alumni. These interviews have been used to develop online and physical exhibits that have told the rich history of MUSC. q Physical and online exhibits have been used to share stories of MUSC’s impact on medicine, research, and patient care in South Carolina. Exhibits have focused not only on the institution as a whole, but its faculty, staff, students, patients, and surrounding community. This award was presented to the Waring Historical Library staff on Oct. 6 at the SCAA’s annual meeting in Columbia. “It is a great honor to be recognized by our peers around the state for the work we have done over the last few years to raise the visibility of the Waring, its collections and programs,” said Hoffius. For more information about this award or the programs highlighted, contact Hoffius at 792-2288 or Hoffius@musc. edu or visit http://waring.library.musc. edu.
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Tips Continued from Page One
Chaplain Continued from Page One
years ago, there were only four chaplains and they served a limited role, she said. Fortunately, that’s no longer the case as chaplains now are in high demand at all kinds of events from providing comfort at times of tragedy and illness to offering blessings for some of life’s sweeter moments. Each year during pastoral care week in October, the chaplains continue educating staff and patients about the ways they can serve. Conklin said she loves how the hospital community is her congregation. The Ravenel native loves the diverse backgrounds and beliefs she encounters daily. “I’m a Southern Baptist ordained woman, so I don’t mind breaking the mold.” The other challenge she doesn’t mind facing routinely is dealing with the devastation and aftereffects of grief. Often couching her service in nautical terms, Conklin said she is a safe place for people to express their feelings. “I think a safe harbor is what is needed, where they can come, and I can be an anchor,” she said. “Everything that they had is gone. They were talking to their family member, and now they are gone. Sometimes the grief is so overwhelming, it sweeps them under.” Conklin has been at MUSC for nine years. Some days are worse than others. Some people just want a ministry of presence. Others want spiritual counsel. “I come to be with people on the most difficult and dreary of days – the most solemn of days. They don’t know me, and I don’t know them, but I’m there. I call it holy ground that I’m standing on. I learn more from the patient’s family than I present to them sometimes, but it’s that moment of connection that says this is the mystery of God.” In seminary, Conklin found she felt comfortable talking about death and dying and grief. It’s one way she knew serving as a chaplain was the right field for her. She focuses on the healing part of grief that she can facilitate, knowing that sometimes she’ll just have a five-minute window to be with a patient or family member. “I like to embrace the people who are grieving and educate them and let
3. Celebrate the loved one who has been lost.
Some families don’t want to talk or reminisce about someone who has died but that can stall or block the grieving process. “Remember them. Call them by name. Allow family members to tell their stories.”
4. Expect an ambush from the past.
Unresolved grief issues from previous losses, whether it be of a loved one, a divorce, financial losses, a pet’s death or other issues involving sorrow, tend to resurface with a current loss. Know this is normal and allow yourself to process the emotions. Rev. Conklin takes a moment to pray with a family before a delivery. Conklin said she loves to be involved with celebrations. them know they can be whole again, and they can feel comfort. As far as why God allowed this to happen to me is the ageold question that never gets answers, but I encourage people to ask that question. I give them permission to question their faith.” Her goal is to impart coping skills and some type of normalcy, allowing them to understand the resources that are available. That includes hospital employees as well, some of whom may be reluctant to use services they feel are just for patients. That’s not the case, and she encourages staff to reach out during times of crisis. She had an employee tell her that her mother died a month ago, but she hadn’t been able to get over it. “I told her ‘you’re not supposed to be over it,’ and she seemed relieved. So in a three-second encounter, I did the education to say there was no timeline on grief.” One of the least favorite parts of the job is not having continuity for followup care. Sometimes she will hear back from some patients. One of those is Toni A. Pitts, whose husband was very sick and waiting for a liver transplant. Unfortunately, Pitts lost her husband, but Conklin struck up a friendship with her that has lasted and includes updates on births of grandchildren. Pitts said Conklin was one of the
people she met at MUSC who blessed their lives beyond measure. “I believe that God puts people in our lives when we need them, and she was there for Ray, me and our family.” That kind of connection makes Conklin smile. Grief is a journey that varies with the person. “You have to find your way through it. That chapter in those people’s lives has not been written. I think the worst way is to shut down and close out everyone in your life. A good way of healing is to continue talking about your family member who died — to remember them on a daily basis. The grieving person doesn’t want to burden anyone, but they shouldn’t feel guilty for remembering.” Conklin doesn’t pretend to have all the answers. “I’m challenged a lot with questions of ‘what are we doing?’ and ‘how did we get here?’ It’s not your basic Sunday school class anymore. It has allowed me to spread my wings of growth and perspective. God is a mystery and that sacredness of not having the answers is OK. That gift of sitting with someone and offering presence is what’s needed.” On the tougher, sadder days, she has to take a breather with a hot tea, a walk or a talk with another chaplain. “If it’s a really, really bad day, I just go to bed and call it a day. Or I call my husband,
5. Create mementos.
Make a scrapbook or a special picture frame. Write in a journal or create a special memory candle. Do an activity the person would have liked. “Remind yourself that your loved one has not left your love. You need to be comforted by their presence of love.”
Watch a video at http:// bit_ly/Handling_Grief John, and ask where are you taking me to dinner today?” she said, smiling. But then the next day, she’s back on the hospital hallways, doing what she and the other chaplains do best – offering themselves up for anyone interested in matters of the soul. She never knows what window of opportunity will open, but she does know hospitals can serve as a crucible in people’s spiritual journeys. “People change either for the better or for the worse. They draw on their faith or they have to find new strength with something they are not really familiar with. I remind them that that same God that you were close to two weeks ago when things were going really well is the same faith and the same God who is holding you up now. You don’t have to ask, ‘help me.’ God’s already in place doing that.”
The Catalyst, November 18, 2011 7
Nurse wins Caring Spirit Award The MUSC Pastoral Care staff recently presented its fifth annual Caring Spirit Award to Kissia Randolph, R.N., a nurse in the critical care unit at Ashley River Tower. This award is presented each year in conjunction with national Pastoral Care Week to honor one faculty or staff member for commitment and support. Chaplain and MUSC Pastoral Care manager Terry Wilson said the award recognizes individuals who excel in providing spiritual care to patients and families, who support the pastoral care mission and foster community among clergy and hospital staff and support the pastoral care week theme which was “Shared Voices.” Wilson said Randolph more than met all the criteria and thanked her for how often she calls the chaplains to let them know their services are needed. “Having worked with ‘Kissi’ around many patient and family scenarios, I have always been impressed by her consistent compassionate care. Kissi calls our service often and her referrals are
MUSC’s pastoral care staff with winner Kissia Randolph, center. For more information on pastoral services, visit http://www.musc.edu/pastoralcare. always timely and appropriate. She is an empathetic presence to her patients and families. I also have witnessed her care to those on her team. Kissi has a deep faith that is a resource for her as a health care worker. She observes appropriate boundaries within her patient/family relationships around spiritual support. She is respected and liked by her coworkers on the unit.” Family and friends who attended the award ceremony echoed Wilson’s
statements, adding what a humble spirit she exudes. Friend Jola Powell said Randolph shows the same love and compassion to those in need in the community. “Her heart is just like that in the hospital setting as well as out of it,” she said, describing how Randolph helped her recover from her surgery. Randolph, whose 6-year-old son Christopher, helped her receive the award, said she was touched and honored to get what she sees as God’s
Kissia Randolph, right, with her mother, Annette Washington, and son, Christopher. award. “When I’m in the midst of confusion, I know I can call on God,” she said, adding that she sometimes prays at work before going in a patient’s room. “I pray ‘This is your child. I want you to help me take care of them as you would have me take care of them.’ I’m grateful to receive this award.”
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8 The CaTalysT, November 18, 2011
Program seeks to raise women’s role in medicine
By JeB eDwarDs Public Relations
Nine Porter-Gaud girls took their “Oath of Discovery” Oct. 3 as part of a pilot program that focuses on increasing the number of women in leadership roles in medicine. The nine girls received their lab coats in a ceremony that inducted them into the first year of the MUSC Girls in Research and Medicine program. Upon taking the “Oath of Discovery,” which is an adapted version of the Hippocratic oath, these carefully selected girls will be introduced to the world of research and medicine. One or two days a month, through attending lectures and working in labs with mentors at MUSC, the girls will learn methods that are used in the study of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Cynthia Wright, Ph.D., associate dean for admissions, and Perry Halushka, M.D., Ph.D., dean of the College of Graduate Studies, coordinated the program with the vision that it will lead to more women in leadership roles in the medical world. Suzanne Trivette, a Porter-Gaud senior
Back row from left are: Tahirih Nesmith, Eileen Zhang, Suzanne Trivette and Angela Liu. Front row from left are: Mallory Banks, Maddie Farrell, Mary Beth Robards and Elen Edelson. Not pictured is Emma Whittemore. in the program, said she’s thrilled to participate. “I hope it will give me more insight into the types of projects doctors are currently working on, and I’m sure it will be a lot of fun.” Rebecca Pritchard, science department chair at Porter-Gaud, said Porter-Gaud participated in an MUSC program
during the summer with the same ideals. It was not until last school year that a parent posed the idea of extending the program. “It really is incredible because for years they have been in the summer program and people began to wonder why it is limited only to the summertime,” she said.
CliniC Continued from Page Three Looking ahead, Evie is eager to graduate from high school and hopes to become a social worker. Helping others comes natural to Evie, said her mother. As Evie and teens such as herself grow older, they will have to face the challenges that young adults with spina bifida often have to confront, including learning disabilities, bowel and bladder control, depression and sexual and social issues. According to Webster, children with spina bifida respond more positively when they adopt a whole life approach to managing the disease. Since midSeptember, the monthly specialty clinic expanded to include a regular clinic day (Mondays), managed by Webster, to support the needs of recently discharged patients and transitioning teens who must deal with coming-of-age milestones like getting a driver’s license, staying physically active and exploring ways to gain their health care independence. “The clinic is doing well at this time and the interest is growing. Someday we’d like to partner with other clinical departments including adult internal medicine and family medicine to guide the transition of care for these patients as they reach adulthood,” Webster said.
The idea was finalized when parent funds were donated for the program, and everything seemed to fall together well. “It was one of those things that just happened with the help of many people and the strong organizational skills of Jen Rader, Porter-Gaud biology teacher.” One condition that came with the donation was that the first year the program be limited to only girls at Porter-Gaud. Ann Ritter, Hollings Cancer Center advisory board member and initial contributor in launching the program, said that the program aims to expose young women to professionals in medicine. The idea was to try to help students open their eyes to the possibilities around them. It is imperative that skills in medicinal leadership are developed at a young age, Ritter said. “Department chairs are often not women. It’s unfortunate because as they move up and graduate, fewer of them go on to leadership positions.” The future goal of the program is to open the opportunity to students from other schools in the area. Pritchard said, “We hope to enlarge the program by making it available to boys and girls.” MUSC Spina Bifida Clinic
Michelle M. Macias, M.D., medical director and professor, Division of Behavioral Pediatrics and Genetics; Anne Marie Ciccolini Webster, R.N., pediatric nurse practitioner/clinic coordinator; Stephen Kinsman, M.D., pediatric neurology consultant to the Spina Bifida Clinic and chief of Neurology; Steven Glazier, M.D., Neurosurgery; James Mooney, III, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery; Richard Gross, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgery; Todd J. Purves, M.D., Pediatric Urology; Margee McKenna, M.D., Developmental Pediatric fellow; Jennifer Marshall, P.A., Neurosurgery; Jennifer Pitassi, P.T., and Katy Eisert, O.T. Evie’s mother’s advice to a parent or family member with a child diagnosed with spina bifida is plain and practical. “Don’t be afraid to seek help; whether its help for your child or emotional help and support for the parent. The resources are most likely available if you have the courage to seek it or ask.” For information about MUSC’s Spina Bifida Clinic, call 876-0444 or visit http://www.musc.kids.com/ spinabifida.
The CaTalysT, November 18, 2011 9
currents Nov. 15 People–Fostering employee pride and loyalty Liz Nista, Transplant Center, and more than a dozen MUSC Angel Tree board members, promoted details about this year’s campaign. Established since 2003, MUSC employees have contributed to this annual program with growing generosity. Since Nov. 11, the Angel Tree board has started to distribute about 1,100 angel gift tags to campuswide departments and off-campus facilities. This year’s collection will feature a parade with music provided by the Burke High School band and MUSC Angel Tree participants. Adopt an angel from the display located at the university hospital and ART cafeteria walls. Gifts are due Dec. 9 and will feature a parade event, which will begin at 11:45 a.m. beginning at ART and end at the MUSC Horseshoe. Visit http://www. lowcountryangels.com. HR update Helena Bastian, MUHA HR director, presented the following: CATTS lessons — All mandatory CATTS lessons are due Dec. 1. Questions may be directed to Latonia Allen, 792-2805; Parking Management, University Transportation and University Mail Services will be closed Nov. 24 and Nov. 25; Quarterly new hire reception is scheduled for 1 p.m., Dec. 8, Gazes Auditorium; Event honors employees hired since last quarter (July to September) who have completed 90 days of service. Door prizes will be awarded; Education verification for new hires scheduled to start Jan. 2: Schools & offices will be closed from Dec. 18 to Jan. 2; HR will be unable to verify education references at this time. National Student Clearinghouse does not verify high school diplomas and GEDs; Holiday shift differentials: Per MUHA HR Policy #15 — Compensation: employees in regular day positions (Monday to
Fridays) will not automatically be eligible for holiday shift differential — eligible employees are those required to work on the actual holiday; time keepers must document in Kronos; Vacant positions — Vacant, interim positions are required to be posted to ensure fair and non-discriminatory hiring practice; positions that become vacant due to extended absence are to be available to qualified employees within respective department/unit; salary quotes are not to be requested from HR employment or HR compensation\n until position has posted required time frame. Employee of the Month — November q Annie Bass, a 9West PCT and PCT of the Year, was recognized for her dedication, patience and respect to patients and the unit staff. A member of the unit’s patient satisfaction team, she contributed lots of ideas to improve patient care (by Ramona Smith) q Kathy Kruowski, R.N., 7East Children’s Hospital clinical unit leader, was praised for her overall energy, enthusiasm and creativeness in promoting the unit. Her theme of the month party and other activities to create a positive, friendly work environment. (by Carla Pascoe) Patient Family Centered Care update Maggie Thompson, Patient and Family Centered Care manager, talked about the hospital’s current progress in establishing three patient-family partnership councils (Children’s Hospital, IOP and Medical Center) within the medical center to improve partnerships and relationships between patients, families and hospital caregivers. Thompson introduced representatives from two of the councils, Mary Anne Gallagher and Marian Rzepkowski (IOP) and Fred Rothaermel (Medical Center), who each spoke about their group’s progress. Formed in April, the eight-member IOP Council has already facilitated crisis intervention training and other activities. The newly-formed medical center council hosts nine members and currently sharing input
To Medical Center Employees Recently the MUSC Children’s Hospital was chosen to receive the Excellence in Patient Care award given by the Studer Group. This award is based upon consistent outstanding patient satisfaction results. The past two years the Children’s Hospital and clinics have ranked among the top 5 percent of the 66 children’s hospitals that participate in Press Ganey patient satisfaction survey. The most recent results indicate a 99th percentile rank. Congratulations to the Children’s Hospital leadership team, physicians and staff for a great job. At the Nov. 15 management communications meeting, Carla Pascoe, nurse manager, 7E Pediatric Surgery, and Jennifer Wright, nurse manager, 7A Children’s Hospital, updated the management team on an array of best practices used to achieve high patient satisfaction results. Among other things, they emphasized the bedside shift report as one of the most powerful tools. Additional details are included in this newsletter. As previously discussed at the Aug. 2 communications meeting, a DHEC survey conducted in June revealed a number of radiation safety regulation deficiencies. An action plan was put into place to re-educate all concerned individuals on radiation safety requirements and to correct deficiencies. Included in this newsletter are the “Top 10 Steps to Radiation Safety” given to managers for dissemination to all appropriate individuals. We will continue our work to ensure for proper systems of accountability and education of everyone concerned. The full cooperation of everyone is needed as we move forward. Thank you very much. W. Stuart Smith Vice President for Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center to a revised disclosure policy and the hospital’s new visitation policy. Council members are patients or family members who have had significant and diverse patient care experiences at MUSC who want to share their patient perspectives with the medical center’s conversations, strategic planning and improvement efforts. The group is eager to partner with hospital managers and staff to improve the patient care experience. Aside from Thompson, MUSC staff liaisons include Torri Jacobsen (IOP) and Sandra Oberman (Children’s Hospital). For information, e-mail thompsof@musc.edu
Quality — Providing quality patient care in a safe environment
Reece Smith, medical center compliance director, reviewed the latest information on maintaining HIPAA privacy and security standards. Smith cautioned managers to be aware of privacy rules and security
standards related to phishing, HIPAA privacy audits using FairWarning (a new detection software), social media, faxing and password protected smart phones (use password protection). She also reminded employees that they are responsible for notifying the compliance offices in the event of a security breach by calling 792-4037 or the OCIO help desk, 792-9700. Patient transport update Dave Neff, Ambulatory Care Service Line administrator and Tyler Nance, Ambulatory Care Support Services, shared details from a new task force formed to improve the hospital’s patient transport services. Nance, along with co-project director Nancy Hendry, Admit Transfer Center manager, described how all internal patient transports will be managed in the University and Children’s Hospital, ART, Hollings Cancer Center and Rutledge Tower. The new program also will manage all MUSC patient transport staff (Ambulatory Care, Echo and radiology transporters in University Hospital and ART). Beginning Dec. 6, transporters will wear a purple top and
See CurrenTs on page 10
10 The CaTalysT, November 18, 2011
CurrenTs Continued from Page Nine
black scrub pants. Transport requests will be managed online with the requestor receiving an ETA status and escalations with management oversight. Requests also can be made for a morgue attendant and lift team support. Training will take place throughout November with the go-live event scheduled Dec. 6. According to Neff, the new program will better gauge and manage overall productivity with hospitalwide transports on weekdays. Transport coverage for weekends will continue until Feb. 1. Managers are invited to participate in a wheelchair tune-up and surplus event, Nov. 17-18, university hospital, Biomed CH107; ART, Biomed Rm. 2416; RT, info desk, 1st floor lobby; and HCC, transporter desk, 1st floor lobby. MUSC Service Excellence Team update Children’s Hospital’s Carla Pascoe, 7East nurse manager, and Jennifer Wright, 7A nurse manager, shared
best practices and initiatives used by their multidisciplinary team to improve patient satisfaction and gains within the past year. Both managers praised the formation of hospitalwide multidisciplinary service teams, which include employees, physicians, and a representative of the Children’s Hospital Council to contribute to conversations and planning. Also organized are unit-specific teams who are responsible for creating action plans that drive the team’s success. According to Pascoe, bedside shift reporting is considered essential for managers to hold staff accountable in this practice. Other improvements include better communications and collaboration with teams and employee engagement. So far, the Children’s Hospital achieved the 99th percentile in the last reported quarter with 7East has scored 99 percentile for five out of the last six quarters. They received the Studer Group’s Excellence in Patient Care award for patient satisfaction.
Top 10 steps to radiation safety Because of its potential damaging effects, the amount of radiation exposure should be minimized. The exposure to radiation should be as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). 1. All operators of mobile or portable X-ray equipment are required to have a dosimetry badge. 2. Fetal monitors are recommended, but not required, for pregnant individuals. When a fetal monitor is requested, a written notification to the Radiation Safety Office (792-4255) must be submitted. 3. Wear a dosimetry badge at all times when in a fluoroscopic suite. 4. All dosimetry badges must be turned in to the Radiation Safety Office by the 10th of the month. 5. Wear your dosimetry badge on the upper body in a location which is most likely to receive the exposure. 6. If you lose your dosimetry badge, contact the Radiation Safety Office. 7. Wear proper protective equipment (PPE), lead apron, thyroid shield, and lead gloves as needed. 8. Always be aware of the three main principles of reducing radiation exposure: Time: minimize the amount of time in radiation area; Distance: distance self as much as possible from radiation sources; and Shielding: use protective shielding devices. 9. Only licensed X-ray technologist or trained licensed practitioner (physician) shall operate X-ray equipment. 10. Only licensed X-ray technologist or trained licensed practitioner (physician) shall position the c-arm or mobile radiographic unit over the patient or area of interest. Non-licensed personnel are only allowed to move the c-arm or other radiation generating device into the suite of operation, and turning the unit on to enter patient data.
Teddy Bear tags to help children The Teddy Bear Gift Tag trees, located at the Colbert Education Center & Library Building, Basic Science Building, College of Health Professions lobby and the Harper Student Center, contains the names of children who could use a little holiday cheer. The trees will be decorated with the tags through Dec. 1. Choose a gift tag from one of the trees and purchase the child’s gift request. Gifts need to be returned (in gift bags only) to the MUSC Gives Back office, Room 213, Harper Student Center, by noon, Dec. 2. The Teddy Bear Gift Tag needs to be tied around the bag handle. If you have any questions, call MUSC Gives Back at 792-4094.
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