Volume 4
WHAT’Snew
This past January 19, nationally recognized as Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Pennsylvania Hospital hosted its 13th annual MLK Day at PAH. The event is sponsored by what was formerly known as the hospital’s Black History Month Committee. However, in recognition of all cultures, members of the committee voted to broaden its scope and are now known as the Cultural Activities Planning Committee, a subdivision of the Cultural Competence Committee.
injustice in health care is the
February 6, 2015
Pennsylvania Hospital
C e l e b r a t i n g the Life & Legacy of
“ Of all the forms of inequality,
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“For me, our MLK day event symbolizes how richly diverse Pennsylvania Hospital is,” said Angel McCullough, MSN, MBA, clinical director, Oncology, Pavilion, Dialysis, ICU,
MLK
CCU, NICU. “One of my favorite quotes is, ‘The beauty of the world lies in the diversity of its people.’ And Pennsylvania Hospital put together a ‘beautiful’ program to pay tribute to a man who believed in the value of diversity when very few else did.” And come together they did! PAH employees and students from the General George A. McCall Elementary School and the Guion Bluford High School spoke and performed to full house. Students essay contest winners and the guest speaker Rita K. Adeniran, DrNP, RN, CMAC, NEA-BC, FAAN, all addressed Dr. King’s legacy and year’s theme, “Is Health Care Equal for All?” / / / Continued on page 2
most shocking and inhumane.” — Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr., Speech to the Medical Committee for Human Rights, 1966
Inside MLK continued..........................2 Free Mammograms..................2 The Patient Experience.............2 Celebrate American Heart Month and National Cardiovascular Professionals Week...................3 Introducing the New HeartAge — Cardiac Risk Profiler.............3 TJC Corner.................................4
PAH Cultural Competence Committee Seeks New Members > > > The Pennsylvania Hospital Cultural Competence Committee embraces and considers the cultural diversity of all our patients and employees. The Committee, which meets monthly and sponsors three events a year, is seeking new members from all disciplines and departments.
To join, please contact co-chairs Mari-Carmen Farmer, BSN, RNC-OB, and Samantha Archibong MSN, RN, PMHNP-BC at Mari-Carmen.Farmer@uphs.upenn.edu and Samantha.Archibong@uphs.upenn.edu.
Do You Know A Heart Hero?....4 Ebola Preparedness..................4
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/ / / Continued from page 1
C e l e b r a t i n g the Life & Legacy of
MLK
Adeniran, the president and CEO of Innovative and Inclusive Global Solutions, a health care consulting firm, was with Penn Medicine for over 14 years prior to her current position, most recently as the director for Diversity and Inclusion for UPHS. She discussed how, in addition to individuals and specific populations, health inequities impact the health status and health care costs facing our nation. Adeniran’s speech challenged guests to reflect on how Dr. King’s legacy can be applied to eliminate the health care disparities that significantly affect the underserved and underrepresented in our nation today. To help counteract the grim topic of health care disparities where the uplifting essay and poem readings, music and song and even a mine dance as high schooler Trinis Robinson brought the house down with a standing ovation. “Employees across cultures, across departments, across disciplines, and across generations came together at this event to celebrate and acknowledge the true value that diversity brings. It was true reminder that we all smile in the same language,” said McCullough.
“MLK Day for me is a just one day of a life-long commitment to give back in service, by sharing an encouraging word and providing artistic relief and fun to employees, youth, families and guests of the community,” said Carolyn Griggs, assistant to the Chairman of the Department of Medicine. “I want people to be encouraged on a large scale and know how important they are and that everyone exists to fulfill a purpose!
For the time has come when we all must face, It’s about equality and justice, and not about race! So please don’t judge me by the color of my skin, For the worth that I hold, it begins entirely within. — Excerpt from the “Who Am I?” a poem by Bonita Ball, MSN, RN, nurse manager, Oncology, Pavilion and Dialysis.
Penn Medicine to Offer Free Mammograms this Valentine’s Day Mammography is currently the best screening test available for early detection of breast cancer. However, ongoing debates about what age and how often a woman should get a mammogram and the potential financial cost may hold some back from getting the life-saving breast cancer screening. Ari D. Brooks, MD, director of the Integrated Breast Center and Endocrine and Oncologic Surgery at PAH, and Carmen Guerra, MD, MSCE, FACP, associate professor of Medicine and associate chief of staff of the Abramson Cancer Center, and president, East Central Division, American Cancer Society, Inc., both received funding from Susan G. Komen Philadelphia this year to provide access to breast screenings for 400 uninsured women. This Valentine’s Day, Penn Medicine officially joins forces with The American Cancer Society and WUVP Univision 65 in “Amate a ti Misma,” or “Love Yourself,” to provide free mammograms to uninsured women in our community. Know a woman who doesn’t have health insurance, or who has expensive co-pays? Encourage her to call American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 to sign up for a free mammogram at one of two Penn Medicine locations. Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Thursday, February 12, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuttleman Center of PAH 3rd Floor – Outpatient Radiology 1840 South Street | Phila., PA 19146
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OR
Friday, February. 13, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Perelman Center at HUP Ground Floor – Breast Imaging 3400 Civic Center Blvd. | Phila., PA 19104
The Patient Ex p eri enc e To all the doctors, nurses, staff, Escort Services and Food & Nutrition Services at Pennsylvania Hospital: This was my first time having to stay at this hospital. I must say I had a wonderful stay here. Everybody helps each other out. You all say “hello” to each other and treat each other like family. I was happy to feel like I was part of the family too. I was feeling a little down about having to stay in the hospital, but my experience at Pennsylvania Hospital was the best. I’m changing all of my doctors from my previous hospital to here. I love that when I asked questions about my health they were answered. It was good to see not only the nurses, but the doctors who came back to check on me often too. That was impressive because in my previous hospital experience elsewhere, doctors only saw me when I was first admitted and when I left.
C e l e b r a t e American Heart Month
V isit : PennMedicine.org/heart > > >
and National Cardiovascular Professionals Week – February 8-14 Celebrate American Heart Month and national Cardiovascular Professionals Week at PAH Thursday, February 12, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Pine Building Basement. Stop by for educational posters and materials, blood pressure screenings, free giveaways (including t-shirts — first come, first served!) and to win a FitBit™ wireless activity to track your health goals. Cardiovascular professionals are cardiology services and health care practitioners, including registered nurses and registered technologists with credentials, certifications and/or licensure. They collaborate with physicians and other members of the health care team to provide a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care in many settings throughout the hospital. The team identifies, treats, and prevents cardiac and vascular diseases through a wide variety of tests, medications, and procedures. Cardiology services staff are experts in the delivery of state-of-the-art cardiac care who are closely involved in many performance improvement initiatives and clinical research that improves patient care.
Cardiology Services consists of six different areas at PAH:
The Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory, Electrophysiology, The Heart Station, Echocardiography, The Prehold/Recovery Room, and Performance Improvement/Research. PAH is also home to three cardiac cath labs — one of which is a hybrid — and one EP lab. “We are in the process of designing a second new electrophysiology lab to open next year,” said Danielle Heffner, MHA, BBA, director of Cardiology Services. PAH also added a new hybrid OR to its spectrum of services in the fall of 2014.
Penn Heart and Vascular Celebrates American Heart Month 2015 Some Sobering Facts about Heart Disease
»» Heart disease is the number one cause of death for both men and women in the U.S, claiming approximately one million lives annually. »» Every 33 seconds someone in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease which is roughly the equivalent of a September 11th-like tragedy repeating itself every 24 hours, 365 days a year. »» More die of heart disease than of AIDS and all cancers combined. »» By 2020, heart disease will be the leading cause of death throughout the world. »» This year more than 920,000 Americans will have a heart attack; nearly half of them will occur without prior symptoms or warning signs. `` Source: Theheartfoundation.org
I n tro d u ci n g th e
New HeartAge — Cardiac Risk Profiler
Even the food was good. I couldn’t believe I didn’t have to ask my family to bring me something to eat because the food was so good. The people who served the food were pleasant and helpful. Plus I had food choices. Again, this was much different than my previous experiences in the hospital. My room was always kept clean and trash was always emptied. My experience with patient transport (Escort Services) was good as well. I didn’t feel like I was just some patient they had to take to get a test done. They always made sure I had enough blankets and that I was comfortable. I just want to say thank you to everyone who took care of me and made my stay at Pennsylvania Hospital a good one. Thank you Dr. Daniel C. Farber (Orthopaedic Surgery, Food and Ankle) and your staff for all you do and have done for me!
There’s an exciting new resource that is being offered to patients and the public on the PennMedicine.org/heart website: theHeartAge — Cardiac Risk Profiler. This simple tool, provided in a report format that is easily downloaded or e-mailed, helps individuals discover important information about their cardiovascular health and risk factors “It is hoped that this tool will encourage users to know their risk factors and, when necessary, take action to improve their cardiovascular health,” said Robert B. Norris, MD, FACC, chief, Section of Cardiovascular Diseases at PAH. “Indeed all staff, nurses and physicians can help spread awareness of these reports which we should encourage patients to complete in the privacy of their own homes, at their own pace, and bring to an appointment. Some folks can become very nervous and stressed at the doctor’s office. This profiler helps us get complete, accurate information.”
The tools estimate a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease in the next ten years as well as the next 30 years if the patient is younger than 60. Patients are welcome to bring the report generated by the profiler to their next appointment when they will be advised to take different actions based upon their individual risk score. The profiler is constantly maintained/updated with any changes to diagnosis or treatment guidelines and all data handling is compliant with Penn Patient Privacy and HIPPA practices. Check it out for yourself! The profiler tool is 24-7 accessible on the PennMedicine.org/ heart webpage.
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Notification System and via email through the “Site PAH All Members” group. Here are some tips to help prepare for TJC’s upcoming visit:
TJC Corner Staying in a State of Perpetual Preparedness The Joint Commissions (TJC), the independent, notfor-profit organization that accredits and certifies more than 20,500 health care organizations and programs in the U.S., is due to inspect PAH any day now until April 20. Keep on the lookout! TJC’s visit with us will be announced at 7:30 a.m. the morning of their arrival. Surveyors will be here for five (5) days beginning at approximately 7:45 a.m. each day. Staff will receive a notice of TJC’s arrival through the Emergency
• Current and readily accessible Committee/
Task Force/Meeting Minutes (binders recommended for TJC surveyors) • Current and readily accessible
Employee Evaluations • Current and readily accessible
Employee Competencies • An available computer and clean
conference area for survey tracers (binders recommended) • List of awards and honors that your unit an
Heart Hero?
Penn Heart and Vascular patients and employees never settle! Whether it is a patient, caregiver, clinician or scientist — we want to hear about those people who go above and beyond in the world of cardiovascular care. Tell us if there’s someone you know with who deserves recognition for going above and beyond when it comes to cardiovascular disease, someone who: »» Demonstrates extraordinary compassion »» Strives each day to advance cardiovascular care
»» Is a patient or caregiver who “never settled” to improve his or her life or to inspire others »» Is always kind and sincere, no matter the circumstance Help us recognize Heart Heroes who have made a difference in the Philadelphia area. Fill out an easy nomination form at pennmedicnie.org/heart/patient/ heart-heroes-nomination.
Ebola Preparedness at Penn Medicine Preparations for the possibility of caring for a patient with Ebola continue at HUP to maintain competency. HUP is part of an elite group of 35 hospitals nationwide — and the only adult hospital in Pennsylvania — declared capable of safely caring for patients with Ebola by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The isolated Special Triage and Treatment Units at HUP where a suspected Ebola patient would be evaluated and cared for remain ready. We continue to screen outpatients throughout the Health System as recommended by the CDC for at-risk travel and symptoms. As always, we encourage all staff to continue to check for updates at http://pennpoint.uphs.upenn.edu/sites/ebola/default.aspx. As a reminder, two phone lines have been established to assist clinicians and staff around the clock: > Clinicians with patient-related questions should call 215-614-0524 where a physician is available to handle calls about screening, isolation and, if necessary, lead arrangements for patient transport to HUP from another entity. > General questions not pertaining to direct patient carecall 215-615-2929. For Ebola guidelines and further information about preparedness, visit the PAH Intranet homepage.
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…Keep a keen eye out for hallway clutter, dirty and dusty surfaces, and proper O2 Tank storage and transport. …Contact Environmental Services for routine requests (trash removal, spill, rugs, curtains, exterminator) at x3235 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. During off hours, call the EVS 24 Hour Hotline at x3930 …Look for the following button on the PAH Intranet page to access the Somas electronic system to report work orders to Engineering Services:
Engineering Request
• List of Quality projects and outcomes
staff have received since the last survey
Do You Know a
Remember to…
…Sweep! Is your unit performing a daily “Ten Minute Sweep” for survey prep? This 34 point check off list literally takes no more than ten minutes to complete and is being adopted as a “best practice” to continue after TJC survey. The list is found under the Survey Prep Tools section of TJC page on PAH’s Intranet: http://uphsxnet. uphs.upenn.edu/pahhome/jcaho/. Visit the Regulatory Requirements button on the PAH Intranet homepage for access to more information such as education tips and tools, TJC newsletter and TJC Everyday survey prep tools and resources. Please contact Marian Lord-Gartner, MSN, RN, at marian.lord-gartner@uphs.upenn.edu, x7722 or 215-300-6761.
WHAT’Snew EDITORIAL STAFF
Olivia Fermano Editor and Photographer Pamela Furches Design Graphic Design Barry Ogburn Photography
ADMINISTRATION
Susan E. Phillips Senior Vice President, Public Affairs Holly Auer Director of Communications Sally Sapega Director of Internal Communications Contact What’snew at: Department of Communications Pennsylvania Hospital Philadelphia, PA 19106 phone: 215.829.6799 email: olivia.fermano@uphs.upenn.edu WHAT’Snew is published biweekly for PAH employees. Access WHAT’Snew online at http://news.pennmedicine.org/inside/whats-new/.