Vol. 35 No. 30: August 27, 2010
- Meal and Rest Break Decisions
- New Trend? Patients Cut Back on Physician Visits
- Washington Ranks Among the Best for Low Adult Smoking Rate
- CEOs Invited to Safe Table Web Conference on Flu Immunization
- Outpatient Clinic Applications for Loan Repayment Now Available
- Did You Know? Core Measures Include Breastfeeding
- Washington State Quality Award Event Features Balridge Award Winners
- Health Care in Everett Catches Attention of Public Broadcasting Service
- Former Washington Hospital CEO Named IHI COO
Meal and Rest Break Decisions
The Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) has issued a press release describing a court decision at Sacred Heart Medical Center and an arbitration decision at University of Washington Medical Center relating to meal and rest breaks for nurses. The press release was also posted on the Puget Sound Business Journal's website. Please note that though this appears on the PSBJ website, it is WSNA's press release, not an independent news analysis. WSHA and its attorneys are analyzing the decisions and will have more information available to members shortly. (Taya Briley, tayab@wsha.org)
New Trend? Patients Cut Back on Physician Visits
A recent Wall Street Journal article has sparked discussion between members and WSHA’s Health Information Program. The article examines the national drop in consumer use of medical services. This is attributed to everything from the down economy resulting in fewer elective procedures to more careful consumption due to consumers taking on a greater share of health care costs. A number of members reported seeing a similar drop in the use of services. The Health Information Program is investigating to determine if the trend holds across the state. To share your experience, contact Jim Cannon at jimc@wsha.org. (Beth Zborowski, bethz@wsha.org)
Washington Ranks Among the Best for Low Adult Smoking Rate
Recent survey results show Washington’s adult smoking rate has dropped to a new low of 14.8 percent. That is down from 15.3 percent the previous year. Washington now has the third lowest smoking rate in the nation—the state’s best ranking since nationwide measurement began in 1995. Despite these gains, people from low income and lower educational backgrounds continue to smoke at higher rates of 29 and 27 percent, respectively. Smokeless tobacco use, including products like chew, is also on the rise among people who already smoke.
Since the Washington State Department of Health began its Tobacco Prevention and Control Program in 2000, the smoking rate has declined by about a third. The drop translates to 105,000 people spared early tobacco-related deaths and a $3 billion dollars savings in future healthcare costs. Learn more. (Brenda Suiter, brendas@wsha.org)
CEOs Invited to Safe Table Web Conference on Flu Immunization
The WSHA Board of Directors has asked all hospitals to implement a flu immunization policy for health care/hospital workers and staff by September 30. To help implement this policy and protect patients, WSHA will host two special Safe Table web conferences. The first, for executive leaders, is scheduled for September 2 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. This webcast will provide a high-level overview of key issues in implementing the policy to ensure success. Hospital CEOs and other key leaders are encouraged to attend. The second webcast for medical staff and quality leaders is scheduled for September 14 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. For more details and connection information, please contact Janet Van Dyke at janetv@wsha.org or (206) 577-1839. (Beth Zborowski, bethz@wsha.org)
Outpatient Clinic Applications for Loan Repayment Now Available
The Higher Education Coordinating Board has posted site applications for the Washington State Health Professional Loan Repayment program. Applications for the program are due October 15, 2010. To be eligible, sites must be in a Health Professional Shortage Area, provide only outpatient services (hospitals are not eligible) and have a sliding fee scale posted in waiting areas. The loan repayments can be made for full-time workers in eligible provider groups including primary care physicians, nurse practioners, physician assistants, certified nurse-midwives, dentists, and dental hygienists. More information is available at the bottom of the board’s website. (Jess Burkard, jessicab@wsha.org)
Did You Know? Core Measures Include Breastfeeding
The Joint Commission’s 2010 perinatal core measure set includes exclusive breast milk feeding. Compliance with the measure may require facilities to modify their paper charts and/or electronic medical records. The United States Breastfeeding Committee has drafted guidelines to aid hospitals and maternity facilities in accurate collection of data needed to comply with this new measure. While breastfeeding is the goal for optimal health, it is recognized that human milk provided indirectly is still superior to alternatives. (Jess Burkard, jessicab@wsha.org)
Washington State Quality Award Event Features Balridge Award Winners
The Washington State Quality Award is bringing three of National Balridge Quality Award Recipients, including a multi-hospital health care system, to Tacoma on September 22 for a one day event. Keynotes include Iredell-Statesville Schools, MidwayUSA, and AtlantiCare Health System. To learn more, visit www.wsqa.net or call (360) 697-2444.
Health Care in Everett Catches Attention of Public Broadcasting Service
A documentary film crew visited Everett as part of a project examining communities that are providing high-quality health care while lowering costs. The crew spent two days at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett documenting the hospital's "single stay" unit for cardiac patients. The cardiac care unit allows patients to stay in the same room, rather than being shuffled from critical care to recovery units following surgery. They also talked with hospital staff about an innovative blood conservation program aimed at avoiding unnecessary transfusions. The crew also spent time at the Everett Clinic and Group Health in Seattle. The one-hour PBS documentary is expected to be broadcast either late this year or early next year. Read more. (Beth Zborowski, bethz@wsha.org)
Former Washington Hospital CEO Named IHI COO
A familiar face is taking on the role of executive vice president and chief operating officer at the Institute for Health Improvement. Jeffrey Selberg is a former CEO of Southwest Washington Medical Center. He will begin his new post on September 1. Most recently, Selberg was the charter President and CEO of Exempla Healthcare in Denver. Read more. (Beth Zborowski, bethz@wsha.org)