Soap vs. Alcohol

Angie SzumlinskiHealth

Hand hygiene is the primary means of preventing transmission of infections, but confusion exists about the when soap and water is preferred over alcohol hand rubs.  While alcohol-based hand rubs are an effective means of decreasing the transmission of bacterial pathogens, alcohol is not effective against Clostridium difficile (C. diff) spores. To address this confusion, we have created a one-page …

Join the CDC In Fighting Sepsis

Angie SzumlinskiAnnouncements, Health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be sponsoring and promoting events during the month of September which is Sepsis Awareness Month, to highlight the importance of detecting sepsis early and taking steps to prevent it! The events include two CDC webinars, a Twitter chat and the first World Sepsis Congress.  All of them echo the call for …

PDPM and you

PDPM and You!

Angie SzumlinskiCompliance

There are many changes coming in the next few weeks and PDPM is one that will likely have the most impact on your operations. The goal of PDPM is to address our residents unique, individual needs (thus Patient Driven) and ultimately improving outcomes. The assessment process will change significantly with the PDPM model and it is critical that your team …

Managing Risks of Direct Oral Anticoagulants

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

The Joint Commission recently published a “Sentinel Event Alert” on managing the risks of direct oral anticoagulants. Remember the day when these new medications were introduced and everyone thought it was life changing? No PT/INR levels to worry about, short half life so the medications aren’t lingering in the system, etc.? Well, after years of use and some research, it …

A Growing Problem

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Training

Antibiotic resistant bacteria and C. difficile are a growing problem in healthcare. The large reservoir of MDRO and C. difficle found within nursing homes can become a source of transmission. Added to that, the population entering nursing homes have many risk factors which make them vulnerable to colonization and infection with these organisms. You can download our helpful inforgraphic that …

Electronic Medical Records and Medication Errors

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

Although many feel the electronic MAR is a solution to medication errors, a recent study performed by Australian Health Review 43(3) 276-283 and shared by the AHRQ may change your opinion! Yes, the electronic MAR may “notify” you when a medication is missed, late, unavailable, etc. however it isn’t without shortcomings! For example, this study found that incorrect medication dose or …

Discontinuing Statins May Increase CVD Risk

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

For years we have discussed discontinuing the use of statins due in part to the side effects our residents experience that can be debilitating. It may be time to take another look at what we are doing with these medications and why. The article published in Managed Health Care Connect references a nationwide, population-based cohort study in France (published online …

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Poised for Takeover of Medical Care in LTC

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, News

The healthcare workforce is expecting a startling shortage of between 46,900 and 121,900 licensed physicians by 2032. One group that may mitigate the catastrophic impact of this shortage could be advanced practice registered nurses. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) are prepared to offer a myriad of services including diagnoses and treatment due to their masters-level education. What Does This Mean …

FBI Investigating Nursing Home Fraud

Angie SzumlinskiLegal, News

A recent podcast from FBI This Week covered the FBI’s identification and investigation of nursing homes that exploit residents. What Does it Mean to You? When as the last time you viewed your operations with a critical eye? Now may be the perfect time as the FBI has allocated increased resources to identify and investigate exploitation of residents financially. They …

Annals of Long-Term Care Releases Findings on Mealtime Best Practices

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

Clinicians and researchers have been providing the medical care community with experience and research that helps LTC facilities create detailed nutrition plans for a long a time, yet, malnutrition continues to be highly prevalent in LTC residents. This condition further degenerates the condition of often already enfeebled patients by decreasing quality of life, lowering functional status, reducing the wound healing …