Lucas County Health Center’s Post

The Post-ICU diary helps critical care staff engage the family more effectively in the patient's care. In the ICU Liberation Bundle, known as the A-F Bundle, the F-element emphasizes 'Family Engagement and Empowerment'. Unfortunately, this crucial aspect is often overlooked Initiating family involvement can be delayed due to time constraints and effort required. Post-ICU addresses this challenge by actively involving families in care through journaling. This proactive approach can significantly impact the length of stay, occurrence of PICS, and overall post-ICU recovery, thereby influencing the hospital's bottom line. The digital diary is the only scientifically proven tool that directly enhances family care and engagement. Contact us to learn more about the Post-ICU diary and the role it can play in your ICU.

We are excited to share the latest article by our Patient Blood Management leader, Sherri Ozawa, MSN, RN titled "Protecting a Patient’s Most Precious Resource." Published in Sigma Global Nursing Excellence-Nursing Centered, this insightful article explores the impact of addressing Patient Blood Management on overall health and well-being in patient care. https://hubs.ly/Q02gC08b0

The June issue of the American Journal of Nursing (AJN) sheds light on a critical topic: Pressure Injury Prevention in Adult Critically Ill Patients. Maintaining skin integrity is paramount, especially for those in intensive care settings where patients are vulnerable to pressure injuries due to prolonged immobility. The JBI Evidence Implementation Summary demonstrates the importance of proactive measures in preventing these injuries. Pressure injuries not only cause physical discomfort but also pose serious health risks, including infections and delayed recovery. By improving the delivery of care to align with best practice, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the incidence of pressure injuries among critically ill patients. Let's prioritize skin integrity to ensure better outcomes for all patients.

Through the tireless dedication of Carol Adcock, a specialist nurse at the Spinal Injuries Association, change is taking effect in frontline healthcare to help improve the lives of spinal cord injury patients. Neuro Rehab Times met with carol to discuss her work. To read the full article, click here: https://bit.ly/3IuyCG4

A study from Mass General Brigham highlights the effectiveness of hospital-at-home programs, showing low mortality, skilled nursing facility use, and readmission rates post-discharge. The program, part of a CMS waiver, demonstrates success in treating medically complex patients, including those from underserved groups. This approach suggests a viable alternative to traditional hospitalization, offering quality care in the comfort of patients' homes. https://lnkd.in/emCNSHYc

As we near Sepsis Awareness Month, Cheryl Reinking, Chief Nursing Officer at El Camino Health, recently shared insights on KCBS Radio about the significant impact of FloPatch in Sepsis care. El Camino was the first hospital to implement FloPatch, and Cheryl discussed its key features, particularly its effectiveness in fluid resuscitation. For a deeper understanding of how FloPatch is enhancing patient outcomes, we invite you to listen to the one-minute interview. #FlosonicsMedical #FloPatch #ElCaminoHealth #SepsisAwarenessMonth #PatientCare #SepsisAwareness #Sepsis #CNO #Hospital #FluidResuscitation

Palliative care is vital for nursing home residents to improve their quality of life and care, yet it's often underutilized. Our recent study with Connie Cole, PhD, DNP, APRN, ACHPN; C. Robert Bennett PhD, CPNP-AC, PNP-BC, CCRN; Regina Fink; Kathleen Unroe; and Cari Levy tackles this issue by examining current referral practices and proposed recommendations for ideal criteria. Read more here: https://buff.ly/3y7F4kW

Early interventions not only address immediate health concerns but also lay the foundation for a robust recovery. Whether it's post-surgery support, chronic condition management, or specialized care plans, our skilled nursing professionals are equipped with the expertise to guide you through every phase. The impact of early skilled nursing interventions extends beyond physical well-being. It encompasses emotional support, empowerment, and the assurance that you're not alone on this journey. We believe that a holistic approach to healthcare enhances not only the recovery process but also the overall quality of life. By choosing About Kids and Adults Too for your skilled nursing needs, you're choosing a partner dedicated to unlocking better health for you or your loved ones. Let's walk hand in hand towards a future filled with well-being and vitality.

Ever noticed the calming presence of the sky above? Well, patients in Ward 4W at North Canberra Hospital are experiencing just that, thanks to the innovative Sky Panels installed on the ceiling, funded by the incredible Canberra Hospital Foundation! Ward 4W is an acute medical ward that treats patients with dementia and delirium. We caught up with Taila, one of our registered nurses, to get the inside scoop on how these panels came to be and their impact on patients and staff. Here's what Taila had to say: ‘Caroline, our champion for safewards and improving our patient care and environment was the main driver for it, based on research showing that being outdoors helps orientate and calm people with dementia.’ ‘Patients and families have noticed a difference! It feels calmer, almost like being outside. The panels help with soothing strategies and redirection. Patients don't feel trapped; they can see the open sky when going outside might not be possible, which is therapeutic.’ ‘The timer on the panels helps maintain day-night cycles, crucial for patient well-being. And it also aligns with our goal of using communication rather than medications to ensure patient safety. It's part of our broader framework for safe and therapeutic care.’ ‘We've had patients and visitors complimenting us on how nice it looks. It's a small touch that makes a big difference.’ ‘We're thinking long-term. These panels align with best practice which shows the benefits of familiar environments for dementia patients, and potentially reducing the need for medications in the future.’ The sky's the limit when it comes to enhancing the healing journey in Ward 4W. #TeamCHS #SkyPanels #TherapeuticCare

Researchers have found a relationship between specialty certification and improved patient outcomes, including lower rates of pressure injuries and selected hospital-acquired infections, rate of falls, failure to rescue, and mortality. Reference: Stucky CH, Wymer JA. Progressing toward specialty certification as the National Standard for Nursing. Nurs Forum. 2020; 55: 531-534. #certification #benefitsforrnfa #RNFA #RNFAcertification #nursescertification