Applying HIM skills in a systemwide congestive heart failure initiative.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to P Ludwig-Beymer.
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Diabetes mellitus affects approximately 16 million people in the United States. Despite the publication of multiple guidelines, the delivery of care has not substantially changed. This article describes a program at Advocate Health Care to improve the delivery of care to individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus in an ambulatory setting. Using a variety of continuous quality improvement tools, this project enhances partnerships between patients and health care providers.
An integrated healthcare delivery system requires a consistent patient care delivery model. The authors describe the process used to define common elements of the patient care model. These elements include the roles of chief nurse executives, first-line managers, staff registered nurses, and unlicensed assistive personnel. In addition, the philosophy of nursing and support functions (staff education and nursing dashboard for quality measurement) in place across the system are discussed.
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Asthma affects approximately 14.6 million people in the United States. Despite the publication of multiple guidelines, the delivery of care has not substantially changed. This article describes a program at Advocate Health Care to improve the delivery of care to adults with asthma in a variety of settings. Using standard patient education materials and a variety of continuous quality improvement tools, this project enhances partnership between patients and health care providers.
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A study addressing cost containment in the emergency department examines nurses' attitudes toward cost-effectiveness and their reasons for noncompliance. Strategies to improve cost-accounting procedures are given.
The effectiveness of an in-hospital lactation education session on breastfeeding duration and satisfaction among postpartum women was investigated. In equal number, a total of 150 women were randomly assigned to a standardized curriculum (experimental group) or a routine-care control group. No differences were found between the groups regarding breastfeeding duration, mother's satisfaction level, or her perceived support. Item-scale analyses, however, were promising (alpha = 0.77) and a preliminary factor analysis suggested three underlying subscales: professional encouragement, satisfaction, and familial relationships. Based on a stepwise, multiple regression analysis three variables were related to length of breastfeeding experience, that is, level of satisfaction, educational level of the mother, and expected length of breastfeeding. Implications of these results toward lactation education programs and further scale development are discussed.
Cost-effective strategies for delivering primary care require the appropriate mix of healthcare providers. The authors define the scope of practice for the advanced practice nurse. Results of a nationwide survey of 26 large healthcare systems and multispecialty group practices are presented. Findings from these practice settings are contrasted with those previously reported in the literature. Implications for the future are discussed.
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The Hispanic population is growing rapidly and is composed of individuals from many countries with varying levels of acculturation, education, income, and citizenship status. The Genesis Health and Empowerment Program was developed locally in 1993 to improve the health status of Hispanics living in Des Plaines, Illinois, USA. Understanding the quality of life and its cultural patterning for the community is an essential aspect of planning and implementing a health care delivery program. Using Leininger's Theory of Culture Care: Diversity and Universality as a framework, adapted the Concerns Report Method was essential for data collection. This paper describes the method used for learning about the Hispanic community. Steps included conducting three focus groups, constructing a structured interview guide, collecting data, analyzing data, and reporting the findings to the community. Some very preliminary findings are presented and implications for transcultural health care are described.
This study explores the impact of eliminating a yearly medication test on the medication error rate reported on both incident reports and questionnaires and describes nurse-identified strategies that may prevent medication errors. Results indicate that eliminating the annual medication test does not significantly change the overall medication error rate. However, the number of errors involving the administration of a medication to the wrong patient has increased significantly. More medication errors have been reported on the questionnaires than on the incident reports. Four factors have been identified by the nurses as being helpful in preventing medication errors. Several limitations of this study dictate that the results be applied with caution. However, in this setting, the use of an annual medication test as a strategy for reducing medication errors has not been supported.
To develop their knowledge base, nurses need to be encouraged to develop writing skills. This article reports the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a 1-day Writer's Workshop designed to educate and mentor RNs. Specific objectives, preworkshop assignments, and course content are outlined. The workshop may be provided by staff development educators in various healthcare settings to stimulate RNs to write for publication.
Hospital discharge on the day after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery may be appropriate if clinical criteria are used for the selection of patients and post-discharge follow-up plans are in place. To ensure safety for these patients, Advocate Health Care developed a mother/baby philosophy statement, guidelines for maternal and infant discharge in less than 48 hours, and an algorithm to assure that appropriate follow-up care takes place after discharge. To evaluate the Mother/Baby Home Transition Program, home health follow up, readmission rates, and sentinel events were tracked. Most home health visits occurred within 48 hours. Infant readmission rates ranged from 1.1-2.6%, whereas maternal readmission rates ranged from 0-0.52%. Three sentinel events in 1996 and three in 1997 required readmissions to an ICU. Data continue to be monitored and shared monthly with clinical leaders.