Healthcare Traveler - November 2008 - (Page 6)

N E W S T R AV E L E R S C A N U S E In A Flash Evidence-based strategies encouraged for fighting HAIs n October 8, the Joint Commission, the American Hospital Association (AHA), Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, and Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology released a compendium of strategies for preventing dangerous hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Specifically, the compendium aims to prevent staph, C. difficile, ventilator-associated pneumonia, bloodstream infections caused by central-line catheters, and urinary tract and surgical site infections. “As of today, the nation’s infection control team has a common ‘play book’—one that harnesses the latest authoritative information in a clear and concise manner for everyone’s benefit . . . especially the patient,” says AHA President and CEO Rich Umbdenstock. In an editorial published by The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, authors Nalini Singh, MD, MPH; Patrick J. Brennan, MD; and Legislative Corner Mental health advocated The House and Senate recently passed, and the President signed into law on October 3, mental health parity and addiction legislation. Known as the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (HR 6983), it requires health plans offering mental health coverage to provide the same benefits for mental illness as they do for other medical conditions. Under this legislation, employers can offer more comprehensive coverage without significant additional cost and participants will have less out-ofpocket expense. O Michael Bell, MD, point out “prevention of HAI is at the heart of patient safety.” Many of the guidelines have been in existence for years, but have lacked adherence. Now, core and supplemental staff are required to be more vigilant about everyday tasks, such as hand washing and marking the correct sites for surgical procedures. During shift changes, nurses must clearly communicate more information to coworkers, like which patients are prone to falls. High-risk medications, such as heparin, should be obviously labeled to prevent mix-ups. When preparing for a procedure, surgical technicians should routinely tally blades and sponges and cover the surgeon’s tray with a “time out” prompt. As a traveling healthcare provider, you not only can adhere to these recommendations, but also share the additional knowledge you’ve gained through encountering a large number of effective IC practices when working in a variety of practice settings. Mark Your Calendar November 9-15 is Perioperative Nurse Week, themed “Perioperative nurses: Influencing the future of safe patient care.” For more info, see www.aorn.org. Gear & Gadgets The first musical CD created exclusively for and about dogs, this nifty product was created by researcher and animal lover Dr. Kim Odgen. The songs on the CD aim to ease separation anxiety, soothe dogs during storms, calm those in rescue shelters, comfort dogs recovering from illness, and help them overcome traveling fears. Dog owners will find the songs, like the hit “Squeaky Deaky,” entertaining too. Visit www.petcds.com to purchase yours for $14.95. Did You Know… Top choices for fall foliage are: 1. Lenox, Massachusetts 2. Menton, Alabama 3. Eureka Springs, Arkansas 4. Fraser, Colorado 5. Greenville, Maine 6. Blue Ridge, Georgia 7. Point Lookout, Montana Source: www.BedandBreakfast.com. (2008, August 7). B&Bs oﬀer more than one place to peep a leaf—on one tank of gas. Retrieved October 2, 2008, from http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/about/press.aspx?year=2008& article=08072008 » SONGS TO MAKE DOGS HAPPY C L E V E R TO O L S T H AT SI M P L I F Y T H E T R AV E L L I F E S T Y L E » SPA TREATMENT ON THE GO Perfect for travelers who wish to sample natural and organic products, this kit is available for a limited time only at www.minimus.biz/detail. aspx?ID=8596. The fold-out travel bag includes lotion, apricot and pumice scrub, bubble bath, lip balm, body spray, mineral water, and aromatherapy shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel. Purchase yours today for $67.36, plus free ground shipping. 6 Healthcare Traveler November 2008 www.healthcaretraveler.com http://www.aorn.org http://www.petcds.com http://www.minimus.biz/detail.aspx?ID=8596 http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/about/press.aspx?year=2008&article=08072008 http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/about/press.aspx?year=2008&article=08072008 http://www.minimus.biz/detail.aspx?ID=8596 http://www.healthcaretraveler.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Healthcare Traveler - November 2008

Healthcare Traveler - November 2008 Editor’s Desk Contents In a Flash Paws for Thought Field Notes You Said It Perks and Preferences A Latitude Adjustment Drug Update Clinical Tips Advice of Counsel Cityscape Advertiser’s Index Name It When In. . . It’s in the Bag Contest Rules Big Deals Tax Facts Going the Distance Allied Corner Classifieds Tales from the Road

Healthcare Traveler - November 2008

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