Download Looking to the future of mobile health

February 9, 2016
Looking to the future of mobile health
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February
is Black
History
Month
Test your knowledge and
p. 2
you could win
Above &
Beyond
See all the
awesome
things your
co-workers are doing in
p. 3
their professions
Five things
you can do
What can
you do
to make
sure we’re
accreditation ready? So
p. 4
glad you asked!
My funny
Valentine
When
Cupid's
arrow finds its target at
Beaumont Health
p. 5
Spotlight
on Peggy
Jernigan
“We really
are patient
advocates
who help promote quality,
p. 7
cost-effective options for
their needs.”
Beaumont launches mobile health programs for remote
communication between physicians and patients
B
eaumont Health recently launched the first of three technology pilot
programs that enable patients to communicate with their physicians and
care providers through virtual visits including e-visits, video visits and
electronic check-ins.
The pilot programs are currently in use at about 10 physician offices in Royal Oak,
St. Clair Shores, Troy and other cities.
Virtual visits are among a number of medical technology initiatives being assessed
to meet the growing demand for easier, more convenient ways for patients to
connect with health care providers,
eliminating the need for an office visit for
nonemergent medical concerns, such as
What do you think
allergies, a cough or cold.
For participating physicians, this is an
exciting, new way to enhance patient
communication and interaction.
“As time goes on, technology is enhancing
our ability to communicate,” said Richard
Cooke, M.D., St. Clair Shores Family
Medicine. “This is another avenue that
helps make the delivery of medicine more
efficient and, in many cases, it’s better for
patients.”
of mobile health
options? Email
Beaumont.Blend@
Beaumont.org and
share your opinion.
The e-visit pilot allows patients to log into the Beaumont patient portal,
myBeaumontChart, select their condition from a list and then answer conditionspecific questions. The physician logs-in, evaluates the patient’s current medical
conditions, allergies, health issues and symptoms to recommend the most
appropriate treatment. The physician can also order medication or lab work to
complete the visit.
During the pilot phase, eligible conditions for e-visits include back pain, sinus issues,
chest cold, cough, pink eye and urinary problems.
See, Telemedicine, continued on p. 2
2
Beaumont Health recognizes Black History Month in February
Throughout February, Americans
observe and celebrate Black History
Month to honor and learn about the
achievements of African-American
men and women in our history.
Carter G. Woodson, the son of
former slaves and only the second
African-American to earn a doctorate
from Harvard University, took an
interest in and studied black history.
To encourage others to do the
same, in 1926 he designated the
second week of February as “Negro
History Week.” He chose this week
to celebrate the birthdays of two
important men, President Abraham
Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
This week-long celebration became
an annual event and focused on a
specific theme each year.
In 1976 – the fiftieth anniversary
of observing Negro History Week
– the observance was expanded
to a month-long celebration: Black
History Month.
Test your knowledge of AfricanAmerican history and enter to win!
In honor of Black History Month,
we recognize and celebrate the
remarkable men and women whose
lives and achievements continue to
impact and inspire us today. Test
your knowledge of black history by
participating in our “Who Was First?”
quiz. Each person who answers all
five questions correctly by Friday,
Feb. 19, will be entered into a
drawing to win two tickets to the
Charles H. Wright Museum of African
American History in Detroit. Beaumont Health’s commitment
to diversity and inclusion is rooted
in our core value of respect. Once
you answer the quiz questions, we’d
appreciate your feedback on how
you’d like to see diversity embraced
at your site and throughout
Beaumont. Thanks for participating!
Telemedicine
Continued from front page
“This really complements what we’re already doing and
provides the ability to see patients in a whole new way,”
said Trevor Ripley, M.D., Troy Family Medicine.” If you
know a patient well and already have a relationship with
them, this technology will make things easier as far as
time is concerned.”
Enhancing and expanding access to care and improving
patient communication is one of the driving forces behind
the initiatives set to launch this year. While e-visits have
been up and running for a short period of time, Beaumont
Health is also preparing to launch features allowing
patients to connect with their physician via remote video
conferencing, in addition to streamlining the online bill
pay process.
“We are all moving toward electronic systems very
cautiously,” added Dr. Cooke. “A number of safeguards
have been put in place to ensure patients are receiving
the best care possible. We’ve included protocols and
guidelines for patients that are built into the questionnaire
for the electronic visit to occur.”
These initiatives are intended to establish convenient
access points for Beaumont Health patients – especially
those with limited mobility, those living in rural areas
or those whose condition does not require physical
interaction.
Subra Sripada, executive vice president, chief
transformation officer & chief information officer,
Beaumont Health, said, “In today’s tech-savvy world,
patients want more information at their fingertips, more
quickly. The Beaumont e-visit and video technologies are
an innovative and secure way to meet these needs. It
allows patients to remotely communicate from anywhere
in order for us to manage their care and overall health.”
Telehealth services are just one more step in the health
care technology evolution and are expected to enhance
patient and physician engagement while connecting
patients with convenient, high-quality and secure
electronic care. Insurance coverage for these services is
currently under review by the Centers for Medicaid and
Medicare Services. In a recent report, CMS approved the
use of video telemedicine for Medicare visits beginning
in July. There are no additional costs associated with the
technologies and services available during the Beaumont
pilot period.
For more information about locations and physicians
participating in this pilot, contact Brian Vargo, pilot project
lead and senior consultant, at 248-551-9870.
3
Above & Beyond
The hard work of Beaumont Health team members extends outside our walls
Beaumont Hospital – Royal Oak and
Beaumont Hospital – Troy received
the 2016 Distinguished Hospital
Award for Clinical Excellence from
Healthgrades.
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participation in the FACE Poverty
campaign by partnering with
the Brightmoor Health Outreach
Collaborative in Detroit, to provide
biweekly basic health care for
members of the community.
vvv
The Diabetes Program at Beaumont
Hospital – Grosse Pointe was
recently audited by the State of
Michigan. The team passed the audit
and demonstrated they are meeting
the National Standards for Diabetes
Education and received recognition
from the Michigan Department of
Community Health.
Jan Akervall, M.D., Ph.D.,
Otolaryngology, published an article
“A Novel Panel of Biomarkers Predicts
Radioresistance in Patients with
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the
Head and Neck,” which was ranked
No. 1 out of BioMed Library’s list of
Top 20 Articles.
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Center for Exceptional Families, in
partnership with UM-Dearborn’s
College of Education and Health
and Human Services, was awarded
$750,000 by the Michigan
Department of Health and Human
Services to establish a new training
center called The Center for Autism.
vvv
The Life Support Training Institute,
Beaumont Health’s EMT and
paramedic training program,
has earned a full five-year
accreditation from the Commission
on Accreditation of Allied Health
Education Programs, with the
recommendation of the Committee
on Accreditation of Educational
Programs for the Emergency Medical
Services Professions.
vvv
Oakland University William
Beaumont School of Medicine
Pediatric Interest Group was
recognized by the American
Association of Pediatrics for its
John Fox, president and CEO of
Beaumont Health, was recognized
on Becker’s Hospital Review’s 130
Nonprofit Hospital and Health System
CEOs to Know List.
vvv
Luis Goncalves, M.D., section head
of Obstetrical Ultrasound and Fetal
Imaging at Beaumont Hospital –
Royal Oak, was awarded a grant by
the National Institutes of Health.
vvv
Michael Lutz, M.D., Urology,
presented at the White House for a
summit coordinated by the Office
of Intergovernmental and External
Affairs in partnership with the Men’s
Health Network.
vvv
Duane Mezwa, M.D., health system
chair, Imaging, was recently elected
to the board of governors of the
American Board of Radiology.
vvv
Doris Neumeyer, RN, coordinator
of Emergency Preparedness and
Emergency Medical Service at
Beaumont Hospital – Troy, received
the Business Person of the Year
award by the Greater Romeo
Washington Chamber of Commerce.
She was also elected chairperson
of the Region 2 North Healthcare
Coalition Planning Board for 2016.
vvv
Betty Priskorn, vice president,
Community Health and Outreach,
will be honored as a Community
Role Model Winner by Henry Ford
College, at its 43rd Annual Women’s
Recognition Luncheon.
vvv
Mohamad Rustom, RN, BSN, director
of Clinical Language Services at
Beaumont Hospital – Dearborn,
recently became a Fellow of the
American College of Healthcare
Executives, the nation’s leading
professional society for health care
leaders. Fellow status represents
achievement of the highest standard
of professional development. Only
9,100 health care executives hold this
distinction.
vvv
Susan Walker, social worker,
Transplant Department, was selected
to receive the National Council on
Nephrology Social Work Region 3
Award.
vvv
Gregory Zemenick, M.D.,
Orthopedics, won the Dr. Arthur
L. Johnson Award for the 2016 Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. program
through Wayne State University.
Celebrate your professional achievements in Above & Beyond.
Simply email [email protected].
4
Five things you can do to stay survey-ready
It only takes a few minutes to make sure you’re ready for an unscheduled
accreditation survey.
Clean the fridge. Toss expired milk, juice and food products, and
don’t leave opened milk in refrigerators or on galley counters. Make
sure freezers are frost-free and refrigerators and ice machines are
clean and free of calcification and dirt. And remember, refrigerators
in patient areas and galleys are reserved for patient food and
beverages only – no medications or staff food allowed.
Dress for success. Follow the dress code for your area and wear
your Beaumont Health badge at all times. Remember to wear
your hair per department policy, and no artificial nails for those
working in clinical areas.
Watch your WOWs. Check your workstations on wheels
to make sure they are dust-free and have no tape residue.
Keep computers locked at all times to secure medications.
Before you walk away from a WOW, activate the screen saver
to protect patient information and make sure they are not
blocking doors or hallways.
Be familiar with the fire plan. This includes knowing the
locations of fire alarm pull stations and fire extinguishers as
well as the proper use of a fire extinguisher.
Review how to report. Be sure you know how to report injuries,
malfunctioning medical equipment and customer comments
and complaints. Also, be sure you know how to look up
credentials for physicians and online policies.
Information, tools and resources for upcoming surveys by the Healthcare
Facilities Accreditation Program and The Joint Commission can be found on
the Accreditation page on the Beaumont Health intranet. Your manager can
also answer questions about how to stay survey ready.
Letter praises efforts
to work together
When a patient needed his
chemo pump disconnected, two
departments worked together
to make it happen – and not lose
the pump.
To Whom It May Concern:
A Beaumont Home Infusion
Pharmacy chemotherapy patient
was admitted to the Emergency
Center at Royal Oak on Jan. 15. He
was receiving continuous infusion
chemotherapy using a Curlin
ambulatory pump belonging to the
Beaumont Home Infusion Pharmacy.
He was scheduled to have the pump
disconnected at the Infusion Center
at Royal Oak at 5 p.m. Unfortunately,
his admission to the Emergency
Center prevented him from keeping
his appointment.
Having seen his Emergency
admission in the Epic system, I
immediately called the Emergency
Center and spoke with the charge
nurse, Stacey Hegerberg, RN. She
quickly understood my concern for
retrieving the pump from the busy
Emergency Center. Stacey spoke
with Kim Dean, RN, manager of
Beaumont Infusion Center-Royal
Oak, and in a wonderful display of
inter-departmental cooperation,
Kim agreed to perform the pump
disconnect, and bring the Curlin
pump back to the Pharmacy. No lost
pump! Beaumont employees are
AWESOME! These individuals need
to be complimented for going above
and beyond.
Theresa Burke,
RPh, BS Pharm
Beaumont Home Infusion Pharmacy
5
Valentine's Day: Beaumont Health couples celebrate meeting at work
Raymond and Cristen
Laird had never met,
but they felt like old
friends.
“I’m so happy I was given
the chance to work in the
department and meet my
future husband,” Maureen
said.
They first crossed
paths on their first
day of residency in
2008, both surgeons
working under the
tutelage of Allan Lamb,
D.O., at what was then
Oakwood Hospital –
Southshore.
“We all had to sit in
our assigned seats,
so we weren’t sitting that close to
each other,” said Cristen. I think at
lunch we asked each other: ‘hey are
you the other surgery person?’ By
the next day, we were giggling and
probably being irritating to everyone
else who was doing orientation.”
They were so comfortable with each
other that another resident asked
them on the second day of their
residency if they were married. They
answered: we just met yesterday.
“Even from the very beginning, it
was almost like we knew each other
forever,” said Raymond.
Three years later, they tied the
proverbial knot and are now
surgeons with offices in Trenton,
working primarily out of Beaumont
Hospital – Trenton.
“We spent a lot of time together
while we were residents,” Cristen
said. “Whenever one of us had
downtime, we’d help the other one
out. We probably saw each other 4060 hours a week, just from work. We
could’ve gone home after our shifts,
but instead we’d hang out and chitchat for a while And we actually liked
each other. It just became more and
more obvious.”
“At first, she didn’t
remember my name.”
The couple is expecting their first
child in May.
The Lairds are one example of
couples who met and fell in love on
the job at Beaumont, but hardly the
only one. Here are a few others:
A man’s world?
Rob Bennett wasn’t too sure about
his future wife, Maureen, when
they first met in 1982 at Beaumont
Hospital – Grosse Pointe. Maureen
was only 17 at the time, and the
first woman to be hired into what
is now known as the Transportation
Department—which was then a 99
percent male-dominated field.
“His first thought was that a girl
couldn’t do the job,” Maureen
said. “My first thought was: ‘I don’t
understand your thoughts on that
subject…girls can do anything!’”
Maureen proved herself, of course,
and she and Rob became friends.
They started dating five years later.
They’ve been married for 29 years
and have three children—all of
whom were born at Beaumont –
Grosse Pointe. Rob no longer works
at the hospital, but still maintains
strong ties there.
Joshua Kuligowski met
his future wife, Adrianne,
while working as a patient
transporter a few years ago
in the Emergency Center at
Beaumont Hospital – Troy.
Joshua had worked there
for a few years when she
was hired on, and thought their first
meeting went well.
“We had a nice little chat. I even
asked her to help work a shift for
me,” Joshua said. “I thought I left
a great impression but I found out
later, when I saw her again, she
couldn't remember my name!”
Undeterred, Joshua said they soon
got to know each other well, often
hanging out after their shift ended at
3 a.m. to look for an open restaurant.
When he first got up the courage to
ask her out a few months later, she
laughed.
“I thought I did something wrong,”
Joshua said. “I asked her why she was
laughing. She told me that one of the
secretaries we knew told her that I
would be asking her out.”
They soon took different jobs within
Beaumont. Adrianne went to work in
Nursing Administration at Beaumont
Hospital – Grosse Pointe and Joshua
started working in Emergency Center
Patient Registration at Beaumont
Hospital – Troy. They continued
dating, and Joshua said he soon knew
See, Beaumont love stories,
continued on p. 6
6
Beaumont Health love stories
Continued from p. 5
she was ‘the one.’ He devised an epic
scavenger hunt that included clues
and stops that led from Beaumont
–Troy, where they first met, to
Rochester Municipal Park, where he
proposed.
That was Nov. 28, 2013. They married
Aug. 8, last year.
Hello, nurse!
Sandy Shoup said she met her
husband, Jim, in 1986 at what was
then Oakwood Hospital – Dearborn.
He was a nurse in the Oncology Unit
and she was his preceptor.
“We used to play tricks on him a lot,”
she joked.
They went on one date and never
looked back—they’ve been together
ever since.
Their four children were born at
Beaumont – Dearborn and their coworkers help them celebrate each
birth.
They had baby pools to guess on
the dates and sexes of our children,”
Sandy said. “It was like one big
family.”
Almost three decades and going
strong
Sanford Koltonow, M.D., PsyS,
director of the Physician Health &
Wellness Program at Beaumont
Health, said he met his wife, Mary
Schlaff, M.D., 31 years ago.
They married two years later and
continued to work full-time together
for three years, juggling schedules
while raising two children. Mary
left for a time, working at Macomb
Hospital, but now works in the
Emergency Center at Beaumont –
Troy.
Living, working and raising children
together can be difficult for some
people and Dr. Cristen Laird said she
knows their situation is unusual.
“It’s kind of weird,” she said. “If I
could spend, literally, 24 hours a
day with him, I would ... it’s just not
particularly efficient.”
Get the details on the new email retention policy
Beaumont Health’s new email Record Retention Guidelines
and Record Retention Policy goes into effect April 1.
An email mailbox is not an appropriate method for longterm record storage. In addition, emails that do not support
ongoing business operations should not be stored; they are to
be deleted.
In accordance with our new Beaumont Health Electronic
Communication policy, please note:
If you have the full-client version of Outlook:
•emails will remain in the live system for 90 days
•after 90 days emails will be moved to the archive
•emails will be permanently deleted 12 months after the
email was created
•users may save emails to their computer or a network share drive, but they must be deleted when they are no longer
necessary to conduct active business
• items in the ‘Deleted Items’ folder will be automatically deleted after 30 days
• voicemail messages delivered to email will automatically be deleted after 30 days
If you use the web-based version of Outlook:
•email will be retained and deleted after 90 days
If you want to save your emails, move them to a folder you create on your computer, or on a shared drive for your work
area. If you have questions, or need instructions for saving your emails, please call your local Service Desk.
7
F
or the spry 80-year-old who claims he
has all the help he needs at home – but
has a grocery bag full of medications he
won’t part with—a visiting nurse may
be the difference between staying at home
or being readmitted to the hospital.
Scenarios like this, and countless others with
potentially more dire circumstances, are
what Peggy Jernigan and her case manager
colleagues at Beaumont Hospital – Trenton
solve each year.
Coordinating care within and beyond the
walls of Beaumont – Trenton is sometimes a
winding path to a patient’s road to recovery
after discharge. “Often the patient is afraid
if anyone finds out they need help at home,
they won’t be able to go home,” said Peggy.
In her role as a case manager, Peggy identifies the needs and possible barriers to a smooth transition. Placements vary
based on the patient’s needs – sometime a patient is sent home with no special needs, other times a complicated
placement is needed – rehabilitation is another option, or maybe an acute care setting.
She also relies on feedback from her clinician colleagues regarding the broad range of patients’ health care needs.
Peggy’s work as a case manager taps into previous work as a home care nurse. “I was a home care nurse for many years,
so I have experience navigating community resources available to patients.”
Peggy says when a patient enters Beaumont – Trenton, the goal is to make them feel cared about and feel they have a
say in what happens to them after they leave. “We really are patient advocates who help promote quality, cost-effective
options for their needs. In our department, we refer to ourselves as discharge planning, not discharge reacting,” she says.
Still, unforeseen insurance delays and unexpected family crises do happen – or a lack of communication rears its ugly
head. That’s when the superpower strengths of her team kicks in. “It’s their varied experience – nursing – social work, it
just falls in to place,” she said. “We all get along very well as a team.”
EDITORIAL TEAM
Lynn Anderson, Julie Antioch, Rebecca Calappi, Beth Montalvo, Scott Roush and Scott Spielman
Photographers
Elizabeth DeBeliso, Mark Nuytten and Tony Simler
We welcome comments, feedback, letters to the editor and story ideas.
Just email [email protected] and we’ll get back to you.