| Summary: | Volume5/1997_March24 March 24, 1997 PULSE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER Hospital Prepares to Launch Total Quality Management If you think TQM is a type of sandwich, then you need to attend the Total Quality Management ( TQM) fair next Tuesday and Wednesday, April 1 and 2, from 6 a. m.- 6 p. m. The fair will be located on the first floor bridge and in the cafeteria. A part of University Hospitals & Clinics' effort to implement TQM, the fair will feature informational booths about TQM, the hospital's Quality Council and the Quality Begins With U reward and recognition program, as well as exhibits and storyboards by hospital quality improvement teams. There also will be food and a chance for employees to enter a drawing for prizes. TQM is a leadership philosophy and management system that supports, encourages and expects all employees to participate in continuous improvement of services to create a customer- focused, high- performance organization. " Implementing TQM at University Hospi-tals & Clinics is an important step in improving the quality of service we provide. The philosophy focuses on listening to customers, using data to drive decisions and empowering staff throughout the organization," said Wendy Bailey, coordinator, Quality Resources. Beginning in April, UH management will attend a comprehensive education and training course in TQM. The two- day course will teach participants the purpose and value of continuous process improvement, reward and recognition, and unit/ department- based customer service. The course also will help participants develop unit/ department- based goals and objectives which are consistent with the hospital's improvement plan. Along with the course, a guide has been developed by the hospital's TQM Deployment Team to help managers launch TQM in their departments. The guide is based on the Malcolm Baldridge model for quality which includes seven categories: leadership; information and analysis; strategic quality planning; human resource development and management; management of process quality; quality and operational results; customer focus and satisfaction. Watch Pulse for more TQM information. School of Medicine Receives Seal of Approval From LCME The School of Medicine has received full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education ( LCME), a joint committee of the American Medical Association ( AMA) and Association of American Medical Col-leges ( AAMC). The school was awarded a seven- year accreditation, the maximum an institution can receive. According to Walter Stevens, Ph. D., dean of the medical school, the accreditation reflects the high caliber of students and faculty at the school. " It is gratifying to have an external body validate the quality of our institution," said Stevens. The LCME report cited as major strengths the school's reputation for world- class research, its curriculum reform effort, the Utah Area Health Education Centers ( AHEC) administered by the Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, the Faculty Practice Organization, and clinical affiliates. According to T. Samuel Shomaker, M. D., J. D., associate dean for curriculum and minority affairs, the accredi-tation represents the final stage of a two- year process which involved nearly 200 faculty, students, administra-tors and staff. The first stage consisted of completing a self- study document identifying strengths as well as areas needing improvement. Last fall, the school was evaluated during a site visit by an accreditation team comprised of faculty members and a medical student from peer institutions and administrators from the AAMC. " While the LCME report identified some areas which need improvement, overall it was extremely positive," said Shomaker. " The committee was especially support-ive of our plans for curriculum reform and the high quality of research going on here." SOM Awarded Grant From UMA The School of Medicine recently received a $ 10,000 grant from the Utah Medical Association ( UMA) to help fund the school's curriculum reform initiative. T. Samuel Shomaker, M. D., J. D., associate dean for curriculum and minority affairs, says the unsolicited grant is important because it shows the support of community physicians for curriculum reform. " The UMA is an important group because it represents a wide variety of specialties and practicing physicians. These doctors provide a wealth of experience which our students draw upon," said Shomaker. Hand & Upper Extremity Program Moves to New Location Rehabilitation Service's Hand & Upper Extremity Program recently moved into a new home on the first floor in the rehabilitation area. The program, previ-ously located on 2 East, treats more than 150 patients a week. " Our new location puts the therapists closer to the physicians in clinic and provides patients with easier access," said Nancy Johns, manager, Hand & Upper Extremity Program. " Our therapists also are offering new services, such as lymphedema management, and this new area gives us the space to grow." The program offers: specialized custom splinting, edema and pain control, individualized exercise programs, dexterity training, work reconditioning, as well as wound, scar and lymphedema management. Picture: Pierre Poltoratszky, P. T., demonstrates a type of hand treatment on Christy Smith in the Hand & Upper Extremity Program's new location. Nominations Due March 31 for Quality Begins With U Awards Next Monday is the deadline to submit nomina-tions for this year's Quality Begins With U awards. The Best Performance by Uand Quality Through U awards recognize individuals and quality improvement teams for their contributions and commitment to the hospital's mission, vision and values. Nomination forms are available at the Employee Service Center located on the A level and through Quality Resources. According to Wendy Bailey, coordinator, Quality Resources, participation in the Thanks to U thank- you note program has already been tremendous. The thank- you notes, which were recently distributed to each unit/ department, will soon be available at elevator banks, patient waiting areas and in packages of 25 in the hospital storeroom. The Commitment to U- Service Longevity Awards will be presented with the Quality Awards at the annual service award banquet, scheduled for Friday, May 9. Invitations will be mailed during the first week in April to employees who have completed increments of five years of service at University Hospitals & Clinics. For more information about the Quality Begins With U program, contact Bailey or Pam Kosti, Quality Resources, x5- 7287. Walk for Healthier Babies UH employees are encouraged to participate in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica on Saturday, April 26 at 9 a. m. University Hospitals & Clinics is a sponsor of this year's event and participants will receive a free t- shirt. For information, contact A1 Tokunaga, xl- 2180. Fen/ Phen: Fat Fighter or Foe? Obesity is a pervasive problem in the U. S., and it seems to be getting worse in spite of our efforts to combat it. The proliferation of fast- food restaurants, with high- fat menus, has contributed to the problem. Lately, many Americans have heard that Fen/ Phen is a fast and easy way to slim down. Fen/ Phen is a regimen of two diet pills, fenfluramine and phentermine. Fenfluramine sup-presses the appetite by affecting a chemical in the brain called serotonin. As serotonin levels rise, the brain signals the body that it is full. Coincidentally, eating a high- carbohydrate diet also increases seroto-nin levels. Phenermine works by stimulating the nervous system and affecting the appetite center of the brain. When taken together, the effects of the two pills are synergistic. Is Fen/ Phen right for you? The combo is not for those interested in losing five to 10 pounds for their next class reunion. Studies have shown that users of Fen/ Phen have an increased risk of developing Primary Pulmonary Hypertension ( PPH), a rare but often fatal disease. Fen/ Phen should only be used by individuals whose extra weight puts them at increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and other chronic diseases. An important thing to remember about Fen/ Phen is that the effects of the pills disappear as soon as you stop taking them. Lifestyle changes, such as incorpo-rating a low- fat diet and regular exercise, are a must for those interested in lifetime weight management. If you are using Fen/ Phen or are interested in learning strategies to maintain a healthy weight for life, contact a registered dietitian. For information contact Rachael Haines, R. D., Nutrition Care Service, xl- 2155. Claire Clark Course Gives Med Students Exposure to Long- term Care Claire Clark, Ph. D., assistant dean for student advising and counseling and associate professor of Family and Preventive Medicine, is course master for " Longitudinal Experi-ence With the Patient in the Community," a new course included in the School of Medicine's curriculum reform initiative. The course will focus on the primary care fields of family medicine, pediat-rics and internal medicine, as well as draw on a number of community health agencies. Students will be placed with primary care physicians, where they will be assigned a patient or family for the academic year. The course is designed to teach students about the physician's role in patient management and an interdisciplinary team approach to health- care deliv-ery. Students will meet in small groups three or four times a year to make patient presentations, discuss how as future physicians they can access community agencies and reflect with each other on their experi-ences with patients and families. Faculty members are needed to serve on the subcommittee which is planning the course and participate as small group facilitators. Share your wisdom with the class of 2001; to get involved contact Heather Mousley, x5- 6l26. Henschen Takes Helm of National Organization Keith Henschen, P. E. D., professor of exer-cise and sport science in the College of Health, recently assumed leader-ship of the American Alliance for Health, Physi-cal Education, Recreation and Dance at the organization's annual meeting in St. Louis, Mo. The alliance has more than 30,000 members from public and higher educa-tion and private business. Henschen served two terms as president of the group's Utah chapter, once as head of its Southwest district, and as president- elect of the national body last year. He also served as president of the Western College Physical Education Society in 1995. " Keith has a well- deserved reputation as an excellent thinker and catalyst for change. He will bring excellent leadership to an organization dedi-cated to enhancing the health and fitness of the general population," said John M. Dunn, Ed. D., dean of the College of Health. " We are very proud of Keith. This latest recognition and vote of confidence by his peers and colleagues across the nation speaks well of him personally and professionally, and of the quality of our faculty." A noted sport psychologist, Henschen has con-sulted with numerous Olympic, college and profes-sional teams. His research interests include the psychology of performance, uses of psychological interventions in sport, and sport psychology for special populations. He has authored or co- authored three books, 15 book chapters, 164 professional articles and spoken at more than 270 sport meetings around the world. Parent to Parent Hosts Lecture University Hospital's Parent to Parent organization will host " Helping Families Cope With a High Risk Birth," with Michael T. Hynan, Ph. D., assistant professor and director of the Perinatal Stress Treat-ment Program at the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, April 1, at 9: 30 a. m. and again at 7: 30 p. m. The presentation will be held in the Moran Eye Center Auditorium. Hynan is a clinical psychologist, author of The Pain of Premature Parents, a Psychological Guide for Coping and the parent of a premature infant. For more information contact Becky Hatfield, xl- 2098 Camp Hobe Needs Volunteers Camp Hobe, a summer camp for children with cancer and their siblings, needs volunteers. Positions are available as cabin counselors, activity leaders, cooks and medical staff. Responsibilities include supervising campers and assisting them with activities, helping cabin groups develop a sense of unity, planning skits and cheers, and monitoring the health and well- being of campers. Camp activities include crafts, field games, campfires, hiking and nature activities. The school age camp, for kids 6 to 12, runs from July 13 to 18; the teen camp, for ages 13 to 19, runs from July 20- 25. For more information or an applica-tion, contact the American Cancer Society at 483- 1500, or Primary Children's Child Life Department at 588- 2696. Pulse is published weekly by the Office of Public Affairs. If you have information you need published, contact Chris Nelson or Lanaya Wright, xl- 7387. Keith Henschen A Pat on the Back " A Pat on the Back" recognizes employees for the special things they do. Many " pats" are reported to the staff in Customer Service and Public Affairs. If you know an employee who has done something worth recognizing, call Chris Nelson, xl- 7387 or e- mail cnelson@ med. edu. Utah. A special " Pat on the Back" was recently e- mailed from Alexandria, Va., by a patient who visited UH during a ski vacation: " I must commend you on the way your hospital is run and the people you have working there. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, at the hospital made us all feel very welcome and comfortable. In my organiza-tion, we focus on quality customer service. The University of Utah Hospital epitomizes quality cus-tomer service. Tremendous job!" Another patient wrote: " Dear Hospital: I'd just like to make a small donation. The valet service was so nice. Sorry I left the brake on the wheelchair so this is for a bit of ' wear and tear.' Thank you." Attached was a money order for $ 10. No name. F r om p a t i e n t s to: Valet service: " I must compliment you on the patient curb service. I couldn't have made it without them. What a blessing for those in need." Ira Goodsmith, R. N.: " A wonderful nurse." Marta Mallard, R. N., and Brian Curtis, R. N.: " It seems I have known them forever. I love them with all my heart. I wish I could return in favor everything everyone has done for me." Doris Ross, R. N.: " A shining star giving endless TLC." Molly Dillon. R. N.: " She is very special with a heavenly attitude!" Pam Bennett, R. N.: " I felt that someone cared. She came to listen and rescue me. She understood my concerns and made me feel valued." Staff of 6 South: " I humbly thank you all. You always called me by name and showed respect for me. When I asked for something you did it in a tiny moment. The food was good. I love you all. You're the best!" Lindsay Retires After 27 Years Janet Lindsay, UH telephone operator, is retiring after 27 years of service at University Hospitals & Clinics. " Janet has been a valuable employee. She gives us something to laugh about everyday! She will certainly be missed, " said Stephanie Roth, UH Telecommunications. Lindsay says she plans to travel, visit family and just have fun. A retirement celebra-tion for Lindsay will be held Tuesday, March 25, in the Health Sciences Board Room from 2- 4 p. m. In Memoriam Kevin Toth Finnegan, M. D., Ph. D., associate professor of psychiatry at the School of Medicine, died March 16. Finnegan received his Ph. D. from the University of Chicago and his medical degree from the University of Illinois. He completed an internship and residency at Stanford University. In 1992, Finnegan joined the U of U faculty and the medical staff at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He is survived by his wife and two children. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cathe-dral of the Madeleine. INFOFAIR Coming April 24 to HSC The 1997 INFOFAIR, " Internet Strategies for Health Data and Education," is coming to the U of U Health Sciences Center, Thursday, April 24, from 9: 30 a. m.- 4 p. m. Watch Pulse for more details. Visit Medical Student Web Site Have you ever wanted to know what life is like as a medical student? Then visit UMED, a new site on the world wide web designed and managed by U of U medical students. UMED is located at www. utah. edu/ umed
|
|---|