KHC December webinar — canceled
Amid rising COVID-19 cases across the state, we know you are facing unprecedented time constraints and your focus is first on patient care. We are canceling the December webinar and delaying the education program to a later date. The Advance Care Planning webinars remain scheduled as planned—see information below.
Upcoming KHC webinars: Advance Care Planning Sessions II and III
KHC’s January and March webinars—hosted in partnership with the Center for Practical Bioethics, the Kansas Foundation for Medical Care, and the Health Quality Innovation Network—will feature parts two and three on Advance Care Planning (ACP). These sessions are intended for physicians, mid-level practitioners, nurses, social workers, and other health care professionals. Continuing Education credits are being provided at no cost for attending the live event and are applicable for RN, LPN, and LMHT professionals in Kansas and Missouri. Part I is available in the KHC Education Archive.
10-11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 27
Register here
Part II: This session will cover the principles guiding clinicians in carrying out advance care plans. It will detail the difference between capacity and competency, shared-decision making, substituted judgement, and best interest principles.
10-11 a.m., Wednesday, March 24
Register here
Part III: This session will cover the role of standardized medical order sets in relation to ACP. It will address advanced illness medical order sets and accelerated ACP for use in a health crisis or amid a pandemic.
KHC team member opening: Quality Improvement Advisor
The Quality Improvement Advisor (QIA) works in collaboration with the Program Director (their supervisor) and other KHC staff—as well as valued partners, including the Kansas Medical Society and Kansas Hospital Association—in providing program support and services to Kansas hospitals, physician practices, health systems, community partners, and related organizations.
The QIA is responsible for the coordination and implementation of state and national quality improvement initiatives, as assigned. He/she will serve as a subject matter expert and a resource to provide consultation, support, coordination, education, and leadership in hospitals and related settings. More information and how to apply here.
Kansas COVID-19 vaccination plan
Last month, the state of Kansas submitted its draft vaccine plan to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The 45-page document publicly outlines its strategy for distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. The document describes who will get the vaccine first and how health officials will distribute doses across the state. Doctors, nurses, and other health care workers will be first. Then those at high-risk, such as the elderly and people with chronic conditions, along with front-line workers, like law enforcement and other first responders. Then the vaccine will become available to the general public. Last week, Gov. Kelly provided additional detail on the plan and said ongoing updates would be available here.Of note, the vaccine will be free, but recipients (or their insurance company) may be asked to pay an administrative fee, likely less than $20. However, no one can be denied a vaccine based on the ability to pay. Some vaccines in development will require a second dose, likely taken three weeks to a month after the first.
Hand hygiene awareness week
Dec. 6 - 12 is National Handwashing Week, intended to help raise awareness of the importance of proper hand hygiene in preventing infections. The CDC’s hand hygiene resource page includes health promotion materials and other information ready to share via social media or in your facility.
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Creating A Sustainable Culture of Safety: Hospital’s Hand Hygiene Improvements Amid COVID-19
A small, community hospital in northeast Kansas came together with a splash of fun and accountability to create a sustainable culture of safety, especially when it comes to hand hygiene. As the COVID-19 pandemic made its way across the nation earlier this year, the Hiawatha Community Hospital was wrapping up its participation in a statewide Hand Hygiene Collaborative facilitated by KHC. The nine-month initiative concluded in March 2020, with more than 60 Kansas hospitals participating.“The timing couldn’t have been better and sustainability strategies have been key. This has been especially beneficial throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ronna Montgomery, infection prevention coordinator, director of risk management and quality assurance.Read the full spotlight at: www.khconline.org/hiawatha-handhygiene.
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Upcoming Events
KHC Monthly Webinar
Dec. 16, 2020
Canceled
KHC Monthly Webinar: Advance Care Planning II
Jan. 27, 2020
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Register here
KHC Monthly Webinar: Advance Care Planning III
March 24, 2020
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Register here
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