What's New | September 29, 2008

Role of Nurses in Improving Health Care Delivery

The featured innovations describe nurse-led hospital interventions and home health programs in which nurses play a key role.

The featured QualityTools provide a range of educational resources for nurses and nursing assistants.

Featured Innovations:

• Enhanced Home Health Program Provides Remote Monitoring and Services, Leading to Fewer Hospitalizations and Increased Nurse Productivity

• Nurse- and Pharmacist-Led Physician-Approved Inpatient Pneumococcus Standing Orders Program Increases Vaccination Rates for At-Risk Patients

Featured QualityTools:

• Dysphagia Screening Assessment Tool
Developed by Shore Health System; University of Maryland Health System

• Nursing Assistant Ostomy Competency Tool
Developed by Morristown Memorial Hospital

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Also in This Issue:

Innovations >

• Advocacy Firm Assists Patients in Choosing Providers/Treatments and Coordinating Care, Leading to Quick Access to Services and High Satisfaction

• Checklist-Plus-Technology System Eliminates Wrong-Site Surgery and Near-Misses, Enhances Required Preoperative Process Compliance

• Comprehensive Heart Failure Program Enhances Adherence to Recommended Care and Reduces Hospital Readmissions

• Regular Walking Program With Area Physicians Encourages Physical Activity and Weight Loss

QualityTools >

• Health Risk Appraisal
Developed by University of Michigan, Health Management Research Center

• How to Use "I Statements" in Clinical Practice
Developed by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)

• International Physical Activity Questionnaires (IPAQ)
Developed by Karolinska Institute

• Monthly Checklist: Influenza Immunization Program for Health Care Workers
Developed by Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology

• Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2)
Developed by Center for Quality Assessment and Improvement in Mental Health

• Putting Clinical Practice Guidelines to Work in VHA
Developed by Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Quality and Performance

Articles >

• New Guide Charts Course for Navigating Challenges of Innovation Adoption