by Keri McDermott | Feb 4, 2019 | Archived
Did you know that nearly 1 in 3 adults in the United States has high blood cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke?1 High blood cholesterol can be hard to detect, as it often shows no signs or symptoms. February is a good time to remind...
by Keri McDermott | Jan 31, 2019 | Archived
Change is a process. Those who manage change that leads to quality improvement have mastered the steps and embraced the tools to identify and address obstacles and challenges effectively. Healthcare is one of many industries requiring continual quality improvement...
by Keri McDermott | Jan 28, 2019 | Archived
Amber Oines, RN, BSN, the quality nurse specialist for Madison Regional Health System in Madison, SD, engaged Great Plains Quality Innovation Network (QIN) to support their healthcare quality team through the transition to the Quality Payment Program (QPP)....
by Keri McDermott | Jan 28, 2019 | Archived
Traditionally the month for lovers and all things heart-related, February also reminds us to take care of our heart. It is American Heart Month. The annual celebration began in 1963 to encourage Americans to join the battle against heart disease. A presidential...
by Keri McDermott | Jan 25, 2019 | Archived
January is Poverty Awareness Month According to the U.S. Census, nearly 40 million Americans live in poverty, leaving little or nothing for extra or unexpected medical expenses. The CMS Office of Minority Health has created public education initiatives, such as From...
by Keri McDermott | Jan 25, 2019 | Archived
Approximately 80 percent of serious medical errors involve miscommunication during the transfer of care from one healthcare provider to another, according to the Joint Commission.[1] A recent article in Medscape articulates how hospitalist physicians can improve...
by Keri McDermott | Jan 21, 2019 | Archived
It’s never too late to quit smoking. Quitting smoking NOW improves an individuals’ health and reduces their risk of heart disease, cancer, lung disease and other smoking-related illnesses. At this time of year, we know that many smokers make a new years’...
by Keri McDermott | Jan 21, 2019 | Archived
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is committed to protecting people and the future of the healthcare, veterinary and agriculture industries from the threat of antibiotic resistance. CDC just released new data in its Antibiotic Resistance (AR)...
by Keri McDermott | Jan 21, 2019 | Archived
The article below was originally published in the January 2019 issue of the South Dakota Medicine Journal published by the South Dakota State Medical Association. Author: Stephan Schroeder, MD, CMD, CMQ Medical Director, South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care Our...
by Keri McDermott | Jan 15, 2019 | Archived
The Nebraska Antimicrobial Stewardship Assessment and Promotion Program (ASAP) provides long-term care facilities and acute care hospitals with resources to promote appropriate antibiotic use, improve patient outcomes and prevent antibiotic resistance. The ASAP site...