Preventing Respiratory Infections in Nursing Facilities

Preventing Respiratory Infections in Nursing Facilities

Pneumonia is the second most common cause of infection in nursing facilities. A seasonal increase in pneumonia occurs due to influenza and unfortunately, many nursing home residents do not survive. The most common pneumonia pathogens in the nursing facility are...
Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Decreases Costs and Saves Lives

Early Detection of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Decreases Costs and Saves Lives

According to the National Kidney Foundation, chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects 37 million people, or 15 percent, of adults in the United States.  Diabetes and high blood pressure are responsible for two-thirds of cases. The condition is usually asymptomatic until...
Lower Anticoagulant Dose: What It Means For Older Adults in Nursing Homes

Lower Anticoagulant Dose: What It Means For Older Adults in Nursing Homes

The Journal of the American Heart Association recently conducted a study involving 21,878 nursing home residents with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) which revealed that standard doses of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) led to a higher rate of bleeding...
Improve Antibiotic Use, Improve Health Equity | U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week

Improve Antibiotic Use, Improve Health Equity | U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week

U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week (USAAW) provides the opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of appropriate antibiotic and antifungal use and the threat of antimicrobial resistance across the One Health spectrum. One Health is an approach that recognizes that...
Preventing Medication Errors is Key to Patient Safety: The Five Rights 

Preventing Medication Errors is Key to Patient Safety: The Five Rights 

Medication errors can be avoided. The 5 R’s of medication administration were put in place to protect both those administering medicine and the person taking medicine/s, alongside reducing the harm that can be caused by medication errors. Following the 5 rights is the...
Immunize South Dakota – Protection for Two: Essential Insights on Vaccination During Pregnancy & Immunizations: Ask the Experts

Immunize South Dakota – Protection for Two: Essential Insights on Vaccination During Pregnancy & Immunizations: Ask the Experts

Join Immunize South Dakota for the next Online & in-the-know session focusing on understanding crucial aspects of vaccination during pregnancy. Dr. Nicole Buchele, Sanford Health, will discuss the increased risk of complications from vaccine-preventable diseases...
Protect Yourself, Your Community and Loved Ones from C. diff Infections

Protect Yourself, Your Community and Loved Ones from C. diff Infections

​​C. diff is a spore-forming, gram-positive anaerobic bacillus that is a common cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. According to the CDC, C. diff infection is estimated to cause almost half a million infections in the United States each year. Most cases of C....
The Great American Smokeout I A Chance To Make a Difference

The Great American Smokeout I A Chance To Make a Difference

In honor of the Great American Smokeout®, Great Plains QIN wants to highlight both North Dakota and South Dakota Quitlines, Healtcare providers can make referrals or patients and family members can access these tobacco treatment services.   In North Dakota...
World Diabetes Day: Better Care Through Better Understanding

World Diabetes Day: Better Care Through Better Understanding

November 14 is World Diabetes Day (WDD), a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about diabetes, promoting prevention, and improving care for those living with the condition. World Diabetes Day was created in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation and...