While most individuals work to avoid the emergency department others consider it a source of primary health care. When emergency services are overused, the cost of health care increases across the board. This series will explore strategies for encouraging proper use of emergency departments.
- Explore different health care professionals who contribute to proper emergency room utilization
- Describe existing prevention and education programs to improve care coordination
- Highlight best practices for improving health care navigation
Exploring Interventions to Improve Emergency Department Utilization
The Partnership to Advance Tribal Health (PATH) established an affinity group focused on addressing emergency department utilization in tribal health facilities across the nation. The group fosters a culture of open dialog to identify strengths, weaknesses, barriers, and challenges. This open communication provides the added benefits of identifying interventions and sharing best practices to improve emergency department utilization.
March 21, 2023 | 12:00 pm CST
Objectives:
- Explain the purpose and engagement within the PATH affinity group
- Describe common emergency department barriers and challenges the group has identified
- Identify interventions and promising practices for improving emergency department utilization
Speakers: Nancy McDonald RN, CPHQ, Director of Quality Improvement, South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care, Jessica Danko MS, RRT, LTC-CIP Program Manager South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care.
Moving Forward with Reversing Drug Overdose
Naloxone (Narcan) has the power to reverse the impact of opioid overdose. Access to this potentially life-saving option is limited across the state even as opioids continue to be routinely prescribed. Pharmacists play a valuable role for education and distribution of this life-saving medication. Josh Ohrtman, PharmD, will highlight the challenges and progress for improved screening, access, and reimbursement for a South Dakota pharmacy.
March 28, 2023, at 12:00 PM CST
Objectives:
- Explain how pharmacy services reduce overdose by providing access to Narcan
- Describe the eligibility and reimbursement processes for naloxone distribution
- Identify methods for improving risk screening and education to reduce the risk of opioid overdose and addiction
Speaker: Joshua Ohrtman PharmD, Clinical Services Pharmacists and Pharmacy Consultant Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy – Rapid City South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN)
Project Recovery at Forefront of MAT Services
Medication assisted treatment (MAT) can ease the transition from addiction to recovery. Until recently, health care providers were required to complete a specialized waiver to provide MAT services. Experienced with in-person and telehealth MAT services, Project Recovery will highlight best practices for facilitating the road to recovery from substance use disorder.
April 4, 2023 | 12:00 pm CST
Objectives:
- Explain how using MAT impacts health outcomes and improves care coordination
- Describe the referral and treatment plan process for those seeking services
- Identify effective practices for increasing patient engagement
Speaker: Michaela Johnson, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy, Coteau des Prairies Health Care System
Relieving Health Care Concerns by Creating Connections
Community health workers (CHW) are rising to the top of the list of who to know in South Dakota communities. CHWs help individuals locate community resources and navigate the health care system. Creating connections relieves pressures from individuals and health care professionals. Brookings Health System will share the benefits of incorporating CHWs for improving health and quality of life.
April 11, 2023 | 12:00 pm CST
Objectives:
- Explain how community health workers (CHW) support the proper use of health care services
- Describe the process for integrating a CHW into a healthcare system
- Identify innovative ways to use CHWs to relieve workforce demands
Speaker: Alyssa Olson, Community Health Worker/Emergency Medical Technician, Brookings Health System
Opening Doors to Improved Mental Health
Many individuals with mental health issues have faced a closed door to services and instead turn to an open bottle. Whether pills or alcohol, their unmet need for mental health services may escalate into substance use disorder. Independent Health Solutions offers an open-door transitional center to help individuals cross the final threshold from treatment to recovery.
April 18, 2023 | 12:00 pm CST
Objectives:
- Explain the challenges of maintaining mental health for individuals transitioning from substance use disorder treatment
- Describe how the transitional housing developed and the level of care
- Identify ongoing efforts to expand referral and reinforce ongoing recovery
Speaker: Ashley Kingdon-Reese, Independent Health Solutions
