QIO News Posts
A Resource Guide for Pharmacists: Immunizations
An estimated 40,000 to 50,000 adults die annually from vaccine-preventable disease in the United States.¹ Adult vaccination rates for routine recommended vaccines in the United States are low, and well below projected Healthy People 2020 targets.² Pharmacists are...
CMS Issues Opioid Misuse Strategy
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), overdoses from prescription opioids are a driving factor in the 15-year increase in opioid overdose deaths. Since 1999, the amount of prescription opioids sold in the U.S. nearly quadrupled, yet there...
Great Plains QIN Recognized as 80% by 2018 National Achievement Honoree
The National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable (NCCRT), an organization co-founded by the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has recognized a combined total of six honorees as 2017 80% by 2018 National Achievement Award winners, a...
Know the ABCS of Heart Health
February is American Heart Month...a great time to remind ourselves of the small, but important actions we can take to prevent heart attacks and strokes. How can we, as healthcare providers and partners, reduce the risk for the patients we care for? One way is to...
Friday, February 3 is National Wear Red Day
Let’s Unite On National Wear Red Day For tips on how you can get involved and show support in preventing heart disease and stroke. [symple_button url="http://honor.americanheart.org/site/PageServer?pagename=WRD_Resources" color="red" size="default"...
Improving the Use of Antibiotics: Core Elements for Nursing Homes
The use of antibiotics to treat infections has been proven to save lives. However, 20-50 percent of all antibiotics prescribed in the United States are unnecessary or inappropriate. Just like any medication, antibiotics have side effects and some of...
Depression Is Not a Normal Part of Aging
Studies show that older adults feel satisfied with their lives, despite having more illnesses or physical problems. However, when older adults do have depression, it may be overlooked because they may show different, less obvious symptoms. They may be less likely to...
Influenza Activity Is on the Rise Across the United States
Influenza activity is on the rise in the United States. While the spread of influenza can be unpredictable, flu season generally peaks sometime between December and February, though it has been reported as late as May. While getting the flu doesn't usually inspire...
Pharmacists Can Play a Role in Improving Care Transitions
A recent article in the Pharmacy Times, emphasized the role pharmacists play in improving care coordination. With the recent focus on quality transitions of care, pharmacists have expanding roles in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Pharmacists’ involvement...
Healthcare Educational Opportunities
The Great Plains Quality Innovation Network offers several educational opportunities for healthcare partners. The topics are diverse; there is something for everyone! We hope you are able to join us. Check out the Great Plains QIN calendar for upcoming webinar’s and...