Ensuring access to virtual care

Ascension is breaking down telemedicine barriers

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ascension saw a significant shift in consumer behavior around virtual care and a sharp spike in use of this technology. In fact, Ascension experienced a 100-fold increase, with 720,000 virtual care visits compared to the same period (March through May) last year. Although this adoption has created another access point for patients, Ascension leaders are mindful of barriers that it may create for at-risk populations. “There is concern that virtual care’s selective use may compound long-standing health disparities,” said Baligh Yehia, MD, MPP, FACP, Senior Vice President, Ascension, and President, Ascension Medical Group. Many of the populations facing Dr. Baligh Yehia challenges in accessing in-person care — such as racial/ethnic minorities; persons living in rural communities; those with lower socioeconomic status; individuals with limited English proficiency; and those with low health literacy — may also face barriers in accessing virtual care.

“If virtual care continues to accelerate without engaging these vulnerable communities, it may sustain or exacerbate existing health disparities, something that Ascension has worked very hard to address during more traditional in-person visits,” Dr. Yehia said.

Ascension is mitigating these potential inequities in virtual care in three ways: 1) Identifying and resolving barriers to virtual care by understanding them for new patients during the registration process, and looking at technology solutions for new and existing patients that do not require a smartphone, but instead need only text messaging capability and cellular data, which can help facilitate access to those without Wi-Fi or smart devices.

The single biggest predictor of whether someone expects to use virtual care is whether he or she has used it in the past. A poll of individuals who used Ascension Online Care during the COVID-19 pandemic found that 75% are more likely to use it again compared to those who have never used it at all. This suggests that if we can find virtual care solutions that work for vulnerable populations — by addressing access to smartphones, broadband internet, digital literacy and cost — and get them to try it once, they are likely to use it again. In the interim, Ascension is encouraging hybrid workflows that support a mix of telephone, video, in-person and home/community-based visits to ensure we reach these populations.

2) Addressing variations in clinician behavior and use of virtual care by enhancing and optimizing our facility-based telemedicine programs to offer more services to critical access hospitals and care clinics.

We know that some clinicians may not offer televideo visits to individuals they assume do not have access to a smartphone, may have challenges using technology, or may not be interested in virtual care. However, according to a University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging, almost half of patients between 50 and 80 years old preferred virtual care for follow-up visits. Ascension is helping clinicians expand their understanding of patient preference and use of virtual care, as well as helping them incorporate virtual care into their practice through ongoing training and education opportunities.

3) Advocating for structural, payment and policy changes for virtual care. To ensure we are able to provide access to virtual care that will best serve our diverse patient populations, Ascension advocates for statutory and regulatory reforms. These include addressing where Medicare and Medicaid patients and clinicians must be located, both physically and geographically, in order for virtual care services to be provided and covered; appropriately reimbursing

providers for virtual care services; expanding the types of services covered and groups of providers that can deliver virtual care; and addressing the ability of clinicians to deliver virtual care across state lines.

“As we continue to pioneer this new care delivery method, we must be mindful that disparities, though different in virtual care, still exist and must be tackled head-on,” Dr. Yehia said. “Ensuring health equity in this area will require strong partnership among patients, communities, regulators and payers, technology providers, and healthcare teams. Ascension is committed to this important work as it is critical to realizing our Mission of serving all persons, especially those who are most vulnerable.”

At DePaul Community Health Centers in New Orleans, virtual care has increased the bonds of trust between at-risk patients and providers for behavioral health and medical services. This offering reduces some of the anxiety these patients experience about visiting public spaces during the pandemic. It has also allowed staff such as Dawn Richardson-Spears, Registered Nurse Care Manager, to assist those patients who aren’t tech savvy with using their phones or other devices for virtual care appointments.

ABIDE framework facilitates cultural transformation HUMAN DIGNITY IS AT ITS CORE

Inclusivity and diversity are demonstrations of Ascension’s Mission and Values, as well as an expression of Catholic social teaching. Ascension’s commitment to social justice was accelerated last summer with the development and launch of the

ABIDE framework (Appreciation - Belongingness -

Inclusivity - Diversity - Equity) to address diversity and inclusion across the ministry. “Human beings are created for justice, meaning each of us are ‘due’ justice simply because we are human,” said Timm Glover, Executive Vice President and Chief Mission

Timm Glover Integration Officer. “If some one is not treated justly, we are denying their humanity and therefore denying that they are made in the image of God.”

The ABIDE framework was designed to uncover what we need to review, dismantle or rebuild in our policies, practices and ways of serving together as a virtuous community, so that we can eliminate what contributes to or perpetuates disparities and inequities, including systemic racism. The ABIDE framework exists at multiple levels including at the individual, collective/team and organization level.

The ABIDE work group has taken inventory of the inclusion and diversity efforts across Ascension to identify ways to make inclusion, belongingness and social justice a lasting, national effort. The actualization of those efforts has included new ways of listening, praying, learning and acting.

“Listening helps us to truly see,” Timm said. “We needed a framework to help us listen to each other differently than we have before so that we can really see each other. It is a powerful behavior in creating right relationships.”

Ascension has been offering associates opportunities to share their experiences and opinions through various channels. These have included live, facilitated webinars; a dedicated phone line; and the ability to submit feedback through the ABIDE website. The multiple listening and dialogue platforms are informing action planning and leadership development. These initial facilitated listening sessions focused on the topics of racism, systemic injustice, prejudice, bias and discrimination. Future sessions may address other topics and social issues related to diversity and inclusion within the ABIDE framework.

Additionally, associates were offered personal development and self-discovery opportunities such as improving their ability to listen more effectively and efficiently and how this impacts personal and professional relationships.

“Inclusion is action-based and culturally transformative. Within Ascension, inclusion shows up in how we value differences, welcome all to serve with us,

framework facilitates cultural transformation

and ensure that each associate has the opportunity to attain their full potential and flourish in dignity as human persons. This requires a mutually safe space for conversation Herb Vallier focused on expanding hearts and minds,” said Herb Vallier, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Ascension; Chief Executive Officer, Ascension SmartHealth Solutions.

After several months of listening, we identified themes and areas of growth. Updates on the efforts and resources are available on the ABIDE microsite.

“We are created for relationship,” Timm said. “Dignity is a requirement to have a right relationship. If people are treated with different levels of dignity, then we cannot be One Ascension. We cannot be in a right relationship or community if persons are not treated with dignity.”

More than 50 leaders and associates participated in development of the ABIDE framework. This includes individuals who contributed to the following areas: • Communications • Market Intelligence • Listening Sessions • Dialogue Sessions • Listening Platforms • Action Planning • Measurement • Community Engagement • Sustainability

“This is an ongoing learning process that all of us can benefit from if we commit to practicing the principles of ABIDE,” said Gene Ford, National Director of Public Relations, Ascension, a member of the ABIDE Core Team and lead for the Communications Sub Team. “It is my hope that the ABIDE framework and its principles can help us to cultivate a deeper appreciation of the value of each other, our experiences, and of the unique gifts and perspectives we all have to offer.”

Ascension Rx expands vision to enhance care across the continuum The national pharmacy program has a prescription

Today’s patients face mounting drug costs and a complex process to get the prescriptions they need. Third parties such as pharmacy benefit managers, payers, manufacturers and wholesalers have created fragmentation that disrupts continuity of care. When patients don’t have the clinical support they need, health outcomes can suffer, and the cost of care can rise unnecessarily.

Hospital, clinical and pharmacy leaders from across Ascension have come together to address this fragmentation with an expanded vision for the future of Ascension Pharmacy, one designed to align with the quadruple aim of delivering enhanced health outcomes and experience for the people we serve and those who serve, at an affordable cost, across all care settings. “The goal is to create a highly visible professional community of pharmacy leaders who can share and implement pharmacy best practices across Ascension, thus reducing clinical variation and optimizing operations to improve the health and well-being Dr. Lynn Eschenbacher of the communities we serve,” said Lynn Eschenbacher, PharmD, MBA, FASHP, Chief Pharmacy Officer, Ascension.

CLOSER INTEGRATION

This began with establishing a regional leadership structure and focused groups around medication safety, education and retail pharmacy. Leaders envisioned closer integration of pharmacy practice within ambulatory and acute care workflows, standardizing transitions of care, metrics and reporting.

Leaders also sought greater operational consistency in patient medication assistance programs and retail pharmacy

for comprehensive service for our communities

locations. Structural changes in roles and staffing were made to align national, area and market-level pharmacy resources.

Leaders also worked to support a high-touch clinical model that includes a pharmacy team, providers and convenient medication delivery channels to serve patients.

ASCENSION RX

Ascension Rx was established as the name for a single, comprehensive national pharmacy that can meet medication therapy, education and support needs across the care continuum.

Ascension Rx is pursuing licenses to dispense medications in all 48 states in the continental U.S.; Ascension Rx is already licensed to operate in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Ascension Rx strives to improve coordination, safety and quality of care, and to create a unified customer and caregiver experience that goes beyond brick and mortar and provides access for customers where and when they need it, even at home.

In response to COVID-19, Ascension Rx retail pharmacy sites provide convenient, contactless service options including curbside pickup, courier delivery, and U.S. Postal Service and FedEx shipping.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

Plans are also underway to create a national mail order pharmacy service, initially limited to Ascension SmartHealth

Ascension Rx expands vision to enhance care across the continuum Expanded vision for Ascension Rx

Today’s patients face mounting drug costs and complex processes to obtain the medications they need. Third parties such as pharmacy manufacturers, benefit managers, payers, and wholesalers have created fragmentation that disrupts continuity of care. Ascension hospital, clinical and pharmacy leaders have collaborated to address this fragmentation with an expanded vision for the future of Ascension Pharmacy. The vision is designed to align with Ascension’s quadruple aim of delivering high quality care and outcomes, an enhanced experience for those we serve, and seamless engagement for clinicians; all at an affordable cost throughout each setting of care.

Ascension Rx

FOUR COMPONENTS WILL BE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS

Tech-enabled support for people and processes 4 High-touch clinical model

1

3 Personalized experience

2 Integrated care team GROWING OUR SUCCESS IN PHARMACY

Importance of continuity of care

Specialty pharmacy

Retail pharmacy Integration of Ascension Rx into:

Virtual Care

Population Health Management Sustaining excellence in pharmacy clinical operations

Clinical utilization management

Infusion

Long-term care pharmacy Ambulatory Care Management

SmartHealth Pharmacy operations

Medication safety

Competency and education

Regulatory and compliance

Medication affordability

Cost controls and finance MEASURING OUR SUCCESS

Quality Adherence to prescribed medications Appropriate use of opioids

Satisfaction Patient and Clinical Net Promoter Score

Effectiveness Time to complete Prior Authorization and Financial Assistance Improvement in appropriate antimicrobial utilization

Financial Growth Prescription Growth Margin Growth

Rx

members, with plans to expand to all Ascension Medical Group (AMG) patients in 2021.

Ascension Rx is also entering the specialty drug space. Specialty medications are generally used to treat complex medical conditions, are typically costly, and require a high degree of patient education and monitoring to manage side effects. To that end, Ascension Rx has achieved URAC Specialty Pharmacy Accreditation, the highest national standard of quality, safety and consumer empowerment.

The Ascension Rx specialty pharmacy program will initially be limited to SmartHealth members in states where Ascension Rx is licensed. Those currently receiving specialty medications at non-Ascension pharmacies will be transitioned to Ascension Rx mail order services first. Then SmartHealth members receiving specialty medications across Ascension are expected to follow.

To meet demand for specialty and mail order services, Ascension Rx will leverage its national pharmacy in Southeast Michigan and build a new Ascension Rx pharmacy in Austin, Texas, slated to open next spring. Both will offer wraparound care services, such as preauthorization, medication management assistance for providers and 24/7 patient consults with clinical pharmacists.

EMPHASIZING CONVENIENCE

“Ascension Rx is well positioned to ensure the continuity of care for those we serve through comprehensive medication management services and meeting customers where they are with convenient prescription access,” said Baligh Yehia, MD, MPP, FACP, Senior Vice President, Ascension, and President, Ascension Medical Group.

“A fully integrated pharmacy solution will improve medication access and adherence, leading to enhanced health outcomes; reduced admissions, readmissions and Emergency Departments visits; and lower overall cost of care. This aligns directly with our Mission and Values of serving all persons with special attention to those who are poor and vulnerable.”

Living our Mission and Values across the ministry

Associates share inspiring stories about their colleagues

The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in how we operate and how we interact with each other and those we serve. As a way to honor, inspire and lift up Ascension associates during this unprecedented situation, Mission Integration encouraged associates to share stories of how others have brought our Mission and Values alive.

Here are some of the heartfelt stories associates shared about one another.

ASCENSION ST. VINCENT’S SOUTHSIDE (FLORIDA)

Shannen Walsh, Respiratory Therapist, submitted a story about Luz (Eva) Reese, Respiratory Therapist Every day I see compassion and dedication to our patients, all patients. However, on May 6, a truly special story was brought to my attention. At Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside in Jacksonville, one of our COVID-19 patients was passing away, losing his battle to this horrible disease. His significant other was also a COVID-19 patient here at Ascension St. Vincent’s Southside who was on her way to recovery but still in isolation on our inpatient unit. The two patients were not able to physically be with each other as the one passed away. Therefore, our ICU staff, including ICU RN Carolann Potts and Eva coordinated a [video chat] between the two patients. Carolann went to the recovering patient’s room while Eva remained with the dying patient and they held the devices and provided comfort to both patients during this difficult time. This allowed the patients to spend those final moments together and the team stayed by the patient’s side as he took his last breath. The compassion and care for both of these patients in this moment is beyond measure.

ASCENSION PROVIDENCE (TEXAS)

Tatiena Smith, Occupational Therapist, submitted a story about Cortney Montoya, RN, ICU I had the pleasure of working with Cortney in the ICU COVID unit for over a month. Every Sunday she had the same patient. I saw Cortney demonstrate Ascension’s Mission daily. The statement “We are advocates for a compassionate and just society through our actions and our words” stands out to me specifically. I would hear her talk to her patient while he was unconscious, I would hear her talk to his wife multiple times a day to give her hope and ease her stress. She maintained a calm and caring demeanor even when having to give bad news. She sacrificed her time, her health, and time with family to help those patients. She did not return home for the six-plus weeks of working with COVID-19 patients so as to not infect her boyfriend. I could see how much she loved what she does and how much she cared for each of her patients and their families.

ASCENSION ST. JOHN (MICHIGAN)

Ryan Lithgow, Rehab Manager, Ascension St. John Hospital, Harrison Twp and 12 Mile PT, submitted a story about Outpatient Therapy teams at Grosse Pointe, Harrison Twp and 12 Mile PT It has been a challenging and uncertain time during the COVID-19 crisis, but it has been refreshing to see Ascension’s Mission come to life in and around the hospitals and in so many of my co-workers.

The Ascension St. John Outpatient Therapy team, from left, Debbie Petritis, Rehab Tech; Deanna Wirick, MPT; Joann Namel, Office Coordinator; Ryan Lithgow, MPT, Rehab Manager; Pam Golinske, Office Assistant; Vickie DeSchutter, OT; Natalie Sutherland, DPT; and Nathan Gura, DPT.

Rather than chaos and panic, preparedness and cohesive communication led the way. As our outpatient rehab sites scaled back operations, the associates jumped into action to support the surging hospitals. Whether it was day shift or midnights, weekdays or weekends, they rose to the challenge and helped out wherever they were needed. They demonstrated the Value of Dedication as they readily stepped into unfamiliar roles, with unfamiliar people, and onto work shifts that were often very different than they were accustomed to. The work varied and included assisting with supply chain, materials management, associate and patient screening, environmental services support, COVID-19 unit communication support, data abstraction, and Command Center staffing. I am grateful for all of their support and teamwork during this time.

For more inspiring stories like these, go to ascn.io/missionvalues.

ALABAMA

New alliance for better health The University of Alabama at Birmingham Health System and Ascension St. Vincent’s in Birmingham have entered into a strategic alliance that will increase access to high-quality, innovative medical care through multiple outlets and health programs. The alliance will enable the two entities, which have a long history of collaboration, to further enhance patient care and address Alabama’s most challenging health issues, including health disparities, mental and behavioral health, and diabetes, with an emphasis on expanded access for poor, vulnerable and rural populations.

BALTIMORE

Grant supports transportation Ascension Saint Agnes received grant funds totaling more than $181,000 from the National Community Care Corps. The grant will support volunteer chaperones to assist family caregivers, older adults and persons with disabilities access transportation for nonemergency medical care.

Nurses pay it forward After Ascension Saint Agnes received assistance during an earlier COVID-19 surge, six nurses returned the favor by helping fellow Ascension colleagues on critical care and medical/surgical units in Texas for two weeks this past summer. The nurses are Sabrina Gordon, RN; Jessica Jenkins, RN; Rachel Whetzel, RN; Milikka Smith, RN; Meghan Ross, RN; and Teasher King, RN.

BINGHAMTON, NEW YORK

New practice brings services In collaboration with Chase Memorial Nursing Home, Ascension Lourdes Hospital opened a new primary care practice in New Berlin, New York. The effort is part of a New York state grant to improve healthcare and services available to the nursing home and the rural community of New Berlin.

Nurses volunteer expertise in Texas Ascension Lourdes nurses Caylynn Gilbert and Chona Dietz volunteered to help care for COVID-19 patients at Ascension Seton in Austin, Texas, in a time of need.

FLORIDA AND GULF COAST

Freestanding EDs open Ascension St. Vincent’s now offers two freestanding emergency departments in Jacksonville, Florida. Open 24/7, the EDs provide the same services as a hospital-based service. Locations were selected based on a data-driven analysis of where emergency services are most needed in the community.

New hospital in development Ascension St. Vincent’s will build a $150 million, 60-bed community hospital in northern St. Johns County, Florida — the fastest growing county in the state, with approximately 250,000 people but only one hospital.

Hospital receives honor Ascension St. Vincent’s Clay County in Florida was named one of the nation’s 100 top hospitals by IBM Watson.

Services open post hurricane Rebuilding after Hurricane Michael continues in the Panama City area with the opening of cardiac rehabilitation services at Ascension Sacred Heart Bay. The hospital also opened a new rehabilitation center in Panama City, while Ascension Medical Group opened a primary care office.

Hospital welcomes new services Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola opened five natural childbirth suites and a pediatric sleep center and completed electrophysiology lab updates.

ILLINOIS

Hospital earns TAVR award AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Medical Center Elk Grove Village was the first hospital in the country to be recognized by Edwards Lifesciences for completing its Edwards Benchmark™ program for the treatment of aortic stenosis patients undergoing TAVR heart valve replacement. The program is designed to align the multidisciplinary heart team on the minimalist TAVR approach and improve the patient clinical pathway.

New screening tool offered AMITA Health St. Mary’s Hospital Kankakee introduced the Invenia™ ABUS 2.0. The screening was approved by the FDA for breast cancer screening in addition to mammography for women with dense breast tissue. The hospital was the first in the region to offer it to the community.

Hospital teams with Rx Mobile AMITA Health St. Mary’s Hospital Kankakee hosted its first Rx Mobile distribution, in partnership with the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Rx Mobile is part of the Food Bank’s Screen & Intervene program to identify chronic disease patients experiencing food insecurity and connect them with fresh produce.

Top docs named Sixty-nine AMITA Health physicians were recognized as top doctors in the Chicago area, according to a study conducted by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a healthcare research and information company.

INDIANA

Campaign focuses on 4Ms of care Ascension St. Vincent launched a campaign geared toward the 55-and-better population. The focus included the 4Ms of Age-friendly Care — What Matters, Medications, Mobility, Mentation — and

the importance of partnering with a primary care provider and participating in health screenings. Ascension Online Care was promoted as an opportunity to speak with a provider online, anytime, from anywhere in all 50 states. Former NFL quarterback Archie Manning was featured in the campaign.

Hospital earns orthopedic designation Ascension St. Vincent Hospital has been designated as a Blue Distinction® Center for Knee and Hip Replacement.

Mammograms Until Midnight When elective procedures were paused during the pandemic, many women were not able to schedule the essential imaging needed to detect signs of breast cancer. Several care sites throughout Ascension St. Vincent held a special event to promote women’s breast health — Mammograms Until Midnight. The sites extended their hours and offered evening appointments so women could work around their busy schedules and receive this important screening.

KANSAS

Restoring emergency care Ascension Via Christi Hospital Wichita committed to provide emergency services by reopening the emergency department at Sumner Community Hospital, which closed last spring, leaving residents of Wellington, Kansas, and surrounding communities without an ED.

Geriatric ED accreditation earned Ascension Via Christi St. Teresa received three-year Level 3 accreditation by the American College of Emergency Physicians’ Geriatric Emergency Department Accreditation program. The ED is staffed by a multidisciplinary care team that has specialized training and education in emergency and geriatric care. Four of the ED’s 14 exam rooms and all of its common areas have been renovated to address seniors’ specialized care needs.

MICHIGAN

Emergency Department receives Lantern Award The Emergency Nurses Association recognized Ascension St. John Hospital’s Emergency Department with its Lantern Award. Since 2011, this national award has recognized emergency departments that demonstrate excellent practice and innovative performance through leadership, education, advocacy and research. Among the 25 Lantern Award recipients this year, Ascension St. John was the only Michigan hospital and the only Ascension hospital to be recognized.

Cancer center offers T-cell therapy The Ascension Providence Cancer Center was certified as the first program in the state to offer CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T-cell therapy for patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in an outpatient setting.

Symptom Management Clinic opens Ascension St. John Hospital’s Van Elslander Cancer Center opened a new Symptom Management Clinic to provide services to hematology-oncology patients requiring urgent but nonemergent evaluation, diagnosis and management of acute symptoms. The clinic provides interventions to address a patient’s acute symptoms, including diagnostic procedures and the prescribing of pain medications.

Stroke centers earn certifications Ascension St. Mary’s Hospital earned Comprehensive Stroke Center certification from The Joint Commission with zero issues. This designation is the highest level of stroke certification, earned by meeting rigorous standards for the most complex stroke cases and the ability to quickly and effectively treat all strokes so patients have the best chance for a full recovery.

Hospital makes top list For the second consecutive year, Ascension St. Joseph Hospital in Tawas City has been identified among the Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals in the country. The hospital is one of only four Michigan hospitals on the Chartis Center for Rural Health list.

Grant helps patients connect to families Through the Community Foundation of Greater Flint Compassionate Living Fund, a $5,000 grant was awarded to the Ascension Genesys Foundation to support the purchase of tablets to facilitate video calls connecting patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and other serious illnesses with their families to receive emotional and spiritual support.

Associates celebrate milestone Ascension St. Mary’s associates celebrated a topping out ceremony that placed one of the final steel beams for the Saginaw hospital’s new emergency care center. The beam, covered with associate and physician signatures, was raised atop the structure, signaling the completion of the framework. The $17.6 million expansion will transform the facility into a modern emergency and level II trauma care center.

OKLAHOMA

Surgery group joins Ascension Medical Group St. John Surgery Inc., one of the oldest surgical groups in the Tulsa area, joined Ascension Medical Group St. John. The practice includes Justin Atherton, MD; Lawrence Brotherton, MD; Tim Hepner, MD; and Ty Kirkpatrick, DO, and their teams. Established in 1932, Surgery Inc. has pioneered several surgical firsts in the area.

TENNESSEE

Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown transforming Ascension Saint Thomas announced plans for financial investments in clinical program development and a transformative campus development at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital Midtown. The first series of developments is underway with the construction of the Ascension Saint Thomas Rehabilitation Hospital, in partnership with Kindred Healthcare, and the Ascension Saint Thomas Surgery & Critical Care Tower.

$82 million vertical expansion project A 60,000-square-foot expansion to Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital added three floors and 72 beds to the west patient tower of the hospital. Four additional operating suites were completed on the second floor of the hospital.

TEXAS

Pediatric heart transplant program The Texas Center for Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease at Dell Children’s Medical Center, in partnership with UT Health Austin, the clinical practice of Dell Medical School at The University of Texas in Austin, has launched The Heart Failure, VAD, and Transplant Program at Dell Children’s. The service is the only program in Central Texas providing complete multidisciplinary heart care and transplants for infants, adolescents and children into adulthood.

Robotic-assisted tool available Ascension Providence was the first hospital in Central Texas to introduce a new robotic tool to diagnose and treat lung cancer earlier than previously possible. The Ion Endoluminal System helps improve accuracy and precision and offers a less invasive, high-tech technique to biopsy lung tissue for lung cancer or other diseases.

Mobile lab on the go Ascension Seton established its first mobile lab service. Lab technicians, equipped with personal protective equipment, travel via van to a patient’s home to provide the convenient service.

Sleep lab opens The Dell Children’s Sleep Lab unveiled a newly renovated, 2,885-square-foot sleep lab with expanded services. The lab is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of pediatric sleep disorders for children of all ages, newborns through age 18.

Dell Children’s expands pediatric care Dell Children’s plans to build a new children’s hospital and medical office building in North Austin. The new hospital, along with planned expansions at Dell Children’s Medical Center and the Dell Children’s Specialty Pavilion, is part of a comprehensive, ongoing plan to continue expanding pediatric care in Central Texas over the next five years and beyond.

WISCONSIN

Kenosha welcomes digestive health center The first of its kind in the community, Kenosha Digestive Health Center combines a clinic and ambulatory surgery center, creating one destination for patients to access comprehensive gastroenterology services. The center is a project of Ascension Wisconsin and GI Associates.

Small-scale hospital announced A new small-scale hospital in Waukesha will provide access to primary, specialty, hospital and emergency services. Opening of the 33,000-square-foot facility is slated for late 2021.

Strengthening diabetes care Ascension Wisconsin and Sharecare Diabetes Solution have formed a collaboration to further improve inpatient care and outcomes by utilizing evidence-based protocols and practices in addition to an outpatient diabetes support program.

ASCENSION GLOBAL MISSION

Working in solidarity during the pandemic Since 2016, Ascension Global Mission has been supporting Alianza, a collaboration of faith-based organizations in Guatemala that works with leaders to strengthen community leadership and governance. With the COVID-19 pandemic, communities in Guatemala are even more vulnerable, struggling to secure basic food and critical hygiene goods, such as soap and masks. Though the Guatemalan government had announced support would come, no aid had been provided to the communities that Alianza serves four months into

Alianza, supported by Ascension Global Mission, has helped nearly 1,900 families and 11,000 people struggling to secure basic food and critical hygiene goods in Guatemala.

the pandemic crisis. Alianza’s work is focused on long-term development, not humanitarian aid, but given the circumstances, the organization decided to work with leaders in the communities it serves to identify families most in need and see how to secure basic food and supplies as interim support.

Ascension Global Mission provided funding for this humanitarian effort, which has benefited nearly 1,900 families and 11,000 people. Alianza also provided critical supplies for five health outposts that serve approximately 16,000 people.

For many community leaders, this was the first time they were given the chance to have an active leadership role in the request and delivery of aid (from the selection of families most in need to the delivery of goods to the creation of reports), taking full responsibility for the process. For Alianza, this was a unique opportunity to continue to support communities to be agents of their own destiny.

ASCENSION INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT

Leader nominated by peers David Erickson, Chief Investment Officer, was included in Institutional Investor’s Allocator Voices, a prominent consortium of allocators — those who determine how to allocate investment portfolios among different asset categories — from across the globe who were nominated by their peers for their leadership in driving inspiration through innovation in their approach to both their personal and professional lives.

ASCENSION LIVING

Excellence award received Ascension Living’s Resurrection Place in Park Ridge, Illinois, has been certified by Vohra Wound Physicians as a Center of Excellence for Wound Management. Only 10% of Vohra’s skilled nursing facility partners have qualified for this annual certification. The clinical team was honored for its ability to care for residents with chronic and complex wounds using the latest in specialized wound management. Its multidisciplinary approach enhances wound healing rates and reduces the need to send residents to wound care centers or hospitals.

ASCENSION VENTURES

New investments Ascension Ventures recently closed three new investments: AristaMD is a platform for physician-to-physician e-consults that improves patient satisfaction, care and cost. Compassus provides nationwide hospice, palliative care and home health services. Truvic Medical is developing a platform to treat peripheral vascular disease. Ascension Ventures also closed follow-on investments in several portfolio companies, including Bardy Diagnostics, Cardionomic, Cedar Gate Technologies, EBR Systems, Renovia and Syapse.

CLINICAL & NETWORK SERVICES

Leader appointments Baligh Yehia, MD, MPP, FACP, was named Senior Vice President, Ascension, and President, Ascension Medical Group. Dr. Yehia joined AMG in July 2018 to serve as Chief Medical Officer. He has worked to develop Ascension’s care model portfolio and virtual care strategy, which enhances the delivery of personalized care to patients and expands practice opportunities for clinicians.

Thomas Graf, MD, FAAFP, transitioned to a new role: Senior Vice President, Ascension, and Chief Population Health & Value Based Care Officer. In this role Dr. Graf leads population health and advances performance on value-based care.

Tania Elliott, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI, was named Chief Medical Officer, Virtual Care, Clinical & Network Services. Dr. Elliott leads virtual care services, including advancing the adoption of virtual care across the continuum in collaboration with our Ministry Markets and Digital teams.

Mohamad Fakih, MD, MPH, was promoted to Chief Quality Officer, Clinical & Network Services, Ascension. Dr. Fakih had been serving as Vice President of Quality and Clinical Integration since May 2019, working collaboratively with clinical teams and disciplines to ensure that quality remains at the forefront of

Dr. Baligh Yehia Dr. Tania Elliott Dr. Mohamad Fakih Lisa Sturm

care delivery. Dr. Fakih has been part of Ascension for 20 years.

Lisa Sturm, MPH, CIC, FAPIC, was named Senior Director for Infection Prevention, Quality, Clinical & Network Services. She joined Ascension in 2016.

COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS

Center fills void during pandemic While many substance abuse treatment programs in New Orleans have been unable to accept new patients during the pandemic, DePaul Community Health Centers is serving both new and current patients. The ministry offers telehealth appointments for all patients who seek assistance with substance abuse, including medication management and group therapy for both addiction and mental health. Patients also have access Associates adapt to continue services When news of an impending citywide shutdown this summer reached the five-person Social Services team at Ascension DePaul Services of San Antonio, Texas, the associates quickly adapted programs to meet CDC and local government guidelines

to basic medical and dental care. Stay connected with Ascension Twitter: @ascensionorg Keep up with Ascension tweets. Follow Ascension. Facebook: facebook.com/ascensionorg Like our Ascension page and get the latest updates on your newsfeed. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ascensionorg Stay up to date with organization news and connect with other associates. YouTube: youtube.com/c/ascensionorg Watch videos about Ascension on an array of topics. Instagram: instagram.com/ascension_org Check out the latest Ascension posts by following Ascension. Podcast: ascension.org/news/podcasts Listen to the latest Good Day Ascension Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Learn more about Ascension at ascension.org. to ensure that services could continue without interruption for vulnerable members of the community hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. The center’s programs provide emergency food boxes, utility bill assistance and “Diaper Kits” full of essential baby items to help keep families from falling further into poverty. The team also distributes food to more than 200 hungry seniors twice a month, along with daily emergency food boxes to individuals who are struggling to feed their families.

MEDXCEL

Supporting COVID-19 response Medxcel Real Estate supported Ascension’s response to the novel coronavirus by finding and establishing locations for drive-through test clinics, arranging storage facilities, preparing to receive and deploy Federal Emergency Management Agency tents, and more.

THE RESOURCE GROUP

Internships go virtual The Resource Group hosted 25 interns through a virtual platform. While unconventional, the summer intern class made the most of the experience by actively participating in and contributing to a multitude of COVID-19-related relief efforts, supply chain process improvement initiatives and a variety of

@ HOME, @ WORK, @ YOUR FINGERTIPS

other ad-hoc support projects.

Good Day Ascension / Fall 2020 - Issue 14 Good Day Ascension is published by Ascension Marketing and Communications for associates and family members across our integrated national health ministry. Stories in Good Day Ascension support our One Ascension journey and reflect the commitment of associates, providers and volunteers across the health ministry to provide compassionate, personalized care to all, with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable. Executive Editor: Nick Ragone, Esq., nick.ragone@ascension.org Editor: Ted Siegel, ted.siegel@ascension.org Design and Production: dcpubs.com To share comments, ask questions or suggest articles for Good Day Ascension, please email GoodDay@ascension.org, or send a note to Editor, Good Day Ascension, Ascension Marketing and Communications, 101 S. Hanley Road, Suite 1100, St. Louis, MO 63105.

All content copyright 2020 Ascension. Republication or any other use of the contents of Good Day Ascension without the express written consent of Ascension is prohibited. Any reference to or depiction of a product or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement by Ascension. Online version available at Ascension.org/goodday.

How are you, really?

Check in with your co-workers, friends, family and neighbors. Ask them, “How are you doing, really?” Someone you know may be delaying important emergency care, chronic care or emotional care. Remind them to get the care they need.

Remind them to reconnect with their doctor about ongoing care needs, and that delaying care could impact their health in a negative way. Remind them to ask about emotional health needs and health concerns that might be weighing on them.

At Ascension, appointments are available, with strict precautions in place for your safety in our care. Doctors are offering virtual visits. And when your friends and family need care more urgently, our emergency rooms and urgent care clinics are open and ready.

Get the care you need at ascension.org

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Elizabeth Kamhieh had just completed a meeting at a health ministry when she noticed a sign with the name of a physician she had recruited six years earlier.

“He had been referred to me. He was in his first position with another employer and realized it was not a fit for him,” said Elizabeth, Director of Provider Recruitment, Ascension Medical Group. “He and I had focused heavily on his understanding of professional relationships when we were exploring positions. As I saw his name again, seeing that he had been there six years, it really cemented with me the importance of relationships.”

Aware of what brings meaning and happiness to the workplace, Elizabeth prioritizes relationship-building over task management.

“Understanding that I am motivated by relationships, I examine my day and I focus on strengthening those relationships,” she said.

Ascension’s deep commitment to our Mission and Values is also central to her approach to recruitment.

“What’s often missing in other organizations is a true commitment toward living our Values,” she said. ”This 100% impacts recruiting. Our Values shape how I communicate and collaborate. WE ARE ASCENSION

Elizabeth Kamhieh Director of Provider Recruitment, Ascension

Medical Group Recruitment teams can make a difference by setting the tone for what it means to be a part of Ascension.”

She witnessed those Values recently as part of her participation in Ascenson’s ASPIRE program, which develops leaders through hands-on, practical experiences as well as spiritually formative growth. It stands for Accessibility, Sponsorship, Preparation, Integration, Results, and Experience.

The group was engaged in a webinar with Joseph R. Impicciche, JD, MHA, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ascension, when critical operational decisions had to be made in response to COVID-19.

“Without hesitation, he knew he had to take care of associates first,” she said. “That was a big ‘aha! moment’ for me, watching our leaders not stray from our core Values even facing extreme, unknown circumstances.

“My participation in ASPIRE has only solidified the reasons I stay with Ascension. It’s challenging me to develop critical reflection practices and provide leadership development through tangible experiences with senior executives.”