July 2020 Above All Else Newsletter

RESEARCH MEDICAL CENTER

Above All Else IN THIS ISSUE

JULY 2020

Integrity Compassion Always Respect Excellence

Dear Research Family,

PG 2: WELCOME NEW PROVIDERS EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH 24-YEAR-OLD COVID-19 PATIENT REUNITES WITH CAREGIVERS RMC NAMED TOP 10 PERCENT IN PATIENT SAFETY IN THE NATION PG 3: RESEARCH CMO FEATURED EXPERT MEDICAL LEADER

Over the years, our HCA Healthcare organization has led us through many disasters, from hurricanes to floods to mass-casualty events to tornados and more. I know many of you have personally and professionally been a part of these crises.

EXPERTS IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SUMMER SAFETY: AVOIDING BURNS FROM SUN AND FIRE PG 4: RESEARCH PULMONOLOGIST FEATURED COVID-19 EXPERT PG 5: COMMITTED TO PATIENT SAFETY HCA HEALTHCARE HOPE FUND PATHWAY TO EXCELLENCE

Together, we use these experiences and a multitude of new learnings to guide us as we continue to fight COVID-19, the most uncontrollable and unpredictable enemy our healthcare providers have faced in more than a century.

As you know, the pandemic continues, with the number of positive patients

PG 6: CARENOW URGENT CARE

increasing across several states, as well as in the Kansas City area. This means more

PG 7: BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE BROOKSIDE FARMERS’ MARKET HAPPENINGS PG 8: THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION

COVID patients need Research Medical Center’s highly specialized care.

Meanwhile, our number one goal is protecting our caregivers and our patients.

Ensuring everyone’s safety while we continue to plan ahead for supplies and personal protective equipment is what I wake up thinking about every morning.

We continue to meet each new challenges with collaboration and the latest guidance. Your leadership team is here to be vigilant and responsive in an everchanging environment.

PUBLISHING TEAM: Kimberle Bovard Manager of Marketing (816) 276-9475 kimberle.bovard@hcamidwest.com

We will get through this! Together, we are shaping a new landscape – one that we are learning from, and that we will walk for the rest of our lives.

I am truly humbled and proud to be a part of this great organization.

Warm regards,

Corrine Everson Dix VP, Marketing/PR (816) 276-9293 corrine.everson@hcamidwest.com

Ashley McClellan, FACHE, MHA, MBA Chief Executive Officer facebook.com/researchmedicalcenter

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Welcome New Providers Matthew Akin, MD – Internal Medicine David Butler, MD – Radiation Oncology Anthony Ceman, MD – Psychiatry Francis Dailey, MD – Gastroenterology James Delmore, MD – Gynecologic Oncology Daniel Haire, DO – Family Medicine Ashish Kulhari, MD – Neurology

Sean Mark, MD – Emergency Medicine Todd Merchen, MD – Transplant Surgery Matthew Pierson, MD – Neurosurgery Amy Pietri, MD – Internal Medicine Nicholas Shuler, DPO – Medical Oncology Tony Tran, MD – Internal Medicine

Employees of the Month Research Medical Center

Research Brookside Campus

Research Psychiatric Center

Matt McNally, RN Clinical Educator

Janie Zelfer Outpatient Radiology Lead

Sydni Hoversten, RN Adult Unit

Matt lives Research’s mission daily.

His commitment to the level quality care and safety of patients is truly inspiring. Matt is positive, upbeat and a great example for collagues.

Janie ALWAYS demonstrates leadership and teamwork. She has taken on roles in the PPE warehouse and as a screener. She really stepped up to take on those roles and has exceled!

Sydni treats all pateints, visitors and collagues with great compassion. She is also proactive in anticipating the needs of patients. We are proud to have her on our team.

24-year-old COVID-19 Patient Reunites with Caregivers

RMC Named Top 10 Percent in Patient Safety in the Nation

Research Medical Center infectious disease specialists Dr. David McKinsey, Dr. Joel McKinsey and Dr. Marjorie Wongskhaluang and pathologist and transfusion medicine specialist Dr. Joseph Restivo teamed with Menorah Medical Center to reunite with one of the region’s first convalescent serum therapy patients and his family.

Research Medical Center is a recipient of the Healthgrades 2020 Patient Safety Excellence AwardTM and is named in the top 10% of all acute care hospitals among those that report patient safety data to Healthgrades. The hospital Patient Safety Ratings evaluate the safety and quality of care at hospitals by measuring the rate at which preventable complications and adverse events occur. Multiple data sets are analyzed and RMC pleased to be named a TOP 10 % HOSPITAL in the nation!

For more of the story, visit bit.ly/2Bpg2Aq.

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Exceptional Clinical Quality Research CMO Featured COVID-19 Expert in Kansas City Medicine Magazine

covid-19

Olevia Pitts, md

What permanent changes do you see this

research medical center

Rapid testing comes to mind. We have one platform currently. It has made a big

bringing to the health care system?

difference in patient care and outcomes.

How have Kansas City-area hospitals

heart attack are as important now as ever.

In addition, patients are already becoming

coordinated with each other during the

When necessary, 911 services should

pandemic?

Kansas City hospitals have been sharing through a number of leadership and physician professional organizations during this pandemic. The learnings we share potentially benefit patients, employees and the communities we serve. We have also coordinated with several universities and colleges to continue to offer didactic and revamped simulation experiences so future physicians and nurses can continue their education.

be utilized. We have a robust telehealth

more comfortable with tele-services. HCA Midwest Health quickly made urgent care

program for routine and non-urgent medical concerns. Patients and physicians are scheduling non-emergency surgery.

These patients are coming back, and we are assuring them of all the measures we are taking to keep them and their families safe.

and specialty care physician visits easily accessible. Our physicians are seeing patients in their offices and in new, creative ways.

We are maintaining our depth and breadth of many levels of health care services at this time.

How are you preparing for a second wave of infections?

We prepare constantly, and now that we have some experience with COVID-19, we know we must remain vigilant to safety precautions. We closely monitor our resources. Being part of HCA Healthcare allows our supply chain to allocate resources appropriately based on need in our market and division as well as across the enterprise.

What new wellness initiatives or education efforts have been introduced as a result of the pandemic?

Maintaining health is even more important now. HCA Midwest Health and Research Medical Center have offered wellness visits and health education for years. I think this pandemic brings physical and behavioral health to the forefront.

How quickly will non-urgent care ramp up? How concerned are you about patients not returning due to COVID-19 fears?

I’m most concerned about people NOT seeking out the lifesaving care they need.

Recognizing the symptoms of stroke and

Experts in Behavioral Health Mark Steele, md truman medical centers

Summer Safety: Avoiding Burns from Sun and Fire We are screening all staff and patients for COVID-19 symptoms, and we continue to wear masks in the medical center. Other steps include a strict visitor policy, practicing social distancing in waiting rooms and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces.

How have Kansas City-area hospitals officials. In addition, there has been an coordinated with each other during the open line of communication between How are you preparing for a second wave pandemic?

CEOs, CMOs and CNOs to share best of infections?

The goal of communication between practices.

Licensed professional counselor Melissa Perry shared her On a recent edition ofHospitals HouseCalls, Dr.toMegan Garcia, continue look at ways of medical centers is to increase situational expertise in a radio interview, “Tips for Family Keeping Burn Surgeon and Medical Director at the Grossman adding bed capacity. Most are also conawareness and to share both best practices How quickly will non-urgent care ramp Family Relationships Strong Even When Your Opinions Burn Center at Research Medical Center shared tips on and concerns. To make sure this hapup? How concerned are you about patients tinuing to implement measures to extend Are Strongly Different”. Visit the Research Psychiatric how to prevent burn injuries. Visit the Research Medical the useful life of disposable items. They pens, the Mid-America Regional Council not returning due to COVID-19 fears?

Center Facebook Page to see a few of Melissa’s tips!

Center Facebook page to view the full video. continue to purchase PPE, hand sanitizer (MARC) Healthcare Coalition leadership Truman Medical Centers/University and other supplies. We are purchasing adconducts a weekly webinar on Mondays.

Health is open and prepared to care for RE S E AR C H M EDICAL C ENTER • A P UB LI CATI ON FOR STA FF, P H YS I CI A N S A N D FRI E N DS ditional powered air-purifying respirators The hospitals also make weekly calls to its patients. We have taken specific steps (PAPRs) units and ventilators. (continued) each other, with and without public health to ensure the health patients and staff.

Exceptional Clinical Quality

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Research Pulmonologist Featured COVID-19 Expert in Kansas City Medicine Magazine covid-19

View from the Front Lines of COVID-19

Patients face fear, isolation; health care team collaborates to overcome a new and powerful disease Two members of the KCMS Board of Directors have been among the many Kansas City-area physicians working on the front lines at local hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients.

Brian Mieczkowski, DO Pulmonologist Research Medical Center My experience on the front line at a regional, quaternary hospital has been a combination of intensity and organized chaos, but at times, beauty. In Kansas City, we were fortunate to be able to observe experiences from other areas of the country prior to having to be on the front lines ourselves with the COVID-19 pandemic. It felt similar to being in line for a roller coaster. We could see the crisis and know at least part of its course. We could talk to others that have been on the ride before, then update plans and better prepare. And then, wait for our turn to experience this pandemic firsthand.

Given my increased level of exposure to this virus as a pulmonologist, my family made preparations at home once our practice had its first patient with COVID-19.

My wife and four kids set up what we refer to my “isolation habitat” in the walkout basement of our home to keep them safe, and potentially limit the spread of COVID-19. They cleared the space—leaving a bed, work station and a few objects that were too heavy to move. They hung plastic sheeting across the doorways to seal

I was anxious while putting on my PPE—doublechecking edges and seals. I felt the anxiety as the roller coaster was climbing the hill for its first drop. I was now on the ride and I embraced it. these off. They set up a kitchenette with a microwave and a small pantry for me. This is where I predominantly have lived during COVID-19.

As a pulmonologist, I have cared for patients with a wide range of conditions.

On my first day on the COVID-19 front line, I was working at a regional hospital.

We were caring for a patient with known COVID-19 positive pneumonia. We reviewed PPE protocols over and over before walking into the patient’s room. Despite this, I was anxious while putting on my PPE—double-checking edges and seals.

I felt the anxiety as the roller coaster was climbing the hill for its first drop. I was now on the ride and I embraced it.

As I opened the door and entered the patient’s room, I was surprised at what I found. There was no monster. No scary drop or turn. There was a sweet elderly lady sitting up in bed greeting me with a smile and asked how I was doing before I could even introduce myself. She came to us already having been on a many-week journey with COVID-19 and ultimately needed to transfer to Research Medical Center, our “downtown hospital” as she called it. I saw her several times along her journey. Her condition waxed and waned, but she always greeted me with a smile

when she could muster the energy. She became the face of this crisis for me. Not a monster, but a compassionate patient that contracted an illness by happenstance and needed a team bring her through it.

Never in my career have I seen the kind of collaboration and coordination of care than I have during this pandemic. Sorting through new information was a job in and of itself—what we knew Monday would often change by Tuesday. Health care systems within Kansas City came together in an impressive way.

Despite a sense of intensity, there was also a sense of balance. At a physician practice level, we reassigned previously established roles in order to level out the burden and fatigue. Our outpatient physicians would review scientific articles and clinical protocols while in clinic to help our inpatient physicians swim through the ocean of information. We leaned on each other for support and ideas. Primary medicine and specialists held team meetings in our dictation rooms to coordinate care and collaborate on treatment regimes. Inquiry and communication superseded ego or logo. This is what medicine should be.

I was one of the physicians assigned to the specialized COVID-19 inpatient unit on my birthday this year. It was a strange

10 second quarter 2020

RE S E AR C H M EDICAL C ENTER • A P UB LI CATI ON FOR STA FF, P H YS I CI A N S A N D FRI E N DS

Unparalled Service Research Pulmonologist Featured COVID-19 Expert in Kansas City Medicine Magazine (Cont.) day. I woke up in my home-based isolation habitat and when I got home later that day, returned it as well. I got to see my family and friends electronically, including those I live with. My direct interactions were at the hospital with colleagues and patients through gowns, gloves and face

Committed to Patient Safety covid-19 Research’s top priority is the safety of our patients, visitors, and staff. We maintain strict safety precautions thoughout our facilities. We ‘ve created ER and OR tour videos to show our facility is among the safest places to receive care. View the video at researchmedicalcenter. com/service/emergency-care.

COVID-19 is an aweinspiring force to be reckoned with. It was pretty eye-opening to see how sick these patients get and how strong this virus is.

shields. But this is the “new normal.” That day, four of our patients with COVID-19 successfully completed their inpatient stay and discharged to home or to a rehabilitation facility. Among them was my first COVID-19 patient, the sweet elderly lady.

It felt so good to be at work. Their success inspired me and gave me hope.

You see, the COVID-19 pandemic set the stage for critical scientific discussions and a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to care. It has enabled us to lean on those around us when we needed it the most and prop up those who needed it. The view from the front line was not a monster without hope, but that of the team working together to bring the best care for my first patient with COVID-19.

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Carole Freiberger-O’Keefe, DO, center, in the Saint Luke’s COVID unit with multidisciplinary team members Jessica Koprovica, APRN, left, and anesthesia resident Cole Wrisinger, MD, right. She is holding a poster recognizing April as National Donate Life Month given to them by the Midwest Transplant Network. Under their head coverings they are wearing powered airpurifying respirators (PAPRs), pulled above their faces for the photo.

action. We already had measures in place from previous disaster preparation. We had a dedicated unit ready for an infectious disease outbreak that had been

Saint Luke’s chose to re-deploy employees in order to maximize our efforts. With the operating rooms filled with emergent cases only, the anesthesia assistants and CRNAs joined our COVID team. Nurs-

developed for Ebola. While we never had to use it for that purpose, it was ready. Our es, physical therapists and respiratory therapists created a dedicated prone team leadership met multiple times a day to to turn our COVID patients face down ensure best practices for us. We had a core to better aerate their lung fields. Working group of 6-8 intensivists including myself.

Pathway to Excellence Update Carole Freiberger-O'Keefe, DO with a wide group of health professionWhen we finally started to admit patients Critical Medicineat 96% of our facilities APPs and pharmacists— Did you know thatCare colleagues who have were suspected COVID-positive or Didals—nurses, you knowRTs, Research was the Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City been helped? created a feeling of comradery who had actually tested positive, we were first hospital in Kansas City and to pride in For the past two and a half months, I our process. ready. achieve Pathway designation?

Over the past 14 years, 34,000 families have been helped have worked with patients admitted to the The lack of family at bedside also One of the biggest challenges was with over $53 million in assistance through the HCA Pathway to Excellence designation COVID-19 ICU at Saint Luke’s. I saw the proved to be a challenge. As we moved learning an entirely new disease process Hope Fund. These funds helped our colleagues facing is a reflection of each Research reports coming out of Italy and my jaw away from early intubation, patients were in real time. Information was sparse at financial crisis due to illness, accidents, poor health nurse and the amazing care you dropped. As we prepared to receive the on- first. Piles of journal articles were being awake longer, self-proning when they diagnoses or other forms of unexpected circumstances. provide each day. In addition, slaught as was the trend from New York to published with preliminary data, some of could tolerate it. We saw a lot of anxiety Families have been able to rebuild homes, colleagues it solidifies our reputation in the community as an Seattle to California, the anxiety started to and fear. Many would FaceTime their which later proved to be wrong. Medicahave been able to be with sick loved ones, and hope has excellent place to work and receive care. Physicians mount. Would I be safe? Would I be able to families on their own phones. For others, versus late intubation, been given to so many thanks to your generosity.tion regimens, early also have more confidence sending their patients to a handle the volume of critically ill patients? proning and steroids all seemed to take we had tablets in order to connect visually pathway designated facility as this designation validates Read their stories more HCA my Hope Would I and be able to doon myour best—for pa- Fund with families. Sometimes the barriers of 180 degree turns. We took lessons from the highly specialized care we provide.

Facebook page. tients, for my family and for myself? With those who were experiencing the pandem- technology precluded this. For the very

Let’s work sureofto a disease process that was not well undersick, who this were legacy. there on Be average three ic with a two-week head start.together Mostly we to continue Now it’s time to consider helping more by contributing as take the Pathway to Excellence stood, the task at hand seemed daunting. weeks orre-designation more, daily phone survey calls by the pursued what seemed to work.

We were little as $2 per pay period. Your heartfelt gift can help a which opens on Tuesday, July 28.

But as the past few months unfolded, I feel part of the trial for convalescent plasma. team were the only way families could stay family in need now. Text igivehope to 313131. honored and proud at what has transpired. We revamped our Code Blue practices to connected.

REOur S E AR C H M EDICAL C ENTER • A P UB LI CATI ON FOR STA FF, P H YS I CI ANS AND E N DS hospital leadership sprang into (continued on FRI pg. 29) keep our health care workers safe.

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We’re here for you.

CareNow® is providing diagnostic and antibody testing for COVID-19.

Testing is available at CareNow any day of the week.

If you’re experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, our providers will perform a medical evaluation and determine the need for testing.

Web Check-In® and wait from anywhere.

For clinic locations, hours and to Web Check-In®, go to CareNow.com UCSL-11647V051120

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BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE Show your I-CARE VALUES and help stock our store with school supplies for RMC children in need. Donation drop-off sites are located in each department Manager/Supervisor office.

ITEMS NEEDED: Note Book Paper Notebooks (wide ruled and college ruled) Pens (black and blue) Erasers Folders (with and without brads) Rulers Crayons Markers Highlighters Pencils (#2 and mechanical) Glue sticks Colored pencils Backpacks Lunchbox Donations Due: July 17th | Supply Pick-Up: July 20th | Store Open: Aug 3rd, 4th & 6th

For safe social distancing, employee shopping is by appointment only.

To reserve your time slot, employees must submit their name, number of students and grade level(s) to Debbie Osborn at Deborah.Osborn2@HCAHealthcare.com S pons or ed by RMC Cult ur e Commit t e e "E mpower ing E mploye e E ngage me nt "

Shop Local at the Brookside Farmers’ Market Outdoor Market - Saturdays at 8AM. Located at 63rd and Wornall For more information, visit brooksidefarmersmarket.com

Proud Sponsor of the

BROOKSIDE FARMERS’ MARKET

HAPPENINGS HCA HEALTHCARE HOPE FUND CAMPAIGN JULY 6 - AUGUST 31 TEXT IGIVEHOPE TO 313131 BROOKSIDE FARMERS’ MARKET SATURDAY, JULY 11, 18, 25 63RD AND WORNALL DR. ROSENBERG - PAIN RELIEF TUESDAY, JULY 14 @ NOON ZOOM HCA HEALTHCARE HOPE FUND 15TH ANNIVERSARY WEDNESDAY, JULY 15 CRUSHING COVID KUDOS CART FRIDAY, JULY 17 FROM 1 - 3 PM BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE DONATIONS DUE: JULY 17 SUPPLY PICK-UP: JULY 20 STORE OPEN: AUGUST 3, 4, 6 HOUSECALL – MAMMOGRAPHY TUESDAY, JULY 28 @ NOON RESEARCH FACEBOOK PAGE PATHWAY RE-DESIGNATION SURVEY OPEN JULY 28 – AUGUST 18 DESKTOP ICON EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROFESSIONALS ASSOCIATION DR. ROSENBERG SPEAKING THURSDAY, AUGUST 20 ZOOM CMSA SEMINAR DR. GOPINATHANNAIR SPEAKING THURSDAY, AUGUST 25 ZOOM DR. HIGGINS’ RETIREMENT WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 RESEARCH BOARDROOM

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A benefit for The Research Foundation

Saturday, November 7, 2020 Sheraton Overland Park Hotel Cocktails | 6:30 p.m.

Dinner | 7:30 p.m.

Dancing | 9:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Dr. JP and Kyleigh Armilio, Chairs Drs. Marjie and Jeff Wongs, Co-Chairs

816-276-4218 theresearchfoundationkc.org/candlelightball