MED Magazine, January/February 2024

Helmsley Grants $16 Million to Telehealth Reducing Infection Risk During Construction

Creating a Continuum of Care in Watertown

Dr. Casey Johnston, Dr. Stacie Lenssen and John Allen, CEO

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

THE SOUTH DAKOTA REGION’S PREMIER PUBLICATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

JANUARY FEBRUARY

Top 10 Threats to Patient Safety

VOL. 15 NO. 1

2024

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A new name with the same purpose: supporting the light within every child. Providing everything from routine checkups to lifesaving procedures. All while advancing the art and science of pediatric care. Today, tomorrow and far into the future.

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CONTENTS

VOLUME 15, NO. 1 ■ JA N UA RY / F E B R UA RY

PAGE 12 | Know Your Enemy: Combating the Top 10 Patient Safety Concerns ■ By By Sue Sgambati, MD

Find out why physical and verbal violence against healthcare staff is one of the top ten patient safety concerns — and what healthcare providers can do to combat it and other leading threats.

PAGE 13 | USD School of Health Sciences Success Spotlight: Diana Feldhacker, PhD, OTD

ON THE COVER

Creating a Continuum of Care in Watertown

PAGE 18 | Reducing Health

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Brown Clinic

The grant is a major step forward for the Amerai Heart Association's effort to establish a consortium of gold-standard telehealth education and resources.

Associated Infection Risk in a Construction Zone

Exploring the crucial role of Infection Control Risk Assessments in healthcare renovations and building projects PAGE 19 | Helmsley Grants

■ By Alex Strauss

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Brown Clinic merge, promising a comprehensive continuum of care for Watertown. The move is expected to enhance local healthcare with expanded services, better communication, and improved accessibility for patients.

PAGE

8

Nealy $16 Million to Establish AHA Center for Telehealth

PAGE 20 | Beyond the Border A sampling of recent top stories from some of the other region's MED serves PAGE 22 | [Sponsored] The Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort Offers Something for Everyone

FROM US TO YOU ey there and Happy New Year, MED fans! Welcome to another year of expanding and improving healthcare on the Great Plains.

In this issue, we feature two (now one) organizations that have long been a staple of high quality medical care in and around Watertown, South Dakota. As Brown Clinic becomes a part of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, physicians from both organizations say the merger creates a continuum of care that will benefit both patients and providers for decades to come.

In this issue you’ll also find a list of what the Emergency Care Research Institute says are the top ten threats to patient safety right now and advice from COPIC on combating them.

We’ll show you how the South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care’s Project Firstline is helping hospitals reduce infection risk during the chaos of construction projects. And we’ll show you why you may not even have to cross state lines to enjoy a luxurious winter getaway.

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Exploring Your Vision Enhancement: A Comprehensive Guide to Refractive Surgery Options

In a world where clear vision plays a vital role in our daily lives, refractive surgery has emerged as a revolutionary solution to correct common vision problems. Refractive surgery encompasses a range of procedures designed to improve the way light enters the eye, thereby correcting refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. This exclusive website article explores options offered by Dr. Alison R. Tendler and her team at ART Vision in Sioux Falls.

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Programs Celebrate Milestone Anniversaries Several programs in the University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences are celebrating notable milestones.

Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: 30 Years Both the PT and OT departments started operations in 1991. At that time, PT had five full-time faculty members, while the OT department employed three. Both programs started as master’s programs and eventually became doctoral programs.

Today, each program accepts 32 students per year, and the departments cumulatively consist of 18 faculty members, many of whom are graduates of the programs.

Medical Laboratory Science: 75 Years Medical laboratory science is one of the School of Health Sciences’ oldest programs, originating in the 1940s as medical technology, a Bachelor of Science degree offered within the school of medicine. The first documented graduate of the program was in 1948. The MLS department, to-date, claims around 530 total graduates. MLS will host a 75th anniversary celebration event in the spring of 2024.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THESE AND OTHER PROGRAMS AT THE USD SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES, INCLUDING THE PHD IN HEALTH SCIENCES, ON OUR WEBSITE.

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CREATING a CONTINUUM of CARE in WATERTOWN Prairie Lakes Healthcare System and Brown Clinic

BY ALEX STRAUSS

F

OR A CITY WITH fewer

cornerstone of the community, pro-

local and ensure that we have our ear

than 25,000 people in

viding pediatrics, internal medicine,

to the ground as to the changing

one of the nation’s most

Ob/Gyn, and family medicine with

needs and demographics of the com-

rural states, Watertown,

a deep sense of local connection.

munity,” says Allen. “Keeping it local

South Dakota has long

Today, more than 70,000 patients

creates a level of agility that frankly

enjoyed an exceptionally high level

visit one of Brown Clinic’s two loca-

you don’t find in a larger health

of healthcare. For more than 80

tions each year.

system today.”

years, Brown Clinic has been a big

Now, as the healthcare landscape

“Longer term, it’s going to allow

part of that. The physician-owned

in Watertown undergoes a significant

us to develop a level of seamlessness

primary care clinic has been a

transformation, the providers of

in care that we have not had before

Brown Clinic find themselves at the

in this community. We now have the

center of one of the most significant

ability to care for people from birth

developments in recent years. On Jan-

all the way through old age and pal-

uary 1, the clinic officially becomes a

liative or end-of-life care.”

part of Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, the system which operates Watertown’s 81-bed hospital and provides an increasingly diverse range of specialty services.

Prairie Lakes Healthcare System, which has been in its current con-

The establishment of Prairie Lakes

figuration for 35 years, has its own

Brown Clinic will allow the organiza-

rich history of service to the region.

tion, for the first time, to offer what

In addition to the hospital and emer-

CEO John Allen calls a seamless

gency department, Prairie Lakes

continuum of care for residents of

offers Cardiology, Dermatology, Ear,

Watertown and the 10 counties they

Nose & Throat, General Surgery,

serve.

Hospice, Home Care, Nephrology,

“The immediate short term benefit is the ability for us to keep care

8

UNITING FOR A SEAMLESS HEALTHCARE FUTURE

Orthopedics, Pulmonology, Urology, and Wound Care.

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

“ The opportunity is

The health system also operates

working together, we started to realize

Prairie Lakes Cancer Center, Prairie

that this really all needed to be under

Lakes Mallard Pointe Surgical Center,

one umbrella. That turned into a deci-

rehabilitation services, and dialysis

sion for us to combine together into a

units in Sisseton, Watertown, and

single entity.”

Ortonville, Minnesota. Until now, primary care was the missing piece.

EXPANDING SERVICES, CLOSING GAPS

“We have had a great relationship

This is not the first time Prairie

with Prairie Lakes for years, but about

Lakes has expanded its services

two years ago, we started looking more

through this kind of strategic alliance.

seriously at ways we could make things

In 2022, Glacial Lakes Orthopedics, an

better for the community together,”

independent physician-owned ortho-

says Brown Clinic family medicine

pedic clinic including three doctors,

doctor Stacie Lenssen, MD. A native of

two APPs, and 11 employees, became

Brown Valley, Minnesota, Lenssen says

Prairie Lakes Orthopedics. As one of

she took the position at Brown Clinic

the three orthopedic surgeons formerly

20 years ago so she could be within

with Glacial Lakes (now Prairie Lakes

driving distance of family.

Orthopedics), Casey Johnston, MD, has

“I came to Brown Clinic for the location, but also because it was an

alliance.

“From my personal experience, the

where you could get to know your

model of trying to sustain a private,

patients really well, but you also aren’t

independent medical practice has

completely alone,” she says. “I really

become a lot more challenging in recent

love the practice here.”

years,” says Johnston, the current chief

For the past three years, Lenssen

of staff at Prairie Lakes. “The costs of

has served as the General Partner, or

doing business have outpaced the ability

business head, at the physician-owned

to make that up with reimbursements.

clinic. She says the new alliance feels

At some point, it becomes an unsus-

natural, given Brown Clinic’s long his-

tainable process.”

tory of collaborative projects with

Johnston says, when you add to that

Prairie Lakes, such as the establish-

the regulatory issues and communica-

ment of the region’s first hospitalist

tion issues that arise from using a

program.

different electronic medical record

the program and the hospital took it

system than the hospital, the writing was on the wall.

over,” says Lenssen. “So when we were

“Eventually you have to ask ‘Are we

looking at different scenarios for

doing the patients of Watertown a

Midwest Medical Edition

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

”

a unique perspective on the new

independent clinic in a small area

“In that case, our doctors started

for us to create an exceptional healthcare experience for the communities that we serve. That is the driving motivation behind the agreement and ultimately the value for Watertown and the surrounding area.

— John Allen

Prairie Lakes CEO John Allen

9

of Prairie Lakes’ workforce by 20 percent.

But the larger size will make some things easier. At a time when it is tougher than ever to attract new doctors to small communities, Dr. Lenssen says being part of a bigger system and being able to offer employed status will help with recruitment.

“As we have been interviewing service by doing it this way or would

systems across its entire footprint.

physicians, we are finding that many

it be better to combine forces?’,” says

When it does happen, Johnston says

don’t want to worry about running

Johnston. “We made that decision and

it will not only make things easier for

their own business anymore like we

never looked back.”

him and for referring physicians, but

did,” she says. “These young physi-

will also mean better, more cohesive

cians are training in health systems,

and navigable care for patients.

so this makes it a more comfortable

Now that he is on the other side, Dr. Johnston has himself faced the frustrations of working with the different EMR and radiography systems at Brown Clinic, Prairie Lakes’ largest

NAVIGATING INTEGRATION The two organizations signed a

ference when they are making those decisions.”

letter of intent in May and have spent

She says having access to a large

“Right now, there are a lot of

the last seven months ironing out the

and dynamic health system that

mechanics involved for me to gain

processes, systems and protocols

offers a full continuum of care can

access to their patient notes, which

needed to bring two large entities

also make a difference to young

involves things like faxing,” says

together.

families deciding where to live.

referral source.

Johnston. “We actually have to trans-

But CEO John Allen says full inte-

“Our town is growing. We have

fer X-rays using manpower because

gration is going to take longer and

lots of new manufacturing and other

we aren’t on the same system. And,

involve more than just changing the

things coming in and we have new

of course, it’s cumbersome for

signs and the records systems.

families coming in,” she says. “They

patients to access their own records.”

“The merging of two cultures and

want to make sure that they are

Some communication will be

making sure we are aligned with each

getting what they are used to in the

easier right away, but it will likely take

other will be an ongoing process,” he

big cities, as well.”

a couple of years for Prairie Lakes to

says. “The cultures of these two orga-

“Exceptionalism really needs to

fully implement new EMR and PACs

nizations are already quite similar.

be through the eyes of the consumer,

But it’s like a UN conference; you may

the patient,” agrees Allen. “The oppor-

be saying the same things but you’re

tunity is for an exceptional healthcare

saying it in different words.”

experience for the communities that

The size and scale of the operation alone makes it clear why a slow

10

move for them. It makes a huge dif-

we serve. That is the driving motivation behind the agreement.”

and steady approach is needed.

“It’s one thing to talk about the

Whereas, the Glacial Lakes Ortho-

continuum of care,” he continues. “But

pedics acquisition added a fewer

it’s another to ask ourselves ‘Where

than 20 people to Prairie Lakes’

are the gaps in types or levels of care

employee roster, Brown Clinic brings

and how can we fill them?’ That pro-

about 130 people (including 17 phy-

cess, as we continually look for ways

sicians and five advanced practice

to improve health in our community,

providers) and will increase the size

is really the fun part.” ❖

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Working Hand in Hand: The Value of Community Health Workers (CHWs)

Earn 2 FREE CMEs Access the free, self-paced South Dakota Community Health Worker (CHW) Planning and Sustainability Toolkit to learn more!

Upon completion of the toolkit, you will receive 2 FREE CMEs*.

www.chwsd.org/chw-toolkits/

The South Dakota Community Health Worker (CHW) Planning and Sustainability Toolkit provides information, resources, and frameworks to help you work effectively with CHWs.

*In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Avera, Community Health Worker Collaborative of South Dakota, Sage Project Consultants, LLC. Avera is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

For more information about CHWs in SD and to learn more about the Community Health Worker Collaborative of South Dakota (CHWSD), visit www.chwsd.org.

www.CHWSD.org

TOGETHER FOR BETTER INTRODUCING

Your trusted Brown Clinic Primary Care providers have joined Prairie Lakes Healthcare System.

Together we can enhance healthcare for the region. www.prairie lakes .c om/br own c l in ic

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11

Know Your Enemy COMBATING THE TOP 10 PATIENT SAFETY CONCERNS

BY SUE SGAMBATI, MD

E

ACH YEAR, the Emergency Care Research Institute issues its Top 10 Health Patient Safety Concerns. This identifies key areas of healthcare concerns to “support healthcare organizations in their efforts to proactively identify and respond to threats to patient safety.”

Their most recent report identifies the ten items below as the top areas of concern: 1. The pediatric mental health crisis 2. Physical and verbal violence against health care staff 3. Clinician needs in times of uncertainty surrounding maternal-fetal medicine 4. Impact on clinicians expected to work outside their scope of practice and competencies 5. Delayed identification and treatment of sepsis 6. Consequences of poor care coordination for patients with complex medical conditions 7. Risks of or looking beyond the “five rights” to achieve medication safety 8. Medication errors resulting from inaccurate patient medication lists 9. Accidental administration of neuromuscular blocking agents 10. Preventable harm due to omitted care or treatment

The following are summaries for a few concerns from the report (2, 5, an 8) that overlap with risk areas that COPIC focuses on.

PHYSICAL AND VERBAL VIOLENCE AGAINST HEALTHCARE STAFF Workplace violence can stem from disruptive providers, bullying among staff, or from patients and their families. Data reporting on workplace violence in healthcare is limited and inconsistent, and there is a concerning acceptance among many health professionals that a certain level of violence directed towards them is expected. Recommended actions from the report include:

• F ormalize a workplace violence program utilizing an oversight committee.

• E ncourage reporting of physical and/or verbal abuse from patients.

• E stablish and support compliant processes that permit clinicians to terminate patient relationships. Utilize a behavioral emergency response team of trained individuals; ensure that employees know when and how to activate this team.

•O ffer training for prevention, early recognition, management, and de-escalation of violent situations through simulation drills.

DELAYED IDENTIFICATION AND TREATMENT OF SEPSIS Annually, approximately 1.7 million adult Americans develop sepsis, and it remains the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals. Additionally, up to half of sepsis survivors experience post sepsis syndrome, leading to long-term cognitive difficulties, post traumatic stress disorder, and reduced quality of life. Timely identification and treatment are crucial: intravenous antimicrobials should be administered immediately,

❱V isit our website to download a copy of the full 2023 ECRI Report

12

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ideally within an hour of recognizing septic shock, and within three hours for patients with possible sepsis without shock. Recommended actions from the report include:

•D evelop organizational sepsis treatment safety goals with dedicated executive sponsorship and accompanying action plans and metrics.

• E stablish sepsis treatment protocols or bundles integrated into the electronic health record (EHR) with an early warning scoring system.

• E ducate patients and family members about infection prevention, sepsis warning signs, and appropriate actions to take.

• I ntegrate sepsis diagnostic tools into the clinical workflow, ensuring ease of use and minimal technical expertise requirements.

MEDICATION ERRORS RESULTING FROM INACCURATE PATIENT MEDICATION LISTS It is reported that up to 50% of medication errors and 20% of adverse drug events can be attributed to this issue.

Errors in medication reconciliation are prevalent during hospital admission, with 36% of patients experiencing such errors, primarily during the medication history gathering phase. Studies have shown that medication histories often contain errors, such as including medications that patients were no longer taking or omitting necessary medications. Discrepancies in medication reconciliation can also occur at discharge, potentially causing problems in general practice. Recommended actions from the report include:

• S tandardize the medication reconciliation processes.

•A ddress organizational factors that contribute to rushed or inaccurate medication histories.

• E ngage patients in medication management.

•C reate distraction-free environments for collecting and documenting medication

Diana Feldhacker, PhD, OTD Degree: PhD in Health Sciences Current Position: Chair, Program Director, and Assistant Professor, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Program, Des Moines University When Diana Feldhacker enrolled in the Occupational Therapy program at Creighton University, she had no inkling that she would eventually be developing an OT doctoral curriculum herself and even directing the new program.

“I was in practice and was feeling that I wanted to do more and give back in a different way,” says Feldhacker.

“I was encountering people who either seemed like they were kind of burned out or just weren’t loving OT as much as they used to.”

Feldhacker was hired to teach in the occupational therapy department at the University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences, which is where she first learned about the University’s PhD program in Health Sciences.

“My program director at the time was director of the PhD program and I knew that it would be an incredible learning experience because she was incredible,” says Feldhacker.

She enrolled in the program and focused on ways to apply its lessons in leadership, research and academia to occupational therapy, wherever possible.

“In one of my courses, I had the opportunity to design a PhD program,” says Feldhacker. “That was the most valuable for me because it really helped me understand curricular and program design.”

Feldhacker graduated from USD in 2021 and was soon hired by Des Moines University to design and direct a new doctoral program in occupational therapy. After a year spent in building curriculum and applying for accreditation, the program welcomed its first 24 students in August.

“I never in a million years thought I would ever be a program director, but things aligned that made me feel like it was a good fit,” says Feldhacker. “I know that I wouldn’t have this job — or even have had the confidence to apply for it — had I not gone through the program at USD.”

information.

• I mplement continuous improvement activities through training and coaching. ❖ This SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT brought to you by

Sue Sgambati, MD, is a part of the COPIC Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management

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USD.EDU/HEALTH

13

NEWS & NOTES

Happenings around the region

News & Notes South Dakota | Southwest Minnesota | Northwest Iowa | Northeast Nebraska

MONUMENT

Monument Health is making some changes to its finance leadership in January. Effective January 8, Mark Thompson, CPA, who has served as Chief Financial Officer at Monument for the past 17 years, will transition to Chief Business Development Officer. Austin Willuweit, CPA, FHFMA, MPA, the previous Vice President of Finance, has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer. Willuweit has been with Monument Health since 2016. Finally, Jennifer Schmaltz, with 17 years at Monument Health, assumes the role of Vice President of Finance. Schmaltz has been Director of Financial Services & Corporate Controller for the past 7 years.

ABBY WORTMAN Respiratory Therapist Abby Wortman, RRT, ACCS, has earned Monument Health’s revered PHIL award, recognized nationwide by The FACES Foundation. Wortman’s nomination cites her prompt, compassionate care and professional demeanor, especially during the pandemic. Serving as a Clinical Specialist, Wortman offered crucial support to patient care teams. With over a decade of experience, she’s been an integral part of Monument Health, providing exemplary care across various units.

The PHIL award, initiated in April 2023, honors respiratory therapists’ vital roles in managing diverse respiratory conditions across all age groups.

14

SANFORD Fourteen Good Samaritan Society nursing homes with a high performance rating in short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, or both have been named to the 2024 Best Nursing Homes list by US News & World Report. Out of the more than 15,000 nursing homes evaluated by US News, less than 20% met the criteria for ‘best nursing homes’. Good Sam facilities in the Upper Midwest recognized in the report include: • H igh Performance in short-term rehabilitation – New Hope, St. Paul, and Austin, Minnesota • High Performance in long-term care – Albert Lea and Windom, Minnesota; Manson, Iowa; and Syracuse, Nebraska

DIVYAJOT SANDHU Dr. Divyajot Sandhu, an interventional neurologist at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, became the first in South Dakota to utilize a pioneering stroke care technology. The FreeClimb 70 reperfusion system combines the FreeClimb 70 catheter with the Tenzing® 7 delivery catheter, allowing swift access to stroke lesions.

Dr. Sandhu highlighted its less invasive nature, potentially aiding quicker recovery for stroke patients and reducing long-term disability risks. Sanford Health, the region’s sole Joint Commission-accredited stroke program, combines expert teams with cutting-edge technologies to address complex stroke cases effectively.

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GRACIE ODE Gracie Ode, a licensed graduate social worker (LGSW) and behavioral health counselor, recently joined Sanford Luverne Clinic. Specializing in stress, anxiety, and substance use disorders, she earned her Master of Social Work from the University of South Dakota, focusing on addiction studies and child welfare. She previously worked at the South Dakota State Penitentiary as a chemical dependency counselor.

Sanford Health has launched a new app called Sanford CareSignal which allows patients to self-report symptoms via phone or text, fostering continual interaction with their care team between appointments. This free service is supposed to help reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and support those with conditions like COPD, depression, diabetes, heart failure, and those who are in recovery after hospitalization.

Once enrolled in the program, patients will receive automated phone calls or text messages to check in and monitor their health. If they respond that symptoms are not improving, a care team member will follow up with additional support. Participating in Sanford CareSignal only takes a few minutes each week, and participants can choose a time to be contacted. Lindsay Daniels, Sanford Health’s executive director of care management, says the program will help empower patients to manage their healthcare confidently. CareSignal complements existing care and will prompt patients to seek emergency services when needed.

BILL GASSEN Sanford Health’s President and CEO Bill Gassen has secured his second consecutive recognition by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare for 2023. Gassen joins notable figures like President Joe Biden and CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure on the prestigious list. The acknowledgement spotlights leaders who are deemed by their peers and the senior editors of Modern Healthcare to be the most influential figures in the industry in terms of leadership and impact. Gassen, ranked 32nd, leads the nation’s largest rural health system, serving over a million patients and 200,000 health plan members across the Upper Midwest. In 2024, Sanford Health is scheduled to open a virtual care center equipped with telemedicine technology to provide urgent care, behavioral health and primary care services to patients in remote clinic sites. The center is part of Sanford’s $350 million initiative designed to improve care for rural and underserved communities.

Midwest Medical Edition

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

anford Health has earned the Age Nine Champion S Award from the American Cancer Society and National HPV Vaccination Roundtable, acknowledging its commitment to increasing HPV vaccination rates among children aged 9 and above. Sanford emphasizes HPV vaccination during annual well child visits, aiming to protect against HPV-related cancers. Andrea Polkinghorn, lead immunization strategist at Sanford Health, underscores the importance of starting vaccinations at age nine to maximize their effectiveness. The institution’s commitment aligns with the mission to prevent future cancers by encouraging informed decisions on vaccination. The Age Nine Champion Awards celebrate health systems’ efforts nationwide to raise HPV vaccination rates and prevent cancer.

❱ Intrigued by something you’ve read here? Want

to go deeper? Read the full versions of these and other recent news items on our website.

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• Happenings around the region

News & Notes

NEWS & NOTES

Happenings around the region

SIOUXLAND On National Rural Health Day, MercyOne revealed that four of its medical centers won a 2023 Performance Leadership Award.

Presented by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, these awards honor hospitals performing in the top quartile (75th percentile or higher) in Quality, Outcomes, and Patient Perspective among rural healthcare providers. The recognized medical centers are MercyOne Dyersville, MercyOne Elkader, MercyOne New Hampton, and MercyOne Oelwein. Scott Curtis, MercyOne’s Vice President of Network Development, commended the center leaders for this accolade, praising their dedication amid the challenges of post-pandemic healthcare. Additionally, MercyOne New Hampton Medical Center attained the 2023 Performance Leadership Award for Patient Perspective, while MercyOne Newton Medical Center achieved the award for Outcomes.

AVERA Avera Health has received a three-year $950,000 grant from the US Department of Justice, to enhance rural access to Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) for victims of interpersonal violence. SANE-READY: Advancing SANE Resources for Rural Victims in the Upper Midwest, will make SANEs more available at numerous sites, including rural locations, both in person and via telemedicine. It includes more access to training opportunities for medical personnel who care for victims of interpersonal violence, as well as those nurses who aspire to become SANEs. The grant funds training both virtually and in person as well as a SANE preceptorship program and trauma-specific training for mental health professionals. Project sites include Sioux Falls, Yankton, Mitchell, Pierre and Aberdeen, SD, and Marshall, MN. Additional sites will be selected each year, including partners from Indian Health Service and hospitals in neighboring states. Because the project is replicable, the service area is anticipated to expand after the project period, which extends through September 2026.

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INDEPENDENTS

Brookings Health System has received the inaugural Birthing-Friendly designation from CMS, becoming the first hospital to earn this Department of Health & Human Services recognition, which emphasizes evidence-based maternity care. In a news release, Obstetrics Director Michelle Sand highlighted initiatives at New Beginnings Birth Center, including doula services and robust policies promoting breastfeeding.

One evidence-based care measure that CMS gauges is elective deliveries scheduled one to two weeks early when it is not medically necessary. According to Care Compare, no patients at Brookings Health System were unnecessarily delivered early, ranking better than the South Dakota average of three percent and the national average of two percent. Other maternal care measures Brookings Health performed well on include a 16% overall cesarean section rate of births in 2022 (compared to 24.6% of births in South Dakota and 32.1% of births nationwide) and 32% vaginal birth after cesarean (compared to 22.4% in South Dakota patients and only 14.2% nationwide).

A record number of students have enrolled in The University of South Dakota's PhD in health sciences program this year. From 2020 to 2023, the program’s first-year cohort grew by nine students – more than doubling – from eight to 17 enrolled, its largest cohort to date. Currently, 52 students are enrolled in the program in various phases of study, with 14 of those in the candidacy phase, working on their dissertations. Twenty-eight students have graduated from the program since 2016. The doctoral program is designed for the working health professional to achieve a Ph.D. without having to leave a current job as an academic in health sciences, in public health or within a healthcare organization.

The University of South Dakota School of Health Sciences has begun offering two new certificate programs, the Clinical Research Coordinator Certificate program and the Board Certified Behavior Analyst program, online to better meet workforce demands. The School of Health Sciences collaborated with Sanford Research in the development of the Clinical Research Coordinate certificate, which is a 12-credit undergraduate certificate.

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

LEXY SHARON Lexy Sharon, RDCS, RVT, is the new director of medical imaging at Huron Regional Medical Center, stepping in for retiring director Deb Rycraft who has spent more than 40 years at HRMC. Raised on a farm near Arlington, Sharon graduated from Arlington High School and earned an associates degree in cardiac sonography from Southeast Technical College. She began her career at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota and joined HRMC in 2017 as a sonographer. Sharon will leverage her six-year tenure and diversified experience to plan, organize, direct, coordinate and evaluate medical imaging services for HRMC and the HRMC Physicians Clinic. In a statement, Kim Rieger, VP of ancillary and support services at HRMC, commended Sharon’s dedication and expertise in innovating patient care.

The BCBA certificate, which is one of the school's most in-demand programs, is now offered online to make it more accessible to working professionals.

JEREMY COSS Jeremy Coss has joined Huron Regional Medical Center as the new director of HRMC Physicians Clinic. In his role, Coss oversees clinic operations, collaborating with staff, providers, and leadership to ensure top-tier primary and specialty care locally.

Originally from Miller, Coss earned a Bachelor of Health Services Administration in 2018 and a Master of Business Administration with a Health Services Administration Specialization in 2019, both from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion. In 2020, Coss completed an administrative fellowship with Sanford Health. He previously worked as a clinic manager and senior hospital administrator at Avera Medical Group in Estherville, Iowa since 2020. HRMC president and CEO Erick Larson commended Coss’s professional background, rural healthcare dedication, and commitment to quality improvement.

Brookings Health System celebrated National Rural Health Day in November with a triple win, earning a Performance Leadership Award in quality, outcomes, and patient perspective from the Chartis Center for Rural Health. This marks their seventh consecutive year of recognition and the second year in a row the health system has swept all three categories. CEO Jason Merkley praised the team’s dedication and emphasized their pivotal role in setting care benchmarks for rural communities across America. The awards utilize the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®, the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. This summer Brookings Hospital earned an overall five-star rating from CMS on their Care Compare website, the highest score possible for all hospitals nationwide. In addition, this spring Brookings Health System was named a Top 20 Rural Community Hospital for the sixth time by the National Rural Health Association and a World’s Best Hospital by Newsweek and Statista Inc.

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17

• Happenings around the region

News & Notes

Reducing Health Associated Infection Risk In A Construction Zone

H

E A LT H C A R E orga-

healthcare facilities can help reduce

the staff at ease during construction

nizations with plans

the risk of injur y, sicknesses, or

so they can focus on patient care is

to renovate or expand

life-threatening diseases to patients,

extremely important.”

existing facilities face

staff, and trades workers,” says

Rebecca Sime, RN, program man-

the challenge of main-

Brendan Farrell, ICRA State Lead and

ager (SDFMC), encourages other

taining a sterile environment in a

member of the North Central State

healthcare professionals to partici-

construction zone. Reducing risk of

Regional Council of Carpenters.

pate in ICRA training.

infection from dust and debris while

“Through training our number one

“Brendan Farrell and his team

also protecting workers and

explore ICRA concepts,

tradesmen from exposure is a

encourage communication,

next level of infection preven-

and utilize collaboration

tion and control. Performing

throughout the class to help

an Infection Control Risk

you protect patients from

Assessments (ICRA) is an

secondary infections and

essential step in the planning

illnesses during construc-

and coordination process.

tion and renovation projects

“Before the start of a con-

in healthcare facilities,”

struction or renovation project,

she says.

the team should evaluate the

The infection preven-

scope of the work, assess

tion and control team

the risk factors, and identify

at SDFMC completed the

potential hazards,” says Cheri

ICRA training course and

Fast, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP, WOCN,

is equipped to offer proac-

program manager for the South

goal is to help ensure the health

tive guidance on mitigating risk

Dakota Foundation for Medical

and safety of every patient, facility

related to construction-related

Care (SDFMC). “The ICRA can reduce

personnel, and tradesperson. It

activities. Jess Danko, MSHA, RRT,

the potential for exposure, which

should be a team effort from everyone

LTC-CIP, SDFMC program director,

minimizes risk for healthcare

involved in any part of a construc-

pointed out, “Even the simple task

associated infections.”

tion project.”

of removing several ceiling tiles to

An ICRA is required by many

Farrell sees how taking extra

mitigate a leaking pipe can lead

jurisdictions through the adoption

precautions reduces tension for staff,

to dust and debris and create an

or use of the Facility Guidelines

workers, and patients during any con-

infection risk. The ICRA is just one

Institute for the Design and Con-

struction project. “I have had loved

tool in infection prevention and

struction of Hospital, Outpatient and

ones in critical care, and I also have

control that all healthcare facilities

Residential healthcare Facilities.

been a patient in the hospital with

should be utilizing when they are

“ICRA training is extremely eye

serious issues. I understand the risk

completing facility repairs, installa-

opening to construction workers.

to myself or my loved ones for any

tions, or new builds.” ❖

Every move and step you make at

kind of infection and just keeping

South Dakota Project Firstline provides additional infection prevention training and resources for healthcare. Visit the MED website for more information and links.

18

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

Helmsley Grants Nearly $16 Million to Establish AHA Center For Telehealth

T

H E HELMSLEY Charitable

Trust

has granted nearly $16 million to help the American Heart Association (AHA) create

the

AHA

Center for Telehealth, establishing a consortium of gold-standard telehealth education and resources.

The center, announced earlier this month at the AHA’s annual Scientific Sessions conference in Philadelphia, encourages healthcare providers to expand their use of telehealth to deliver quality care in populations lacking reliable access to clinicians or facilities, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Walter Panzirer, a Helmsley Trustee, says the delivery of optimal virtual care starts with top-notch telehealth education that advances the skills of healthcare professionals.

“It is vital that providers develop competencies through proper training and possess the tools to provide qual-

“Telehealth as a method of care

and patient engagement. Its goals are

ity, and equitable, telehealth services,”

delivery can potentially transform

to improve provider knowledge, skills,

Panzirer says. “We are committed to

the healthcare system, reducing costs

and competency in the delivery of

ensuring that providers have access

and increasing quality, patient focus

telehealth; establish and disseminate

to the latest, evidence-based resources

and patient satisfaction,” says

best practices and quality standards

to deliver telehealth, operationally

Nancy Brown, CEO of the American

to guide telehealth integration into

and clinically, to improve patient

Heart Association. “We are so grateful

chronic disease management; and

outcomes.”

for Helmsley’s generosity and commit-

build the evidence base for telehealth

Some 25 percent of patients used

ment. Improving access to high-quality

integration.

telehealth last year, a jump from the

care will save more lives and continue

5 percent who accessed remote care

to meet people where they are.”

prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, accord-

The AHA Center for Telehealth will

ing to the AHA. Telehealth improves

focus on the four pillars of professional

the effectiveness, accessibility, and

education, individual professional

efficiency of healthcare services.

certification, implementation science,

Midwest Medical Edition

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Helmsley’s latest grant brings its total support for the American Heart Association to more than $82 million. ❖

19

News from Outside South Dakota

Beyond the Border As many of you know, MED is more than this South Dakota-based publication. In addition to MED Magazine, which we publish in both print and digital formats eight times each year, MED collects, curates, and shares medical community news with subscribers in North Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa, as well.

On these two pages, you'll find summaries of some of the most notable news items from outside of South Dakota that have recently crossed our desk. Subscribe to any of our regional newsletters to get news items like these delivered to your Inbox twice a month.

Sanford Bismarck Medical Center Named to Newsweek’s America’s Best-In-State Hospitals 2024 List

NORTH DAKOTA Sanford Health Fargo Brain and Spine Center Recognized

by Becker’s as A Top Spine and Neuroscience Program The Sanford Fargo Brain and Spine Center has earned a spot on Becker’s Hospital Review’s list of “70 hospitals and health systems with spine and neuroscience programs to know”.

“At the heart of this achievement lies the unwavering dedication of our extraordinary team,” said Susan Jarvis, Sanford Fargo vice president of operations.

The Sanford Fargo Brain and Spine Center provides comprehensive solutions for complex brain tumors, spine-related issues including a range of surgical and non-surgical treatment modalities, and advanced neurological care for patients with complex neurological conditions.

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Sanford Bismarck Medical Center has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best-In-State Hospitals 2024.

“We are deeply honored and thrilled to receive the prestigious Best-in-State Hospital Award,” said Todd Schaffer, MD, president and CEO of the Bismarck region of Sanford Health. “This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care and to the dedication of our incredible team.”

The Sanford Bismarck region provides healthcare to central and western North Dakota, eastern Montana and northern South Dakota. It includes 21 clinics in Bismarck, Mandan, Minot, Dickinson and Watford City, as well as a Level II trauma center located in Bismarck.

Essentia Health, University of Minnesota School of Nursing Enter Innovative Partnership As workforce shortages in healthcare persist around the nation, Essentia Health is creating a nursing pipeline through a new partnership with the University of Minnesota School of Nursing.

This is part of Essentia Health’s pursuit of Journey Towards Magnet Nursing, which honors healthcare

systems for creating and sustaining a culture of excellence, “with contented nurses at its heart.”

The partnership will foster innovative educational experiences for nursing students at Essentia; advance nursing knowledge; address workforce needs at Essentia; and address shared problems as they emerge.

“This is a really innovative way to ensure we maintain adequate staff levels to continue providing high-quality care to our patients,” said Rhonda Kazik, Essentia’s chief nursing officer.

NEBRASKA Regents Approve Planning for Training Facility at University Of Nebraska Medical Center The University of Nebraska Board of Regents has a plan to develop an Infectious Diseases Air Transport Training Facility (IDAT) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This $20 million free-standing facility, will be situated on the south edge of UNMC's Omaha campus, and will focus on biocontainment patient transport training for high consequence infectious diseases.

The training facility, funded by the Department of Defense, will feature spaces for different scales of training, including large areas for aircraft and simulation classrooms.

“The IDAT facility will go beyond

MidwestMedicalEdition.com

The Negatively Pressurized Conex training unit will be housed in the Infectious Diseases Air Transport Training Facility when the facility is completed. From left, Lt. Col. Elizabeth Schnaubelt, MD, Chris Kratochvil, MD, UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, Maj. Tiffany Welsh, Bob Valentine, Maj. Felecia Craddieth, Maj. John McClain, MD.

‘just-in-time’ training and truly advance the readiness skills of federal healthcare workers,” said Christopher Kratochvil, MD, vice chancellor for external relations.

“As a national resource, it serves as a point of pride for Nebraskans knowing the critical role their medical center plays in national security issues.”

Boone County Health Center Adopts Cutting-Edge Navigation Technology for Knee and Hip Surgery Boone County Health Center is implementing state-of-the-art navigation technology for knee and hip surgeries. The technology uses advanced imaging and tracking systems to provide real-time, three-dimensional mapping of the patient's anatomy. Key benefits of the new system include:

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Midwest Medical Edition

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

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[ S P O NS O R E D ]

The Lodge at Deadwood Gaming Resort Offers ‘Something for Everyone’

E

XPLORE DEADWOOD AND THE BLACK HILLS at The Lodge at

Deadwood Gaming Resort and experience all the area has to offer.

Located on top of a hill at the north end of Deadwood, The Lodge boasts spectacular 300-degree views of the surrounding Black Hills as well as luxury amenities and plenty of entertainment.

Anthony Galbraith, general manager of the property for the past 13 years, said that The Lodge recently completed a 13-month remodel and addition and now has 185 guest suites with top-notch amenities and fantastic views. King balconies were added to the 45 new rooms, all of which have walk-in showers and other upgrades. Most of the 185 suites have balconies. Another major portion of the addition is a two-story suite that has amazing views of the surrounding Black Hills.

“People are awed by the modern feel of our new addition,” said Galbraith. “We get comments about how nice it is. Between those modern amenities and our original rooms, which are western themed, we really have something for all tastes here, whatever your preference.”

Choose from many different room types of the property’s luxury accommodations, from a deluxe king or double queen to an extra-large suite and king spa suite, or opt for Deadwood’s finest room, the Presidential Suite.

For gamers, The Lodge also has a sportsbook and a large gaming floor. “We put in a 42-foot Daktronics video wall, along with overstuffed chairs, stadium seating and other top-notch amenities in our BetLodge Sportsbook, which opened in June,” said Galbraith. “There’s nothing like it in the five-state region. It’s really something to see.”

Dining options include two award-winning on-site restaurants: the Deadwood Grille, featuring chef-inspired cuisine and wine pairings in a fine dining atmosphere, while Oggie’s Sports Bar and Emporium provides a more casual dining experience. The Lodge is also home to an indoor water playland, Las Vegas-style casino, fitness center, two Tesla chargers, trolley service to area attractions and a gift shop featuring South Dakota-made items. If meeting planning is in order, The Lodge has 20,000 square feet of meeting space where they hold events such as meetings and weddings, to include catering. “We are a one-stop shop for events,” Galbraith said. “We really do offer something for everyone,” said Galbraith.

Perhaps what sets The Lodge apart most from other accommodations is its staff. It employs about 300 total staff to service the facility, which is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “I’m extremely proud of the staff here and the way they treat our customers. Fantastic people work here,” Galbraith said.

Book your stay at the Lodge at www.DeadwoodLodge.com.

Upcoming 2024 Events January 25 – 27

March 31

May 21 – 22

7:00 am – 4:00 pm South Dakota Academy of Family Physicians Winter Seminar

8:00 am – 5:00 pm 6th Annual Monument Health Sports Medicine And Performance Symposium

8:00 am – 12:00 pm Telehealth Everywhere 2024 (gpTRAC)

Location: The Lodge at Deadwood, Deadwood, SD

Location: Alpine/Poderosa Room, The Monument, Rapid City, SD

February 3 8:00 am – 11:00 am 30th Annual LifeScape MallWalk Location: Empire Mall, Sioux Falls, SD

February 28 – March 1 7:50 am – 3:00 pm Mayo Clinic Wound Symposium: The Edges of Wound Care 2024

April 17 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Heartland Cancer Foundation Oncology Symposium Location: Jack J. Huck Continuing Education Center, Lincoln, NE

April 16 – 18 SD Health Care Association Annual Spring Institute

Location: Hilton Rochester Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Location: Ramkota Hotel, Sioux Falls, SD

March 3 - 4

May 18 – 19

8:00 – 5:00 pm 41st Annual South Dakota Winter Conference on Emergency Medicine (SDACEP)

7:00 am – 12:00 pm Trauma and Acute Care Surgery Symposium 2024

Location: The Lodge at Deadwood, Deadwood, SD

Location: Leighton Auditorium, Siebens Medical Education Center, Rochester, MN

May 19 – 23 March 21 – 22 SD Medical Group Managers Association Spring Conference ( jointly with AAHAM and HFMA) Location: Ramkota Hotel, Sioux Falls, SD

Location: Hyatt Regency, Bloomington, MN

May 31 South Dakota State Medical Association Annual Leadership Conference and Awards & Scholarship Recognition Banquet Location: To Be Announced

June 20 – 22 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Leadership and Professional Development for NPs and PA’s 2024 (Mayo Clinic course) Location: Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Chicago, Illinois

June 25 – 26 2024 Annual South Dakota Rural Health Leaders Conference (SDAHO) Location: Drifters Event Center, Fort Pierre, SD

Save the Date:

10:00 am – 5:00 pm 2024 National Tribal Health Conference

September 18 – 19

Location: The Monument Convention Center, Rapid City, SD

Location: Highland Conference Center, Mitchell, SD

South Dakota Statewide Trauma Conference

Visit MidwestMedicalEdition.com/Events for more information on any of these upcoming events and to submit your own.

THE HEART TEAM Fawzi Ameer, MD.

Anurag Bajaj, M.D.

Saverio Barbera, M.D., FACC, FHRS

Cardiovascular Medicine

Cardiovascular Medicine

Electrophysiology

Amid Bitar, M.D. Cardiovascular Medicine

Charan Mungara, M.D.

Rajesh Pradhan, M.D. FACC

Drew Purdy, M.D., FACC

Cardiothoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery

Cardiovascular Medicine

Cardiovascular Medicine, Interventional Cardiology

Michael D’Urso, M.D., FACC

John Heilman III, M.D., FACC

Luis Hernandez, M.D.

Ethan Levine, D.O., FHRS

Cardiovascular Medicine, Interventional Cardiology

Cardiovascular Medicine

Cardiovascular Medicine

Electrophysiology

Bhaskar Purushottam, M.D., FACC, FSCAI, FSVMB

Alexander Schabauer, M.D., FSVMB, FACC

Cardiovascular Medicine, Interventional Cardiology

Cardiovascular Medicine

Joseph Tuma, M.D. FACC, FSCAI

Stephen Wasemiller, M.D.

Cardiovascular Medicine, Interventional Cardiology

Cardiovascular Medicine

Jessica Albers PA-C

Audrey Bickerdyke DNP

Rebecca Bierle CNP

Cassie Brandsted CNP

Sonya Coolahan CNP

Mikayla Crocker CNP

S. Martin Digler PA-C

Christina Graham PA-C

Matthew Gross CNP

Kimberly Hayden PA-C

Jordan Hoffman PA-C

Nick Hollenbeck DNP

Emily Horning PA-C

Megan Hullinger CNP

Shayla Johnson CNP

Lizanne Laird CNP

Kyle Larson FNP

Melanie Pasque PA-C

Evelyn Provell CNP

Diane Schabauer CNP

Becky Sharp CNP

Claudia Smith CNP

Carol Spangler CNP

Samantha Speed DNP

Whitney Stull PA-C (Spearfish)

Lauren Tuma CNP

Visit monument.health/heart for referring provider resources.

Jessica Tvedt CNP

Melanie White CNP

Lili Wilson CNP