MUSC Catalyst

Vol. 31, No. 26

MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA

February 22, 2013

Surgeons use robot: speeds recovery time

By Ashley BArker Public Relations The teamwork of two physicians from different departments was the reason that Barbara Bozarth, a coordinator within Education and Student Life, considered staying at MUSC for her hysterectomy and sacrocolpopexy.

Sealing the decision for Bozarth was the added bonus of a robot. Using the da Vinci surgical robot ensured that she would return to work weeks earlier than if the procedures were done with the traditional open surgery method, which

involves a large abdomen incision.

Ashlyn Savage, M.D., an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, recommended in early 2012 that Bozarth should have a hysterectomy, removal of the uterus, and a sacrocolpopexy, repair of the pelvic prolapse that involves attaching permanent mesh to the top of the cervix and the sacrum.

The best option, in her opinion, would be to have the procedures done using the da Vinci surgical robot, which has three wristed-arm instruments that have 360-degree motion and another arm that

See recovery on page 6

Drs. Ashlyn Savage, center, and Michelle Koski, right, work together on the patient as Dr. Jonathan Foote, chief resident in the Department of OB/ GYN, looks on.

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epiC myths and faCts The new electronic health information system is changing what’s possible in patient care.

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Dr. Michelle Koski uses a camera to see inside the patient prior to inserting the da Vinci surgical system’s arm.

CritiCal Care units applauded

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Applause Program

The STICU and MICU staffs received national praise for patient care excellence.

5

Meet Shenikqua

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2 The cATAlysT, February 22, 2013

Outstanding Clinician Award nominations being accepted The vice president for academic affairs and provost invites nominations for the MUSC’s Foundation Outstanding Clinician Awards.

The award honors full-time faculty of any duration of service who have made outstanding contributions to patient care at MUSC. Currently active clinicians that commit a significant proportion of their time caring for patients in ambulatory or inpatient settings are eligible for this award. Awardees will have demonstrated a high level of professionalism, integrity and devotion to patient care. They will have gained recognition as dedicated, compassionate and highly effective clinicians.

Their clinical excellence and service commitment identify them as role models for residents, students and faculty colleagues. An additional consideration will be their abilities to collaborate in an

Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425.

843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723 Editor: Kim Draughn catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Cindy Abole, aboleca@musc.edu Ashley Barker, barkera@musc.edu

effective interprofessional manner.

Eligibility: 1. Appointment to the full-time faculty of MUSC. There is no age or length of service requirement.

2. There shall be no more than three awards given in a single year. The monetary reward of $3,000 will be used at the discretion of the awardees.

The nomination packet should consist of the full curriculum vitae of the nominee with an expanded description of the section of clinical activity; three letters of support, with at least one from a peer; and a statement from the nominator (not to exceed 1,000 words) outlining the candidate's qualifications for the award.

Deadline for nominations is Monday, April 22. Nominations may be submitted to Mark Sothmann, Ph.D., 179 Ashley Ave., Colcock Hall, MSC 002, MUSC.

The Catalyst is published once a week.

Paid adver tisements, which do not represent an endorsement by MUSC or the State of South Carolina, are handled by Island Publications Inc., Moultrie News, 134 Columbus St., Charleston, S.C., 843-849-1778 or 843-958-7490. E-mail: sales@moultrienews.com.

EmployEE WEllnEss The following employees received recognition through the Applause Program for going the extra mile: Medical Center

Chris Long, 9W; Marilyn Peterson, PAS; Nathalee Nelson, PAS; Ellen Ruja, Clinical Effectiveness; Connie Easley, 9E; Delores Lucas, 9PCU; Theresa Stephens, ART 6W; Darian Epps, ART 6W; Cyrus Edelson, ART 6W; Amelia Hinchcliffe, Women’s Services; Laverne Frasier, Precertification; Gwendolyn Cohen, Outpatient Registration; Ana Rosa Virella, Women’s Services; Evola Dawson, Revenue Cycle Operations; Fred Scruggs, 10W; Wendy Williams, 10W; Megan Ohorodnyk, 10W; Bob Christenbery, 10W; Rachel Pritt, Transplant; Dorothy Weiss, 6W; Krystal Myers, 6W; Karen Shire, 6W; Brandon Gates, 6W; Dena Middleton, 6W; Meredith Frazier, 6W; Kathy Shelton, 6E; Shaniqua Grant, 6E; Brenda Brown, Women’s Services; Suzette Gaines, MICU; Chandra Johnson, MICU; Mary Gunter, Social Workers; Sharon Groat, 5E; Monica Wigfall, 5E; Charles Andrews, Emergency Medicine; Tabitha Burns, Women’s Services; LaRenzo Champagne, Transplant; Melissa Yeager, CCU; Rebecca Desso, Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine; Javon Brown, Meduflex Team; Katie Shaw, Meduflex Team; Michael Dumas, Meduflex; Meredith Frazier, 6W; Katelyn Dunahoe, 6W; Rhonda Flynn, 6W/6E; Helen Thomas, Revenue Cycle/Operations; Melvena Nelson, Environmental Services; Fred Scruggs, 10W; Maggie Dunning, 6W; Casey Howett, Women’s Services; Ana Rosa Virella, Women’s Services; Bobbie Pearson, Radiology; Cristol Duke, Pediatrics Genetics & Child Development; Marilyn Peterson, PAS; David Bright, Safety & Security; Terra Kirkwood, RT Children’s Services; Ala-

nese Champaigne, Revenue Cycle/Operations; Kate Miccichi, Revenue Cycle/ Operations; Patricia Brown, PAS; Amy Richburg, RT Children’s Services; Colby Day, Pediatrics Residents Program; Stella Culton, Radiology; Lucinda Halstead, Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery; Cassandra Salgado, Infectious Disease Division; Patrice Williams, PICU (7A); Keri Walker, PACU; Lauren Brown, 8E; Rebecca Bagwell, 8E; Kim Winslow, 8E; Shirley Cummings-Jamison, GI Clinic; Dora McCutcheon, Pediatrics Med/Surgery (7E); Laura Hoover, Pediatrics Med/Surgery (7E); Tina Hinkle, 5E; Sarah Jenkins, 5E; Bassam Rimawi, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Kristal Stanley, Meduflex Team; Sandra Belton, Psychiatry; Georgia Jefferson, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences; Raul Deguzman, Emergency Department; Tara Backman, Revenue Cycle/Operations; Mark McCaslin, NSICU; Phyllis Watson, Respiratory Therapy; Craig Heinen, Respiratory Therapy; Jean Smith, Respiratory Therapy; Wendy Normandt, OCIO; Liz Nista, Transplant; Coleen Butcher, Transplant; Adrian Stewart, Revenue Cycle; Mary Sue Lewis, OCIO; Felecia Jones, Radiology; and Beata Monroe, Bronchoscopy.

University Margaret Bull, College of Dental Medicine/Oral Rehabilitation; Vannette Carr, Accounts Payable; Kathy Chessman, College of Pharmacy/Clinical Pharmacy & Outcome Sciences; Clifford Gibbs, Engineering & Facilities/Maintenance; Gabriel Ingraham III, College of Dental Medicine/Oral Rehabilitation; Debra Nelson, Radiology; Ryan Robinson, College of Medicine/Pediatric Endoscopy; Josie Rowell, Engineering & Facilities; Angela Stevens, College of Dental Medicine/Dental Clinical Affairs; and Debbie Wood, College of Dental Medicine/Dental Clinical Affairs.

Access to rapid back, neck pain clinic offered to employees The Department of Neurosurgery offers its’ Rapid Access Back and Neck Pain Clinic to all MUSC employees.

As part of the department’s Rapid Access Clinic Environment, its initiative is to improve patient evaluation in the various clinical programs. MUSC employees or family

members with back or neck pain or shooting pains in the arms or legs, may call 792-7700 and be expedited through the system.

The patient will be seen by a spine specialist either on the day of the call or by the next working day. Most pain can be addressed non-surgically.

The cATAlysT, February 22, 2013 3

Learn to ‘Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day’ during March

T

he theme of this year’s National registered dietitians speak about how to Nutrition Month (NNM), which is “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day.” celebrated in March, is “Eat Right, Your Throughout March, activities are Way, Every Day.” planned for all ages NNM started in 1973 including coloring activities as just a week in March. at the Children’s Hospital As the public’s interest and interactive booths and in nutrition started to presentations. increase, one week was Wellness Wednesdays will transformed into a whole be offered each week from 11 month dedicated to a.m. to 1 p.m. These events nutrition. will be held at the Children’s The Academy of Hospital lobby on the first Nutrition and Dietetics and third Wednesdays and Meghan Marr states that the purpose of the Ashley River Tower Dietetic Intern NNM is to “promote the cafeteria lobby on the second importance of making and fourth Wednesdays. informed food choices and developing Each Wellness Wednesday will include sound eating and physical activity an interactive booth exploring ways to habits.” produce a healthy breakfast, lunch and Nutrition Month will kick off March dinner. All booths will include examples 1 at the MUSC Urban Farm. Guests of meals to consume as well as samples to are invited from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. try. Lunch and learn events will be held to purchase a $5 boxed lunch, watch a at the farm on the second, third and cooking demonstration and listen to fourth Thursday beginning at 12:15 p.m.

Nutrition matters

Internal Medicine Student Career Day set for Feb. 22 The Department of Medicine will again host Internal Medicine Student Career Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Feb. 22, first floor of the Colbert Education Center & Library.

Any medical students wishing to learn more about the careers and opportunities available within internal medicine are encouraged to attend. Free registration for the American College of Physicians will be available.

The divisions represented will be cardiology, emergency medicine,

endocrinology, gastroenterology and hepatology, general internal medicine/ hospitalists, hematology/oncology, infectious diseases, nephrology, pulmonary/critical care, and rheumatology. Representatives from internal medicine residency, emergency medicine residency, pediatric medicine and med/psych also will be available to answer any questions.

For more information, contact Mary Ann Snell, student coordinator at 7927282 or snellma@musc.edu.

4 The cATAlysT, February 22, 2013

CurrEnts FEb. 19 People–Fostering employee pride and loyalty

musc.edu/medcenter/SuccessFactors/ training.html.

Meredith Repik and Cindy Fowler, S.C. Lowcountry Chapter of the March of Dimes, spoke about this year’s campaign and March for Babies event April 27 at Cannon Park. Plans are under way to form support teams around MUSC and begin fundraising. An email will be sent to remind areas to select area team leaders and organize teams. Team leaders are invited to attend the March 5 kick-off event, 11 a.m. to noon, Room 107 Colbert Education Center & Library.

HSL conversations Due Feb. 28; must be documented in SuccessFactors or LDI; Contact Kim Duncan, 792-1962, duncanki@musc. edu or Michelle Foreman, 792-6219, foreman@musc.edu.

HR update Helena Bastian, MUHA HR director, reported on the following information: Position Review Process (Revised) – Request Form (available at MUHA HR Website) q If a department has a Huron consultant, they should discuss the position prior to submitting Position Review Request form q Forms must be completed in its entirety (incomplete forms will be returned) q Deadline for submission will be the end of the work day Thursday for the meeting the following Tuesday q Data for Analysis – Work is under way to develop one document for all departments use to access specific data (Section 5). For now, data may be accessed in several locations: Variable departments (areas using bi-weekly WLU report) will continue to use HBI. The report will be located under FY13 Finance tab (WLU-bi-weekly reports).

Contact Lauren Parnell, 876-0424 or parnel@musc.edu.

Fixed departments will utilize EPSI payroll reports to access the required information (Section 5). Contact Neil Veloso, 792-7681, veloson@musc.edu.

SuccessFactors – 360 staff peer review Can be conducted any time between February to summer; its recommend to include about 10 raters; classroom training is available; Visit https://www.

Training reminder Changes or cancellations to HR-related training should be communicated to HR prior to training.

Wellness update Susan Johnson, Ph.D., Health Promotion director, shared final details on the March 1 City of Charleston Smoke-Free Medical District Ordinance efforts to maintain MUSC as a tobaccofree campus. Signs will be posted on city property around the district and also be made available to business or private property owners to post around perimeter areas. Revised policies also will reflect these changes. Public Safety will enforce the city ordinance along with the help of student ambassadors.

MUSC’s Pitch the Patch Program is a free cessation program available for employees from January to August. Visit http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/ tobaccofree/index.htm. Managers may request a presentation by calling 7921245 or email johnsusa@musc.edu.

Quality – Providing quality patient care in a safe environment Sheila Scarbrough, Patient Safety manager, addressed managers about National Patient Safety Week, March 3-9.

Daily activities will occur throughout the week featuring March 4 guest speaker Timothy Keough, Ph.D., who will speak about barriers to communication from 1-2 p.m., 2West Amphitheater. Other highlights include a program by Infection Prevention March 6 and a Safety Fair March 7.

Magnet update Magnet Structure Empowerment Working Group co-chairs Carla Pascoe, R.N., 7E nurse manager, and Lisa

To Medical Center Employees: Progress is under way with our MUSC Performance Excellence initiative. Plans are being made to conduct a series of town hall meetings throughout March to share updates on progress and to summarize our plan for the months ahead. The town hall meeting schedule for general sessions is indicated in this newsletter. There will also be a significant number of department-based town hall meetings.

Freeman Our Performance Excellence goal is to continually improve the quality of care and financial performance by transforming how we do our work and establishing new ways of defining success. As mentioned previously in this newsletter, this initiative will also include assessments of all aspects of our work including human resources practices, labor (staffing), pharmacy (i.e., 340 B program), physician services, revenue cycle, and operational practices with a focus upon quality, productivity improvement and cost reduction.

Virtually all areas (300+ cost centers) of the medical center will be included in the assessment, as well as associated organizational components of MUSC. Like other health care providers, in the wake of reimbursement reductions, we must reinvent our practices to provide high quality care while substantially reducing costs.

Some Human Resources policies and practices have already been modified. Work continues to assess special forms of premium pay and we are examining options for FMLA management. The labor analysis is a work in progress and will take time.

Our plan includes focusing upon staffing to demand, daily productivity reporting, and implementation of systems and controls.

Also, most recently the vacancy review process (i.e., for job posting) has been revamped with greater attention to staffing targets for gaining approval. Emphasis is being placed upon limiting approved vacancies to internal candidates to the extent possible.

The current MUSC Performance Excellence assessment and implementation phases will continue over the next six months. In the future, MUSC Performance Excellence will involve ensuring new practices and systems have been hardwired to sustain improvements.

Kester Freeman Interim Vice President of Clinical Operations and Executive Director, MUSC Medical Center Town Hall Meetings

March 6: 2 p.m., ART Auditorium; March 7: 11 a.m., ART, and 2 p.m., 2W Amphitheater; March 8: 10 a.m., 2W Amphitheater; March 12: 10 a.m., ART; March 12: 1 p.m., IOP Auditorium; 2:30 p.m., 2W Amphitheater; March 13: 6:30 p.m., ART; March 14: 7:30 a.m., 2W Amphitheater; 2 p.m., ART; 2 p.m., 2W Amphitheater; March 15: 10 a.m., 2W Amphitheater; March 18: 11 a.m., ART; 2 p.m., 2W Amphitheater; March 19: 7 a.m., ART; 10 am, 2W Amphitheater; March 20: 6:30 p.m., 2W Classroom, March 21: Noon, 2W Amphitheater Langdale, R.N., Center for Education and Best Practice nurse manager, gave an update about the progress with R.N. certification. Tracking for certification began in 2012 when numbers were 11 percent. Today, more than 17 percent MUSC nurses have become certified.

The duo recognized nurse managers with badge plates and nurses for achieving certification last quarter.

Announcements A special communications meeting will occur Feb. 28 at 1:15 p.m.

The cATAlysT, February 22, 2013 5

mEEt shEnikqua

Shenikqua Simmons Department Physician Assistant Studies, College of Health Professions How long at MUSC 6 years Children Chamone, Anthony, Aunique and Alexa Pets A collie/lab named Duchess, a black and gray tabby named Tiger and a turtle named Turtle Jill Unique talent I can add numbers really fast in my head.

Dream job To own a family-run restaurant serving family favorites and our love of food to others Meal you love to cook My family likes my fluffy cinnamon pancakes, eggs and bacon.

Must-have in the fridge or pantry Duke’s mayonnaise and elbow macaroni Dream vacation Taking my family on a Disney cruise Favorite quote “Don’t worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He’s done.”

Philippians 4: 6 - 9

6 The cATAlysT, February 22, 2013

recovery Continued from Page One has a camera mounted to it. Once they’re positioned inside the body, the instruments are controlled by a surgeon who sits in a console 10 feet away and maneuvers the arms with joy sticks and peddles while viewing the inside of the body with 3-D vision.

Bozarth was initially torn on what she should do because Savage could only do the hysterectomy portion of the surgery. So she began looking for a urogynecologist, an OB-GYN who also is trained to treat pelvic organ prolapse, who could perform both procedures with the da Vinci surgical robot. Bozarth found a surgeon in a different state and was preparing to send her medical records to start the scheduling process.

While checking the surgical board one day, Savage noticed a robotic sacrocolpopexy that was being done by Michelle Koski, M.D., an assistant professor of urology who trained on the da Vinci during her residency and fellowship in pelvic reconstruction.

“The long arms have a wrist motion so you can sew, tie and cut with a tiny, magnified pair of hands,” Koski said.

Instead of traveling out of state, Bozarth’s surgery was successfully performed by Savage and Koski with the da Vinci surgical robot at MUSC on Feb. 7.

“What’s unique with this arrangement is that I’m a gynecologist and she’s a urologist,” Savage said.

“As of now at MUSC, a robotic hysterectomy and sacrocolpopexy isn’t an option unless we’re working together.”

Some studies have shown that the smaller incisions and precise movements of the da Vinci may make the patient’s hospital stay shorter and complication rate lower than an open operation.

Bozarth said she was home before dinner the day after surgery, and she had some discomfort during the first 36 hours but recovered quickly.

“It’s absolutely remarkable,” she said. “My friends are in total disbelief. One is now considering this option and another is making an appointment with Dr. Koski.”

Da Vinci patients also are likely to return to normal activities sooner than patients who had the same procedures done through a large incision, according to Koski.

“Patients have similar activity restrictions after both surgeries – we have patients avoid lifting more than five pounds for the first six weeks,” she said. “Everybody is different in terms of their pain tolerances. But, in general, I would say the da Vinci probably shaves off a week or two in terms of recovery.”

The use of a robot was never a concern for Bozarth.

It eased her mind knowing that she would have the best technology possible.

“The idea of a robot and two phenomenal physicians working together was exciting,” Bozarth said. “It’s a

Drs. Michelle Koski, left, and Ashlyn Savage make sure the three armed instruments and camera of the da Vinci surgical system are in place.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to get the word out. We have some of the best faculty around, and they’re offering women more options. They’re changing what’s possible.”

Barbara Bozarth terrific opportunity that sets MUSC above the others.”

Bozarth wants to make sure all women know that having a hysterectomy doesn’t mean you have to be in bed or out of work for two months.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to get the word out.

We have some of the best faculty around, and they’re offering women more options,” Bozarth said. “They’re changing what’s possible.”

Dr. Michelle Koski maneuvers the da Vinci’s arms while sitting at a console 10 feet away.

The cATAlysT, February 22, 2013 7

Health information system addresses benefits, features

E

pic communications manager Megan Fink joined the Epic program leadership team in November 2012 to promote the many features and benefits of this comprehensive health information system. Working with Epic colleagues, she will assist MUSC’s clinical staff, manage patient care and streamline communications with patients, colleagues and community providers.

MyChart is the online tool that allows patients to view their medical records and interact with their care team.

The following are some myths and facts regarding Epic.

Myth: The patient population is computer-illiterate, elderly or lacks computer access.

Truth: Everett Clinic found that the highest use of MyChart portal was by 50- to 70-year-old patients with multiple or chronic conditions. More than 2.71 million Kaiser Permanente members have registered and activated (45 percent of all eligible members who have regular access to the internet. It takes 2.5 to three minutes for a parent to activate as a proxy for their child on MyChart.

Myth: MyChart will increase unnecessary office visits.

Truth: Sixty-one percent of patients sent messages through MyChart in place of office visits (95 percent used messages to replace a telephone call).

Patients who use secure email (via MyChart) were 7 to 10 percent less likely to schedule office visits and make 14 percent fewer phone contacts than

those who do not use online services.

Within seven months of MyChart usage, no-show appointments decreased by 2 percent and telephone calls decreased by 15 percent. Appointments scheduled through MyChart made up 9 percent of total scheduled appointments from May 2010 to February 2011.

Myth: MyChart will not save me time and money.

Truth: Averaging 309 messages per month via MyChart, one area saved more than $11,000 for a group of 10 physicians. Ordering prescription refills through MyChart saved an average of four minutes per refill. MyChart saves $22,500 in paper per 900 patients yearly.

Myth: There’s no way patients will use e-visits instead of calling.

Truth: Nearly 80 percent of users rated e-visits “equally good” or “better” than in-person visits; out of the number of encounters for three specified conditions, 12 percent were completed through the e-visit feature. Patients have higher than a 95 percent satisfaction rate for e-visits.

Myth: My patients are already happy, so MyChart can’t improve patient care.

Truth: Patients communicating with their doctors through MyChart showed a statistically significant improvement of effectiveness of care. Forty-seven percent of patients would choose a provider based on whether he or she uses MyChart. More than 75 percent of patients are satisfied or very satisfied with the time of care team responses through MyChart.

8 The cATAlysT, February 22, 2013

Silver Beacon award shines on STICU, MICU staff

By cindy ABole Public Relations

MUSC’s Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit (STICU) were recognized with the silver-level Beacon Award for Excellence by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN).

This nationally recognized award honors critical-care units for achieving high quality outcomes in patient care, practices and processes.

This is the third consecutive silver Beacon Award presented to STICU since 2006 and second award for the MICU. MUSC is South Carolina’s major tertiary care academic medical center, designated as a Level 1 by the American College of Surgeons, the only such designation in South Carolina.

Patients admitted to Beacon units are more likely to receive a high level of patient care, develop fewer complications and report a greater overall satisfaction of care, according to AACN. Nurses

Surgical Trauma Intensive Care Unit staff are recognized with the silverlevel Beacon Award for Excellence. Staff in MICU also were honored with the award. who work on these units also reportedly comprehensive documentation of each experience greater collaboration between unit’s profile, leadership structures and health care teams, higher morale and systems, staffing and staff engagement lower staff turnover. processes, communication, professional Both units submitted applications development and evidence-based for the award last spring and received practices and clinical outcomes. The final results in January. The award is designation is active for three years. presented in three categories – bronze, The 17-bed STICU serves adult silver and gold. The application requires patients diagnosed with life-threatening

traumatic injuries and patients who are post-surgical. The STICU staff was recognized for establishing systems and processes through on evidencebased practices and creative efforts to improve patient care. Working with unit-based councils and committees, the STICU staff has established hand hygiene and ICU mobility programs as well as improved multidisciplinary collaboration. The unit continues to approach and exceed industry benchmarks in specific areas.

STICU nurse manager Cindy Little, R.N., also emphasized the unit’s concentrated plans to increase nurses with adult critical care nursing certifications. The team works together to increase evidence-based practices, reduce catheter-associated urinary tract infections and improve movement of patients to the operating room.

“I’m proud of our team’s continued level of excellence. Most of the STICU nurses simply say, ‘This is what we do

See BeAcon on page 9

The cATAlysT, February 22, 2013 9

feeding the needs of others

Gabe Compton and John Coblentz, College of Health Professions students, prepare chili for the men at Crisis Ministries. Cardiovascular perfusion faculty and students volunteered to make and serve dinner to the homeless Jan. 31.

BeAcon Continued from Page Eight every day.’ Our STICU councils and ad hoc committees research best practice and incorporate it into our routine,” said Little.

MICU nurse manager Janet Byrne, R.N., feels this award signifies a commitment to excellence in her unit’s daily practices. Since winning the award in 2009, MICU’s interdisciplinary team has focused more on outcomes and streamlining practices that are evidencebased.

“We have a team of some of the most intelligent, well-trained and highly professional nurses in the U.S. They are intelligent, selfless individuals who are always striving to improve care,” said Byrne.

The MICU’s policies, protocols and

guidelines are developed based on the latest research and recommendations from AACN and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. Some recent innovations established by staff are daily sedation awakening, weaning trials, progressive early mobilization of patients, interdisciplinary team rounding (both shifts) and an environmental cleaning project.

Pulmonologist Dee Ford, M.D., also praised the MICU team for this achievement.

“To me, the Beacon award is a welldeserved accolade for the MICU that reflects high standards being consistently upheld by hundreds of dedicated staff. It's a testimony to the successful implementation of known best practices as well as development of innovations in patient care.”

10 The cATAlysT, February 22, 2013

The cATAlysT, February 22, 2013 11

Homes For Sale

Misc. Services

Walk to MUSC! Furnished efficiency in Ashley House. Safe, secure bldg. $165,000. Email ashleyhouse5a@yahoo.com

Basic Lawn Care Reasonable Rates Greg 843 303-2615

2 bdrm/1 bath for sale in West Ashley. Great location, close to shopping, I526, and downtown.

Totally remodeled and ready to move in. Please call Carol Newman for an appointment or other information 843-2004022.

Pets and Supplies Labradoodle puppies for sale, blonds and blacks. First come, first serve, $200.00. 729-9043

12 The cATAlysT, February 22, 2013