February 28, 2014
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY of SOUTH CAROLINA
Vol. 32, No. 28
GetWellNetwork: Healing through connectivity BY MIKIE HAYES Public Relations
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photos by Mikie Hayes, Public Relations
Kathleen White, clinical services administrator for MUSC Hospital’s Center for Education and Best Practices, presents a certificate to George Goodhue, East campus maintenance supervisor, for his team’s contributions with MUHA’s training cart.
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Of primary importance is patient and family education. Kathleen White
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Remembering A Colleague Colleagues and friends honor the life of Dr. Renan Uflacker.
ew things are more stressful than a hospital stay: Lying in an unfamiliar bed surrounded by beeping monitors and dripping tubes and a seemingly endless cavalcade of medical professionals coming in and out of the room at all hours. MUSC has set out to provide a different type of patient experience, one that may reduce stress while offering integrated, in–room amenities aimed at helping patients stay informed, connected and engaged. Patients now have the ability to control their free time and with the push of a button to watch a video that would explain the test scheduled for the next day, catch up on personal email, surf the Web, and view a newly released blockbuster movie, all from the privacy of their rooms. Meet the GetWellNetwork — a computer, TV, and nurse call system all rolled into one. Originally introduced at MUSC in 2005, GWN provided a baseline patient education and entertainment system. In the ensuing years, GWN has evolved into a more sophisticated system with improved technology and software to meet the needs of care providers and patients. After recent renovations to MUSC hospital rooms, the system was upgraded and now has a Windows–like appearance and greater functionality making it easier for both providers and patients to utilize. Doctors, nurses and dietitians, as well as respiratory, occupational and physical therapists can choose topics they feel are relevant to the patient and load them onto the patient’s page. The system includes a library of more than 600 high–quality educational videos and content on specific health conditions, medications, tests and procedures. Most videos last less than five minutes and provide a great deal of valuable information in that short amount of time. Patients are able to search by topic and terms. Once admitted to a room, GetWellNetwork immediately welcomes the patient to the hospital through the bedside TV. Using a wireless keyboard and a remote, the patient is able to
See Bedside on page 8
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From an Eastern View
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Applause
Opportunity in Japan opens professor’s horizons.
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Meet LaQuilla
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Classifieds
READ THE CATALYST ONLINE - http://www.musc.edu/catalyst
2 THE CATALYST, February 28, 2014
Applause Program The following employees received recognition through the Applause Program for going the extra mile: Medical Center
Elice Graham, Medical Records; Cheryl Griswold, EVS; Keith Hill, Radiology; Marsha Cisa, Clinical Documentation; Patti Nickerson, ART CCU; Sonita Mom, ART CCU; Melissa Dutton, Nuclear Medicine; Beverly McFarland, Respiratory Therapy; Kelly Lewis, Radiology; George Williams,Biomedical Engineering; Jessica Johnson, Safety & Security; Tess Morris, Hollings Clinics; Allan Perry , OCIO; Brian Allenspach, OCIO; Pam Albright, Hollings BMT; Glenn Coltharp, MUSC Sleep Lab; Madonna Web, Meduflex Team; Lindsay Waters, PCICU; Brenten Weeks, After Hours Care; Cassandra Gathers, Recycle Revenue Admin; Barbara Busby, Volunteer & Guest Services; Korri Locke, Recycle Revenue Admin; Ella Robinson, Hollings Registration; Nicole Wrazin, Hollings Clinics; Caroline Martin, Radiology; Moya McFadden, Radiology; Steve Chin, Hematoloty/ Oncology; Tess Morris, Hollings Cancer Center; Jessica Holmes, RT Children’s Services Registration; Darryl Lee, Revenue Cycle; Mimi Sohn, Neurology; Beth Crawford, DDC; Labertha Washington, Venipuncture; Paul Lambert, Head & Neck Surgery; Terra Kirkwood, RT Children’s Services; Joann Thomason, Laboratory Services; Christina Tepatti, ART 6West; T. Karl Byrne, Surgery; Darrian Epps, ART 6West; Shalonda Barker, ART 6East; Misty Kahmke, ART 6West; Patty Donoho, ART 6East; Caitlin Molony, ART 6West; Susan Gay, Women’s Services; Theresa Stephens, ART 6West; Jonathan Bean, Residents Oral Surgery;
Editorial of fice MUSC Office of Public Relations 135 Cannon Street, Suite 403C, Charleston, SC 29425. 843-792-4107 Fax: 843-792-6723 Interim editor: Cindy Abole catalyst@musc.edu Catalyst staff: Mikie Hayes, hayesmi@musc.edu
Jessica Giordano, 8West; Emily Margart, 10West; Brett Green, 10West;Sonja Muckenfuss, Children’s Hospital Administration; Frank Hoyland, SleepCenter; Glennie Davis, Patient Transportation; Helen Schroer, DDC; Christina Vaughan, Neurology; Bessie Grant, Women’s Services – Antepartum; Sandra Fokes, Women’s Services –Antepartum; Pamela McGrew, Women’s Services–Antepartum;Deborah Geard, Meduflex; Carmela McCarthy, 8East; Tracy Floyd, Women’s Services; Chris Wieters, ART 4E; Chadrick Denlinger, Surgery; Bret Johnson, ART 4E; Susan Holliday, GI Clinic; Shatora Williams, GI Clinic; Kathy Lanter, ART CCU; Peggy Edgerton, DDC; Christina Moore DDC; Kathy Bredenberg, GI Clinic; Hannah Elder, ART MedSurg Registration; Sally Shields, Women’s Services; Rebecca Oliver, Women & Infant Services; Susan Ramage, Volunteer & Guest Services; Valerie Weeks, Volunteer & Guest Services; Coco Dumont, Volunteer & Guest Services; Allison Bilton, ART 4 East; Krutesha Prime, ART 3West; Nancy Brooks, ART 5W; Acina Greene, Women’s Services; Mary Weeks; Storm Eye Institute; Deborah Cepeda,Revenue Cycle; Dina Epstein, 6East; Thomas Keane, Urology Services; Sherri Mixon, MedSurg Registration; Metzfe Sulyma, 10 West; Fred Scruggs, 10West; Jaclyn Murphy, 10West; Christine Miller, 6West; Terri Michi, Family Medicine; Ashley Boehm, Physical Therapy; Jessica Weber, Laboratory Services; Angela Franklin, Radiology; Allison Brown, RTNeurosurgery & Spine; Jennifer Wood, Hollings Cancer Center; Talaesia Jennings,Scheduling; Holli Hoagland, Radiology; Kellie AdThe 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.
DENTAL MEDICINE STAFF AWARD
photo provided
Dr. John Sanders, dean of the James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine, center, congratulates dental medicine employees Cornelia Williamson, from left, Bridget Inman, Elizabeth Reid and Lisa Fowler as fourth quarter 2013 Staff Award recipients. The dental employees were treated to a lunch and speech by Sanders. ogy; Michelle Vareltzis, Radiology; Jamie Nelson, EC CH After Hours Care; Jessica Hernandez, EC CH After Hours Care; Jennifer Harshman, Newborn Special Care Nursery; Megan Goldston, Newborn Special Care Nursery; Amanda James, MICU; Carolyn Cleveland, Environmental Services; Cassandra Dickerson, Revenue Cycle; Michelle Turner, Women’s Services; Dorothy Weiss, ART 6West; Caitlin Moore, ART 6 West; Jennie Nguyen, ART 6West; Charity Berg, ART 6West; Tanya Thompson, Acute Directional Unit; Angela Moultrie,RT Children’s Services Registration; Justin Ravenel,Volunteer & Guest Services; Yvonne Brown, Environmental Services;
Christopher Harmon, ART 5East; Patty Howenstine, MeduflexTeam; Delores Dobson,Venipuncture; Amelia Hinchcliff, Women’s Services; and Jeffery Bassett, Chest Pain Center University
Jonathan Coulter, Instructional Technology & Faculty Resources; Peggy Cunningham, Accounts Payable; Lisa Fowler, Dental Faculty Practice; Shirquita Johnson, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic; Jonathan Katz, Orthopedic Surgery; Ryan Nobles, Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine; Walter Renne, DMD, Dental Faculty Practice; and Brenda Walker, OCIOInformation Services
THE CATALYST, February 28, 2014 3
Division unveils portrait, pays tribute to colleague
BY MIKIE HAYES Public Relations
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olleagues of Renan Uflacker, M.D., hosted a special reception during the Feb. 20 Sanctuary of Endovascular Therapy meeting, to celebrate his life and accomplishments. Dr. Uflacker was a beloved MUSC physician and researcher who passed away in 2011 and his family and friends joined colleagues to honor him. During the reception, toasts were made, stories shared and a portrait of Dr. Uflacker was unveiled to his family and guests. The portrait, painted by local artist Lynda Selby, evoked applause, tears and many warm memories. The Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology has been holding its annual SET meeting for the last nine years. In 2012, the year following his death, the Renan Uflacker Memorial lecture was introduced and will be presented each year during the SET meeting. This year the special reception and portrait unveiling took center stage at the event. More than 80 people attended the reception including his wife, Helena Uflacker, and his two children, Alice Uflacker, M.D., currently a psychiatry resident at Duke University, and Andre Uflacker, M.D., a radiology resident at the University of Virginia who will begin his fellowship in vascular and interventional
photo by Sandra Stringer, Vascular & Interventional Radiology
Interventional Radiology director Dr. J. Bayne Selby, from left, joins Drs. Jerry Reves, College of Medicine dean emeritus, and Philip Costello, Radiology and Radiological Science chairman, during the portrait unveiling of the late Dr. Renan Uflacker. radiology this summer. Both of his children graduated from MUSC’s College of Medicine. Also in attendance were representatives from the MUSC administration, colleagues from nearly every department, former trainees who returned for the
conference and personal friends from the Charleston area. J. Bayne Selby, M.D., director of the Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, and Dr. Uflacker’s longtime interventional radiology partner at MUSC, provided a heartfelt introduction and shared with guests a bit of history surrounding the tribute. “This entire process was clearly a labor of love for all involved. The ease with which this tribute was taken from conception to completion is unparalleled in similar type projects I have been involved with and shows the wide impact that Renan had on the field of medicine.” In a toast to Dr. Uflacker, Selby noted the generous outpouring of support for the portrait from those who knew him best. “Those of us who were Renan’s contemporaries during our training studied under those who basically invented the field. Renan on the other hand had no pioneers in Brazil to learn from, so he studied what was being done around the world and became the interventional radiology pioneer for Brazil.” Dr. Uflacker’s daughter and son appreciated the opportunity to share personal stories about their father with guests who came to honor him. Alice Uflacker described the gratitude she felt when
See Tribute on page 4
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Graduate faculty member named academy fellow Staff Report
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ational Academy of Inventors (NAI) has named John Vournakis, Ph.D., as one of the association’s 2013 fellows. He will be officially recognized during an NAI induction ceremony on March 7 at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office headquarters in Alexandria, Va. Fellows will be presented with a special trophy and rosette pin. Vournakis is among 143 innovators elected to NAI Fellow status that represent 94 universities and governmental and non–profit research institutions. Together, they hold more than 5,600 U.S. patents. Election as an NAI Fellow is a high honor bestowed upon academic innovators and inventors who have Vournakis demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions and innovations that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society. "It's been my career objective to use basic science
TRIBUTE Continued from Page Three she saw her father “in his element” at MUSC, first when she served as a volunteer and later as a medical student. “Thank you for honoring him today in such a special way and for allowing me to share my memories.” Her brother, Andre, added his own personal sentiments. “I really envy those of you who got to work with him on a daily basis for so long. It’s because I chose the same occupation that I harbor this envy, and because my teacher and role model left me before the lesson really began,” he said. Jerry Reves, M.D., Distinguished University Professor and dean emeritus of the College of Medicine, spoke about the man and the physician and how fitting it is to honor a colleague who gave so much of himself to MUSC and the world. “Renan Uflacker is one of the few people who can justifiably point to personal involvement in the creation of a subspecialty of medicine, in his case interventional radiology. He did this with his keen intellect, creative energy, hard work, and uncompromising devotion to his patients and his field. In so doing he brought international recognition to MUSC, and his untimely early death has left a void felt by many near and far. He is greatly missed,” Reves said. Marcelo Guimaraes, M.D., associate professor in the Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, also shared his recollections of Dr. Uflacker and what an
discovery as the basis for developing and bringing to the medical market place new innovative products; devices and therapeutics,” said Vournakis. “MUSC has provided an ideal environment for the realization of that goal." Vournakis is a professor of graduate studies at MUSC and has been on the MUSC faculty since 1995. He is also vice president for research and development at Marine Polymer Technologies, Inc., located in Burlington, Mass. He previously served on the faculty of Dartmouth College as professor of biology between 1984 to 1995 and as professor of biology at Syracuse University between 1973 to 1984. Vournakis received a Ph.D. from the Cornell University Department of Chemistry in physical biochemistry in 1968. He trained as a post–doctoral and research associate at MIT and Harvard universities in the fields of molecular biology and genetics between 1969 to 1973. Vournakis is known for his early work on the physical chemistry of RNA structure and on the mechanism of drug–DNA interactions. He joined Dartmouth College as professor of biology in 1984, where he founded the Molecular Genetics Center at Dartmouth, after 12 years on the faculty of Syracuse University. During the period 1985 to 1992 he assisted the Industrial Division of Bristol–Myers Company to establish its inspiration he was to so many. Dr. Uflacker joined the Department of Radiology in 1993 and served as a professor and director of the Division of Vascular and Interventional Radiology until his death. Colleagues were moved to do something exceptional to commemorate the man and mentor they respected and cared for, and in 2013, it was decided that commissioning a painting to be permanently placed at MUSC would be a fitting tribute. Contributions were made by former students, trainees, friends and colleagues. Support was prompt and generous, according to Selby. “In fact,” he said, “more than the required amount was obtained and the remainder will support other aspects of interventional radiology at MUSC in Dr. Uflacker’s name.” Many physicians were moved by this tribute and in particular the beautiful portrait. “I would encourage other departments at MUSC to honor and remember their great physicians in a similar manner,” Selby said. Artist Lynda Selby was selected at the family’s request to paint the portrait because she knew Dr. Uflacker personally. His portrait was painted with oil on linen in the traditional style. However, one may notice a crossed flag pin on his lapel featuring a flag of Brazil — where he came from — and also the U.S. flag, which commemorates Dr. and Mrs. Uflacker becoming U.S. citizens.
genetic engineering group; served as vice president of Science and Corporate Officer at Verax Corporation, a pharmaceutical protein bio–processing company; and later served as senior vice president, interim CEO and Corporate Officer at Genmap, Inc., an early genomics company. He co-founded Marine Polymer Technologies, Inc., which has been in existence since 1992. Vournakis has published more than 150 scholarly works, is a regular reviewer of grant applications for federal agencies and has served on the editorial boards of several scientific journals. He is an inventor on 35 issued U.S. and foreign patents. Vournakis has expertise in polymer science and in the development and large– scale production of biopolymers for use in biomedical devices, particularly for applications in hemostasis and drug delivery. His current research, focused on the development of medical products from marine polysaccharides, has resulted in several U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CE Mark–cleared products for the treatment of bleeding, and is the basis for the development of a drug delivery system for the treatment of cancer. Vournakis has been a science advisor and director of several biotechnology companies. He has lectured on the biotechnology industry in numerous venues including the Amos Tuck School for Business at Dartmouth College and MUSC’s Bio–Entrepreneur Program.
MUSC is answering the Autism Speaks’ Light It Up Blue call. In honor of the event, employees are asked to wear blue April 2 to support World Autism Awareness Day. In its fifth year, the campaign helps raise awareness about the growing public health concern of autism by engaging communities to light up iconic landmarks on April 2 in support. MUSC’s North Tower will again light up blue to show MUSC’s continued support. An estimated 1 in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum — a tenfold percent increase in the past two decades that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis. For more information, visit http://www. lightitupblue.org/.
THE CATALYST, February 28, 2014 5
MEET LAQUILLA
LaQuilla Simmons Department Children’s Hospital Guest Services How you are changing what’s possible at MUSC I am always providing quality service, smiling and lending a helping hand whenever possible. How long at MUSC Two months What music is in your player now R. Kelly Meal you love to cook Jambalaya rice with sausage Best thing about living in Charleston The weather and fresh seafood Greatest moment in your life Obtaining my master’s degree in human services Favorite quote “When you do nothing, you feel overwhelmed and powerless. But when you get involved, you feel the sense of hope and accomplishment that comes from knowing you are working to make things better.” —Pauline R. Kezer
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Medical educator finds global view illuminating I
n 2012, after eight incredibly fulfilling years as the senior associate dean for medical education in the College of Medicine, I was transitioning to a new, and as yet undefined role in my development and growth as a medical educator. In doing so, I applied and had the good fortune to be selected as the Kimitaka Kaga Visiting Professor at the University of Tokyo in the International Research Center for Medical Education. I was humbled to be selected for this position as several of the top medical educators in the world had previously served in this role and I wondered what additional skills or expertise I might bring to bear during my time in Japan. The six–month sabbatical, which lasted from October 2012 through March 2013, was a wonderful opportunity to get outside of my comfort zone, both professionally and personally. Living outside of the United States for such an extended period and being separated from family and friends compelled me to re–think many pre-existing assumptions about how the world works and my role within it. While most all of my soon–to–be colleagues at the University of Tokyo spoke English, few in the small
neighborhood in which I lived did. I have never been particularly skilled in foreign languages, but I made it a point to spend hours each evening listening to my Japanese language CDs and learning to write and read the hiragana and katakana alphabet as well as the kanji characters that make up the Japanese written language. Gradually, over the course of weeks, I grew better able to communicate with others, express my thoughts and ask my questions, but even more importantly, understand them. Besides language, other cultural differences became very clear. It had been my intention to try to set up educational and research projects ahead of time in order to “hit the ground running” when I first arrived at the IRCME. However, my Japanese hosts, not knowing my skills, abilities or personality, preferred a more gradual inculcation into academic life. While I was initially internally frustrated by what I perceived as avoidable delays, I gained valuable insight through observing staff interactions within the IRCME, the IRCME’s role within the University of Tokyo and the importance of the University of Tokyo within the larger realm of medical education within the country of Japan. This understanding of one’s place within the system is akin to the Japanese concept of Kensho in the Zen Buddhism tradition: Ken meaning “seeing” and sho meaning “nature or essence.” It is sometimes used interchangeably with the word
Japan’s Mt. Fuji stands out in the landscape.
photos provided
Visiting professor Dr. Jeffrey Wong, top photo, works with faculty at the University of Tokyo. Wong spent a six-month sabbatical working in the university’s International Research Center for Medical Education. Wong embraced Japan’s culture and natural beauty like the cherry blossoms in Tokyo’s Ueno Park. satori meaning “comprehension or understanding.” By taking this approach, I was able to gain the trust of my new colleagues and very soon thereafter, became extremely busy with multiple educational projects working with medical students, residents–in–training and clinical teaching faculty. Administratively, I was asked to help them analyze some of the larger questions regarding institutional accreditation for the country’s medical schools and significant curricular reforms within the medical school for the clinical clerkship rotations for medical students.
See Experience on page 7
Want to be an Inside Track contributor? Inside Track is a periodic column by MUSC faculty and staff about the intersection of health matters and our lives. Read similar stories in MUSC’s News Center, http:// academicdepartments. musc.edu/pr/newscenter. If you are interested in writing for Inside Track, contact brazell@musc.edu.
THE CATALYST, February 28, 2014 7
ANNUAL POSIES FOR PATIENTS BRINGS SMILES, CHEER The Lowcountry’s recent wintry weather did not postpone the efforts of the MUSC Women’s Club and its annual Posies for Patients program benefitting MUSC patients. On Jan. 29, Women’s Club members Jo Ellen Basile, left to right, Laura Patrick, Nancy Fox, Irene Smith, Barbara Warburton, Donna Draughn, Jill Katz, Erble Creasman, Megan Zwerner, Terri DeVane and Chris Christopher gathered to prepare about 500 flowers, blooms and garden greens to create beautiful arrangements and later, delivered them to most patient rooms in the University and Children’s hospitals. In total, more than 200 arrangements were presented that day.
photo provided by Laura Patrick, MUSC Women’s Club
EXPERIENCE Continued from Page Six Some of the greatest joy I experienced at the University of Tokyo was in doing the same activities that have defined my academic career to date — working closely with young people along their journey to becoming clinical physicians. I discovered that most medical learners in Japan are similar to those in America — hard–working, extremely bright, intellectually curious and generously altruistic. And while the general educational style of Japanese medical schools tends to be didactically driven with lectures and seminars, the interactive teaching methodologies that I shared with them were welcomed and enjoyed. Interestingly, I also had the experience of becoming a mentor to one of the young junior faculty members in the IRCME. In so doing, it compelled me to think more deeply about my own journey in academic medicine and how I could use that experience to help others. I became
more fully aware of faculty concerns within the larger institution and how the institution’s policies regarding tenure, promotion, reimbursement and position expectations can impact their job satisfaction and quality of life. It also highlighted the critical role that leadership plays in making the institution successful and that faculty members of any given institution are its most important resource. Living abroad for six months also allows one to get out of “tourist” mode and begin to see world events from a completely different perspective. The horrific shootings in Newtown, Conn., occurred during my stay there. This event served to heighten the fear that an already frightened Japanese people had of the dangerous place that is the USA. How can one explain that? The WikiLeaks revelations, Edward Snowden and the National Security Agency’s surveillance programs were also becoming items in the mainstream news. How can America hope to take the moral “high ground” in the world with
Dr. Jeffrey Wong also enjoyed visiting cultural sights and events such as this ice sculpture at the Sapporo Snow Festival. photo provided
these things happening? Seeing our country as others in the world see us is enlightening, frightening and vastly different than the parochial perspective provided by our country’s news media, but extremely important as we journey into the future. The columnist David Brooks of the New York Times recently wrote an editorial titled, “The Leadership Revival.” He opines about the difficulties that persons in politics or public life have in executing their vision of what needs to be done. One of his admonishments struck a chord with me as I reflect on my time abroad: “…take a reality bath.
Go off and become a stranger in a strange land. Go off to some alien part of this country or the world. Immerse yourself in the habits and daily patterns of that existence and stay there long enough to get acculturated. Stay there long enough so that you forget the herd mentality of our partisan culture … You have to walk away from the partisan tunnel vision to see how things really are.” I was fortunate enough to be able to do that and believe that I am a better person for it. I urge you to take any opportunity you can to expand your own horizons in your own personal journeys.
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BEDSIDE
Continued from Page One
navigate through the simple on-screen menu. After a few minutes of easily– digestible online instruction, offered in both English and Spanish, patients report being comfortable maneuvering within the system. There is a two–minute video that all patients must view and then they are free to move about the information as they choose. On the screen, the patient will see boxes they can access that are classified priority and favorite. Staff is able to send personal messages to their patients, ask them to watch particular videos, or direct them to discharge information. For example, nurse may send an educational video about diabetes right to the patient’s screen. The patient will then see the number 1, for instance, in a priority box — indicating the number of items recommended to view. A patient can choose to watch that or the latest Avengers movie. Kathleen White, R.N., clinical services administrator in the Center for Education and Best Practices, said, “Of primary importance to me is patient and family education. We have our patients for a short amount of precious time. During their stay, we want to provide them with educational information that will be of greatest help to them. Understanding a diagnosis, test, medication, or other intervention most certainly helps.” According to White, engaging patients is critical to better care. When patients take an active role participating in their health care, the results are better outcomes and greater patient satisfaction. Video education, in particular, has proven to be an effective tool because it is multi–sensorial — the patient hears an explanation and sees visually appealing images and written terms. The priority boxes on a patient’s screen include information such as the risks associated with falling, hand hygiene, particular procedures and conditions, medications and their side effects, preparing for discharge, getting prescriptions filled. It also provides the ability to provide real–time feedback to unit managers concerning their stay. In the favorites boxes, the patient can
Mobile simulation laboratory aids in training, efficiency BY MIKIE HAYES Public Relations One of the most important aspects of the recent GetWellNetwork upgrade is the need to train MUSC health care providers to use the system. In order to teach them properly, access to a patient’s room is generally needed and with the hospital typically at capacity, that has not been possible. “System training is important for every hospital. Having a training mechanism to teach the system is the challenge. It provides an opportunity to see the equipment that makes the system operate and allows for hands–on practice in a safe learning environment,” said Sue Monette, a GWN interactive patient care manager. At a meeting of the MUSC GWN technology group, George Goodhue, a maintenance supervisor for east campus facilities, posed a question to the group: Why couldn’t a cart be built that would house all the equipment needed for training which could also be moved around the hospital? His idea has come to life as a mobile select hospital information and access the patients and visitors page to find information on guest services, pastoral care, visiting hours, ATM locations, parking, dining and pharmacy services. Other topics include rules on smoking, share a compliment, search health websites, browse health videos, and much more. Access to TV, current movies, games, music, and the Internet are all available at the push of a button. Patients can stay in touch with family and friends by email or by adding information to their CarePages, a personal Internet blog page where they can share details of their journey during their health challenge. The system was designed to improve the patient’s overall experience and feedback has been extremely positive, according to Sue Monette, an interactive patient care manager with GWN. The system has many other innovative capabilities that once integrated, can further improve hospital services available to patients. Monette said, “If you can dream it, suggest it.”
training systems around the country, Monette said there is nothing close to the scale of MUSC’s all–encompassing mobile training cart. It has received such acclaim that a proposal was submitted for the cart to be presented at the annual GetConnected 2014 conference in June. On Feb. 21, those who had a hand in making the cart a reality were thanked at a celebratory lunch in their honor at the 2West auditorium. Goodhue, Monette and Kathleen White, R.N., the clinical services administrator in MUHA’s new mobile training cart. the Center for Education and Best simulation laboratory. His conception Practices, recognized the facilities required the collective knowledge of team for their special contributions numerous departments and reflects to this groundbreaking project. The a collaborative effort between the cart includes all equipment necessary Department of Facilities Management, to train staff to utilize and maintain the Office of the Chief Information the system. The equipment is live and Officer, and biomedical engineering interactive and accommodates various staff, and with the outside help of versions of equipment currently in use personnel from GWN and Ronco (the in different parts of the hospital. nurse call system). Trainings have been ongoing since “This is a win–win in many respects. the Jan. 14 system rollout. The goal Most importantly, the patients win as is to teach 2,300 MUSC personnel they receive superb excellence in the how to interact with the system so service,” Goodhue said. patients leave MUSC with far greater While there are a handful of mobile knowledge and confidence.
Family Fund accepting grant applications The MUSC Family Fund, sponsored by the Yearly Employee Support Campaign, is accepting grant applications. The application should include name, department phone, name of project and amount of funding requested. Applications should include a brief summary explaining the project or
program and how the funding will benefit MUSC’s mission. For information, call 792–1973 or email Whitney McLuen , mcluen@musc.edu. Visit http:// academicdepartments.musc.edu/ development/help/YES_grant.html Applications for the MUSC Family Fund are due no later than March 31.
THE CATALYST, February 28, 2014 9
Patient Safety Week offers activities, useful safety info Staff Report Patient Safety Awareness Week is a worldwide educational and awareness campaign that begins March 3. MUSC will be celebrating all week. Events will include educational materials, games and drawings with fabulous prizes like a stay at the Fairfield Inn Resort in Myrtle Beach, dinners in Charleston and carriage rides. The highlight of Patient Safety Awareness Week is Safety Palooza on Thursday, March 6. There will be food trucks, poster presentations from MUSC students and clinicians, lots of folks with fascinating safety information and more prizes. There also will be a parade, led by pet therapy dogs outfitted in their finest safety gear. Daily events include: q Monday—Safety for Night Shift: departing employees will be treated to sweets and safety treats. ART Mezzanine, 7 to 8 a.m. q Tuesday–Safety Grand Rounds: Thomas H. Lee, who was named by Modern Healthcare as one of the 50 Most Influential Physicians and is the Chief Medical Officer of Press Ganey, will be giving a lecture titled “Value, Suffering and Patient Loyalty.” q Wednesday–Safety Wednesday: Regularly scheduled Safety Rounds
q Thursday–Safety Palooza in the horseshoe and library portico q Friday–Safety for Night Shift–departing employees will be treated to sweets and safety treats. Connector between Children’s Hospital and Rutledge Tower, 7 to 8 a.m. MUSC students and clinicians who want to share their safety research are encouraged to participate in the first annual MUHA Patient Safety Poster Contest. The contest is open to anyone affiliated with MUSC and is highly recommended to students and residents. Submissions will open on Feb. 13 and close on March 5. The poster session will be March 6 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) in the library lobby, and judging will occur during those two hours. Winners will be announced at 1 p.m. (at the end of the poster session) and will be presented with a ribbon and prize donated by a local business. Abstracts should be original and address quality or patient safety related issues. Each abstract should have the following heading: background, methods, results, and conclusions. Number of authors will be limited to six with one author labeled as the presenter at the poster session. Submissions can be made via email to Connor West at westsc@musc.edu. Send any questions about Patient Safety Awareness Week to patientsafety@musc.edu.
MUSC GROUNDS DEPARTMENT TO INSTALL MARKERS MUSC’s Kim Counts, from left, and Nate Dubosh join Clemson Extention’s Angela Crouch as they install a metal storm drain marker at a location on Ehrhardt Street to promote stormwater education and raise awareness that storm drains do not lead to sewers and it is important not to pollute them. MUSC is the second location in the Tricounty to install these markers. MUSC Grounds Department will continue to install the markers until April.
photos provided
Patient Safety Awareness Week March 2-8, 2014 March 3 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Night Shift Safety Fair at Ashley River Tower Mezzanine March 4 4 p.m.: Grand Rounds — Value, Suffering and Loyalty, by Dr. Thomas Lee, 2 West Amphitheater March 5 Patient Safety Rounds March 6 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Patient Safety Palooza, food and fun, MUSC Horseshoe March 7 7 to 8 a.m.: Night Shift Safety Fair, second floor connector between Children’s Hospital and Rutledge Tower parking garage
10 THE CATALYST, February 28, 2014
MUSC kicks off National Nutrition Month National Nutrition Month® is a stations located in both nutrition education and information MUSC cafeterias, we will campaign created annually in be featuring special ethnic March by the American Dietetic Mindful meal options. Association. We encourage patients The campaign focuses attention on and employees to explore the importance of making informed the diverse flavors of our food choices and developing weekly themed ethnic sound eating and physical activity cuisines and Enjoy the habits. MUSC Office of Health Taste of Eating Right! Promotion is partnering with Sodexo On March 7th the and MUSC Registered Dietitians featured entrée is to celebrate National Nutrition Whole Grain Arroz con Susan Johnson Month® this March with a variety Pollo. This dish, which of events scheduled throughout the originated from Spain, month. has rooted itself into Latin American This year's theme, "Enjoy the Taste of and Hispanic culture. Its traditional Eating Right," will highlight the healthful ingredients include chicken, rice, and a components of different international blend of herbs and vegetables that give cuisines each week in March. The focus both color and flavor to this cultural will be to explore food diversity and dish. cultural food practices significant to Lastly, don’t forget to participate in the Hispanic, Indian, Mediterranean, and Food Diversity Trivia game each week Asian cuisine. throughout the month of March. Trivia The National Nutrition Month kickoff questions will be posted every Monday, event will be held on March 3 in the and will correspond to that week’s ART Cafeteria. The event will feature featured cuisine. Submit answers to the a cooking demonstration by Executive drop boxes located at either cafeteria’s Chef Martin Neely who will be preparing point of sale registers to enter the a Chorizo Plantain Crepe dish that drawing for prizes. will be sold at the ART World Cuisine station during lunch service that day. Wellness Events Beginning March 12 Wellness q March Monthly Mindful Challenge: Wednesdays will feature MUSC (National Nutrition Month) March’s dietitians from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. challenge is “Enjoy the Taste of Eating Join them as they dive into different Right” — expand your taste horizons by cultures around the world to explore trying a new fruit, veggie, grain and/ the healthful food practices that play or lean protein each week. Employees a central role in each society. Look for who participate in the challenge will be discount coupons for the Friday Mindful eligible for prizes by completing a short meal at the Wellness Wednesday and survey at the beginning and end of the Thursday L&L events. month. One employee will be featured In addition, a Lunch and Learn series monthly in our “spotlight on wellness” will be hosted by the MUSC dietetic feature in The Catalyst. Take the first interns each Thursday in March. This March Monthly Mindful Challenge series will focus on the flavor and health survey at https://redcap.musc.edu/ benefits of herbs and spices that are used surveys/?s=EY3dmemJpR. The final in different ethnic cuisines. These events survey will be sent via email at the end will take place Thursdays from 12:15 to of the month to those who take the first 12:45 p.m at the MUSC Urban Farm. survey. In the event of rain, the program will be q Worksite screening: The next held in front of the Colbert Education screening will be held March 21, Gazes Center and Library. Building Auditorium, room 125, valued Grab and Go wellness lunches will be at about $350, is available to employees available while supplies last. This week’s of the State Health Plan (including topic is Food Culture and Common the MUSC Health Plan) for only $15 Ingredients Used in Hispanic Cuisine. (covered spouses also can participate Every Friday at the World Cuisine
Health at work
for $15). Employees and spouses without this insurance can participate for $42. Register at www.musc.edu/ employeewellness. q Employee Fitness Series: Physio–ball Workout from 2:15 to 12:45 p.m., March 19. This class will deliver an overall body workout that will challenge and improve muscular endurance and strength, improve cardiovascular fitness, increase core strength and control, and improve body efficiency and function. Participants will receive a free day pass to the Wellness Center. Email muscempwell@musc.edu to register for this free class. q Chair massages: Free massages are offered to employees midday Wednesdays. Look for broadcast messages for locations and times. q Farmers markets: Fresh fruits and vegetables are available from local farmers, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Harborview Office Tower lobby and from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday at ART and from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, at the horseshoe.
MUSC Urban Farm
q Lunch & Learn – Thursday, 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. q Saturday, March 8 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., the Urban Farm hosts the Charleston Urban Garden Coalition for a Saturday Work & Learn session. This event will explore the herbs and spices used in Hispanic foods. For information on MUSC wellness events, contact johnssa@musc.edu or whela@musc.edu.
THE CATALYST, February 28, 2014 11
Furniture
Kids Radiothon needs volunteers
The 6th annual WEZL and Y102.5 Cares for Kid Full Mattress Set with Euro Radiothon is scheduled Pillow Top New $115. Please for Feb. 27–28. The event Call: 843-270-4283 will take place from 6 Bed Set,Queen New pillowtop a.m. to 7 p.m., both days, mattress set. with cherry wood sleigh bed $350 843-270-4283 at the Clear Channel Media and Entertaiment Need to make space, Selling office, 950 Houston New King Size Mattress Set Northcutt Blvd. in Mount $275 843-270-4283 Pleasant. Organizers are seeking Bed-Queen Pillowtop that is Brand New in Plastic. Will take volunteers to answer calls $125. Please call and take pledges from 843-270-4283
callers during both days of the Radiothon. Volunteers will be answering calls as well as hearing the inspiring stories told by children (some former MUSC Children’s Hospital patients) of their courage to fight every day. To volunteer, contact Sawyer Kilen, (515) 6571277 or email kilen@ musc.edu.
12 THE CATALYST, February 28, 2014