Cardiac Staff Matters is a regular publication of updates, information, points to ponder, and things that are significant to the Program. The aim is to pass these points on during huddles, in conversations, and by posting in clinical areas to ensure widest dissemination.
1. Remembering Dr. Ted Cuddy
On behalf of all members of the Cardiac Science Program, sincerest condolences are offered to Margaret and her family. Dr. Cuddy passed on November 4th, 2014. He entered into medicine having graduated from the University of Manitoba as an M.D. in 1954. Among his many notable achievements, he was the head of Cardiology at HSC from 1962-1984, the Director of Electrocardiography Department for 34 years, and Director of the Holter Lab for 24 years. Dr. Cuddy was personally invested in bolstering Manitoba's reputation for leading-edge cardiovascular research. He was involved in many of the first clinical trials in the early days of permanent pacemaker insertion and helped develop the Health Sciences Centre Intensive Care Unit during his 13 years as Associate Director. One of his most significant contributions came when he was the Director of the Manitoba Follow-up Study, one of the world's largest and longest-running investigations of cardiovascular disease. He was named Director Emeritus in 2001 having published and presented extensively on the Study's research. Please visit his obit and guest book HERE.
2. A significant accomplishment for one of our own
On November 17th, Lorraine Avery successfully defended her PhD dissertation entitled “Registered Nurses Perceived Importance of Knowledge Sources in Relation to Structural Empowerment”. Lorraine’s study involved determining what knowledge sources were important to critical care/Cardiac Sciences clinical practice nurses and how these knowledge sources related to their perceptions on workplace empowerment. This is a significant accomplishment for Lorraine who balanced a full-time work as a CNS with completing this work.
3. WRHA Long Service Awards – November 18th
The WRHA recognized dedication and commitment with awards for long service. On November 18th, the following people were recipients:
30 Years
Mary Cairns
35 years
Fraser Barnett
Maureen Kuppe
4. NP Transition Clinic Pilot Project official start
The Nurse Practitioner Transition Clinic pilot project for patients discharged from 5A with primary diagnosis of Heart Failure officially starts November 20th, 2014. During this 6-month project, patients will be seen within 1-2 weeks post discharge in the NP transition clinic on Y2. Patients will be assessed and their treatments optimized as per clinical practice guidelines. Patients will also be triaged to schedule a visit with MD. An automated interactive call system (TelASK) will complement the follow-up and teaching. Patients will receive a call 2 days post discharged and every 2 weeks thereafter for 3 months or longer. The project will be evaluated using specific indicators of outcomes at 6 month.
5. Accreditation Preparations Begin - FAQs
Why do we participate in accreditation?
The Regional Health Authorities Act requires all health authorities to maintain accredited status. The Accreditation Canada (AC) process supports the pursuit of excellence measured against national standards, helps improve performance, and guides ongoing quality and safety initiatives.
What does accreditation do for the Cardiac Sciences Program (CSP)/healthcare?
• Assess the quality of services, strengthen quality improvement efforts that are underway, and prioritize improvement opportunities
• Develop standardized processes to improve quality and efficiency/effectiveness
• Enhance our culture of quality and safety that focuses on ongoing improvement
• Identify leading and commendable practices (i.e. Post Op Cardiac Surgery Nurse Practitioner Clinic, 2011; visit - http://www.accreditation.ca/node/6632)
How is accreditation completed?
April 2016 marks the beginning of the next four-year accreditation cycle. The CSP will be an active participant in this most important endeavor. Assessing the CSP as a whole provides feedback on the quality, safety, and continuity of services from a patient perspective. It also allows us to identify successes/challenges that reside at different points along the continuum of care. Previous lessons learned through accreditation have allowed us to focus our effort to address gaps/challenges in specific areas within the Program.
When and how does our accreditation cycle start?
The initiating step will happen in early February, 2015. CSP staff and physicians will be asked to complete a Self-Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ) online. These results will be compiled by AC and will inform next steps.
Why can’t AC use our last data – not much has changed since our last cycle?
AC strives to continuously improve their processes through feedback and international best quality assurance practices. This year’s accreditation cycle will have new elements and requirements that differ from previous cycles. The quality and “fit” of our decisions today is largely dependent on the currency and accuracy of the data we provide. How can I find out more information on accreditation? For more information about AC and the accreditation cycle in general, please visit http://www.accreditation.ca/accreditation-menu. Regarding the CSP accreditation cycle, details will be shared in the coming weeks.
6. Points to Ponder - Contribution
Contributions come in many shapes, forms, sizes, and acts. They often come from unexpected places. On November 20th, 2014, one of our own team played a life-saving role and made a significant contribution. On that morning, a panicked neighbour whose husband had stopped breathing showed up at Karan Kraft’s door. Karan instructed the wife to call 911 and immediately started CPR.
In Karan’s words, “The paramedics arrived very quickly (which when performing CPR seems like hours) and he was defibrillated and together we saved a life! He’s a very good man and father and I am extremely thankful and proud of the outcome from that morning…He has returned home since and is doing well (allowing his son to shovel for him for a little while).”
What you may not know about Karan
She completed EMT training in 1996, Level 2 in 1998, and took EKG/ACLS courses in 1998. Karan was teaching BLS and ACLS courses for a year and then worked part time as an EMT for two years while working at St. Boniface as a secretary. She has been working as a Secretary in Cardiology full time (19 years) and has recently returned to casual EMT shifts occasionally teaching in order to maintain her license. She loves both jobs equally (it shows) and she is extremely proud anytime a life is saved by either team!
Way to go Karan! The CSP leadership team extends the deepest respect for your quick thinking, tireless efforts to maintain your clinical readiness, and your significant contribution. You continue to make a difference.
If you have any points that you want to pass to the rest of the Program and/or have feedback, please contact Paul Joudrey pjoudrey@sbgh.mb.ca or 204.237.2743
