First Provider Sat Survey: A "Landmark"
The survey for physicians and other clinical providers represents a new spirit of cooperation between the hospital and University Physicians, Inc., and a chance to "get true issues on the table," leaders say. It's available online through November 23.  |
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| "Charge Czar" Nicole Baker (left) and project manager Jenny Sautel oversee efforts to loosen cash flow bottlenecks. | |
"Charge Czar"
Won't Carry Scepter
But Nicole Baker (above) will oversee tightening the hospital's revenue cycle -- and improving cash flow -- in her newly established position. |
Grant Will Fund Genetic Screenings for Lung Cancer Patients
Stimulus money comes through for the University of Colorado Cancer Center, which will join a consortium of top research centers joining forces to find gene mutations blamed for lung cancer. UCD researcher Paul Bunn, MD, is principal investigator for the consortium. |
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| Project manager Erik MacDonald displays new wireless phones used by nurses and other staff. | |
UCH Tightens Patient Link to Caregivers with Phone Swap-Out
With a months-long effort, Information Services replaced 500 wireless phones, many of them in the inpatient units, where they are integrated with the nurse call system. The result: more direct patient care and quieter surroundings. |
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| Tess Jones directs UCD's Arts and Humanities in Healthcare program. | |
Med Students Explore the Human Condition
The small but growing field of "medical humanities" enriches a science- and research-oriented curriculum by posing provocative questions about the human experience and encouraging empathy for others. Med students at UCD have savored the challenge and produced an anthology of writings and photos. | |
Preparing for a pandemic With the number of influenza-related hospitalizations on the rise, UCH will open a "surge clinic" November 3 to decrease pressure on the ED and "practice" for a potential patient influx. Meanwhile, more employees get the H1N1 vaccine, and the hospital puts a new visitor restriction in place. 
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Clearing up a negative image With expanded hours, improved report turnaround, a culture change and old-fashioned communication, Radiology increased patient satisfaction and revenue and earned a President's Award. Plus: an "ambassador" program helps employees in tough customer-care situations.
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A massive cleanup Anyone who's struggled straightening up a disheveled garage can probably sympathize with Support Services staff, who are reorganizing their crammed workspaces. But employees have taken the reins on the effort, which is making progress.
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Inside the Insider Two cheers for us. Commentary: the Insider wins an award, but that's not the real story. Plus: "What You Read" and a robot clarification.
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Targeting lung disease With a two-year National Institutes of Health grant, UCD and other institutions plan to build a rich database of genetic information about deadly and costly lung diseases. The "brain bank" will be available to researchers around the country, says Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine division chief Mark Geraci (above center, with UCD researchers).
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Rediscovering the bedside manner Research shows good provider/physician communication improves outcomes. A novel course at the School of Medicine trains students to listen, sometimes by bringing actors in as "patients." With help from coaches, students learn some tough lessons about how to communicate with those who need their help.
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Sidebar: learning the art and science of medicine As part of the innovative "Foundations of Doctoring" curriculum, Colleen Conry of Family Medicine (above), teaches students who shadow her the fine points of holistic patient care.
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Hospital-based providers reach the "Peak" Twenty-four UCH providers from across the continuum of inpatient care were recognized this month at the Rocky Mountain Hospital Symposium as "Peak Performers" for their team-based clinical care and professionalism.
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UCH in the News Asthma relief; screening skepticism; campus departure; more. Mentions: Frank Accurso, Yang Chen, John Corboy, Anthony Elias, Jay Gershen, Jacque Montgomery, Linda Zittleman.
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Around UCH Our regular round-up of goings-on, big and small, in and around the hospital. This issue: Pumped-up President's Award winners (above); a "heartfelt" event kick-off; a dummy operation; more...
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