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FOCUS 2015 biweekly update
The goal of our FOCUS 2015 project is to identify ways to optimize the quality, safety, and value of our patient care through transformational changes that minimize variation in our practices and maximize our efficiency. We believe these changes will ensure sustainable financial strength and honor our mission of patient care in our changing health care landscape.
Saint Luke's is part of a national trend according to a recent article in The Kansas City Star: "Cost-cutting and revenue-growth efforts are underway in most hospitals around the country as they prepare for changing reimbursement formulas in government-funded health programs, particularly those scheduled to begin in 2014." To read the entire article, please click here.
In the spirit of the Olympics, FOCUS 2015 is a marathon, not a sprint. The preparation, training, and qualification are just as important as the last 100 yards, so try to remain patient as the planning and preparation for implementation continues. Thank you for your help continuing to build an even stronger Saint Luke's. Saint Luke's remains - "The best place to get care. The best place to give care." - because of all of you.
Implementation progress
Look to this section for stories on departments that are leading the way.
This week we are providing an overall update and sharing a preview of the upcoming timeline for the next phase of FOCUS 2015. The majority of initiatives presented to the FOCUS 2015 steering committee have been addressed; there are a handful of outstanding initiatives requiring a final decision. To date, 147 initiatives, designed to improve and transform the way we deliver care, have been advanced to implementation, while 30 initiatives are still pending a decision.
Decisions on what initiatives will be implemented will be made by the end of August. Each initiative will be led by a Saint Luke's employee and supported by Saint Luke's staff from across the system.
Implementation for each initiative will vary depending on the complexity, resources, and amount of change required. The steering committee will continue to work with all advanced initiatives to oversee the sequencing and timing of implementation. By fall, it is expected that many teams will be working on specific implementation tactics and timelines.
Fact or fiction?
On a biweekly basis, updates will be provided through eRounds, including a "Fact or Fiction" section that is populated based on employee questions and feedback. Click here to read this week's Fact or Fiction.
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See Saint Luke's TV ads during the Olympics
If you're a fan of the Olympics, be sure to watch for Saint Luke's television ads this week. Our commercials will air on the dates/times below on KSHB, channel 41. (Please note that times are approximate and may vary because of live coverage, breaking news, etc.)
- Wednesday, Aug. 1: 5:30 p.m.; 6:05 p.m.; 7 p.m.; 11:20 p.m.
- Thursday, Aug. 2: 6:50 a.m.; 3:05 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 3: 6:40 a.m.; 10:15 a.m.; 1:45 p.m.; 7:50 p.m.; 10:30 p.m.; 11:10 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 4: 8:20 a.m.; 1:15 p.m.; 5:05 p.m.; 8:20 p.m.; 8:45 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 5: 7 p.m.; 11:10 p.m.
You can see all of the commercials and read stories about the patients who are featured at www.calledtoexcellence.org.
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World Breastfeeding Week
Aug. 1 - 7 is World Breastfeeding Week, recognizing and celebrating
breastfeeding. Mothers choose to breastfeed for many reasons:
- Human milk keeps babies protected from common illnesses and provides the optimal nutrition for growth and development.
- Breastfeeding helps new mothers lose weight during the postpartum period.
- Breastfeeding reduces a woman's risk of breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, osteoporosis, heart disease, and hypertension.
- Once mothers and babies learn breastfeeding, mothers appreciate the ease of quickly nursing a hungry baby and at no cost.
 All major health agencies recommend breastfeeding. The AmericanAcademy of Pediatrics recommends that babies breastfeed or receive breastmilk exclusively during the first six months of life, then continuing for at least 12 months after solid foods are added. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding for a minimum of two years. In the Kansas City area, Saint Luke's Hospital is well known for supporting new mothers and babies. In May 2012, SLH opened the first human milk bank in Missouri. Our lactation consultants and other staff in Labor/Delivery, NICU, and Mother/Baby all help mothers get breastfeeding off to a terrific start. International board-certified lactation consultants are here seven days a week providing education to families and assisting mothers with the techniques of breastfeeding. Once mothers leave our hospital, they can call the breastfeeding "warm line" with questions and/or use outpatient services. In recent months, 84 percent of mothers who deliver their babies at SLH breastfeed their babies. - For more information on SLH's lactation services, call 816-932-2511.
- For the Heart of America Mothers' Milk Bank, call 816-932-4888.
- For the full policy statement on breastfeeding from the American Academy of Pediatrics click here.
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New artist featured on Saint Luke's MAHI display walls
Artist Wendy Garrett now has her work on the display walls near the café in Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute. Garrett is a photographer who is adept at capturing local landscapes and animals, then altering the color in vibrant ways. She's shown her work at H&R Block, the Overland Park Convention Center, and various restaurants in the area.
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New graduate certificate offered through UMKC
The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine and School of Education are offering a new graduate certificate program in health professions curriculum and evaluation. The certificate provides an educational research foundation for development of skills in teaching, curriculum design and assessment of student learning in health professions education. It includes six courses (18 credit hours) and is based on a mix of web-based and classroom instruction. Click here for more information.
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Noteworthy
August Town Halls
Wednesday, Aug. 15
7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 21
2 - 3 p.m.
Wagstaff Board Room
Overflow TBA
Meet and greet for new chaplain
The heart transplant support group will hold a meet and greet with the new chaplain Thursday, Aug. 9, at 4 p.m. in the third floor conference room of the Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute. This will be a chance to meet our new chaplain Christyn Koschman and ask any spiritual or coping-related questions. Please email Stephanie Day if you have any questions.
Free screenings for hepatitis C
Aug. 6 - 31
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of liver cancer. Millions of Americans have HCV, yet up to 75 percent don't know it. As part of World Hepatitis Day and in partnership with the American Liver Foundation, the Saint Luke's Liver Disease Management Center will be offering free hepatitis C virus screenings at each of our metro facilities, beginning Aug. 6. Call 816-932-LIVER (5483) or click here for more information.
Coffee with SLHS Diversified reps
Diversified representatives will be onsite in the various SLHS entity cafés. To see their schedule and learn how to set up an appointment, click here. If these times do not work for you, the reps can also meet with you on another day/time at your convenience.
Breast cancer survivor celebration
Breast Cancer Awareness month is celebrated in October. The Breast Cancer Awareness planning group is coordinating a celebration for breast cancer survivors who work within SLHS. We are seeking any breast cancer survivors who would like to attend the celebration. Please contact Marcia Hamm at mhamm@saint-lukes.orgor Mandy Sims at mssims@saint-lukes.org. Further plans will be communicated as we approach October.
Saint Luke's Courtyard Marketplace
Wednesdays
June 20 - Aug. 29
7:30 a.m. - noon
Rain or shine
Women's Center Courtyard
Stop by each week to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other heart-healthy items. Pick up the featured recipe of the week and learn how you can keep your heart healthy through nutrition. It is easy to "think prevention" and promote a healthier you! Products may be purchased by cash or payroll deduction. The Courtyard Marketplace is brought to you by Saint Luke's Muriel I. Kauffman Women's Heart Center and Nutritional Services.
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