The MD Parking Lot will be closed from 5 pm on Friday through the weekend for power-washing. Doctors can park in the patient/visitor lot (above the MD lot). We regret any inconvenience!

CHANGE DATE: July 1, 2010

Due to a manufacturing change, Sharp Pathology Laboratory will no longer be using a PCR-based assay for testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The replacement assay is an FDA approved assay utilizing Transcription- Mediated Amplification (TMA) technology. This test has been approved for both Acid-fast smear positive and Acid-fast smear negative respiratory specimens. An AFB Culture should be ordered concurrently.

New Order Name - MTB Molecular Amplification
AKA MTB MOL

Old Order Name - MTB PCR

Acceptable Specimens
BAL; Bronchial brushing; Bronchial Washing; Sputum; Sputum Induced; Tracheal Aspirate

Specimen Collection
A minimum of 5 mLs of specimen is required for testing (including orders for both AFB Culture and MTB Molecular Amplification)

Should you have any questions about these changes, please feel free to contact Sharp Pathology Laboratory 619-295-0821

An evidence-based program to prevent CAUTIs is scheduled to begin at SGH during July. Physician responsibilities will include:

-Providing specific patient indications for the use of the urinary catheter
·Review of the need for the urinary catheter on a daily basis and prompt removal when appropriate
·Removal of urinary catheter on POD 1 or 2 (SCIP process improvement)
·Documentation of indications for catheter use longer than 24 hours

To assist you with review of urinary catheter necessity daily, a written prompt will be placed on the chart of every patient with a urinary catheter. This prompt will include patient indications for continued urinary catheter use.

The estimated number of hospital-acquired infections (HAI) in US hospitals exceeds 1.7 million events annually, leading to 99,000 deaths. Urinary tract infections account for approximately 40% of all HAIs annually. 80% of these hospital-acquired urinary tract infections are attributable to indwelling urethral catheters.

Primary strategies for the prevention of CAUTI include insertion of urinary catheters only for specific patient indications and limiting the duration of catheter use.

Recommendations from CDC, SHEA-IDSA, and NHS identify the following patient indications for placement of urinary catheters:

-Perioperative use for selected surgical procedures
- Urine output monitoring in critically ill patients
-Management of acute urinary retention and urinary obstruction
-Assistance in pressure ulcer healing for incontinent patients
-Comfort during end-of-life care (CDC)

The duration of catheterization is directly related to risk for developing a urinary tract infection. With a catheter in place, the daily risk of developing a urinary tract infection ranges from 3% to 7%. When a catheter remains in place for up to a week, bacteriuria risk increases to 25%.

The First Touch process ensures that your time with patients is meaningtul, increases satisfaction, and reduces patient anxiety.

• Act calm and unhurried, even if you're running late.
• Introduce yourself, say hello, use the patient's name and make eye contact.
• Be at eye level and sit down when possible.

Week #2 of this project is over!!!

This summer the SGH medical staff is helping some special El Cajon kids - preschoolers with special needs for adaptive learning equipment at Sevick School! This project closes on June 30!

We're made it easy for you to make a pledge.

PLEDGES TO DATE - $1500!

Special thanks to Dr. Robert Foster's wife, Camille, who's co-chairing this project. That's Camille in the photo above!

SGH Medical Staff Family Bowling
Friday, June 11
6 pm
Parkway Bowl
$10 per person
RSVP to Peggy Woods at peggy.woods@sharp.com

NO NEED TO RSVP, BUT REMEMBER....

Concert under the Stars
Wednesday, June 16
Hors d'oeuvres at 5:30
The Show at 6!
Grassy Knoll behind Rehab

You won't want to miss the jam session!!! Come and be entertained by your medical staff colleagues!

For California Doctors - Guide to Asset Protection, Tax and Estate Planning
Thursday, July 29, 6- 8 pm
Dinner and Wine
Spouses Welcome
Seating VERY limited!
RSVP to Lesley Bradley at lesley.bradley@Sharp.com

We are excited to offer a workshop with one of the authors of For California Doctors, A Guide to Asset Protection, Estate and Tax Planning. Joe Strazzeri, is a partner at the estate and tax planning law firm of Strazzeri Mancini LLP and is also an expert instructor at The Southern California Institute (SCI).

These topics will be covered with practical strategies for each:

· Reduce taxes by $5,000 to $500,000 per year;
· Restructure practice entities to maximize wealth;
· Learn what are the seven asset protection strategies to AVOID;
· Efficiently manage your estate and protect your family.

Are you interested in seeing a recently published issue of the E-Bulletin?