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Volume 8| Issue 20| Through April 28, 2015
 
              
 
System solid in live Ebola response rehearsal The notification April 1 of a person under investigation for a possible Ebola infection triggered a dramatic two-day response from UCHealth providers. The effort included standing up for the first time the isolation unit at UCH. The episode showed that extensive preparations the past several months paid off. Left: Providers meet with EMS staff transporting the patient -- who tested negatively for the virus -- at the loading dock at UCH April 2. >>More
                                                                 
Movement as medicine Not long ago, bedrest was accepted for patients who were very ill or recovering from serious procedures. Now the idea that movement gives patients a quicker path to health is gaining traction. A new pilot at UCH that pairs providers from Physical Therapy and the Medical Intensive Care Unit is putting the practice to the test. Among the PT/ Rehabilitation pilot leaders (left to right): Tim Wimbish, Matthew Gallagher, Danielle Sockolosky and Kyle Ridgeway. >>More
Bedtime at UCH
With the opening of two new floors in AIP 2 looming, the hospital brought in new med-surg and ICU beds by the truckload last week. After assembly, disinfection, installation, tagging, and testing, they're ready for patients. 
  
                    
Clearing up a confusing condition Acute changes in the brain that cause severe disorientation and confusion are common among elderly and surgical patients. But the condition, delirium, is underrecognized and takes a heavy toll on both patients and the health care system. A new initiative at UCH aims to increase nurses' awareness of delirium and its dangers. >>More
Burn Center stands alone A site visit last month ended with the American Burn Association (ABA) bestowing reverification on the hospital's Burn Center. The center remains the only one in the state with ABA verification, an emblem of its superior outcomes, education, and outreach and prevention efforts. Left: some of the team members who contributed to the success. >>More
                         
The impact of a highly visible woman In "This Hospital Life": A dozen years ago, Susan Potter (right) pledged her body to the "Visible Human Project," in the interests of contributing to medical education. But for many at UCH and the campus community, the influence of Potter, who died in February, goes far beyond medicine. Plus: "What You Read." >>More
 
Statin study turns the medication tables 
A study co-led by UCH Chief Medical Officer Jean Kutner, MD, MSPH, concludes that discontinuing statins for patients with life-limiting illnesses is safe and could improve quality of life while decreasing medical costs. The study, a landmark in palliative care research, could make providers re-evaluate their assumptions about optimal patient care. >>More
                         
Around UCH UCHealth one of top 10 places to work in Colorado; chests for the best; Eye Center welcomes willing pupils; Concordia gets screened; a toast for Burn Center retiree (far right); more. >>More
Follow us on Facebook News, views, stories of inspiration, and general good stuff at UCH. Up now: learn about Norovirus from infectious disease specialist Michelle Barron, MD. >>More
Dean Reilly's news The latest about what's going on at the School of Medicine -- from the new dean. >>More
                 
Pay Practice Standardization: It's Time, System Says

UCHealth is nearing the launch of Kronos, which will standardize payroll, timekeeping, and scheduling across the system, with the goal of increasing efficiency. One change on tap: making pay practices for shift differentials, callbacks, holidays, and the like consistent at UCH and all other UCHealth hospitals.  >>Go
                                                   
Open Season on Benefits

Open enrollment for benefits begins for UCHealth employees April 26. Renewal will be automatic for most employees. Medical premiums will increase, but at a rate lower than the national average, HR leaders say. >>Go
                        
Fat Freezing: Too Good to be True or Cool Weight Loss Tool?

Our reporter (above) decided CoolSculpting, a non-invasive weight loss procedure offered at the CU Plastic Surgery Clinic, was worth checking out. It's billed as a pain-free way to kill fat cells and easier on the wallet than a tummy tuck. Did she warm up to the procedure? Stay tuned. >>Go
                       
UCH Helps Test the Antimicrobial Waters

A product with a campus connection draws inspiration from the texture of sharkskin to reduce the risk of infection in hospital settings. The product got a boost from simulations at UCH's WELLS Center. It was in the spotlight last week when Colorado U.S. Senator Cory Gardner (above, center) visited the Anschutz Medical Campus. Gardner is joined by UCH emergency medicine physician Margaret Sande, MD, and Sharklet Technologies' Ethan Mann, PhD. >>Go
                                                                 
  
Worldwide Collaboration
Tabs Leukemia Gene
A team of CU School of Medicine clinicians played an important role in genetic sleuthing that has increased understanding of a relatively rare form of leukemia. Above, left to right: CU's Jorge Di Paolo, MD; Christopher Porter, MD; and PhD student Leila Noetzli contributed to an effort that crossed international boundaries. >>Go
               
UCH in the News

Dark view of tanning beds; new street drug scare; horsing around with joint care; the headaches of migraine management; more. Mentions: Marius Birlea; Virginia Borges; Thomas Campbell; Robert Dellavalle; Christina Finlayson; Lilly Marks; Andrew Monte; Cecilia Pascual-Garrido; Joseph Saseen; William Vandivier. >>Go