A Newsletter for the HHQI Underserved Populations (UP) Network December 2014
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Underserved Population (UP) Quarterly Networking Event
Home Health Scope of Practice for Therapists
January 28, 2015 | 3-4pm (ET)
 This educational webinar will discuss the roles of PTs, OTs, and SLPs in home health and expectations of each discipline within their Scope of Practice to improve patient care and outcomes. Topics will include vital signs, auscultation, medications management, OASIS, and involving therapists into your quality improvement activities. Additionally, the presenters will provide insight on how to change practice expectations, engaging therapists, as well as resources for home health leaders. Guest Speakers: Bud Langham, PT, MBA, COS-C, Chief Clinical Officer, Encompass Home Health and Hospice & Ken Miller, PT, DPT, CEEAA, Clinical Educator, Catholic Home Care
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UP News & Highlights
Welcome to the Underserved Population e-newsletter, the UPDate. This quarterly newsletter provides several summaries of news or research that effects underserved populations which may include: Heath disparities, underserved regions, dually-eligible, or small home health agencies.
AIDS Awareness Day - December 1st
HIV Facts (2011 data):
* More than 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the U.S.
* Only 4 in 10 people living with HIV were in HIV medical care
* Only 3 in 10 people living with HIV achieved viral suppression
Free Educational Online Course - John Hopkins School of Nursing
Register by January 12, 2015
Health professionals and students, family caregivers, friends of and affected individuals, and others interested in learning about dementia and quality care will benefit from completing the course. Led by Drs. Nancy Hodgson and Laura Gitlin, participants will acquire foundational knowledge in the care of persons with Alzheimer's Disease and other neurocognitive disorders in this 5-week course. The online course is FREE but there is an optional charge for continuing education credits and/or a signature track enrollment. Sessions are from 01/12/15 - 02/14/15. Check here for details about the course and for registration.
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Tools & Resources
Cardiovascular Health Best Practice Intervention Packages Part 1 & 2
Last year after the two Cardiovascular Health (CVH) Best Practice Intervention Packages (BPIPs) were released, several key national organizations published updated guidelines for blood pressure and cholesterol management. Earlier this year, HHQI released two CVH BPIP Updates to supplement (not replace) the two CVH BPIPs.
To consolidate the CVH BPIPs, on 12/01/14 the CVH BPIPs were re-released with the newest guidelines integrated into the Part 1 and 2 BPIPs to only have 2 comprehensive packages for reference.
You can still use the Updates for ease in accessing all guidelines.
Ebola and Home Health
The last few months the healthcare industry has been addressing the Ebola crisis with identification, treatment, personal protective equipment, and policies and procedures to protect healthcare workers. As the news coverage wanes in the U.S., it is still essential to review and update your infection control policies and practices. This time it is Ebola, but we also seen H1N1, SARs, HIV, TB, etc. affect the risk levels for healthcare workers. Preparedness and regular staff education is critical for reducing fears and exposure risks.
Two key national infection control leaders in the home health industry have posted documents and resources for home health agencies. Both were very quick in getting information out to the industry to assist in agency preparations.
Barbara Citarella, MS, RN, RBC Limited Healthcare & Management
- Barbara is a national infection control leader as well as the chairperson for the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) Ebola Task Force.
Mary McGoldrick, MS, RN, CRNIŽ, Home Care and Hospice Consultant, Home Health Systems, Inc.
- Mary is a well known infection prevention author and consultant
HHQI Infection Prevention Resources
- Main Package Resources section:
- General infection prevention information for HHAs (pp. 63-72 of the full BPIP)
- Infection Prevention Resources section (1-page info sheets):
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For more information or to suggest future UP topics or speakers, please contact us at HHQI@wvmi.org.
Join the HHQI UPDate mailing list.
Click here for more information about the HHQI National Campaign.

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