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New BPIP offers free Continuing Education credits
On February 2, HHQI released its newest Best Practice Intervention Package (BPIP). The Fundamental Focus: Blood Pressure Control & Smoking Cessation BPIP focuses on two key evidence-based strategies to reduce heart attacks and strokes. This package will serve as a 'refresher' and is intended for use by clinicians and leaders.
 Nurses can earn 1.5 hours of free Continuing Education credits (CEs) by successfully completing the Blood Pressure Control & Smoking Cessation course through HHQI University. Others completing the course will receive a certificate of completion. Visit the HHQI University page on the HHQI website to learn how to enroll.
Please note: You will be asked to log in or register on the HHQI website before being able to access the BPIP. Registration is easy... and free!
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Congratulations to the new HHQI Agency of the Month
"Care Partners Home Health is honored to be named February's Agency of the Month by the Home Health Quality Improvement National Campaign. It is our mission to provide exceptional care and unparalleled service to patients and families who have placed their trust in us. Our team is dedicated to fulfilling our shared purpose - it's all about helping people."
 Tammy E. Jackson, RN, BSN
Director of Nursing, Administrator
Care Partners Home Health
LHC Group
Morgantown, WV
Would you like the chance to show the nation how committed to quality improvement your home health agency is? Nominate your agency today.
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February 12 @ 2pm ET
A wealth of home health support at your fingertips
Is your agency facing a specific QI challenge? Chances are, another agency in the HHQI community has had a similar experience, and they might be able to offer some advice and resources.  HHQI's next LiveChat is Thursday, February 12 at 2pm (ET), and it's the perfect opportunity to network with the HHQI team and other home health agencies. LiveChat is a casual, online forum where home health professionals can learn from each other by asking questions and sharing best practices. We hope you'll join us! Set an email reminder now. |
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February 19 @ 2pm ET
CardioLAN Webinar: Smoking & Cardiovascular Care
 In support of your cardiovascular health improvement efforts, HHQI invites home health agencies and other stakeholders to join the new Progressive Cardiovascular Learning & Action Network (CardioLAN). CardioLAN members are invited to attend monthly educational webinars that focus on cardiovascular health issues.
On February 19, the CardioLAN will be joined by Dr. Karen Hudmon, Professor of Public Health Pharmacy at the Purdue University College of Pharmacy to discuss smoking and cardiovascular care.
Please note: If you signed up for the Home Health Cardiovascular Data Registry (HHCDR) between September 2013 and July 2014, you are already signed up for the CardioLAN. If you would like to be removed, please email us at HHQI@wvmi.org.
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Free local Quality Improvement assistance available now
Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organizations (QIN-QIOs) reorganized last year and are now recruiting home health agencies for a voluntary five-year effort to provide free quality improvement assistance. Agencies that partner with their QIN-QIO for this effort will receive the following benefits:
- Individualized technical assistance related to setting and achieving quality goals
- Expertise on interpreting data to drive quality improvement
- Customized, evidence-based educational resources and tools
- Local networking opportunities
QIN-QIO efforts align with the HHQI National Campaign and include implementing resources such as HHQI Best Practice Intervention Packages (BPIPs) and the Home Health Cardiovascular Data Registry (HHCDR) to improve home health quality.
All QIN-QIOs are currently serving as HHQI Network Coordinators. Please see our current list of Network Coordinators to contact the QIN-QIO in your state or territory and learn more about how you can partner to improve the health of the people you serve.
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Attention RNs & NPs in California, New Jersey, Florida, and Pennsylvania
Home health survey from University of Pennsylvania
The November HHQI Inside Edition highlighted a study related to home health environments and the prediction of hospitalizations and other outcomes. The study was conducted by University of Pennsylvania using survey data from home health RNs in three states.
The university is pleased to announce the launch of the RN4CAST-US study which will survey Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners holding active licenses in California, Florida, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. They will survey more than 250,000 nurses total (30% of RNs and 50% of NPs) about patient care and nursing practice in order to generate evidence about how nurses make a difference for patient outcomes.
Watch for a survey if you live in one of the four states.
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February 19 | 1-4 pm PT | San Rafael, California
Free Workshop: There Must Be a Better Way Than This!
Communicating with a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease or another dementia can be frustrating and disheartening. However, a few simple strategies can make caregiving easier and help you continue to feel connected to your loved one.
In this interactive half-day workshop presented by the Family Caregiver Alliance, participants will learn how dementia affects a person's ability to understand and communicate. Participants will also be coached on the best ways to handle troubling behavior and how to speak with and respond to a person with memory loss.
Visit the Family Caregiver Alliance website for more information or to register.
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American Heart Month Resources from Million HeartsŪ
February is American Heart Month. This year, Million HeartsŪ is encouraging Americans to know their blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and stroke. In fact, the roughly 70 million Americans who have high blood pressure are four times more likely to die from a stroke and three times more likely to die from heart disease. High blood pressure often shows no signs or symptoms, which is why having your blood pressure checked regularly is important.
Visit the Million HeartsŪ website for free helpful resources to Make Control Your Goal.
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Women's Heart Health Materials from OWH
Spread the word about what it actually feels like when a woman has a heart attack. Don't miss your chance to order the last of the Office on Women's Health (OWH) Make the Call. Don't Miss a Beat. campaign materials. OWH is offering FREE handouts that show the seven most common symptoms of a heart attack in women. The handouts also urge women to call 9-1-1 immediately if they experience any of the symptoms.
OWH is looking for organizations that can order bulk quantities (minimum of 25) - for FREE - and share this important resource with women. To order these materials, call the OWH Helpline at 800-994-9662. But hurry, supplies are limited!
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Geriatric home health resources from CHAMP
The Collaborate for Homecare Advances in Management and Practice (CHAMP) Program was the first national initiative to advance home care excellence for older people. CHAMP's valuable resources and e-presentations are still available online.
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