Webinar to celebrate
healthcare facilities stretching to meet the COVID-19 challenge
The Green Building Initiative is preparing a webinar about healthcare operations that will feature a panel discussion on how health care operations have been expanded and facility spaces repurposed to meet the COVID-19 challenge. GBI will also be posting a page on their website with COVID-19 related design, construction and operations resources. If your organization has a story to share that you think is worthy of inclusion,please email a summary with attachments to adam@thegbi.org and please copy egues@nursingconsortium.us. The deadline for sharing this information is COB Tuesday, April 7. The webinar will take place on April 14.
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NCSF Conference Rescheduled to Sept 18, 2020
The Nursing Consortium of South Florida conference scheduled for the 24th of April has been rescheduled to the 18th of September due to the COVID-19 dilemma we are facing. The agenda, speakers, and venue have not changed. Only the date has changed.
If you are already registered, you may request a refund or keep your registration active for the new date. With conference registration schedule now reset the $75.00 super early-bird rate is now in effect for all. Those registered and not requesting a full refund, will be receiving a refund on their credit card of any amount paid in excess of $75.00. |
FIU
3D-printing face shields for healthcare workers at Baptist Health
In response to the shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health workers treating patients during the coronavirus pandemic, NCSF members Florida International University (FIU) and Baptist Health South Florida are partnering to 3D-print reusable face shields. The first batch of face shields was delivered on Saturday. Please click here to read more.
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University of Miami research developing half-hour coronavirus test
A report in Miami Today newspaper by Jesse Scheckner says that researchers at the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine are close to developing a simple, faster test for coronavirus. The test will require just a simple throat swab and provide results by way of a paper strip and be available within a half hour, according to lead researcher Dr. Sylvia Daunert. The research project is being conducted in conjunction with biopharmaceutical company Heat Biologics Inc.
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Dispelling the Myths about coronavirus
In an effort to help clarify what is fact and what is fiction about the coronavirus, the University of Miami Health News has published a helpful list of myths vs truths. Please click here to read more. |
Crucial new life-saving clinical trial giving COVID-19 patients (HOPE)
Physician-scientist and inventor Dr. Steven Quay, MD, PhD, is announcing a new combination treatment with the potential to improve pulmonary function and reduce or eliminate mechanical ventilation inpatients with the coronavirus infection. The treatment uses two drugs previously approved by the FDA for other conditions: nebulized (inhaled as a fine mist) heparin combined with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), termed “H-NAC."Dr. Quay is making this new clinical trial protocol (called the COVID-19 HOPE Trial) available for use by the worldwide medical community. Starting today,doctors around the world are invited to directly download the protocol free of charge at www.DrQuay.com. Please click here to read more. |
AHA launches nationwide campaign to seek 100 million
masks for front line health professionals
The American Hospital Association has begun a national campaign to secure millions of masks for the physicians, nurses and caregivers who are treating coronavirus patients and at greater risk due to a nationwide shortage of personal protective equipment. The “100 Million Mask Challenge” will facilitate private sector partnerships to address the critical shortages of masks in the fight against COVID-19. Please click here to read more. |
Financial impact of coronavirus causes Utah hospital group to cut doctor pay and shift duties
Due to severe decreases in revenue streams caused by the
coronavirus pandemic, Intermountain Healthcare, a principal healthcare system based
in Salt Lake City, Utah, is now cutting doctor pay and shifting assignments,
according to a report in Modern Healthcare Daily Finance. The healthcare system employs more than 2,400 physicians and advanced practice providers. The report also mentions another group, St. Claire HealthCare in Kentucky taking cost-cutting steps by furloughing 300 employees who are not directly involved in patient care.
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Dealing with COVID-19 Anxiety Psychiatrist Maria Rueda-Lara, M.D. at the University of Miami Health System comments on the problem
Anxiety has become a way of life and dread about what might happen a common conversation topic. “Anxiety is a human emotion that keeps us safe,” says Maria Rueda-Lara, M.D., a psychiatrist with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. “In this case it helps us engage in behavior that will keep us healthy, so that’s good. But when it affects our daily functioning, when it consumes us, then it can be a problem. Please click here to read more.
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At-home testing kit for coronavirus may be available soon
A report by Fierce Healthcare states that manufacturers nationwide are working rapidly to develop an at-home testing kit for coronavirus. At-home testing could broaden access while limiting person-to-person contact. One company, Everlywell, announced plans to make an initial supply of the test kits available to the public in coming weeks. The kit would cost $135, at no profit to the company. The company is working to secure full government payer coverage. |
Healthcare
leaders meet to discuss potential of Artificial Intelligence and Machine
Learning
In an Executive Dialogue conducted by the American Hospital Association on the emerging use of Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning, healthcare leaders from across the nation concluded that AI and ML should supplement clinical care, but cannot replace essential human skills such as leadership, compassion and empathy. Artificial Intelligence is still in the early stages of adoption for healthcare services. The meeting, sponsored by Cerner Corporation, examined the perception of intelligence technologies, and the current and potential challenges and barriers that hospitals and health systems face in pursuing these strategies. |
Governors asked to allow qualified health professionals to cross state lines
In order to increase the capacity of the healthcare workforce to deal with the pandemic, the department of Health and Human Services has asked state governors to immediately allow health professionals who are licensed or certified in other states to practice in their state, in person or through telemedicine. The request includes modifying laws or regulations to allow medical students to triage, diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of licensed medical staff.
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Nurse at British hospital creates “bereavement bags” for sympathetic return of belongings to families Source: NursingTimes, 2-5-20, by Gemma Mitchell
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Ali Griffiths, a senior sister at University Hospitals, Plymouth UK, has touched on her own experiences of grief to come up with a “more respectful and caring way” to return personal belongings to families after a death in hospital. With the support of the hospital’s trust, Ali created a purple “bereavement bag” resembling a simple gift bag to return personal belongs to relatives in a kindly manner. The bag has a closing lid so that relatives can remove contents when they feel ready. The distinctive design and color of the bag also can alert hospital staff to easily spot someone at the facility that may need comfort and support. Nurse Griffiths got the idea for the bags from her personal experience when collecting her mother’s belongings from a hospital after her sudden death some years ago. The hospital has provided its staff with the bags and has encouraged other organizations to adapt the idea as well. Please click here to read more.
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