News from Mainline Health

Main Line Health Radiology Introduces Pioneering New Safety Measures

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Main Line Health has taken major steps to reduce radiation associated with diagnostic examinations including the acquisition of a CT scanner designed to decrease radiation by up to 50% in comparison with standard multi-slice CT scanners. Lankenau Hospital is now offering the most advanced CT scanner available and is among the first facilities in the region to offer this state-of-the-art technology.

Similar technology enabling up to a 40% percent reduction in radiation is also being employed within the Main Line Health system. While the new scanners account for only a percentage of the total number of CT scanners currently used by Main Line Health, the availability of this new technology represents significant momentum in the mission to ensure patient safety during diagnostic procedures.

Equally important to the new technology, Main Line Health has instituted low-dose protocols for all medical imaging throughout its system, ensuring that only the lowest dosages of radiation possible are used in order to garner high-quality images. Last year, a pioneering safety initiative was introduced to minimize radiation exposure to patients who receive frequent radiologic studies. For every patient served, Main Line Health records the amount of actual CT exposure and fluoroscopic radiation time, and notifies physicians when a patient has received more than five CTs at a Main Line Health facility within the past two years. When these examinations are requested in MLH emergency departments, a dialog box alerts the physician in real time.

In addition, every physician in the Main Line Health system is continually trained regarding the concerns about radiation and appropriate diagnostic inquiry. In every Main Line Health facility, Board Certified Radiologists are available to confer with physicians at any time regarding diagnostic alternatives.

"CT radiology is a powerful tool that has significantly contributed to improved patient diagnosis and clinical outcome," said Harry G. Zegel, MD Main Line Health's System Chairman for the Department of Radiology. "At Main Line Health, we’ve taken every possible step to utilize this tool appropriately while continuing to ensure the safety of our patients.”

Zegel added that there is no defined, safe threshold regarding low levels of radiation associated with diagnostic examinations and that in all situations, the diagnostic benefits need to be carefully considered. He cautioned, "The delay or worse, the failure to obtain a medically necessary examination and the undesirable consequences that this incurs, must be balanced against the small radiation risk posed."

Main Line Health, which meets or exceeds the safety guidelines established by the American College of Radiology, is committed to ensuring that the correct checks and balances are in place to protect patients at all times. Zegel said that this process has meant not only acquiring the finest technology, buts also establishing commensurate procedures and oversight and taking care to recruit and retain highly accredited, fully certified radiology professionals.

Main Line Health Recognized in Health Imaging & IT magazine's "Top 25 Connected Healthcare Facilities"

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT

(Radnor, Pa.)—Recently, Health Imaging & IT magazine recognized Main Line Health as a winner of its 2010 Top 25 Connected Healthcare Facilities award.

Main Line Health (MLH) was selected as one of this year’s winners from a pool of over 50 entries. The annual list recognizes hospitals, health systems, imaging centers and physician practices that seamlessly integrate imaging and IT systems, provide physicians with immediate, anywhere access to patient data and demonstrate return on investment and high patient and staff satisfaction.

As a recipient of the award, MLH is said to have distinguished itself by linking patient images with an electronic medical records as well as providing many employed and referring physicians with remote access to clinical images and data.

According to Health Imaging and IT magazine, “Top 25 Connected Healthcare Facilities” are excellent examples of smart technology investment, interoperability among devices and IT systems and notable sharing of resources.

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Francis Sutter, DO, Speaks at Capitol Hill

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Pictured on the left: Francis Sutter, D.O, Speaking to a group at the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Exhibit on Medical Technologies.

Dr. Sutter Provides Legislators with First Hand Surgeon Viewpoint

(Washington, DC)—Dr. Francis Sutter spoke at a House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform exhibit of innovative medical technologies in Washington, DC. Sutter, a cardiac surgeon at Lankenau Hospital, provided US legislators including Jim Gerlach, Rep-6th District PA, with “first-hand” surgeon perspective. During the presentation, he provided an Intuitive Surgical set up of a da Vinci system so that members of Congress and their respective staff could get a “hands-on” demonstration of the system and its capabilities.

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Paoli Hospital Approved for Level II Trauma Center Accreditation Effective October 1

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT

(MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/) — Level II Trauma Center Accreditation status has been granted to one additional hospital in Pennsylvania for the period from October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011:

Paoli Hospital, Paoli, PA

This brings the total number of trauma centers in Pennsylvania to 33. This number includes 16 Level I trauma centers, 13 Level II trauma centers, and 4 Level III trauma centers. The Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation (PTSF) is a non-profit corporation recognized by the Emergency Medical Services Act (Act 1985-45). The PTSF is the organization responsible for accrediting trauma centers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It has been reviewing and surveying applicant hospitals since May of 1986.

Trauma centers are hospitals with resources immediately available to provide efficient surgical intervention to reduce the likelihood of death or permanent disability to injured patients. Accredited trauma centers must be continuously prepared to treat the most serious life threatening and disabling injuries. They are not intended to replace the traditional hospital and its emergency department for minor injuries.

In Pennsylvania there are three levels of trauma centers. Level I trauma centers require trauma research, a surgical residency program, and an annual volume of 600 major patients per year. A level II trauma center meets the same high level of care but does not require the research and residency components, and volume requirements are 350 major trauma patients per year. Level III trauma centers are smaller community hospitals which do not require a minimum volume of trauma patients. Their focus is to stabilize severe trauma in preparation for transport to a higher level trauma center as well as care for patients with moderate trauma. They do not need neurosurgical resources. Level I and II trauma centers can also be categorized as either Adult Trauma Centers or Pediatric Trauma Centers.

Each trauma center regardless of its level is an integral component of the emergency medical services system. The EMS system assures appropriate patient care management from the time of injury to treatment at a local hospital and/or trauma center and through the rehabilitative phase of care.

SOURCE Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation

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Planning Underway for 15th Annual Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital Art Ability Exhibit and Sale

Thu, 5 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Watercolor by Illinois Artist Garners Honors as Featured Work

Malvern, PA – With the initial jury process complete, more than 400 works of art from over 150 artists with disabilities will be featured in the 15th annual Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital Art Ability Exhibit and Sale, opening in November. Among those works on exhibit and available for sale is Chicory and Goldenrod by Tom Heflin of Rockford, IL, this year’s featured artist. Each year a featured work is selected by a committee because the artwork is represents the Art Ability mission and most importantly the artist shows by example that they have overcome tremendous odds and significant challenges through hard work and their artistry.

Art Ability celebrates the work of artists with disabilities and each year hundreds of artists from around the world submit their work as part of the annual exhibit and sale. Only artists who suffer physical, cognitive, visual and hearing disabilities can submit their work for the annual juried event. Heflin suffers from Meniere’s disease and stated the disease “had a lot to do with me becoming an artist.” He recalls suffering from episodes of violent vertigo as a child when the dizziness made him physically ill. He said the vertigo continued throughout his adolescence and teen years and when he was in his 30s, he was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear that affects hearing and balance. Heflin says it is because of the debilitating disease that he became an artist. “When I was young and the attacks forced me to stay in bed, I began sketching in a notebook. My subjects would be the things I could see from my bed and the images in my dizzy head.” The sketches led to a growing interest in art and he attended Northeast Louisiana University and the Art Institute of Chicago. Heflin’s paintings are on display in museums, galleries, exhibits and one-man shows worldwide.

Heather Zoumas-Lubeski, Director of Community Outreach and Special Events, said, “Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital is proud to showcase the intense dedication and creative work of some truly gifted individuals through Art Ability.” She said that each of the artists who display their work experiences a disability, either physical or cognitive. “For these artists, their creative work is an escape from their disability and a positive expression that they can overcome the challenges and difficulties they face.”

This year, the Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital Art Ability Exhibit and Sale will be held from November 6, 2010 through January 16, 2011 at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital, 414 Paoli Pike, Malvern. The exhibit will open with the premier Patrons Preview Reception on Saturday, November 6. Tickets for this event can be purchased by contacting Ms. Zoumas-Lubeski at 484-596-5607 or email her at ArtAbility@mlhs.org. Beginning Sunday, November 7, the Art Ability Exhibit and Sale will be open daily and it is free to the public.

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About Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital
Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital is affiliated with Main Line Health and is celebrating 40 years as a leader in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Located in Malvern, the hospital offers a unique environment for recovery for individuals with brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury and other physical and cognitive disabilities. With 148 beds and an extensive Outpatient Network, the hospital is the largest and most comprehensive rehabilitation services organization in the region.

Contact:
Ann Zalkind
484-596-5710
zalkinda@mlhs.org

Seminar-Breakfast on Hearing Loss Issues

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Riddle Audiologists to Discuss Advances in Digital Hearing Aids

(Media, Pa.)—Riddle Hospital Audiologists will host a seminar and breakfast on Wednesday, August 11 from 8:30am until 10:30am in the Community Education Center of the Outpatient Pavilion. Guests will meet the team of audiologists and hear a presentation by Barbara J. Madden, AuD. about the latest advances in digital hearing aids. Important issues dealing with hearing loss, effects of communication and improving quality of life through amplification will lead discussion.

A complimentary light breakfast will be served following the seminar.

Seating is limited so call today to reserve your place: 1-866-CALL-MLH.

19th Annual First Swing Seminar/Learn to Golf Clinic

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

(Malvern, Pa.)—Individuals with disabilities who are interested in learning how to play golf or who want to return to their game after suffering a disability are invited to the 19th Annual First Swing Seminar and Learn to Golf Program at Rivercrest Golf Club and Preserve in Phoenixville. The clinic is free and open to the public and will be held Wednesday, Sept. 8, from12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Rivercrest Golf Club, 100 Golf Club Drive in Phoenixville.

Now in its 19th year, this program is sanctioned by NAGA (the National Amputee Golf Association). The clinic focuses on teaching individuals with a disability how to golf using adaptive techniques and equipment. Instructors for the clinic are Bob Buck, Executive Director of the Eastern Amputee Golf Association, and Jamie Komancheck, head golf professional at Rivercrest Golf Club. They will be joined by Philadelphia Section PGA Professionals and therapists from Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital.

The interactive session will begin at 12:30 p.m. when golf professionals and therapists will introduce adaptive equipment and techniques that will help golfers compensate for their disabilities. A highlight of the afternoon is the one-on-one swing analysis.

Registration is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, please call 1-866-CALL-MLH. Space is limited and registrations must be made by Aug. 20.

Attention Therapists—Special Education Session Slated

A unique aspect of the First Swing and Learn to Golf Clinic is an education program for therapists and golf professionals. A special morning session for therapists and golf professionals will focus on adaptive golf techniques for individuals with disabilities. As part of the September 8 event, the NAGA will offer a continuing education program and therapists and golf pros are invited to attend. The morning education session includes include classroom discussions on basic golf techniques, rules and special equipment. Attendees at the morning session will experience the challenging techniques individuals with disabilities must use to play golf.

The registration fee for the education session is $25 and it is open to therapists and golf Pros ONLY. The morning session will begin at 8 a.m. To register, call 1-866-CALL-MLH.

Pardee Grant Will Further Pancreatic Cancer Research

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Seventy-five percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first 12 months of their diagnosis and the five-year survival rate is only five percent. In a collaborative project, George Prendergast, Ph.D., Professor, President&CEO at the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR) and Iraimoudi Ayene, Ph.D., Associate Professor at LIMR, received a one-year $125,000 grant from the Elsa U. Pardee Foundation to conduct the research project entitled Novel Immunochemotherapy for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment.

Cell biochemistry and genetic studies suggest that cancer cells may be addicted to a cellular process called the oxidative pentose phosphate cycle (OPPC), which supports DNA biosynthesis and other needs of cancer cells. This new work will test the expected killing effects of disrupting the OPPC in preclinical models of metastastic pancreatic cancer, which are needed before clinical testing of the idea can begin. Specifically, the project will characterize the pharmacological and therapeutic properties of Hypoxin, a drug compound discovered in Dr. Ayene’s lab. By disrupting OPPC function the hope is to increase tumor cell killing, thereby delaying relapse and extending survival of patients with metastatic disease, where there is a great need for better therapeutic options.

Dr. Prendergast is a distinguished cancer researcher with wide recognition and expertise in areas of cancer genetics and biology, signal transduction, and molecular therapeutics. In 1995, he was recognized as a Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences, one of an elite group of twenty investigators awarded this prize each year by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Prendergast has been a member of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) since 1996 and serves as Editor-in-Chief for Cancer Research, the field’s most highly cited journal. He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where he received his BA magma cum laude with Distinction in Biochemistry; Yale University where he obtained his MS in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry; and Princeton University where he received his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology.

Dr. Ira Ayene joined LIMR in 2007 from the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Radiation Oncology. He received M.Sc. in Life Sciences and Ph.D. in Biology, Chemistry & Radiation Biology from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, India. His research goal is to find new ways to improve the effectiveness of radiation and chemotherapy in cancer treatment.

About Lankenau Institute for Medical Research

Founded in 1927, the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR) is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research center located in suburban Philadelphia on the campus of the Lankenau Hospital. Part of Main Line Health, LIMR is one of the few freestanding, hospital-associated medical research centers in the nation. The faculty and staff at the Institute are dedicated to advancing an understanding of the causes of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. They use this information to help improve diagnosis and treatment of these diseases as well as find ways to prevent them. They are also committed to extending the boundaries of human health and well-being through technology transfer and the training of the next generation of scientists and physicians. For more information, please visit www.limr.org.

About The Elsa U. Pardee Foundation

Located in Midland, Michigan, the Elsa U. Pardee Foundation was established in 1944 under the terms of the will of Mrs. Elsa U. Pardee, whose life was taken by cancer on October 2, 1944. Mrs. Pardee provided a $1 million trust fund "for the promotion of the control and cure of cancer." She directed that this bequest be used to support research in the field of cancer and to provide for others the advantages of new knowledge and techniques for the treatment of this related group of disabling and frequently lethal diseases. Since 1944, this family-run foundation has proudly given over $113 million in grants to support two key areas: research programs directed toward discovering new approaches for cancer treatment and cure and financial support for cancer treatment.

Lankenau Hospital’s Stroke Program Awarded by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Award demonstrates Lankenau Hospital’s commitment to quality care for stroke patients

(Radnor, Pa.)—As a mark of commitment to clinical excellence and patient safety, Lankenau Hospital has received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines® Stroke Silver Plus Performance Achievement Award. The award recognizes Lankenau’s commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of stroke care by ensuring that stroke patients receive treatment according to nationally accepted standards and recommendations.

To receive the Get With The Guidelines Stroke Silver Plus Performance Achievement Award, Lankenau Hospital achieved at least 12 consecutive months of 85 percent or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines Stroke Performance Achievement indicators and achieved at least 75 percent or higher compliance with six of 10 Get With The Guidelines Stroke Quality Measures during that same period of time.

These measures include aggressive use of medications, such as tPA, antithrombotics, anticoagulation therapy, DVT prophylaxis, cholesterol reducing drugs and smoking cessation, all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients.

“The recognition reflects our level of excellence in stroke care,” said Lucas Margolies, MD, Neurologist at Lankenau Hospital. “Patients can be confident from the moment they enter our doors that they are receiving superior care.”

“Lankenau Hospital is to be commended for its commitment to implementing standards of care and protocols for treating stroke patients,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., chair of the Get With The Guidelines National Steering Committee and director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “The full implementation of acute care and secondary prevention recommendations and guidelines is a critical step in saving the lives and improving outcomes of stroke patients.”

Get With The Guidelines Stroke uses the “teachable moment,” the time soon after a patient has had a stroke, when they are most likely to listen to and follow their healthcare professionals’ guidance. Studies demonstrate that patients who are taught how to manage their risk factors while still in the hospital reduce their risk of a second heart attack or stroke. Through Get With The Guidelines Stroke, customized patient education materials are made available at the point of discharge, based on patients’ individual risk profiles. The take-away materials are written in an easy-to-understand format and are available in English and Spanish. In addition, the Get With The Guidelines Patient Management Tool provides access to up-to-date cardiovascular and stroke science at the point of care.

According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of serious, long-term disability. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every three minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.

For more information on Get With The Guidelines, visit www.americanheart.org/getwiththeguidelines.

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Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital 40th Anniversary Gala Announces Featured Speakers: Bob and Lee Woodruff

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

(Malvern, Pa.)—ABC News Anchor/Reporter Bob Woodruff and his wife, Lee, know from personal experience that physical and cognitive rehabilitation following a devastating injury or illness can result in miraculous recovery and a life of independence and success. In 2006, Bob Woodruff was critically injured in a roadside bomb attack while covering the war in Iraq for ABC News. In the attack he suffered life-threatening injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. He spent weeks in the intensive care unit of hospitals in Iraq, Germany and the United States as doctors fought to save his life. He also received many months of intensive physical and cognitive rehabilitation therapy, including physical, occupational and speech therapy as he worked to return to the life he knew before the attack.

Woodruff and his wife will be featured speakers at the Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital 40th Anniversary Gala celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 29, at the Philadelphia Country Club. The couple will join the community and executives from Main Line Health and Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital in commemorating 40 years of excellence in physical and cognitive rehabilitation. The Woodruffs were chosen as featured speakers because of their personal experience and knowledge of the importance of acute rehabilitation.

Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital began its focus on physical and cognitive rehabilitation in the summer of 1970 and since that time has been a pioneer and leader in acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care. Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital boasts comprehensive programs dedicated to brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injuries and diseases and orthopedic injuries and illnesses. The gala celebration will culminate a year-long celebration commemorating the hospital’s mission, which has remained the same throughout the past 40 years: dedicating services to individuals and their families whose lives can be enhanced through physical or cognitive rehabilitation. In addition, the hospital staff continually strives for excellence by providing care and services tat are valued by patients and the staff is tasked with contributing to the community through education, research and the prevention of disability.

In recognizing this anniversary milestone, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital President Donna M. Phillips said, “Our hospital has been and continues to be a pioneer in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. We have been the only acute care rehabilitation hospital in Chester County for 40 years and I am proud of our history of providing extraordinary care to our patients. Each day our employees touch the lives of individuals who suffer from the effects of traumatic injuries and illnesses and they dedicate themselves to making sure our patients achieve the highest level of independence possible as they work to get back to the lives they once had. Each accomplishment our patients achieve reminds me of why Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital changed its focus to physical medicine and rehabilitation 40 years ago and why it remains our focus today.”

Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital was founded in Malvern, in 1902 as the country campus of Rush Hospital. The focus of care at that time was on patients with tuberculosis and allied diseases. In 1955, the hospital changed its focus to geriatric medicine and meeting the needs of the aging population. In 1970, Rush Hospital merged with Bryn Mawr Hospital and the Malvern location dedicated itself to providing physical medicine and rehabilitation therapy services. Eight years later the hospital was named Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital.

Over the course of the past 40 years, the hospital always focused on a high touch, high tech philosophy and continually developed new programs in response to the needs of the community. Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital provides acute inpatient rehabilitation services, as well as physical and cognitive rehabilitation services on an outpatient basis at nine locations throughout Philadelphia’s western suburbs.

Today, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital is affiliated with Main Line Health and it continues to provide a unique, state-of-the-art environment for recovery for individuals with brain injury, stroke, spinal cord injury and other physical and cognitive disabilities. With 148 beds and an extensive Outpatient Network, the hospital is the largest and most comprehensive rehabilitation services organization in the region.

Tickets for the Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital 40th Anniversary Gala Celebration are on sale and can be obtained by calling 484-596-5607.

$1.85 Million Grant Explores New Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Affecting more than 1.3 million people in the United States alone, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a debilitating disease that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Dr. Laura Mandik-Nayak, Assistant Professor at the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR), received a five-year, $1,856,250 National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant for a research project entitled: IDO in inflammatory pathogenesis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Currently, the exact cause of RA is unknown but researchers do know that with this disease a person’s immune system attacks his or her own body tissues. Although drugs to treat RA exist, there is a need to prevent and find new ways to treat this disease. In this research project, Dr. Mandik-Nayak is examining the role of an immune regulatory enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which has been implicated in the inflammatory process associated with tumor formation.

Because IDO is thought to be immunosuppressive, it has been generally assumed that inhibiting IDO would make classic autoimmune disorders such as RA worse. However, research data has suggested the opposite, that IDO activity may actually be associated with the development of disease symptoms and inhibiting IDO alleviated arthritis symptoms in an animal model of RA. This project is exploring the complex role of IDO in inflammation with the long-term goal of defining the mechanism by which IDO modulates the immune response and providing new insights into strategies that can be used to manipulate this pathway to reduce or prevent RA. If successful, this could lead to a new approach for the prevention and treatment of RA and other autoantibody mediated diseases.

Dr. Laura Mandik-Nayak joined LIMR in 2007 after completing a postdoctoral fellowship at the Washington University School of Medicine. She also serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Jefferson Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University and Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine. Dr. Mandik-Nayak received her B.S. in Biology from Bucknell University and her Ph.D. in Immunology at the University of Pennsylvania. Her research is focused on inflammation and autoimmunity, in particular the cellular and molecular factors that lead to arthritis

About Lankenau Institute for Medical Research

Main Line Health Named 2010 Most Wired by Hospital & Health Networks Magazine

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

(Radnor, Pa.)—Main Line Health has been recognized as one of the nation’s MOST WIRED health systems according to the results of the 2010 Most Wired Survey released last week in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks magazine.

“This award demonstrates Main Line Health’s commitment to staying well ahead in strategic information technology to better care for our patients and support caregivers, physicians and staff,” explained Karen Thomas, Chief Information Officer for Main Line Health. “Patient Safety is our number one priority, and technology is key to facilitating a superior patient experience.”

As a Most Wired health system, Main Line Health has integrated technology in every facet of the healthcare delivery system, including a comprehensive Electronic Medical Record that brings together every aspect of a patient’s medical care, including medications, results, documentation, and images. Additionally, Main Line Health uses advanced tools to provide clinicians with clinical decision support in their daily care of patients.

This year’s survey reveals continued progress for hospitals in patient safety initiatives:

Fifty-one percent of medication orders were done electronically by physicians at Most Wired hospitals, up from 49 percent last year.
Over half (55 percent) of Most Wired hospitals match medication orders at the bedside through bar coding or radio-frequency identification, up from 49 percent in 2009 and from 23 percent five years ago.
Additionally, Most Wired hospitals have made improvements when it comes to sharing information during care transitions. For example, new medication lists are electronically delivered to caregivers and patients 94 percent of the time when a patient is transferred within the hospital, 98 percent at discharge and 86 percent when transferred to another care setting.

The 2010 Most Wired Survey represents a new structure and methodology with an increased use of analytics and reporting. The advisory group was comprised of leaders from the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), chief information officers, Most Wired staff and vendors. Additionally, the new methodology was made available to the entire CHIME membership for review and comment.

Hospitals & Health Networks conducted the 2010 survey in cooperation with McKesson Corporation and CHIME. The July H&HN cover story detailing results is available at www.hhnmag.com.

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About the Most Wired Survey

Hospitals & Health Networks, the journal of the AHA, conducts the voluntary Most Wired Survey annually which uses the results to name Most Wired hospitals and health systems. It is based on organizations’ level of achievement in four focus areas: Business and Administrative Management, Clinical Quality and Safety, Care Continuum and Infrastructure.
McKesson Corporation is a healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to helping its customers deliver high-quality healthcare by reducing costs, streamlining processes, and improving the quality and safety of patient care.

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) is an executive organization dedicated to serving chief information officers and other senior healthcare IT leaders. CHIME provides a highly interactive, trusted environment enabling senior professional and industry leaders to collaborate; exchange best practices; address professional development needs; and advocate the effective use of information management to improve the health and healthcare in the communities they serve.

Contact

Kate Tomsic
Health Forum
(312) 893-6811
mostwired@healthforum.com

A Day of Wellness for Breast Cancer Patients at Paoli Hospital

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

Patients of the Holloway Breast Health Center at Paoli Hospital participate in a yoga demonstration with instructor, Alison Donley, owner of The Light Within Yoga Studio in West Grove, during a day of wellness for women with breast cancer. The event was hosted by Paoli Hospital and Unite for HER, a local non-profit breast cancer organization.

(PAOLI, PA, July 13, 2010)—Paoli Hospital and Unite for HER hosted a “wellness day” for breast cancer patients of the Holloway Breast Health Center and the Cancer Center to help women recognize the powerful connection between body, mind, and spirit for optimal health during cancer treatment and recovery.

The event, sponsored by Gary and Patricia Holloway and Great Guys Group, was held at Paoli Hospital and featured discussion and demonstration from a variety of complementary therapy professions that promote wellness including nutrition, massage, yoga, and acupuncture.

Paoli’s Holloway Breast Health Center is dedicated to improving breast health for women of all ages by offering the latest diagnostic technology, the most advanced treatment options, and compassionate, personalized care. The Cancer Center of Paoli Hospital offers a

comprehensive array of oncology services on both an inpatient and outpatient basis, including education, prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and support. Unite for HER is a nonprofit organization founded by breast cancer survivor Sue Weldon, of West Chester, to support women diagnosed with breast cancer through education, grants, wellness days and donations to other breast cancer nonprofit organizations.

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Joseph D. Hope, D.O. Accepts Presidency of Riddle Medical Staff

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

On July 1st the Medical Staff welcomed a fellow physician, Joseph D. Hope, D.O. as their President for a term of 2 years, leading 618 Riddle Hospital physicians in caring for a growing community with diverse healthcare needs. Dr. Hope was elected at the May 2010 General Medical Staff Meeting and succeeds the immediate past president of the medical staff, Dr. Ken Boyd who served as president from July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2010.

Board Certified in Internal Medicine in 1996, and a partner in Rose Tree Medical Associates, LLC, Dr. Hope has been on staff at Riddle Hospital since 1996. “Preventative medicine is the cornerstone of good health since once a patient is referred to a specialist, the disease has for the most part been established,” states Hope, who is excited to work with all the physicians who treat patients at Riddle. “I want to engage physicians in the excellent work being done at Riddle, both for patients and the community. With strong communications I hope to get that message out and inspire them to know our staff of doctors, nurses, techs and even administrators better.”

With new healthcare changes on the horizon for patients, Dr. Hope feels there will be an increased focus on primary care physicians, especially when he shares this with young physicians. “There is a huge opportunity to build a vibrant and exciting practice at Riddle,” he explains, “with the healthcare issues we face today, prevention and healthy living will drive the day.”

Married and father of 3 girls, Dr. Hope enjoys coaching softball and playing with his daughters, yet will also find time to volunteer as a firefighter with the Concordville Fire Company. His dad, a retired Firefighter in Philadelphia turned over that service to the youngest brother — these strong values guide Dr. Hope to serve the community both fighting fires and disease!

For an appointment or referral to a Riddle Hospital physician, visit our Web site at www.MainLineHealth.org/riddle.

Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence in Physical and Cognitive Rehabilitation

Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EDT

(Malvern, Pa.) — Since 1902, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital has served the region by providing specialized care and services – first serving individuals with tuberculosis and allied diseases, then the geriatric population. In 1970, the hospital began its focus on physical and cognitive rehabilitation services and since that time has been a pioneer and leader in acute inpatient and outpatient rehabilitative care.

Throughout the year many celebratory events are planned at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital in honor of 40years of excellence in physical and cognitive rehabilitation. Always on the cutting edge, the hospital’s mission has remained the same throughout its 40 years in rehabilitation: dedicating services to individuals and their families whose lives can be enhanced through physical or cognitive rehabilitation. In addition, the hospital staff continually strives for excellence by providing care and services tat are valued by patients and the staff is tasked with contributing to the community through education, research and the prevention of disability.

In recognizing this anniversary milestone, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital President Donna M. Phillips said, “Our hospital has been and continues to be a pioneer in the field of physical medicine and rehabilitation. We have been the only acute care rehabilitation hospital in Chester County for 40 years and I am extremely proud of our long history of providing extraordinary care to our patients. Each day our employees touch the lives of individuals who are suffering from the effects of traumatic brain injury, stroke or spinal cord injuries or illnesses. Our employees dedicate themselves to making sure our patients achieve the highest level of independence possible as they work to get back to the lives they once had. Each accomplishment our patients achieve reminds me of why Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital changed its focus to physical medicine and rehabilitation 40 years ago and why it remains our focus today.”

Over the course of the past 40 years, the hospital has continued its high touch, high tech philosophy and has developed new programs in response to the needs of the community. Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital provides acute inpatient rehabilitation services, as well as physical and cognitive rehabilitation services on an outpatient basis at nine locations throughout Philadelphia’s western suburbs.