Inova Health System Earns Award for Improving Patient-Centered Care
April 27th, 2011
Twenty Healthcare Organizations Change How Care is Delivered
Falls Church, VA – Inova Health System recently earned special recognition from the Picker Institute Always Events™ Challenge. The challenge encouraged healthcare organizations across the nation to identify a specific area in healthcare delivery that should ‘always’ occur.
“We’re very honored to earn this grant from Picker Institute,” said Maureen Swick, RN, MSN, PhD, NEA-BC, Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive, Inova Health System. “This is an incredible accomplishment and reflects our commitment to excellence in patient centered care.”
As part of the grant, Inova has committed to providing seamless patient care during shift changes or patient transition to other staff, which will improve patient safety, quality care and enhance communication between the patient and their caregivers. The title of the grant submission was “Developing a Patient-Centered Approach to Handoffs”.
Inova Health System will always ensure that patients will be included in the ISHAPED handoff shift-to-shift handoff process at the bedside because this will add an additional layer of safety by allowing the patient to communicate potential safety concerns.
Recent reviews of patient safety and satisfaction at Inova Health System identified the shift-to-shift handoff as a process in need of improvement. Inova responded by convening a quality-improvement team to develop a new strategy for conducting the shift-to-shift handoff, standardize procedures and incorporate a bedside component. Entitled “ISHAPED” (I=Introduce, S=Story, H=History, A=Assessment, P=Plan, E=Error Prevention, and D=Dialogue), this strategy provides patients and their families the opportunity to participate in the handoff process. The proposed project aims to:
- Measure patient satisfaction and perceptions regarding the ISHAPED bedside handoff process
- Use patient feedback to optimize and standardize the bedside handoff process;
- Develop a training video and toolkit to educate nurses on how to conduct a safe, effective and patient-centered bedside handoff across multiple settings.
“We have been very gratified to see support for this innovative program gathering strength and positive feedback at all levels of the healthcare industry,” said Lucile O. Hanscom, Executive Director of Picker Institute. “Our list of grantees is very impressive, and we look forward to working with the great team at Inova Health System to make Always Events/Always Experiences a vital part of the medical vocabulary and the healthcare industry.”
Inova Health System joins nearly 20 other healthcare organizations including: Cleveland Clinic, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital earned this award.
Picker Institute is an independent, non-profit organization that focuses on improving patient-centered care and encouraging a humanistic approach to delivering quality healthcare.
For information about the 2011/2012 Picker Institute Always Events Challenge Grant and other Inova Health System accolades visit inova.org/awards.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Health System, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia to Hold Regional Obesity Summit
April 26th, 2011
**Media Advisory**
Fairfax, VA— On Friday, April 29, Inova Health System and Community Foundation for Northern Virginia will convene government leaders, non-profits, schools, businesses and faith-based organizations for the regions first Let’s Move the Needle on Childhood Obesity Summit.
The event aims to move the needle on childhood obesity by to encourage partnerships and action plans to reduce obesity in children.
WHAT:
First Annual Let’s Move the Needle on Childhood Obesity Summit
WHEN:
Friday, April 29
8:30 a.m.: Welcome
Noon: Keynote Address delivered by Sheila C. Johnson, CEO, Salamander Hospitality, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Vice Chairman, President and Managing Partner of WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and Co-Founder Partner of BET (Black Entertainment Television)
2:00 p.m.: Pledge to Act to Reduce Childhood Obesity and Closing Remarks
WHERE:
George Mason University
Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel
4352 Mason Pond Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Special guests include Diane Helentjaris, MD, Director, Family Services, Virginia Department of Health; Senator George Barker (D-VA), 39th District; Rev. Henry Brinton, Fairfax Presbyterian Church; Bill Germanokos, Quest Diagnostics Wellness Ambassador; Jordan Greene, Physical Education Instructor, Springwoods Elementary; Khalid Randolph, Ph.D., Vice President, Programs and Outcomes, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington.
Let’s Move the Needle on Childhood Obesity will provide valuable information for organizations to create strategies to encourage healthy lifestyles.
Inova Health System and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia are dedicated to positively impacting the community and will center their partnership on reducing childhood obesity.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Health System, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia to Host Childhood Obesity Summit
April 21st, 2011
Organizations Partner to Reduce Obesity in Northern Virginia Children
Fairfax, Va – Inova Health System and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia will partner with schools, governments, non-profits, faith-based entities and businesses throughout the metropolitan area in an effort to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity.
“Let’s Move the Needle on Childhood Obesity” is an initiative to create strategies that can be easily implemented to encourage a healthy lifestyle while pledging to partner with additional colleagues to eliminate childhood obesity.
“The health of our future starts with the health of our children,” said Knox Singleton, CEO, Inova Health System. “Between text messaging and play station, our kids are moving their fingers more than they’re exercising their bodies. What can we do to engage our children in healthy lifestyles? Let’s Move is one example of how we’re taking a leadership role in engaging our community in health, not just healthcare, starting with our children.”
Let’s Move the Needle on Childhood Obesity will be held on April 29th at The Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel. Speakers include:
Knox Singleton, CEO, Inova Health System
Rod Williams, Vice President, Community Affairs, Inova Health System
Eileen Ellsworth, President, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
Diane Helentjaris, MD, Director, Family Services, Virginia Department of Health
Kevin Vigilante, MD, Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton
Senator George Barker (D-VA), 39th District, Commonwealth of Virginia
Rev. Henry Brinton, Fairfax Presbyterian Church
Bill Germanokos, Wellness Ambassador, Quest Diagnostics
Jordan Greene, Physical Education Instructor, Springwoods Elementary
Khalid Randolph, Ph.D, Vice President, Programs and Outcomes, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington
Keynote speaker, Sheila C. Johnson, CEO, Salamander Hospitality, Monumental Sports & Entertainment Vice Chairman, President and Managing Partner of WNBA’s Washington Mystics, and Co-Founder Partner of BET (Black Entertainment Television)
“Both Inova and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia created this partnership to focus our efforts to reduce and, hopefully, one day eliminate childhood obesity in Northern Virginia,” said Eileen Ellsworth, President, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia. “We look forward to sharing our vision and encourage like-minded organizations to open a dialogue, create an action plan focused on promoting a healthy lifestyle, and reduce obesity among our children.”
Inova Health System and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia are dedicated to positively impacting the community, committed to moving the needle on childhood obesity.
Both organizations have worked together to design programs and action plans for schools, governments, non-profits, faith-based entities and businesses to help improve the overall health of the community by promoting various initiatives and awareness programs.
About Inova Health System:
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
About Community Foundation for Northern Virginia:
The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia works to grow philanthropy to help meet the most critical needs of our region. During FY 2010, the Community Foundation awarded $4 million in grants to nonprofits and interfaith groups, awarded $130,000 in scholarships, and reported approximately $30 million in managed assets for grant making.
Inova Alexandria Hospital First in Region to Use NanoKnife to Target Cancerous Tumors
April 15th, 2011
New Technology Gives Patients With Difficult to Treat Tumors More Options
Alexandria, VA – Inova Alexandria Hospital is the first hospital in the Washington, DC region to use NanoKnife™ to treat soft-tissue cancerous tumors that are difficult to reach. NanoKnife is a minimally invasive cancer treatment and kills cancerous tumors by targeting electrical energy directly into hard-to-reach tumors.
“NanoKnife is a truly unique cancer treatment that we can use in patients that have few, if any, options,” said Sandeep Bagla, MD, Interventional Radiologist, Inova Alexandria Hospital. “It allows us to precisely target tumors while sparing healthy tissues including nerves and blood vessels, while offering interventional radiologists the next generation in specialized cancer treatment.”
This novel technology, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, for soft tissue ablation, is performed by placing needles or probes into a tumor to destroy the cancerous cells. NanoKnife allows patients to not only have other options for cancer care, but is less invasive than traditional surgeries and offers the additional benefit of a shorter hospital stay, usually returning home in the same day.
NanoKnife, along with state-of-the-art imaging, is used by interventional radiologists to guide them in precisely placing electrodes in the tumor. Once the electrodes are inserted, the NanoKnife sends electrical pulses into the tumor, which destroys the cancerous growth.
Interventional radiologists utilize image guidance to perform many minimally invasive procedures in the treatment of cancer, vascular disease, stroke and women’s health.
For more information about NanoKnife at Inova Alexandria Hospital visit inova.org/nanoknife.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Medical Group Partners with World War II Veterans for Tour of DC
April 7th, 2011
**Media Advisory**
Falls Church, VA—Inova Medical Group physicians and staff will support the Honor Flight Network on April 12th as it transports U.S. veterans to Washington, D.C. to tour war memorials.
WHAT:
Emerald Coast Honor Flight Tour of DC Memorials
WHEN:
Tuesday, April 12
11 a.m.
WHERE:
World War II Memorial
Washington, D.C.
Inova Medical Group will be providing medical care to World War II veterans from Florida as they tour the World War II, Korean, Vietnam, Iwo Jima and Lincoln memorials. Inova is proud to assist the Honor Flight Network in its mission to send America’s veterans to memorials dedicated to honor their service and sacrifices.
For more information about Inova Medical Group visit inova.org/inovamedicalgroup.
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Health System’s Going Green Efforts Recognized by Practice Greenhealth
April 7th, 2011
Inova Wins ‘System for Change’ Award for Sustainable Healthcare
Jaye Sutton, Green Team Co-Chair, Inova Loudoun Hospital; Cindy O'Hara, Green Team Co-Chair, Inova Loudoun Hospital; Carolyn Billetdeaux, Sustainability Associate, Inova Health System; Randy Kelley, CEO, Inova Loudoun Hospital; Seema Wadhwa, Sustainability Engineer, Inova Health System; Anna Gilmore-Hall, Executive Director, Practice Greenhealth
Falls Church, VA – Inova Health System is proud to announce it has received the System for Change Award from Practice Greenhealth. This award recognizes health systems that are working cohesively to gather data, set system goals, benchmark, and share successes in environmental performance. Inova is one of just eight healthcare systems to receive the award.
“We’re very excited to accept this recognition from Practice Greenhealth,” said Randy Kelley, CEO, Inova Loudoun Hospital, and Chair, Inova Sustainability Committee. “During the past few years, Inova and its employees have made great strides in pursuing ways to become environmentally friendly. This award demonstrates Inova’s commitment to sustainability and to be a responsible member of our community.”
Inova’s hospitals were also recognized individually. Inova Fair Oaks and Inova Loudoun hospitals won the 2010 Partner for Change with Distinction Award. Inova Alexandria, Inova Fairfax and Inova Mount Vernon hospitals won the 2010 Partner for Change Award.
Inova has made a commitment to pursue sustainable ways of approaching each aspect of its business – from new construction to monitoring the energy use, waste and recycling involved in day-to-day operations. Inova is a charter member of Practice Greenhealth and is a founding organization of the National Capital Region Sustainable Healthcare Alliance.
Practice Greenhealth is the nation’s only membership association devoted to environmentally responsible healthcare. Its 2011 Environmental Excellence Awards are given within the healthcare sector to institutions for outstanding programs to reduce the facility’s environmental footprint.
“We are very pleased to see so many leading health systems striving to improve their environmental performance,” said Anna Gilmore Hall, Executive Director, Practice Greenhealth. “Each of our Environmental Excellence Awards represents a tremendous effort on the part of hospital staff to reduce the health and environmental impacts associated with health delivery.”
A complete list of Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Award winners can be found at: www.practicegreenhealth.org/awards/winners/.
About Practice Greenhealth
Practice Greenhealth is the nation’s leading membership and networking organization for institutions in the healthcare community that have made a commitment to sustainable, eco-friendly practices. Members include hospitals, healthcare systems, businesses and other stakeholders engaged in the greening of healthcare to improve the health of patients, staff and the environment. For more information on Practice Greenhealth, visit www.practicegreenhealth.org.
About Inova Health System
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
Inova Health System and Washington Mystics Announce Marquee Partnership
April 7th, 2011
Health Care Leader to Appear on Team Jersey
Washington, D.C. - Inova Health System announced today that it has entered into a marquee partnership with the Washington Mystics of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). As part of the partnership, Mystics players will wear Inova Hospital System’s name and logo on the front of their home and away jerseys, shooting shirts and community apparel during the upcoming 2011 WNBA season. Mystics players Alana Beard and Crystal Langhorne unveiled the new uniforms in the club’s new color scheme of red, navy, silver and white during a press event at Inova’s Loudoun hospital on Thursday. The partnership will tip off on April 29 at the anti-obesity summit held at the Mason Inn Conference Center and Hotel at George Mason University. Monumental Sports & Entertainment Vice Chairman and Mystics President and Managing Partner Sheila Johnson will deliver the keynote speech at the event, reinforcing a call to eliminate childhood obesity.
“Working together as professional caregivers and professional athletes, we know there is nothing more important than the health of our community,” commented Mark Stauder, president and COO of Inova Health System. “Inova’s teaming up with the Washington Mystics is a natural outgrowth of shared commitments to preventative care, chronic disease management and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Together, we will make better use of our resources to transform our community’s health, empowering individuals through excellence in patient care, education and research.”
The partnership with the Mystics offers Inova Health System creative exposure to fans at games and through media coverage and television broadcasts. It also includes Inova Health System’s designation as the presenting partner of the Washington Mystics and Wizards Youth Basketball Camps. As such, Inova Health System will receive co-branding on signage pertaining to camps and clinics, in-arena recognition at all Mystics and Wizards home games, and presence in marketing and social media platforms.
“The shared vision of both Inova and the Mystics is key to this partnership as both organizations are focused on improving the communities in which we work, live and play,” said Mystics Chief Operating Officer Greg Bibb. “We look forward to wearing the Inova name on our uniform with great pride while we work together with their outstanding personnel to create a platform focused on childhood obesity, women’s health issues and preventative health. Not only is the Inova partnership the largest in terms of scope and commitment in the history of the Mystics, it is also one of the most important in terms of the opportunity it creates for us to make positive change throughout the greater Washington, D.C., region.”
Both Inova Health System and the Washington Mystics are dedicated to positively impacting the community and will center their partnership on that commitment. Both organizations will work together to design a program that will help improve the overall health of the community by promoting various initiatives and awareness programs. In addition, Inova will serve as the title sponsor of the team’s third annual School Day Game on May 26. The preseason contest against the Chicago Sky will allow students from the Washington metropolitan area to enjoy a basketball game presented in conjunction with a variety of educational components, including color workbooks, learning-based activities and exhibits. The School Day Game will also mark the first time that Mystics fans will have a chance to see the team’s new uniforms in action.
The Washington Mystics will tip off their 14th season on Saturday, June 4, on the road against the Connecticut Sun at 7:00 p.m. Washington’s home opener at Verizon Center is Saturday, June 11, at 7:00 p.m. against the Chicago Sky. Season and group tickets for the 2011 season are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the Mystics Sales Office at 1-877-DC-HOOP1 or by visiting the Mystics website at www.washingtonmystics.com. Individual tickets for the Mystics season will go on sale on April 11.
About Inova Health System
Inova Health System is a not-for-profit healthcare system based in Northern Virginia that consists of hospitals and other health services, including emergency- and urgent-care centers, home care, nursing homes, mental health and blood donor services, and wellness classes. Governed by a voluntary board of community members, Inova’s mission is to improve the health of the diverse community it serves through excellence in patient care, education and research. Inova provides a healthy environment for its patients, families, visitors, staff and physicians by prohibiting tobacco use on its campuses.
About the Washington Mystics
The WNBA’s Washington Mystics are owned and operated by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which is one of the largest integrated sports and entertainment companies in the country with one of the most diverse partnership groups in all of sports. The group also owns and operates the NBA’S Washington Wizards, the NHL’s Washington Capitals and Verizon Center – the premier sports and entertainment venue in Washington, D.C. Monumental Sports & Entertainment also oversees the management of Kettler Capitals Iceplex, the state-of-the-art training facility for the Capitals, and George Mason University’s Patriot Center.
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