N E W S F R O M T H E R E G I O N ’ S P R E M I E R A C A D E M I C M E D I C A L C E N T E R

ADVANCES DECEMBER 31, 2015

Removing barriersfor those in need Program Spotlight

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Unique training program leads to fewer birth complications

Sometime on Friday, Jan. 1, a baby will be born on the fifth floor of The University of Kansas Hospital.

Will it be Kansas City’s first baby of 2016? We’ll know soon enough, but one thing is evident: The tiny bundle of joy will enter the world in one of the nation’s safest labor-and-delivery units.

For the past seven years, health-care professionals at the hospital and University of Kansas Medical Center have participated annually in a two-day training program designed to improve outcomes for mothers and babies experiencing obstetric emergencies.

Now a research study published in the Journal of Perinatology has found the program is associated with significant reductions in rates of mothers’ Cesarean delivery and episiotomies, as well as lower

rates of babies’ birth hypoxia and brachial plexus injury from shoulder dystocia. Less medical intervention, better outcomes and fewer complications also meant lower healthcare costs.

The program, originally developed in the United Kingdom, is called Practical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training (PROMPT). Physicians and staff at our hospital, which also offers a Level III Neonatal ICU, adapted the program to the U.S. and took the lead in incorporating it in training.

“For the past seven years, it has been a requirement that all members of our birthing team, from doctors to nurses to support staff, go through the PROMPT training every year,” said the study’s principal author, Carl Weiner, MD, chair of gynecology and obstetrics at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and director of the Center for Advanced Fetal Care.

He said PROMPT combines classroom instruction and hands-on practice using simula-tors to put physicians and nurses

through joint exercises that better prepare them for birth complica-tions. “Having our staff take the PROMPT training has made us one of the safest places in the country for labor and delivery,” Weiner said. “This research study reinforces that belief.”

The PROMPT program is used in about a dozen countries, including England, Australia, Zimbabwe and China. A team from our hospital and medical center has begun training other hospitals across the United States on how to use it.

Happy moms, healthy babies

By the Numbers: Birth rate, complications To suggest a By the Numbers, email Advances@kumc.edu.

23.8%Percentage of Cesarean deliveries at The University of Kansas Hospital in 2014. The national rate is 32.7%

Labor/Delivery’s Megan Giannola, RN (left), and Melissa Donovan, RN, display wel-come basket gifts awaiting the hospital’s first baby of the new year.

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

3.53.02.52.01.51.00.5

0

1,700

1,650

1,600

1,550

1,500

1,450

1,400

30%

28%

26%

24%

22%

20%

18%2010 Q4 2011 Q4 2012 Q4

Total deliveries versus Cesarean at The University of Kansas Hospital

Episiotomy rates at our hospital (% of vaginal deliveries)

● # total ● % Cesarean

A new research study has found a unique training program at The University of Kansas Hospital is associated with significantly reduced rates of Cesarean delivery, episiotomies and other complications.

14.4% National

episiotomy rate

Carl Weiner, MD

Events Targeting pain management

– A nine-week course, “Learn to Manage Your Pain Before it Manages You,” explores a range of strategies, including guided imagery, hope, exercise, medica-tions, functional restoration, foods, biofeedback and T’ai Chi. Sessions are noon-1 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 6-March 2, in The University of Kansas Hospital’s Center for Transplantation Education Room. Attendance at all classes is recom-mended but not required. Call 913-574-0900 to register.

‘Inside Out’ for adults – The smash summer movie “Inside Out” teaches children and adults to become aware of and accept their feelings. Learn to better identify your feelings and work on labeling the emotions behind anger, frustration and resentment. Naming the emotions can help us see our own vulnerability and welcome the emotions that live inside us. The class is 2-3:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 14, at Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing in Leawood. Call 913-574-0900 to register.

Kids, families and illness – How are your kids dealing with the illness in your family? Participants (ages 4 through teenager) are placed in groups based on age, where they can express feelings and improve coping skills. They also meet kids in similar situations and have fun while learning. An adult group meets at the same time, because grown-ups need support too. The class is 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 14-28, at Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing in Leawood. Call 913-574-0900 to register.

Finding forgiveness – Meditation offers a time to be still and to open ourselves to the deeper, wiser, more compas-sionate parts of who we are. Through meditation, writing and discussion, we will call on our deepest selves to release old emotional hurts – feelings of unforgiveness toward others or ourselves. The session is 2:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, at Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing in Leawood. Call 913-574-0900 to register.

PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT

Removing barriers, preparing for life Local adults with intellectual

disabilities are developing impor-tant skills to carry them through life, thanks to a unique partnership involving the University of Kansas Department of Occupational Therapy Education.

The students and faculty, part of the School of Health Professions, are collaborating with a local chapter of Mosaic, a nationwide faith-based organiza-tion. It helps individuals – known as clients – who have intellectual disabilities. Services range from residential and occupational support to case management.

The organization contacted KU about two years ago. Students now help Mosaic clients create life plans, such as preparing for jobs that fit their skills and interests, as well as help creating resumes, improving interview skills and learning job-specific abilities.

Consider their work with Ariel. Students learned last spring she liked cleaning and organizing merchandise on store shelves. Student Christina Kerr contacted T.J. Maxx at Legends Outlets in Kansas City, Kan.

Kerr helped Ariel, who is 32, prepare for interviews. After Ariel

was hired, Kerr collaborated with the retailer to create strategies that teach Ariel job routines and expectations, including clocking herself in and out.

Kerr also devel-oped visual schedules enabling Ariel to keep track of morning and evening routines. She even helped organize Ariel’s closet so she can easily choose work-appropriate clothing by herself.

Now, three times a week, Ariel takes a city bus from her home to the Legends. Holding down a job and navigating her way there and back, on her own, are tremendous sources of pride for her.

OT faculty and students have helped 11 Mosaic clients secure jobs over the past year, making it one of organization’s most success-ful jobs programs in the country.

The program has been so effective it was a featured topic at Mosaic’s national conference in November. Other chapters in

Kansas and Colorado plan to rep-licate its success, and OT faculty and students were invited to talk about their success at the national American Occupational Therapy Association conference in April.

The OT students also ben-efit, gaining vital experience. “I learned to never underestimate a person with a disability,” said student Olivia Hargreaves. “The clients amazed me with their work ethic, perseverance and positive attitudes. They taught me what is really important in life.”

Ariel prepares clothes for display at T.J. Maxx.

EXPOSURE

Patient huddle Kansas City Chiefs quar-terbacks and cheerleaders took time from their rousing season last week to spread holiday cheer among patients, families and staff at The University of Kansas Hospital. In Pediatrics they encountered 2-year-old Luna Sauza, with parents Diana Perez and Bogart Sauza. The QBs (from left) are Chase Daniel, Alex Smith, Tyler Bray and Aaron Murray.

Saving Santa’s leg: The Miracle on 39th The story of Allen Young, a local Santa Claus whose leg

was saved after a series of surgeries at The University of Kansas Hospital, has captivated much of the nation.

Called the “Miracle on 39th Street,” in reference to the hospital’s location, the story was picked up by the “Today Show,” Huffington Post, “ Inside Edition” and other national media.

It was a year ago that Young lost his wife of 24 years to cancer. As a longtime Santa, he and Laura – who sometimes appeared with him as Mrs. Claus – were popular at the hospital and elsewhere.

Before her death, she told Young she wanted him to con-tinue to play Santa every year and think of her. But weeks later, Young learned his leg might need to be amputated due to a severe infection. He had neglected it while caring for his wife.

Young resisted, telling Orthopedics’ David Anderson, MD, that Santa couldn’t have just one leg. “It was just after Christmas last year,” recalls Anderson, a father of three, “which hits close to home. He also told me I’d get coal if I didn’t save his leg, so it became personal.”

Four surgeries – including a new knee – and 10 months later, Young’s leg was saved, and a healthy Santa Claus made our hospital’s Pediatric unit his first holiday stop.

Staying grounded: New coffee at hospitalThe University of Kansas Hospital’s signature coffee, 3901

Blend, debuted to rave reviews last week.

To create the blend, five hospital employees spent several hours at The Roasterie sampling coffees from the around the world.

The team eventually selected a blend comprised of four beans and two different roast levels. The Roasterie describes 3901 Blend – equal parts Kenya Vienna roast, Colombia Vienna roast, Sumatra French roast and Brazil French roast – as “rich, full body with notes of candied cherry, peanuts and bakers chocolate.”

The coffee is available at The Roasterie Café, in the lobby of the Center for Advanced Heart Care; in the main cafeteria; and at the Westwood Campus Atrium. The new 3901 Blend also is available in 12-oz. retail bags ($10.99).

New

s Br

iefsIn the News

A recap of recent articles, TV segments and other media coverage of the region’s leading academic medical center

Ebola’s lingering effects – HealthDay, Dec. 18. A report in the New England Journal of Medicine found Ebola survivors suffer lingering symp-toms such as joint pain, hair loss and lethargy. The study, conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, surveyed eight Ebola survivors. Lee Norman, MD, chief medical officer at The University of Kansas Hospital, isn’t surprised survivors suffer chronic symptoms. He found the report “very helpful in terms of further defining the variety of symptoms that can persist.” Survivors are being treated for their complaints by their regular physicians.

Slugging it out with Parkinson’s – KSHB, Dec. 17. Several men with Parkinson’s disease are fighting it with a nontraditional treatment. Title Boxing in Overland Park started a 30-minute class twice a week for such patients. Neurologist Rajesh Pahwa, MD, at The University of Kansas Hospital, is a fan. “You’re hitting something. You’re actually using your strength to hit it. You’re using your coordination,” said Pahwa, who treats nearly 1,500 Parkinson’s patients every year. “I think, in a way, boxing kind of completes a whole picture that will help with their Parkinson’s.”

Cancer program promotes heart health – KMBC News, Dec. 14. A program at The University of Kansas Hospital combines cardiology and oncology. Chemotherapy can sometimes cause heart problems in cancer patients, so physicians try to find a balance to keep the patient as healthy as possible. “The No. 1 cause of death in breast cancer survivors is cardiovascular disease. It’s not recurrent cancer,” said cardiologist Charles Porter, MD. The cardio-oncology program is still relatively new, but physicians said it could save countless lives as more research is done.

New frontiers in cancer treatments – KCUR, Dec. 10. The future of cancer treatment is becoming more personalized, according to oncolo-gists at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. During a 50-minute radio interview, Joseph McGuirk, DO, and Marc Hoffmann, MD, discussed innovations in cancer treatment. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach of radiation and chemotherapy, physicians are taking cues from the human body, such as looking at a patient’s particular genetic makeup before determining a method of treatment.

Homeward bound Every year, staff at The University of Kansas Hospital host a holiday wreath-decorating contest. Dessert platters go to the winning departments, and then all 59 entries go to patients and families to take home. Last week in the Pediatric ICU, 4-year-old Roman Volkov – with Nathan Mattson, RN – chose this Royals-festooned wreath for his family.

Santa discussed his holiday return with Orthopedics’ David Anderson, MD.

The hospital’s coffee team at The Roasterie (from left): Admitting’s Melinda Clark; Joseph Macek, Cardiothoracic ICU; Greg Anderson, Cardiovascular Progressive Care; Breanna Weisbrod, Nursing Clinical Excellence; and Megan Laskares, Unit 41.

ADVANCES

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Bob Page, President and CEO The University of Kansas Hospital

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Our People Outstanding Resident – Internal Medicine’s Joshua Gray, DO, has been

named Outstanding Resident of the Quarter at The University of Kansas Hospital. He was nominated by Ashley

Penner, RN, on behalf of Hematology/Oncology Units 41/42/45.

“Each interaction I have with Dr. Gray is patient- and family-focused,” Penner wrote. “I have seen him interact with the attending physician both during rounds and at the bed-side. He shows great respect and takes every opportunity he can to learn.

“I can tell he has a passion for caring for others while also having the knowledge needed to make important clinical decisions,” she added.

Every quarter, nurses at the hospital honor one of the hospital’s approxi-mately 500 residents who displays excellence in medical practice, including professionalism, quality and patient and family care.

Excellence in Caring – The University of Kansas Hospital each quarter presents the Excellence in Caring Award to several employees who demon-strate extraordinary levels of care, professionalism and leadership.

This quarter’s recipients are Scott Kramer, PT, and Terry Walker.

Kramer, a physical therapist in Rehabilitation Services, plays an inte-gral role in his patients’ physical and mental well-being. Nurses and other caregivers say he provides comprehen-sive care, understanding the patient’s mental and emotional health closely correlate with their physical health.

He frequently is praised as an exemplary team player and for his “ap-proachable professionalism,” according to Unit 45’s Emily McCracken, RN.

“Scott always takes the time to explain to patients what their exercise is doing and why the therapy is important in their recovery,” she said. “He knows how to make patients feel comfortable while still giving them good therapy. He’s also not afraid to tell them the hard things in a compassionate way and push them to get better.”

As a housekeeper in Environmental Services, Walker takes time while cleaning a patient’s room to get to know them as a person, according to nurses. During the conversation, if a patient has a question about their treat-ment, Walker notifies the nurse manager for quick follow-up and care.

“Terry is one of the best housekeepers I’ve ever worked with,” said Unit 45’s Robin Thompson, RN. “He truly exemplifies the kind, compassionate and hardworking attitude we expect and our patients need.

“Our patients are really in tune to cleanliness due to their risk for infec-tions,” she added. “They often compliment Terry on satisfaction surveys for doing his job so well and for bringing a warm, friendly smile to work.”

BE HAPPY.

GIRLS’ NIGHT IN 2016BE ENTERTAINED. BE INSPIRED. BE EDUCATED.

Tuesday, February 95:30 p.m. Registration6 p.m. ProgramMingling, wine, heart-healthy bites

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Join Kansas City’s own:

Gretchen RubinNew York Times bestselling author

Julie DunlapCo-author and composer of hit musical MotherFreakingHood!

Sherry KuehlAlso known as “Snarky in the Suburbs”

Tickets on sale now. girlsnightinkc.com

Proceeds from this entertaining evening will benefit the Adelaide C. Ward Women’s Heart Health Center, Turning Point: The Center for Hope and Healing and a new nurse navigator program that will provide individualized assistance for heart patients with complex conditions.

kuhospitalheart

kuhospitalheart

Gray and Penner

Kramer with colleagues

Walker

Carol Ulloa, MD Neurology

New

Phy

sici

ans

Bartholomew Kane, MD Transplant/Pediatric Surgery

Michael Purvin, MD Anesthesiology

Jessie Gills, MD Urology

Kapil Kohli, MD Internal Medicine/Hospitalist

Rawan Albadareen, MD Neurology