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What's New | November 25, 2009

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Elderly Health
The elderly (age 65 and over) have complex health and social needs. Almost 75 percent of the elderly have at least one chronic illness, while roughly one-half have at least two. Many elderly patients take multiple medications, with some taking as many as 10 on a daily basis.

The featured innovations describe programs that focus on improving care coordination, influenza and pneumonia vaccination rates, and nursing home quality.

The featured QualityTools offer a range of practical resources that complement the featured innovations.
Featured Innovations:

•  Annual Drive-Through Clinic Enhances Access to Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccinations for Seniors
with Expert Commentary

•  Nursing Homes Create Home-Like, Resident-Focused Environment and Culture, Leading to Better Quality and Financial Performance, Higher Resident Satisfaction, and Lower Staff Turnover

•  Virtual Teams That Coordinate Care for Chronically Ill Geriatric Patients Reduce Emergency Department Visits and Improve Medication Compliance, Referral Patterns, and Patient Outcomes
with Story

Featured QualityTools:

• Development of the Artifacts of Culture Change Tool
Developed by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Edu-Catering

• Person-Directed Care Toolkit
Developed by TMF Health Quality Institute

• Virtual Integrated Practice (VIP) Toolkit
Developed by Rush University Medical Center

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Also in This Issue:
Innovations >

• Comprehensive Program Including Specialized Inpatient Unit, Standardized Protocols, and Interdisciplinary Team Improves Care Quality for Geriatric Patients

• Medicaid Plan-Sponsored Support of Case Managers Serving High-Cost Enrollees With Substance Abuse Disorders Enhances Access to Services Without Increasing Costs

• Nursing Home "Neighborhoods" Emphasize Dignity and Independence, Leading to Improvements in Resident Health and Quality of Life and Lower Employee Turnover

• Provider Training, Standardized Protocol, and Onsite Specialists Improve Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in Rural, Older Adults

• Real-Time, Resident-Specific Medication Information and Alerts, Supported by Medication Safety Teams, Enhance Efficiency and Reduce Medication Errors in Nursing Homes

• Updated Interim Methadone Maintenance Program Reduces Heroin Use and Increases Treatment Entry Rates for Addicts Awaiting Comprehensive Services

QualityTools >

• Immunizations Toolkit
Developed by Quality Partners of Rhode Island

• Pressure Ulcer Reduction Toolkit
Developed by TMF Health Quality Institute

• Restraint Toolkit
Developed by TMF Health Quality Institute