Martha Jefferson magazıne SPRING 2012 Birthday Surprise Cousins, Born Hours Apart, Give Family a Double Bundle of Joy PLUS: Convenient Comprehensive Cancer Care | Cardiac Devices that Save Lives Creating the Ultimate Patient Experience { PRESIDENT’S LETTER } Our Employees — The Embodiment of Our Caring Tradition Martha Jefferson W Magazine, established February 2006, is a publication of e’ve now been in our new hospital for a little more than six months, and the feedback Martha Jefferson we continue to receive is gratifying. People are commenting on the beautiful facility, the Health Services, a community original art gracing the walls and the wonderfully landscaped grounds with the breathtak- healthcare system including Martha ing views. For the first time in decades, we can say we have more than enough parking in Jefferson Hospital our enclosed parking garage, and patients have noted the easy access to the new facility off I-64 and Route 250. and Martha Jefferson Medical Services. We have also been in the news a lot recently due to the advanced technological capabilities we now have. Questions or Martha Jefferson has some sophisticated medical technology rarely found in community hospitals, and we continue to comments regarding any material in this stay on the cutting edge of new technology. In addition, we have been successfully expanding our strong medical staff publication should be directed to the Office with new primary care physicians and specialists who have been trained at some of the top programs in the country. of Public Relations, But what brings me the most satisfaction are the positive comments I consistently hear about Martha Jeffer- 500 Martha Jefferson Drive, son’s employees and volunteers. From the very start of the planning process for our new facility, our number-one Charlottesville, VA 22911. goal was to preserve and carry on Martha Jefferson’s Caring Tradition. I agree with others who say that our new building is wonderful, and I recognize that our technological resources are impressive — but without a team of MARTHA people who truly care for the people they serve, all of that would mean very little. JEFFERSON HOSPITAL Again and again I am impressed by the endless grace and numerous acts of kindness performed by Martha Jef- PRESIDENT ferson employees that I’ve both witnessed and heard about from others. It’s reassuring to me to know that what Jim Haden made Martha Jefferson special in our previous location is still firmly a part of who we are in our new facility. EDITORS Michael Cordell Obviously when somebody comes to the hospital, they’re looking for the best outcomes possible. They Jenn Downs want excellent physicians who have access to the most effective technology available. But at Martha Jefferson we CONTRIBUTORS believe that how we treat people is just as important a part of delivering quality healthcare. Treating everyone Diane DiCarlo with compassion and respect has an impact on medical outcomes. And viewing each person as an individual, not Karen Doss Bowman Cathy Link just as a medical condition, is an integral part of the caring and healing process. Lauri Wilson And I’m not just talking about providing highly personalized care to our patients — even though they are, of PHOTOGRAPHY course, our number-one priority. I’ve seen our staff go out of their way to do whatever they could to provide fam- Dominique Attaway Cramer Photo ily members and friends of our patients with the support they need and the amenities they deserve. I’ve also had Frank Crocker physicians visiting our hospital tell me about the excellent support and assistance the staff and volunteers provide. Luca DiCecco Natalie Krovetz Our Caring Tradition is truly embodied in everything we do, every single day. Jack Looney Susan Parmar Anna Pulliam Andrew Shurtleff James E. Haden DESIGN President Picante Creative C O N T E N T S s p r i n g 2 0 1 2 page 14 f e a t u r e s 14 All for One Martha Jefferson is making it easier than ever before for cancer patients to receive the best and most convenient comprehensive cancer care. We’ll show you our new cancer center and share its many benefits. 22 Birthday Surprise Two sisters share their story of surprise as they both deliver baby boys just hours apart at Martha Jefferson. Hear what the hospital means to them and the journey they’ve shared so far with their little ones. 32 The Long Goodbye Thousands of people suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in our community. Hear one woman’s inspiring story of motivation, compassion and love for her mother. On the Cover 30 22 Calendar Pull-Out C O N T E N T S s p r i n g 2 0 1 2 d e p a r t m e n t s { PRESIDENT’S LETTER } Inside Cover 3 { THE BEST MEDICINE } The Longest Journey Begins with 440 Steps 4 { PRAISEWORTHY } 5 { NEW FACES } 6 { THE CARING TRADITION } How May we Help You? Going Above and Beyond to Create the Ultimate Patient Experience 8 { CAREGIVERS } Practice Makes Perfect. New Simulation Center Gives Nurses Invaluable Access to Continued Learning 11 { CLINICAL EXCELLENCE } Like Clockwork. Device Clinic Keeps Hearts Beating to a Healthy Tune 18 { COMMUNITY } Helping Those Most in Need 28 30 28 { HEALTH AND WELLNESS } 8 Save your Skin. Enjoy the Outdoors While Minimizing the Risk of Skin Cancer 30 { EAT WELL, LIVE WELL } Meals by the Numbers 38 { PHILANTHROPY } Nursing at Martha Jefferson Hospital. 44 A Critical Strategic Imperative 60 { BOARD PERSPECTIVE } A Progress Report on Martha Jefferson’s Push for Top Performance 21 2 | Martha Jefferson | www.marthajefferson.org | spring 2012 { THE BEST MEDICINE } The Longest Journey Begins with 440 Steps BY MICHAEL CORDELL T o say I’m not an avid exerciser is as accurate as for “your body mass is immense.” I mentioned I was thinking saying I’m not an orangutan. I’m not making of trying to lose a few pounds this year, figuring Joe would say, any sort of value statement when I say I’m not “Oh, you don’t need to lose weight.” Instead he said, “Con- an exerciser (or an orangutan, for that matter); gratulations!” with such enthusiasm and gusto, you’d have it’s simply not who I am. Truth be told, in a lot thought I’d just told him I was thinking of quitting heroin. The next step was to attach to my belt a bright blue, of ways I’m more similar to the latter than to glow-in-the-dark pedometer (“pedometer” being Latin for the former — especially when I’m out “fashion faux pas”). What is it about exercise equipment and on the dance floor. bright colors? Have you looked at running shoes lately? Take the popular sport of running. They all look like they were designed to be worn by I don’t run, but it’s not because I’m lazy; neon-clad superheroes. I just pride myself on having strong time The next step was, well, to start taking steps. By management skills. Even a good runner, the end of the first day, my pedometer registered the for example, finds it challenging to run a number 440. While I’m in reasonably good shape, I marathon in less than three hours, whereas obviously knew I hadn’t walked 440 miles, which I make significantly better time driving that meant I must have walked 440 yards, the same as same distance in my car (unless, of course, walking the length of four football fields, plus a I’m on the D.C. Beltway, in which case the couple of side trips to the conces- runner might have a slight advantage). sion stand for popcorn and a I have similarly valid reasons for not basket of nachos with cheese. partaking in other forms of exercise. Lifting I felt that wasn’t bad for a first weights? They’re too heavy. Treadmills? day’s effort. I also felt hungry They make me sweat. StairMaster machines? for nachos. They make me feel like Sisyphus, but without But then I learned I had the rock. simply taken 440 steps. Was that Then Martha Jefferson started a even possible? It takes me 60 steps voluntary three-month walking program for to walk to the bathroom and back staff called “Martha in Motion.” Departments from my office, and I make that trip formed teams and tracked how far they maybe five times a day, so there’s 300 walked collectively as a sort of competition.* The program steps right there. The remaining 140 steps were just enough was allegedly conceived as a way to promote a healthy to get me to my car and back. Did I actually need to become lifestyle (apparently someone at Martha Jefferson read an more active? article — no doubt in some obscure Scandinavian journal — Over the past few weeks I’ve become much more aware that claimed exercise was good for you, and decided not to of how far I walk. And I’m now thinking maybe there’s wait for further research on this question). something to be said about this whole crazy exercise fad More than 800 employees signed up for Martha in after all, even about something as simple and relaxing as Motion. Keep in mind, Martha Jefferson employs approxi- walking. I feel better, I’ve lost weight, and I’m now averaging mately 1,600 people, which means we had at least 50 percent more than four miles a day. And while I’m still confident I participation. Did I mention it was voluntary? And involved could cover that same distance much quicker in my car, I’m exercising? Incredible. Despite my better judgment, I was learning that perhaps there’s more to life than just figuring peer-pressured by colleagues to join their team. out ways to get there faster. My first step was to have Joe Connor, the wellness *This magazine went to press before the Martha in coordinator at the hospital and the culprit who organized this Motion program concluded. Check our next issue for more madness, measure my BMI, which apparently is the acronym details about the overall results. 3 spring 2012 | www.marthajefferson.org | Martha Jefferson | { PRAISEWORTHY } A w a r d s W e are proud to print the following excerpts of letters received from patients MARTHA JEFFERSON GOES GREEN! regarding recent healthcare experiences Martha Jefferson has been awarded LEED® certification at Martha Jefferson Hospital. These letters remain anonymous, as Martha by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Jefferson takes great strides to protect Martha Jefferson is excited to be doing the privacy of community members. its part for our patients, staff and the greater community. During December 2011, my husband and I visited Martha Jefferson Hospital for outpatient surgery. We were very impressed, not only with the design and cleanliness of the new facility, but also with the consistently professional, caring and friendly Martha Jefferson Accredited by attitudes of every employee with whom we had contact. We consider ourselves very fortunate to Commission on Cancer have this conveniently located facility within a relatively short driving distance from home. Martha Jefferson Hospital is pleased — January 2012 to announce that it has been recog- nized by the American College of I just want you to know that the care I have Surgeons Commission on Cancer for having a Comprehen- received has been outstanding! From the very beginning, when it was determined I had a lump sive Cancer Program. in my right breast, I have known only compassion, Among the reasons Martha Jefferson received this concern and kindness from all those involved. award are the analysis of outstanding outcomes as well Along the way, every procedure was explained, as active outreach programs for prevention and early and while a few [of the procedures] weren’t all that detection (see calendar on page 30 for upcoming screen- pleasant, I appreciated their expertise and how ings). Our facilities, technology and specialized staff also smoothly each was done. I will be undergoing radiation therapy, and I will not mind at all making continue to give us an edge. these daily trips to Martha Jefferson. For more information on the Cancer Care Center at — November 2011 Martha Jefferson, and the services we provide, see story on page 14. During several previous outpatient proce- dures and my recent treatment for lymphoma, I have been impressed with the good care, kindness and efficiency of all the staff at Martha Martha Jefferson recently received reaccredita- Jefferson Hospital. My oncologist, Dr. Robert Pritchard, proceeded promptly with setting up tion of its postgraduate pharmacy residency testing to determine my type of lymphoma and program. Being able to provide a residency pro- the type of treatment. With his kind assurance of a good outcome and that I would feel better after gram demonstrates that Martha Jefferson is a treatment started, my chemotherapy proceeded leader in the pharmacy profession and follows quickly without fear. Indeed, my first infusion eliminated my pain, and after six treatments my established best practices. We’re honored to be lymphoma was in remission. The careful attention a training ground for future pharmacists! to my progress and control of medications kept me from being sick and minimized side effects during treatment. The great care of Dr. Pritchard and the staff at Martha Jefferson gave me back my life. — November 2011 @ Have an experience at Martha Jefferson you would like to share? Email your thoughts to [email protected]. 4 | Martha Jefferson | www.marthajefferson.org | spring 2012 { NEW FACES } Martha Jefferson is pleased to welcome the following Congratulations Residency: Tufts New England Medical to Betsy Collins, new physicians into the Center (Boston, MA) hospital community. a childbirth Fellowship: Beth Israel Deaconess To get connected with one of our Medical Center, Harvard Medical educator at Martha School (Boston, MA) physicians, or for more information on Jefferson, and Dr. any doctors at Martha Jefferson, please Dr. Ben Messinger Gordon Morris, a call Health Connection at (434) 654- Betsy Collins medical oncolo- 7009 or 1-888-652-6663. The physician Pain Management referral line is a free service that can Charlottesville Pain gist with Martha Jefferson Medical help you find a physician who fits your Management Center Oncology Associates. Both Collins individual needs. Medical School: and Dr. Morris were recognized West Virginia University by The Daily Progress on its annual Dr. James Freeman (Morgantown, WV) “Distinguished Nephrology Residency: University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA) Dozen” list. Martha Jefferson Nephrology Fellowship: University of Virginia Collins has been (Charlottesville, VA) Medical School: a compassionate, University Medical Clinical Interests: Interventional pain understanding Center (Jackson, MS) therapies, radiofrequency ablation techniques, spinal cord stimulation resource for new Residency: Virginia Com- and focus on wellness monwealth University (Richmond, VA) moms and dads Dr. Gordon Morris Personal Interests: Spending time with Fellowship: Virginia Commonwealth for more than 20 years, and Dr. my four children, fly fishing, cycling University (Richmond, VA) and farming Morris has been like family to many Clinical Interests: Nephrology, patients for more than 25 years. hypertension and kidney stones Dr. Sharon Meth Personal Interests: Hiking, painting and Internal Medicine watching the Saints play football Blue Ridge Internal Facebook Feedback Dr. Stephen Gunther Medicine Medical School: Orthopedic Surgery I toured your facility online, and it Tufts University Martha Jefferson (Boston, MA) was excellent. You’re planning for the Orthopedics future, and the way you have set up Residency: University of your patient rooms is impressive. As a Medical School: Virginia (Charlottesville, VA) patient, I can totally appreciate what Dartmouth Medical Clinical Interests: General internal you have done. School (Hanover, NH) medicine, preventative medicine and Residency: George management of acute illnesses Thank you everyone at Martha Jefferson Washington University Hospital Hospital for the loving personal care, as (Washington, DC) Personal Interests: Spending time with family, hiking and traveling well as the excellent medical attention Fellowship: Prince of Wales Hospital given to my mom these past few days. (Sydney, Australia) First Class, all the way!! Clinical Interests: Sports medicine and Martha Jefferson Hospital extends shoulder, elbow and knee surgery its condolences to the families of the Personal Interests: Biking, kayaking, following physicians who have recently “LIKE” skiing, golf and playing tennis with my passed away. The work each of them MARTHA JEFFERSON wife and twin boys did will always be appreciated and ON FACEBOOK and get updates Dr. Rodney Jamil remembered by those at Martha Jef- and insights on the ferson Hospital and by the individuals Hematology/ latest health news, and families that they each touched. Oncology treatments and Dr. Bill Pollard technologies at our H.O.P.E. Dr. Austin Sydnor new hospital. Medical School: Georgetown University Dr. Walter Copley McLean School of Medicine (Washington, DC) 5 spring 2012 | www.marthajefferson.org | Martha Jefferson | { THE CARING TRADITION } Martha Jefferson Goes Above and Beyond to Create the Ultimate Patient Experience HOW MAY WE HELP painted in warm colors and artwork displayed in nearly every space — among many other features — the new Martha Jefferson was thoughtfully conceived to make life brighter, easier and more pleasant for our patients while they heal. In YOU? addition, a number of new practices and services were put into place to enhance the overall caregiving environment. S TAKING TIME FOR ONE-ON-ONE Research and testing have demonstrated that the more time pending time in a hospital, whether as a patient or visi- a nurse or doctor spends with a patient in the hospital, the tor, probably isn’t how anyone would choose to pass better that patient’s visit will be. Not only will more face-to- the time on a given day. The healing process can be a face contact make patients feel that they are getting more challenging time for patients and loved ones alike, and personalized attention, but one-on-one time also gives them a — understandably — hospitals aren’t often thought better chance to understand the illness they have, what may of as warm, homey places in which to recuperate. With have caused it, and the treatment options available to help Martha Jefferson’s long-standing commitment to The Car- them get better. ing Tradition, we know there’s far more involved in the quality of At the new Martha Jefferson, the caregiving team of a hospital stay than simply receiving top clinical care and achieving nurses, doctors, physical therapists and dietitians is more the best possible outcomes. So when we set out to design the new involved and present during a patient’s stay than ever before. Martha Jefferson, we set out to rethink completely what is possible For instance, each room includes a bedside computer station in the patient experience. that allows nurses to exchange information directly with the In designing the new facility, planners made tremendous efforts patient. Patients can ask questions of the nurses and provide to change the preconceptions of the past, paying attention to every feedback on their care during these exchanges, which nurses last detail and creating a community hospital that would be com- can then enter directly into a patient’s digital record, right fortable and welcoming to all. With exclusively private rooms, walls there in the room. 6 | Martha Jefferson | www.marthajefferson.org | spring 2012 “Having the personal connection is For several years, the executive feedback we can get, so we’re excited to a very important part of the process for team has been visiting staff for safety be able to meet many of them and hear our patients,” said Faye Satterly, director walks as a way to learn about potential how things have been going. We know of Planetree and cancer services. problems that may arise, and subse- we’re going to hear the good and the The private rooms also facilitate quently address and find solutions bad, but having a complete picture really communication among doctors, patients for those problems. The new patient does help us do our job better.” and families, providing ample room for walks are an extension of that safety Recently during one of the execu- all concerned parties to be involved in program — and another way to receive tive team’s rounds, a patient noted that treatment discussions. While perhaps valuable feedback. the wires on the headboard of the seemingly a minor detail, the extra space The administrative team members patient bed tended to become tangled actually can have a big impact, allowing take turns making visits and will work easily, due to the way they were set up. everyone to be involved as the plan of closely with nurses to make sure the Although the wires didn’t directly affect care develops. patients they visit with are well enough the patient’s care, the Martha Jefferson “Our goal was to create an environ- to have a short chat. staff is now looking into the matter to ment that allowed for comfort and “We understand that some of our see what improvements can be made enhanced communication,” said Satterly. patients are very ill, and we will always to correct the problem. The case serves “Having the involvement of all members make sure that their care comes first,” as an excellent example of how patient of the team is crucial to delivering the stated Kuida. “We also know, however, feedback can lead to tangible improve- best possible outcomes for our patients.” that their opinions are some of the best ments in the patient environment. SIAimtaMbhtwtaKugnnhah nrseTousNlhagie ee dkAggtsasir a iaa dp a dtehtrhYOwtvtyeh “naei d toeIi.traeW ,aNs P iairexs mhmItlti celpsnThtJaipGe ooh eecea,li I w e -wteMtf ni eklatMcahfeIiriacii Nkiemli ofvttneAr’eathr ehosleuhmo grsnyeL T t owltiep mo ca hdn“h O2fxEnae ueer eagev0ebbeo Xr.Ure esa i e1aJc oeosud PkdpeCtt2aiu upniibt fmdEarnn,Ht tftdp eatfooieR mggrivict sore nnowTs hIec”ksoEern iemO e ohwst motftNt ouitfihneetsrr rinonm,bECcacr kt a”spho mieketiN iEhttenisamu rar yvtom aot.Ssgygh d eiip twn“,Ue dhoeuob aIrt an o ft Rnr peeoEcnw g tiutrladEavnsaledehslmte t ergi t ta sieo e o ist e lea ot hg tsfn’re uo seietv t s - , aqdvfaMOFatttarohaodfni uuonrt nesalrmele eerciomn errtmteii cwsutannsxh oeh rti ii,sRanssgnfe inht eaaodgnmer itatmr n f untuJbt hithr ppdpgeoacsseeehe rnl affo mh ace fa caintpenetoc ns goi o ttneaeagkreirfhs sosfredttn eeu M h .dooi t dblvt eeunthn ie ans ca aitmdei.thrttc ti , owtep koin oflinu tsrohr -, o r AmCAfCrHaoaderCWoscnmeCau iotIahmnbn vCsr oemomlaaie eetlmnromt unrsre temohgomy r?gtemny fe deo eyn ettmyoryereouusnt eou?o:osnea tuc Yu b :s utacntmw A:rsei iecrnt Ano :b o ssues yYTmqtnb : sturnTh tr eouas rohoehl Ifeoesdyleitrridmuney lnd?o s hu ulco t tgmnb?ihelakitcru oeeelaeee s yNdw lnrmY d?lvybs sesYeoe en eydtr sNb?ebe oe u w secn iYeos nor uyiepe e?sn groonrey o s grc rru o enje ga ru nauoadn rnnsrtrNeit tn ds.eanNn owgcwotuua?o er t rtmN?nsorso eeueo eys dmr? osi b neai unek rww se anih i dyetteehioemn oudr euerss lhp tysa ito fsatr yt able to improve. Serving our patients is our No. 1 goal, and they know best how Standing at the Ready we can improve.” welcome patients and help them out From the moment a patient arrives at of their cars when they first arrive. Martha Jefferson, one of our primary Once inside, patients and visitors alike The Guest Services desk is goals is to make them feel right at can get quick access to whatever they staffed 24 hours a day, seven home. And to make sure we are meet- may need — whether it’s a special days a week. Concierge Services ing every need a patient may have, the food they’ve been craving, a TV that hospital has established a new Guest needs to be fixed, or just a few direc- can be reached Monday through Services Department to serve as a tions — with one easy phone call to Friday, 6 a.m. – 9 p.m., and one-stop call center. 654-7001. Saturday and Sunday, “We are here to help with whatev- “Although our goal is to provide 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. er our guests may need,” said Martha the best possible outcomes for all To contact Concierge Services, Hunter, director of guest services. “It’s our patients, we also know that the simply dial 654-7001, or 7001 our goal to make every stay as pleas- little things about their stay do help from an in-house extension. ant as possible.” to make a difference in their heal- The work of Guest Services ing,” said Hunter. “Certain foods and begins even before a patient enters comforts of home can do wonders for the hospital, with the friendly Martha people, and we’re here to make sure Jefferson valet staff members who that those things can fall into place.” { CAREGIVERS } PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT 8 | Martha Jefferson | www.marthajefferson.org | spring 2012