Feb21

Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Staff Earn Certifications

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Would Healing & Hyperbaric Center News

Hays, Kansas –Leslie Engel, BSN, RN-WCC and Michelle Weigel LPN CHT WCC successfully passed the national board certification exam in wound care. The certification is awarded by the National Alliance of Wound Care and Ostomy. The certification certifies that the recipients have completed coursework in evidence-based, wound care management and treatment strategies based on national standards.

Engle works as a case manager in the wound center, directing and managing care of the patients alongside the providers. Weigel is a certified hyperbaric technician. Both have been HaysMed Associates for 8 years.

Sep6

HaysMed Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center Brings Attention to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) Awareness Month in September

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Would Healing & Hyperbaric Center News

Hays, KS (Sept 6, 2018) – Peripheral arterial disease, or (PAD) develops when arteries become completely or partially blocked with plaque deposits that limit blood flow to legs. Just like clogged arteries in the heart, clogged arteries in the legs increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or even death.

Artherosclerosis (plaque buildup) in the legs does not always cause symptoms, so many people can have PAD. and not know it. People who do experience symptoms, such as pain or cramping in the legs, often do not report them, believing they are a natural part of aging or due to another cause. PAD affects more than 12 million people in the United States which is why September is recognized as PAD Awareness Month.

Peripheral arterial disease increases in prevalence with age. One in every 8 Americans older than 60 years of age have PAD. Common risk factors include high cholesterol, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, inactivity, atherosclerosis and age. As many as 6 million people with diabetes have PAD, making it one of the primary co-morbidities of diabetes.

There are many possible side effects of atherosclerosis in the lower extremities, including claudication, non-healing leg ulcers and critical limb ischemia. Chronic toe and foot sores are common in people with PAD, as are cramping, numbness, weakness or heaviness in the leg muscles. Many patients with PAD do not experience symptoms.

While some with PAD do not experience symptoms, people should be aware of certain factors that put them more at risk. Smokers are four times at greater risk, African Americans are more than twice as likely to have PAD, and one in every three people over the age of 50 with diabetes is likely to have the disease.”

The Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center recommends the following action steps to help manage PAD:

Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, correcting blood pressure and cholesterol numbers
Develop healthy eating habits and an exercise plan. Exercising can help increase the circulation and reduce pain in the lower extremities. Walking, hiking and bike riding are good exercise options. A personal trainer can help tailor a custom workout plan that best fits a person’s needs.
Medications– Always consult with a physician about which medications may help PAD and if they are needed.
Special procedures and surgeries– In some severe cases of PAD, surgery may be needed to open arteries that have narrowed. Consult with a physician to see if surgery is a necessary treatment.

For more information, contact the HaysMed Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center at 785-623-5602 or go to www.haysmed.com/wound-center

Oct30

HaysMed Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center Aims to Raise Awareness of Diabetic Foot Ulcers

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Would Healing & Hyperbaric Center News

Hays, Kansas (Oct 30, 2017) – The Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center at HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, and a member of the Healogics network, is participating in the Healogics National Diabetes Campaign from October 30 to November 3. The Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center at HaysMed offers advanced therapies to patients suffering from chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers. Team members across the nation will dedicate the entire week to visiting local physician offices to provide education on the treatment of potential or existing chronic wounds for people also suffering from diabetes.

An estimated 30.3 million people in the United States (9.4 percent of the population) have diabetes; including 7.2 million who are unaware they are living with the disease. The percentage of adults with diabetes increases with age, reaching a high of 25.2 percent among those aged 65 years or older. In addition to age, risk factors for diabetes include diet, activity level, obesity and heredity.

High blood sugar levels, poor circulation, immune systems issues, nerve damage, and infection may contribute to a non-healing diabetic foot ulcer. Approximately 15 percent of people living with diabetes will develop a foot ulcer. An estimated 14-24 percent of people with foot ulcers will experience an amputation.

Early detection and intervention can help to mitigate the possibility of limb loss. The [Wound Care Center name] recommends the following to help prevent diabetic foot ulcers:

Stop smoking immediately
Comprehensive foot examinations each time you visit your healthcare provider (at least four times a year)
Daily self-inspections of the feet, or have a family member perform the inspection
Regular care of the feet including cleaning toenails and taking care of corns and calluses
Choose supportive, proper footwear (shoes and socks)
Take steps to improve circulation such as eating healthier and exercising on a regular basis

Proper wound care is imperative to healing diabetic foot ulcers. The Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center offers a number of leading-edge treatments including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Total Contact Casting (TCC), and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy. These specialized wound care therapies can aid in wound closure, new tissue growth, wound tissue regeneration and much more.

Contact the HaysMed Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center to learn more about diabetic foot ulcers or if you have a wound that will not heal. To schedule an appointment, please call 785-623-6502 or visit www.haysmed.com/wound-center/

Oct23

HaysMed’s Low Infection Rates Recognized With National Certification

By Gayla Wichman - Breast Care Center,DeBakey Heart Institute News,Dreiling/Schmidt Cancer Institute,Emergency Department News,Family Medicine,HaysMed News,Nursing News,OB-GYN,Orthopedic Institute News,Pediatrics,Urology,Women-Infant Services,Would Healing & Hyperbaric Center News

Hays, Kansas (Oct 23, 2017) – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, is the only hospital in Kansas that has earned a prestigious certification because of its low infection risk. And it is one of only four hospitals in the United States to receive the Management of Infection Risk (MIR) certificate.

“HaysMed goes above and beyond current standards to prevent patients from acquiring an infection while they are in the hospital,” said Kim Koerner, BSN, RN, infection prevention officer/associate health nurse. “As a result, we are at or below national hospital-acquired infection rates.

“Every department here works to decrease infection risk by reviewing processes and practices,” Koerner continued. “High-risk areas became focal points for each department, which has resulted in decreased infection risk and increased patient safety at HaysMed.”

Koerner cited just a few examples of areas in which safety has been enhanced.

They include: decreased hip/knee surgical site infection risk; decreased surgical site infection risk in colon procedures and hysterectomies; decreased device-related infections with urinary catheters and central lines; and decreased infections related to the environment.

“This certification validates the importance of decreasing infection risk and increasing patient safety to every single person at HaysMed,” Koerner commented. “Eighteen primary factors that cover the entire facility are considered in certification.

“And it’s not only doctors and nurses that are involved,” she added. “Processes in maintenance, dietary and environmental science also are reviewed.”

Melanie Urban, BSN, RN, HACP, patient quality services director, said Koerner has empowered all HaysMed employees to enhance safety. “It takes the motivation of everyone here to identify vulnerabilities, re-design systems and efficiently manage resources,” Urban said. “The Management of Infection Risk Committee has been diligent in getting everyone engaged.”

The committee includes clinical and non-clinical associates, as well as Dr. Kayla Gray, Hospitalist. “Attainment of this distinguished award demonstrates Hays Medical Center’s continued commitment to excellence in both patient and community healthcare. “ Gray stated.

HaysMed is accredited by DNV Healthcare, which is the entity that awarded the MIR certification. “This is a world-leading certification entity,” Urban said. “It helps us achieve excellence by improving quality and patient safety.”

MIR certification builds on three important pillars, Urban noted. These are: being proactive instead of reactive; developing a safety culture that is transparent and accountable; and engaging all staff in a systems-driven approach to safety.

“Therefore, our certification lets our community and region we serve know we have the resources and commitment to provide the best possible care while managing infection risk,” Urban said.

DNV GL – Healthcare, which operates in more than 100 countries, surveys HaysMed annually. Patrick Horine, chief executive officer of DNV GL – Healthcare, said “achieving certification shows commitment to excellence. And it helps demonstrate to your community that you are performing at the highest level.”

Sep6

CLOGGED ARTERIES IN LEGS POSE MAJOR HEALTH RISK

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Would Healing & Hyperbaric Center News

HaysMed Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center recognizes September as
Peripheral Arterial Disease Awareness Month

Hays KS (Sept 6, 2017) – HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health Center is highlighting information on Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) as part of a PAD Awareness month in September. PAD is a condition that develops when the arteries that supply oxygen-rich blood to the internal organs, arms and legs become completely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis (buildup of plaque). PAD can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, amputation and possibly death. PAD affects 8 to 12 million Americans, which is why September is recognized as PAD Awareness Month.

There are many possible side effects of atherosclerosis including angina and heart attacks if the coronary arteries are involved; strokes and transient ischemic attacks if the carotid and vertebral arteries are involved; and claudication, non-healing leg ulcers and critical limb ischemia if the lower extremity arteries are involved. Chronic toe and foot sores are common in people with PAD, as are cramping, numbness, weakness or heaviness in the leg muscles. Many patients with PAD do not experience symptoms.

“While some with PAD do not experience symptoms, people should be aware of certain factors that put them more at risk,” said, Todd Walburn, BSN, RN, Director of the Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Center at HaysMed. “Smokers are four times at greater risk, African Americans are more than twice as likely to have PAD, and one in every three people over the age of 50 with diabetes is likely to have the disease.”

The Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center at HaysMed recommends the following action steps to help manage PAD:

Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, correcting blood pressure and cholesterol numbers
- Smoking, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are major risk factors for the development of PAD. Managing these conditions can help improve blood circulation.
Develop healthy eating habits and an exercise plan
- Exercising can help increase the circulation and reduce pain in the lower extremities. Walking, hiking and bike riding are good exercise options. A personal trainer can help tailor a custom workout plan that best fits a person’s needs.
Medications
- Always consult with a physician about which medications may help PAD and if they are needed.
Special procedures and surgeries
- In some severe cases of PAD, surgery may be needed to open arteries that have narrowed. Consult with a physician to see if surgery is a necessary treatment.

For more information about PAD and treating chronic wounds, contact the Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center at 785-623-5602 or go to www.haysmed.com/wound-center/.

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Aug14

HaysMed Hosts Wound Symposium

By Gayla Wichman - HaysMed News,Upcoming Events,Would Healing & Hyperbaric Center News

Hays, Kansas (August 14, 2017)— HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, will present a Wound Symposium on Friday, September 22, 2017. The programs are jointly provided by HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System, The University of Kansas Medical Center Continuing Education and Professional Development and the Area Health Education Center – West. The program will be held at HaysMed in the Hadley Conference Rooms.

Registration and breakfast for the program begins at 8:00 am. The program runs from 8:30 am – 4:30pm. Topics covered include: pyoderma gangrenousm, arterial flow and wound healing, initial evaluation of the diabetic foot, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and diabetic foot ulcers, ostomy care and management and dressing woundd and wound types.

Speakers for the program include: Zurab Tsereteli, MD, Surgeon; M. Javed Ashraf, MD, Interventional Cardiologist, and Todd Walburn, RN, WCC all from HaysMed. Steve Orr, MD, FACEP/UHM, FAPWCA, The University of Kansas Health System; Eugen Worth, MR, FABA, UHM, Kansas City; and Kristie L. Hartig, BSN, RN, PHN, SWOCN, WCC, SEOC, St. Francis Health Center, Topeka.

The program is designed for Physicians, PAs, APRN’s, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses, Social Workers, PTS, OTS and other interested Healthcare Professionals.

All participants are required to complete and sign a “verification of attendance” form. After the program, a certificate of completion will be provided to activity participants based on documentation of actual attendance time.

Physician: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of The University of Kansas Medical Center Office of Continuing Medical Education and HaysMed, part of The University of Kansas Health System. The University of Kansas medical Center Office of Continuing Medical Education is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The KU Medical Center Office of Continuing Medical Education designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits^TMPhysicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of the participation in this activity.

CNE: Hays Medical Center is approved as a provider of continued nursing education by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. The course offering is approved for 6.75 contact hours applicable for RN, or LPN re-licensure. Kansas State Board of Nursing Approved Provider Number: LT0021-1138.

Respiratory Therapy

The HaysMed Respiratory Care Continuing Education Evaluator on behalf of the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts has approved this program for 6.75 CRCE Hours. Providership No. 004

PT/OT

Paperwork will be provided to submit to KOTA and KPTA for credits.

ASRT

An application has been submitted to ASRT. Approval is pending.

EMS

Ellis County EMS is an approved as a provider of continuing education for Emergency Medical Personnel. The course offering is approved for 6.75 contact hour applicable for all EMS recertification. Approved Provider Number: pp5800.

The fee for the program is $60 for non HaysMed employees, $30 for CAH employees. There is no registration fee for HaysMed, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital and St. Rose Health Center Associates. You can register online: www.haysmed.com/education and click on professional education or registering by calling 785-623-5500. You may pay online with a valid credit card or may choose to be invoiced.

Jun5

HaysMed Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center Highlights Wound Care Awareness Week June 5 – 9

By Hays Medical - HaysMed News,Would Healing & Hyperbaric Center News

Hays, Kansas (June 5, 2017) Hays, KS—The HaysMed Wound Healing Center is highlighting Wound Care Awareness Week to help education the public on the chronic wound epidemic and raising awareness of advanced wound care treatments and its benefits. The Wound Healing Center was recently named a Wound Center of Excellence for 2016. In both 2015 and 2016 it was name a Center of Distinction which earned them the classification of Center of Excellence.

Chronic wounds affect approximately 6.7 million people in the U.S. and the incidence is expected to rise at a rate of two percent annually over the next decade. An aging population and increasing rates of diseases and conditions such as diabetes, obesity and the late effects of radiation therapy contribute to the chronic wound epidemic. Untreated, chronic wounds can lead to diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb. Approximately 30 percent of untreated chronic wounds result in amputation.

The Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center treats approximately 300 patients per year which translates into around 2500 patient encounter visits. Likely candidates for treatment at the center are those suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infection, compromised skin grafts and flaps and wounds that haven’t healed within 30 days. The center treat these wounds and works to prevent reoccurrence by correcting contributing factors such as controlling infection and enhancing medical and nutritional status.

Treating wounds is a complex task. Each case is unique and patients will heal at varying rates. The Wound Healing Center staff is prepared to handle a variety of different wounds which includes:

Any wound failing to improve with multiple treatments or therapies
•   Diabetic foot ulcers
•   Lower leg ulcers
•   Pressure ulcers
•   Bone infection (osteomyelitis)
•   Gangrene
•   Skin tears or lacerations
•   Late effects of radiation therapy
•   Post-operative infections
•   Slow or non-healing surgical wounds
•   Compromised skin flaps or grafts
•   Burns

There are many risk factors that may lead to chronic wounds including:

Malnutrition and diet
•   Circulation problems
•   Infection
•   Aging
•   Diabetes
•   Hyperglycemia – especially blood sugars over 150
•   Arthritis
•   Diabetes
•   Kidney disease
•   Certain medications
•   Swelling
•   Weight
•   Smoking
•   Inability to adhere to your individual plan of care

If you have a wound that has not healed in 30 days or have questions about chronic wound care please contact us at 785-623-6502. We have two convenient locations, HaysMed and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital in Larned, Kansas. www.haysmed.com/woundcenter/

May15

HaysMed Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center Recognized With National Award for Clinical Excellence

By Hays Medical - HaysMed News,Would Healing & Hyperbaric Center News

Front Row L to R: Rick Clausing PA, Dr. Tsereteli, Todd Walburn
Back Row L to R: Jeff Green, Michelle Weigel, Krista Dierking, Sayre Shuck, Leslie Engel,|
Joyce Mattison

Hays, Kan. (May 15, 2017) HaysMed’s Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Center, part of The University of Kansas Health System, has been recognized with a national award for clinical excellence by Healogics, the nation’s leading and largest wound care management company.

The Wound Healing Center achieved outstanding clinical outcomes for 12 consecutive months, including patient satisfaction higher than 92 percent, and a wound healing rate of at least 91 percent in less than 31 median days. Out of 630 Centers eligible for the Center of Distinction award, 334 achieved this honor in 2016. The Center was designated a Center of Distinction in 2015 and 2016 which garners it as a Center of Excellence for 2016.

The Wound Care Center® is a member of the Healogics network of nearly 800 Centers, with access to benchmarking data and proven experience treating approximately 2.5 million chronic wounds. The Wound Healing Center offers highly specialized wound care to patients suffering from diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, infections and other chronic wounds which have not healed in a reasonable amount of time. Some of the leading-edge treatments offered at the Wound Care Center include negative pressure wound therapy, debridement, application of cellular-based tissue or skin substitutes to the wound, offloading or total contact casts and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

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