January 27, 1999   Vol. 21, No. 5

Burn center opening a true team effort

Among the honored guests at the Jan. 21 grand opening celebration of the new Burnett Burn Center and Hurlbut Recovery Pavilion were David Hurlbut, below, and Kansas First Lady Linda Graves, far left. Hurlbut is a former burn center patient whose gift made the pavilion possible. Below, guests admire the new on-site surgical suite. Photos by Greg Sanderson.

When KUMC employees and guests visited the new Burnett Burn Center and Hurlbut Recovery Pavilion last week, they found a well-appointed facility complete with fully equipped private rooms, surgical suite, outpatient clinic, and other amenities.
What they didn't see was the flurry of activity over the past several weeks, as a dedicated team of KUMC staff members joined forces to ensure that everything was ready for the Jan. 21 grand opening celebration.
While construction on the new center began last summer, the days leading up to the dedication saw a tremendous burst of energy and effort. Staff members from across the campus painted walls, un-crated furniture, made posters and otherwise attended to the thousand-and-one details of preparing for the opening. Construction Administrator Mark Gonzales played a key role in the efforts, as did Marla Bernard, assistant hospital administrator, operational improvement, Rosie Thompson, RN clinical nurse specialist at the burn center, and Anne Healy, RN, nurse manager of the unit.
Others who deserve special recognition for their 'round the clock efforts include the entire burn team, and members of the Environmental Services, HIS, Facilities Management, Biomedical Technologies, Telecommunications and Materials Management departments.
"The whole group really pulled together," said Healy. "We had people who volunteered to work on their days off, and nurses and technicians running to Wal-Mart for last-minute items. It was an amazing effort."
The new burn center is one of the most comprehensive in the country. With state-of-the-art technology and a highly trained interdisciplinary staff, it will offer the finest burn care in the region. It is the only burn center in the region providing care for both adult and pediatric burn patients.

Burn Center a tribute to staff, patients and community
From the Executive Vice Chancellor...

Last week, we saw a dream fulfilled-the opening of the new burn unit. For years we have labored to create the finest environment possible for victims of some of the most devastating situations possible. Now we can see the results of our work. It is absolutely amazing to me how our staff has been able to provide such superb care to burn victims in the old location. This has been a remarkable tribute to the professionalism and caring attitudes of the burn center staff. The new unit was created almost entirely from private funds from donors, who understood the critical need for a top-quality burn unit in Greater Kansas City.
Burn victims have always been a part of my own practice. As a young doctor in the Vietnam War, I became involved in treating patients who were burned in a fire aboard an aircraft carrier, the USS Forrestal. We had to convert the hospital ship USS Repose into a burn casualty treatment ship overnight and move to help the victims. Special teams of doctors, nurses and corpsmen fought to save the lives, and I earned a great respect for the victims and the professionals who treat them.
We were all impressed with the tremendous community support for our initiative, from the impressive array of fire trucks saluting comrades who have become victims of fires, to the wonderful donors and community leaders who provide leadership to secure the center's future. It is a matter of great pride to be recognized for our community contributions.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who made this move possible. During the process of developing plans for the new site, there was great cooperation among many aspects of the medical center. Our architects and design engineers were great, and our project managers worked together with people of multiple interests. Patient care areas had to be moved. Old traditions were moved aside in order to move forward. To all of you who were impacted by the move, I offer my thanks.
Now, we prepare for the opening of KU MedWest.

Around KUMC...

Nancy Beery receives Kansas Academy of Pediatrics award
Nancy Beery, DO, chief resident for pediatrics, recently received the 1998 Resident's Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics, Kansas Chapter, for her contributions to KC Reads and the community at large.
The award acknowledges Dr. Beery's work with Kathryn Veal, MD, and Jean Harty, MD, to establish KC Reads, a program that provides free books to families and brings volunteers to KU Children's Center to read to youngsters as they await doctor appointments. In addition to her work for KC Reads, Dr. Beery was instrumental in establishing a campus-wide book drive for patients and their families, served as a representative to the medical students' Pediatric Interest Group, and has been a spokesperson for the KUMC pediatric program. She also was named an outstanding teacher by KUMC medical students in 1998.
Dr. Beery completed her medical education at the University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine, Kansas City.

Homer Rodriguez leads efforts to standardize Latin American respiratory care practices
Under the leadership of Homer Rodriguez, RRT, director in the Respiratory Therapy Department, KUMC is helping health professionals in Latin America identify the quality standards and protocols for providing respiratory care in their home countries.
The outreach program began last summer, when eight physicians and respiratory therapists from six Latin American nations visited KUMC to tour the facility and learn more about the standards for care here. After returning to their countries, the health professionals began surveying programs within their own health care systems. They plan to return to KUMC to develop final standards for respiratory care in Latin America.
Rodriguez became involved in the program through his work as special representative for Latin America on the National Board for Respiratory Care, the licensing and credentialing organization for respiratory care professionals. He is also a member of the board's Committee for Respiratory Care Job Analysis in Latin America. The project is funded by the Respiratory Care Foundation.

J.S. Ahluwalia publishes smoking study
Jasjit Singh Ahluwalia , MD, MPH, MS, vice chair and associate professor of Preventive Medicine, was one of three authors of a smoking study published in Ethnicity and Disease. The study, "Knowledge About Smoking, Reasons for Smoking, and Reasons for Quitting In Inner-City African Americans," appears in Vol. 8, 1998, on pages 385-393.

Senate readily confirms Hospital Authority Board members
The Kansas Senate voted Jan. 19 to confirm all 14 members of the University of Kansas Hospital Authority Board. The vote formally confirms the nominations made by Kansas Gov. Bill Graves last year after the legislative session ended. The vote on each board member was 40-0, except for those confirming Senators Sherman Jones and Sandy Praeger, who abstained from voting on their respective appointments.

Coming Up...

Thursday, Jan. 28:8:

•    Manic Depressive/Depression Support Group, 7 p.m., Delp Cafeteria, Cottonwood Room.

Friday, Jan. 29:
•     Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Grand Rounds, "Drug Interactions: When, Why and So What?" 10:30 a.m., Clendening Amphitheater.

Monday, Feb. 1:
•     Free prostate cancer screening, KU Cancer Center. For appointments, call ext. 4780.

Tuesday, Feb. 2:
•     American Cancer Society "Fresh Start" smoking cessation program, 7:30-8:30 a.m., Dykes Library Conference Room, free.
•     KUMC "Big Blast" at the Blades tickets on sale, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., outside Main Cafeteria.
•     Cognitive Therapy Addiction Treatment Group, 1-2:30 p.m., Family Medicine Clinic.
•     Burn Patient Family Support Group, 6-7 p.m., Burn Center Waiting Room.

Wednesday, Feb. 3:
•     Diabetes Self Management Series, 9-11 a.m., Cray Diabetes Self Management Center, Room 1107.
•     KUMC Interfaith meeting, "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," noon-1 p.m., Eaton, Room 4893.
•     Center on Aging Research Seminar, "Detecting Dementing Illness in Historical Figures: The Case of James I/VI of England and        Scotland," 4-5 p.m., Clendening Amphitheater.
•     Liver Transplant Support Group, 7-8:30 p.m., Delp Cafeteria, Prairie Room.

Outpatient Pharmacy streamlines operations, increases patient satisfaction
A computer that slashed insurance claim processing time, a "robot" that accurately dispenses medications, and a telephone system that can tailor refill requests to patient needs are part of today's KU Medical Center Outpatient Pharmacy.
As a result of these and other changes implemented in the past two years, outpatient pharmacy customer satisfaction rates have risen. Eighty-five to 90 percent of patients rate service as good or very good, compared to 70 percent two years ago. Their satisfaction most likely stems from shorter waiting times to receive medications-usually within 10 minutes. In addition, when patients receive their medicine they can be assured it won't interact with other medications or cause allergies to flare.
Such improvements began when KU Pharmacy installed a medication dispensing robot, Script Pro, which now counts approximately 60 percent of tablets and capsules prescribed. Script Pro is linked to a telephone system that allows patients to call in prescription renewals using touch-tone phones. In addition to automatically counting the correct number of tablets, the system prints and attaches the prescription label and adds any auxiliary warning labels. The final product is then delivered via a conveyor to a pharmacist, who visually verifies the medication and matches the computer information for the patient.
"The computer also checks for allergies, interactions with other medications the patient may be taking, and the appropriateness of the dosage for the person's age," said Owen Neff, RPh, MBA, pharmacy supervisor. "The pharmacist can then talk to the patient about any alerts that show up."
Within the next several months, the outpatient pharmacy will undergo remodeling that will enhance patient-pharmacist communication, said Neff.
"People will have more personal contact with our staff," he said. "After the remodeling, they will also be able to see the robot working."

Have a prescription to refill?
Just phone it in

KUMC employees can refill prescriptions at the KU Outpatient Pharmacy with a touch-tone phone. Just call ext. 2361 and use the telephone number pad to enter your prescription number. The system will tell you when the prescription will be ready. Or, ask the pharmacy to mail the refill to your home. New prescriptions are also welcome.

KU MedWest on final countdown for Feb. 15 opening

In preparation for the Feb. 15 opening, the staff at KU MedWest has been busy the past several weeks putting final touches on the facility, establishing operational standards and rounding out staff appointments.
With renovations complete, KU MedWest officially took possession of the building from the construction company in early January. Staff members have since completed preparations of offices, clinical areas and other parts of the facility.
KU MedWest administrators have also determined more details on services to be offered, and established urgent care hours. KU MedWest will provide after-hours urgent care Monday through Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays and holidays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Recent staff appointments at KU MedWest include Pamela Nicklaus, MD, as medical director. Dr. Nicklaus is currently associate professor of otolaryngology at the KU School of Medicine, where she earned her medical degree in 1984. She is certified by both the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Otolaryngology, and was named one of the Best Doctors in America - Central Region in 1996. Other KU MedWest appointments include Mary T. Schneider, RN, director of surgery, and Melinda Clark, RN, director of nursing for the primary care and specialty practices.

Heart of Healthcare nominations to begin in February

Be thinking about the registered nurse who has meant the most to you as a colleague, co-worker, caregiver or friend. Then get ready to nominate that person to the annual Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare Awards, sponsored as a public service by the KU School of Nursing.
Each year, Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare recognizes 10 nurses from across Kansas and the metropolitan Kansas City area for outstanding contributions to their patients, communities and profession. A selection committee composed of previous years' winners and health care, civic, and business leaders reviews nominations and selects winners, who are honored during a gala banquet. To date, more than 4,500 registered nurses have been nominated and 90 have been honored.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the prestigious award. To celebrate a decade of honoring nurses, the KU School of Nursing redesigned the program logo.
Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare will accept nominations from Feb. 15 through May 15. For information or to get a nomination form, call the Nursing: The Heart of Healthcare hotline at ext. 1616, or e-mail <kziblut>.

Classifieds

For Sale

Macintosh Power PC multimedia computer, 300 MHz, 4GB HD, scanner, OS 8.5, joystick, CD ROM, CD burner, TV/FM/Video functional, modem, great for entertainment, education, or business w/high-end graphics capabilities, super fast, 1 year old (hardly used), 3D accelerated games incl., must see! $2,500, but will consider reasonable offers. Call Terry, 384-9032 and leave message.

Sony five-CD carousel CD player (CDP-C335), remote, programmable, great shape, $75. Call Terry, 384-9032 and leave message.

Sears motorized Lifestyler treadmill, all elec., w/incline capabilities, great for beginning exerciser or seasoned jogger, minimal use, original price $700, sell for $325. Call 642-0536 and leave message.

Japanese animation videos, Samurai Showdown, Red Hawk, Dragon Ball Z The Movie and more, in original box, exc. cond., $35 ea. Call Bob or David, 677-5354.

Dinette table, red, '50s diner style, w/four metal vinyl chairs, asking $70. Call Alberto, 523-5283.

Automotive

1997 Pontiac Sunfire GT, 5-spd., sunroof, hail damage, $9,500. Call 356-5998 after 4 p.m.

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, 6 cyl., one owner, 30K miles, exc. condition. Call 468-4186 after 4 p.m.

1991 Honda, 4-dr., 5-spd., white, 150K miles, no rust, straight body, must sell, $3,500, Call Mike, 350-7400 after 5:30 p.m.

1994 Geo Prizm, 5-spd., exc. cond, A/C, airbags, ABS, cassette, new tires, $7,000 OBO. Call 415-8768 anytime.

Study Subjects

Healthy males needed for knee strength study
Healthy male volunteers between the ages of 20 and 30 and between the ages of 65 and 75 are needed to participate in a study of muscular knee strength. All volunteers should be in apparent good health and free of knee problems (no previous knee injuries, arthritis, etc.) Qualified volunteers will be asked to produce small, moderate, and maximal levels of knee force, and to make two visits (two hours each visit) to the Human Performance Lab in the Center on Aging. For more information call Jeff Schiffman, ext. 1456, or email <Jschiffm>.



Subjects needed for migraine trial
Subjects ages 18-65 needed for clinical placebo-controlled research trial of an agent reported to prevent migraine. Participants receive $25 on completion of three-month study. Call Bev, ext. 6916.
Lue Smocks was the first to win the Environmental Services Employee of the Month award. Smocks received a rose from Pat O'Hara, (right) operations manager, and a trophy from Marla Bernard, assistant hospital administrator, operational improvement, during a special announcement Jan. 26. Smocks currently serves on Unit 51. To nominate environmental services staff, contact Randy Bailey at <rbaile2> or ext. 1155. Photo by Leslie Champlin.

Topics Information
Topics is the employee publication of the University of Kansas Medical Center.
It is published weekly by the office of Public Relations and Marketing. The deadline for submitting news briefs for consideration is noon on the Wednesday before they are to appear. For longer articles or features, contact the editor in advance.
Send story ideas to Leslie Champlin, acting editor, G114 Hospital, or e-mail: lchampli@ kumc.edu or call ext. 1602

Topics ad policy
Send or bring your ad to Topics, G114 KU Hospital, or fax to ext. 1225, or e-mail: lchampli@kumc.edu by noon Wednesday of the week before it is to run.
Ads run free of charge for employees, students and volunteers. For-sale ads are limited to three items. All ads must include the advertiser’s name and work extension (or medical student box number) for verification.
Only home phone numbers --- no pager numbers or KUMC extensions --- will be published. No ads for commercial services or pets for sale will be accepted. Ads will not be taken by telephone. Only one phone number per ad.
Ads may be a held a week if space is limited.

Prepared by Printing Service Imaging