February 24, 1999    Vol. 21, No. 8

New survey designed to improve pain management

For many patients, one of the most challenging aspects of treatment or surgery is dealing with physical pain. A new survey is now under way, however, that will help ensure that patients at KUMC receive the best pain management possible.
The survey is designed to determine how well KUMC health care providers manage patients' pain. It will also help identify and ultimately reduce any delays in switching patients from IV-delivered medication, which acts more quickly but is usually administered in the hospital, to oral pain medication, which is used after pain management levels are determined and can be self-administered after patients return home. The survey was developed by Marge Barnett, RN, clinical nurse specialist, cancer care, with input and review by Stephen Williamson, MD, associate professor of medicine-clinical oncology. Assisting in the design were Jill Peltzer, RN, graduate student, Jeanne Drisko, MD, clinical assistant professor in OB/GYN-alternative medicine, and Susan Klenke from the Department of Pharmacy.
"Patients are typically in the hospital five days for treatment or surgery," Dr. Williamson said. "What we frequently see, and believe the survey will document, is that patients are not always switched to oral medication at the appropriate time, which results in an additional two-day stay in the hospital."
By moving patients to oral medication sooner whenever possible, physicians also have more time to make any adjustments to the dosage before patients are discharged. Dr. Williamson said the survey will also provide important information on how well pain is controlled once patients are moved to oral medication.
Hospital volunteers conduct the 17-question surveys in an interview format on the day patients are discharged. Patients from hematology oncology will be polled during the initial phase of the survey process, which will run through March. The survey may later be used in other areas of the hospital, as determined by the Pain Management Resource Committee.
"We're concerned about the pain management of our patients, and want to do everything we can to improve their quality of life," Dr. Williamson said.

KU MedWest hits the ground running

With strong media attention and public support, KU MedWest enjoyed a highly successful first week of operation.
Opening day of the new comprehensive health care facility in Shawnee was featured on several local TV broadcasts, including live coverage from KSHB-41 and WDAF-TV 4. KU MedWest physicians saw close to 150 patients on opening day. By the end of the week, almost 700 people received services.
During a special celebration at the facility Feb. 17, KU MedWest physicians had the opportunity to meet physicians from Shawnee and surrounding communities. In addition to giving area physicians a look at the full range of services KU MedWest offers, the event was designed to strengthen the ties between KUMC and community health providers.
"We understand the importance of maintaining the relationship between the primary care physician and his or her patient,” said James Thomas, MD, president of KU Physicians, Inc., and a leading force in the development of KU MedWest. “When a patient is referred to a physician at KU MedWest, we will respect and honor that critical relationship."

Hyperbaric Medicine Center
purchases new oxygen chamber
A recently installed hyperbaric oxygen chamber is making treatment more pleasant for patients. The new chamber provides 40 percent more room than its predecessor and therefore accommodates larger patients as well as those who cannot lie flat or who have claustrophobia. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy enhances the healing process of several conditions, and is used to treat problem wounds and carbon monoxide poisoning. KUMC provides about 900 treatments a year.

Policy and Management program sets KU apart From the Executive Vice Chancellor...

What makes our campus different from others? We have students, libraries, classrooms, laboratories, bookstores, cafeterias and distant parking lots. Our students are feverishly engaged in their studies, and just a little socializing. We don't have dormitories, fraternities and sororities or athletic teams. We do have a hospital and a broad network of community hospitals and physician practices partnering with us in our educational, research and patient care missions. So, what makes us different?
Our campus has many value-added components that are often overlooked and sometimes under valued. But it is these "extras" that make us stand out from other hospitals. We stand out because our researchers are finding new ways to improve health care for our citizens. One example of what makes us different is the Health Policy and Management Department in our School of Medicine.
The Health Policy and Management program culminates in a master's degree after 52 hours of study and research. Currently, approximately 125 students, composed primarily of working professionals, are engaged in courses like strategic management, research methods, and ethics. Six full-time faculty members augmented by qualified community health care professionals collaborate on identifying the most efficient and cost-effective ways to improve health care practices. Their focus on a systems approach to document the best outcomes will have immediate applications in private practices and hospitals. The net result will be that everyone has better health care while effectively managing costs.
This systems approach demands collaboration and partnering. Joint degrees are granted through our Schools of Law and Nursing. A program with our School of Business is nearing completion. Research projects in strategic management are underway at the Kansas City Veteran's Administration, Horton Health Center, the Center on Aging, KU Hospital and Carondelet Health. These research projects give students "real life" experience as they team with practicing health care professionals. The results of their findings are tested and proven in health care settings, then published for a larger audience.
Our Health Management and Policy program is changing the face of health care practices. The graduates are nurses, physicians, attorneys, and administrators. The benefits to society are both immediate and long-term. Our faculty and graduates are helping our state and federal government develop, implement and monitor more effective policies. Change for the better is happening here and now. The University of Kansas Medical Center is driving this change as a regional academic health center.

Student Link

Doctoral student receives Dissertation Fellowship Grant
KU School of Nursing doctoral student Cindy Hornberger, RN, MS, recently received a Dissertation Fellowship Grant from the Health Care Financing Administration, Washington, D.C. The grant program is designed to stimulate the involvement of new health service researchers in the study of health care financing and delivery issues. The grant will provide financial support to Hornberger while she completes her doctoral dissertation, which is based on her research into the relationship between the access to health services and heart failure outcomes among Kansans 65 and older.
Hornberger, who is also an assistant professor at the Washburn University School of Nursing in Topeka, collaborated with Ann Kuckelman Cobb, KU School of Nursing professor, grants and research, on an article that recently appeared in Public Health Nursing. The article, "A Rural Vision of a Healthy Community," demonstrates the need for primary health care at the community level in designing services to achieve healthy rural communities.

Scholarship applications due March 15
Don't forget to pick up an application for a Student Union Corporation scholarship. Completed applications must be returned to the KU Book Store by March 15. Twelve scholarships, with an average award of $500, are available for the 1999 - 2000 academic year.

Rural Health Weekend gives medical students taste of life as a community physician
Approximately 80 first- and second-year medical students recently got a first-hand look at the life of a rural physician, during the Rural Health Weekend, Feb. 11 through 14. The program, sponsored by the Office of Medical Education in the KU School of Medicine, is designed to show students what day-to-day life is like for rural primary care practitioners, and part of an ongoing effort to increase the number of students who choose to practice in rural Kansas communities following their training.
Students hit the highway to different locations throughout Kansas, and spent the weekend shadowing local physicians who agreed to serve as mentors as part of the school's Primary Care Physician Education Initiative. In addition to sitting in on scheduled patient visits, students joined in hospital rounds, participated in deliveries and took part in whatever came up for participating physicians over the weekend. Students also met with local hospital staff and community leaders to get a better sense of the overall role physicians play in smaller communities. The program was overseen by David Calkins, MD, senior associate dean of education.

Around KUMC. . .

Shilo Edwards enjoys learning about people from different cultures.
Photo by Leslie Champlin.

RN/LPN competency fair set for March 3 and 8
Several hundred KU Medical Center nurses will demonstrate their clinical skills during the medical center's third nursing competency fair, March 3 and 8, in Francisco Lounge and Battenfeld Auditorium. Sponsored by the Department of Nursing, the fairs are designed to validate nurses' competency as required by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. The fairs also provide an efficient-and fun-way to assess nurses' technological, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and identify areas that may require additional education. Nurses who did not participate in the October 1998 competency fair will take part in this event.

March discounted bus passes available
KU Hospital employees may purchase discounted Metro Monthly Bus Passes and Reduced Fare Bus Passes for the month of March from Feb. 25 through March 3. Passes are available in both Hospital Human Resources locations, 5021 Delp Pavilion and G415 KU Hospital by the Main Lobby.

Optional life insurance enrollment for hospital employees
Open enrollment for optional group life insurance for eligible KU Hospital employees will continue through Friday, Feb. 28. Eligible employees may enroll for coverage or increase their current amounts. No action is necessary if employees do not wish to change coverage. Enrollment forms have been mailed to all eligible hospital employees. Employees who have not received a form and wish to enroll should contact Hospital Human Resources, 5021 Delp, ext. 4500, 4528, or 4526. Please note that State of Kansas employees are not scheduled for open enrollment until February 2000.

Sign up now for HealthCheck
The State of Kansas is again offering KU Hospital and KU Medical Center employees the opportunity to participate in HealthCheck, a statewide program designed to help employees identify health risks and reduce the number and frequency of preventable illnesses and medical treatments. Information packets have been sent to all departments. Employees who are eligible for the State of Kansas group health insurance plan may participate for free. Other employees, spouses, and retirees may participate for a fee. HealthCheck will be at KUMC March 15 - 19. To schedule an appointment, hospital employees may call ext. 4500. Medical center employees should call ext. 5087.

Class to benefit cancer research, awareness
You can help raise awareness and contribute to the fight against breast cancer March 6 by participating in the "Tae Conditioning Blow Out," a benefit to raise money for the Kansas Cancer Institute. The event will be at Prairie Life Fitness Center, 10351 Barkley, Overland Park. Participants can join a 7 a.m. or an 8:05 a.m. class, and will have their names entered for a door prize drawing immediately after the latter class. To reserve space, call Prairie Life at 648-8077 on March 5. For more information, call Pat Adams, ext. 4718.

Class project becomes long-term commitment for 16-year-old volunteer Shilo Edwards
Volunteerism began as a school requirement for Shilo Edwards. The 16-year-old daughter of Mary and Bruce Edwards, Kansas City, Kan., attends Bishop Ward High School, which requires 15 hours of community service of all students.
"I completed my 15 hours that first week," said Shilo. "I had so much fun, I decided to stay."
That was 15 months ago. Today, Shilo still helps at the hospital lobby Information Desk from 4:45 to 7 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. In addition to answering visitors' and patients' questions, Shilo stamps parking tickets, and helps deliver flowers and balloons to patient floors. The best part of her work is meeting so many different people and learning about different cultures.
"For example, we have a lot of immigrants from Russia who come here," said Shilo. "I'm learning a lot about Russia and its people."
Shilo plans to attend college though she doesn't yet have a school of choice. As a high school sophomore, she has some time to choose. In the meantime, she wants to try out many different career paths.
"There are so many things I want to try to do," she said. "I haven't decided what I'll study in college."
Shilo strongly recommends volunteering to other young people. Not only is it fun and a great way to meet people, it also is an excellent entry on college applications.
"There are a lot of kids who don't have anything to do," she said. "I'd recommend volunteering to everyone. It's great experience, and colleges look at that. But most of all, it's fun."

Classifieds

For Sale
Wedding gown, size 10, white, sleeveless, detachable train, $150. White metal baby crib, $50. Wood cradle with mattress, $50. Call 299-5948.

Whirlpool air conditioner 12,000 BTU, 110V, $150. Fedders air conditioner 24,000 BTU, 220V, used three seasons, $300. Call 287-4416 after 5 p.m.

Two large square mirrors similar to what is used in a gym, have finished edges, approx. 3 x 4 feet, make offer. Sofa and love seat, cream w/mauve, teal and peach floral design, three years old, $250. Call 816-279-2343.

Full-size bed mattress, box springs, frame, good condition, $50. Dresser, five deep drawers w/lots of room, $50. Call 741-3777.

Automotive
1992 Nissan Maxima, burgundy, good condition, 85K miles, $7,500. Call 444-7859 after 4:30 p.m.

1977 Dodge Monaco, runs OK but needs some work, $300 OBO. Call 677-1559.

1991 Dodge Ramcharger, 4x4, V-8, light hail damage, runs good, great off-road capability, 75k mi., a/c, tilt, cruise, am/fm stereo. $6,500. 734-9174.

Housing
For sale: 3BR house (one unfinished), fenced back yard, C/A, two driveways, back deck, nice landscaping, nice neighborhood near 38th and State Avenue, monthly house payment w/taxes and insurance is $236, asking $28,500 OBO. Call Rob at 371-6180.

For sale: 3BR, 2BA split-level house w/family room in Prairie Village, updated kitchen w/space-saver microwave and D/W, poured concrete basement, two-car garage, C/A, attic fan, fenced yard, new roof and carpets, quiet street just west of State Line, $120,000. Call 362-8407 after 6 p.m.

For rent: 1/2 duplex on 95th Street, across from the Oak Park branch of the Jo. Co. Library (between Blue Jacket and Nieman). Close to everything - Oak Park Mall, I-69 Highway, etc. Duplex is a split level (2 bedrooms, 1 bath, kitchen & living room upstairs; rec room, storage and garage downstairs). Also has sliding glass door w/patio and washer/dryer hookups. $675/month; call 599-5058 for more information.

Wanted
Wanted: College graduate student looking for housing close to KUMC from mid-May to August 31, 1999, willing to share or sublet apartment, or rent room in house, non-smoking and no pets preferred. For opportunities available or more information, contact <abenson@ascc.carroll.edu>.

Clawfoot tub in good condition. Call Teresa, 913-351-6397 after 6 p.m. or leave message.

coming Up


Thursday, Feb. 25:
•    Manic Depressive/Depression Support Group, 7 p.m., Cottonwood Room, Delp Cafeteria.

Friday, Feb. 26:
•    Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Grand Rounds, "Review of Novel Antidepressants," 10:30 a.m., Clendening Amphitheater.
•    Research and Client Services Brown Bag Lunch, "Update on Research and Services at the KU - Lawrence Weight Management Center," 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Prairie Room, Delp Cafeteria.

Tuesday, March 2:
•    Kansas Cancer Institute Research Round Table, noon, Lied Auditorium.
•    Cognitive Therapy Addiction Treatment Group, 1-2:30 p.m., Family Medicine Clinic.
•    Center on Aging Research Seminar, "Training Effects on Age-Related Attention Deficits," 4-5 p.m., Clendening Amphitheater.
•    Burn Patient Family Support Group, 6-7 p.m., Burn Center Waiting Room.

Wednesday, March 3:
•    Diabetes Self-Management Series, 9-11 a.m., Room 1107, KU Hospital.
•    Liver Transplant Support Group, 7-8:30 p.m., Prairie Room, Delp Cafeteria.
•    KUMC Interfaith meeting, noon-1 p.m., Room 3041, Wescoe.

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.

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