Analytically Speaking: CMS Quality Measures for MDS 3.0
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 17, 2012
At first, the MDS 3.0 Quality Measures do not appear to be very different from those based on MDS 2.0. But “the devil is in the details” and nearly every measure that seems familiar is different...
The challenges of hand hygiene in the long-term care setting
By
Jean Fleming
Mar 16, 2009
Maintaining good hand hygiene is key to prevent the spread of infections, but old habits are hard to break.
Operate with an eye on quality, not the next survey cycle
By
Steven Littlehale
Mar 16, 2012
The anxiety associated with an impending survey should be offset by the fact that the nursing facility holds the secret to its own success – the knowledge of its customers.
Rise of COPD: Not hopeless
By
John W. Walsh
Jan 09, 2012
With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become the third leading cause of death in the U.S. — 12 years earlier than predicted...
Analytically Speaking: MDS data accuracy
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 13, 2012
Since the late 1990’s, the Minimum Data Set has been a primary driver in the long-term care industry, influencing all areas of skilled nursing facility operations. With so much depending on it, ensuring...
Signs of infection in chronic wounds
By
Terry Coggins
Nov 16, 2010
Indicators of infection are subtle in chronic wounds.
Nursing homes’ new mission: Fitting into accountable care organizations
By
Anthony Cirillo
Nov 03, 2010
To survive in the not-so-distant future, nursing homes will have to find a role within accountable care organizations.
H1N1 prevention: beyond masks and handwash
By
John Nappi Jr.
Nov 24, 2009
If a case of H1N1 ends up in your long-term care facility, there are actions you can take to prevent the flu from spreading throughout the building.
Mind your p’s and q’s
By
Barbara Dice
Jul 12, 2010
Practicing good manners makes residents feel more comfortable and helps to motivate staff.
Capturing acuity: How MDS accuracy has a critical impact on Medicare/Medicaid payment systems
By
Steven Littlehale
Apr 20, 2012
There’s a familiar saying in the industry that “If it’s not documented, then it’s not done.” But what if it is documented, but just not documented correctly?