Tag Archives: hospitals

General Safety Issues

LIFE AFTER THE BURN (GUEST POST)

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We recently received an email regarding an article posted on our website – “National Burn Awareness Week”, pointing out that this  issue  should be addressed every day, not just one week per year.  We are pleased to present this informative article that provides helpful insight that we all can help and show our concern to burn victims.

Console & Hollawell Blog

Life After The Burn

Some accident victims go home in a few days, maybe even a few hours. Years down the road, only a small, pale scar reminds them of the ordeal. For the really lucky ones, there’s no scar at all. While there was certainly pain and fear, the emotions are temporary and life doesn’t really change.

Many burn victims are not so lucky. Wearing the scars day in and day out, they must learn to live with their new bodies and the social pressures this body implies. Those who have been severely burned can face prejudice and rejection when they need support the most, and these reactions are both illogical and demeaning. Personality, passions, pet peeves – everything that made these people vibrantly unique are still there, but are thrown into the shadows by damaged skin.

The sad reality is burns will continue to occur and people will continue to survive them. So what happens after the burn? We need to foster greater understanding of burn recovery and how we, as family and friends, can help survivors once again have a thriving life.

Burns are a global public health problem, accounting for an estimated 195,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In honor of those who have passed, we must combat the stigma carried by those who live. Photo Credit: Flickr.

Combating Human Nature

Whether we like to admit it or not, most of us judge people based on their appearance, if only for a second. Those judgments may be proved wrong, we may regret them in time, but the fact remains that it’s human nature to make them. Our eyes assess information in a flash, before our brains have a chance to refute it. A burn victim deals with these snap judgments every single day. Any disfigurement or disability caused by their burns can prompt shame and exclusion, reports the WHO. Awareness needs to be raised about life after the burn, and how we can support these individuals rather than tearing them down with ignorance, a shocked glance, or a cruel word.

The truth is, we could all become a burn victim. It’s not a disease some of us are more likely to catch. It’s usually an accident, as unforeseen as stubbing your toe.  Suddenly the grill flares up, hair catches fire, and we are on the other side of this story. Photo Credit: Corbis Images. 

Going Home

As medicines advance, the survival rates of burn victims have improved substantially. Yet, many still remain in the hospital for months, and it can become an insulated environment with a built-in support system, according to the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. That type of understanding and protection can be scary to leave, and going home can be like a slap in the face, when the reality of disfigurement or disability finally hits. As family and friends, your support is pivotal to easing the transition.

First, it’s critical to understand the emotional upheaval going home represents. In the hospital, burn survivors could forget about their appearance, about how their life outside would change, as they focused solely on treatment. Sitting at home on their couch, surrounded by reminders of their old life, they are forced to process the looming future. Grief, post-traumatic stress, and anger can lead to months of sleeplessness and wishing, just wishing, there was a simple solution. Of course, there isn’t. But family and friends can be a world of help.

No one would call hospitals cozy, but for many in long-term recovery they symbolize routine and stability. Out of all injury types, burns account for the greatest length of hospital stay, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Photo Credit: Flickr.

Before leaving the hospital, talk about going home and any fears they have, says Phoenix. If your loved one seems to feel alone and trapped once home, gently encourage them to start doing their usual activities. The threat of staring eyes keeps many burn survivors inside, so resources such as Phoenix urge families to talk about staring and how most people are simply curious. A burn survivor will draw attention, you can’t change that, but helping them stand up to stares with confidence lets them discover a stranger cannot dictate their happiness or self-worth.

Burns are a common and potentially devastating cause of injury in childhood, third to motor vehicle accidents and drowning, according to NLM.  Photo Credit: Flickr.

Help Them Tell Their Story

They may need to tell their story time and again as they readjust to their world, notes Phoenix. Like many who journal or blog understand, the simple act of putting pain into words is healing. Meeting other survivors and being able to talk about the ordeal provides emotional relief, a much-needed community, and even a sense of purpose if they become involved in advancing the group’s efforts.

Some burn survivors attending these conferences were injured as infants, while some are just months into their recovery. Photo Credit: Flickr.

If someone close to you has been burned, help them seek out resources. Walking into a room with the expectation of sharing their story can be intimidating, but time and again it’s proven to be extremely rewarding.

This type of organized social interaction can help them overcome their fear of reaction, a hurdle they must jump to thrive in the world. There are conferences, organizations, centers, camps, and societies all developed to unite burn survivors and encourage them to find comfort in one another. Don’t let the extent or type of the burn dictate whether they seek out support. There is no “burned enough” requirement for these groups. Additionally, don’t let them compare themselves to others and wonder if they should be there – for once, the physical remnant of the accident is of no concern, it’s all about how they feel.

The Lost Childhood

The American Burn Association notes that children are especially vulnerable to being burned, and the recovery process for those who were burned at a young age can be particularly arduous, both physically and emotionally. As a parent, I know when our children suffer we want to absorb all their pain and carry the burden ourselves, especially if we feel guilty for the accident. What parents need to know is that focusing on the past keeps their children from a healthy future. Don’t let these pangs of regret keep you from talking about the accident with your child when they’re ready. They can face prejudice from many sides – strangers, friends, classmates – so what your child needs from you is unconditional love and support, and the knowledge that the lines of communication are open.

A scarred hand peeping out from his sweatshirt is enough to make kids ridicule him. For children like him, emotional and physical damage runs deep. Photo Credit: Flickr.

For a scarred child, the idea of going back to school can be terrifying. Friends may disappear when the child can no longer play like they used to, and classmates can taunt with wounding nicknames. “Crusty crab, burnt toast, snake skin, Freddy Krueger’s daughter, mutant, scarface” – these are just a few of the cruel names that haunt burn survivors for years, reports the Huffington Post. What kind of life is that, spending the golden years of youth alone in their bedroom with insults ringing in their ears? Already distraught by what they see in the mirror, such reactions only solidify unjustified shame. These challenges can follow them into adulthood, and maybe it’s not until years later that they even meet another burn survivor and begin to feel their attitude change as they realize others are just as traumatized.

So, burn foundations nationwide have created school reentry programs that aim to prepare and inform teachers and peers. As your child talks about their accident they can feel empowered and independent, and everyone can become more comfortable with the injury.

Toward the same purpose, teen burn survivors can attend burn camps. Teenagers rely heavily upon their peers for self-validation, so being supported by other young adults can help them deal with the emotional scars of excruciating staring and teasing.

Don’t let 20 years go by before your child gets a chance to reach a turning point, and truly cope with their accident. Talk about it now.

Burns are recognized as among the most painful and devastating injuries a person can survive. To heal, they need to address the trauma beneath the scars. Photo Credit: Corbis Images.

From Victim To Survivor

With survival comes a need for support and information. Simply knowing they are not alone and there are people who care makes a difference, and makes their injuries less of a burden.

What must be remembered, amidst certain emotional exhaustion, is a survivor’s adaptation to their new life is heavily dependent upon the love and support you offer. Never let them give up hope.

Increasing the knowledge of burn recovery helps us better empower our loved ones, supporting their renewal and return to society. Listen to their story, help them find resources, and allow them to grieve for as long as they need. Voicing grief allows them to move beyond their losses and newly define themselves. A burn accident can be a double-edged sword, feeding mental devastation and physical disfigurement, but also becoming a unique time of rebirth for many. In a way one doesn’t expect, it becomes an opportunity to start over.

General Safety Issues

GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY AND GET IN TO COLLEGE (GUEST POST)

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Give Back To Your Community and Get In To College

College applications are known to be complicated. The colleges want to know everything about the potential student, including their willingness to contribute to society by volunteering. While most colleges do not have a specific number of volunteer hours set as a requirement, studies have found that people with 40 or more hours of volunteer time are more likely to be accepted into their college of choice.

Finding Somewhere To Volunteer

It has become common knowledge that volunteering and contributing to your community has a positive impact on everyone. Additionally, volunteer hours may be required to complete high school and will help you get into college. The question remains, however, where can you volunteer?

The good news is that there are countless opportunities to volunteer, allowing everyone with any ability the chance to contribute. Some of the places you may look into volunteering include:

• Assisted Living Facilities

An assisted living facility is a place that helps people live their daily lives with dignity. The facility may help the elderly remain independent, or it may help troubled youths adjust to society, or many variations in between. For example, a Birmingham assisted living community has an independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities all on one campus which allows for many opportunities. In most cases, these facilities need volunteers to help with simple things such as lawn cutting or planting flowers. Many look for volunteers to help with craft classes, music projects, or social events for the residents. Some facilities may be in need of help answering phones, mailing letters or other office work.

• Children’s Reading Programs

One of the biggest causes of school failure is the inability to read. It has been proven in countless studies that children who can master reading at an early age are more likely to complete school and go on to college. One of the largest ways to help improve reading skills is to have stories read to them. Hearing words is as important in developing reading skills as seeing them. You can contribute to literacy by finding time to read to small children.

• Library Volunteer

The library is one of the greatest assets in any community. Not only do they supply access to books, they also provide several communities enhancement programs. The library provides free Internet access, computer training classes and even youth programs that encourage literacy and personal growth. The library is always desperate for volunteers to assist in these programs.

• Homeless Shelters

In light of the recent economic trends, many homeless shelters and food distribution areas are overwhelmed with people in need. Volunteering time at one of these places will increase the amount of people that are served and help a part of society that is in most desperate need. You may be able to contribute anything from serving food to sorting out clothes to distribute to the needy.

• Park System

The park system at every level is always in need of volunteers. National, state and local parks are always on the verge of closing due to budget restrictions. However, these places are necessary for our communities. You may be able to contribute as a park guide, a guest host, or even in litter control.

Many hospitals have “candy striper” programs that are supervised under the hospital auxiliary volunteer program of the facility.  This is an excellent way for those who feel they may want to enter the field of healthcare to find out first-hand what it’s all about.

While volunteering will help you get into college, it is also a very necessary part of being a member of a community. Anything you can do to make your community a better place for yourself and others is worth your spare time.

Kelly Dennie is a mother of budding college students seeking volunteer opportunities. Trinity Lifestyles Management, LLC, a Birmingham assisted living facility, combines the luxury and freedom of residents having their own apartment with the safety and accessibility of personal assistance of a trained staff. This staff is always accessible to assist residents with dressing, bathing, meals, and overseeing medications.

General Safety Issues

DON’T GET YOURSELF ALL IN A LATHER, BUT IT IS NATIONAL HANDWASHING AWARENESS WEEK!

December 2 through December 8th is National Handwashing Week.  A task we should do numerous times through each day, is observed this week, as a reminder of all the bad things that can happen to us if we and others don’t wash our hands. 

Think of how many places you enter and exit through the day – your car, subway, bus, taxi, or other means of going to work.  Doorknobs are a great place for germs to sit just waiting for you.  Your computer or cell phone probably has germs galore.  If you have to share a phone with someone else, you should have some antiseptic wipes to clean them between uses. 

Hospitals come to mind as one of the single-most places that infections occur (HAI’s or hospital-associated infections.)  It is not unusual that hospital rooms and other areas contain antiseptic stations for nurses, patient families, and doctors to ensure their hands are clean before coming in contact with a patient.  Don’t be embarrassed to ask your nurse if she washed her hands before touching you.  Many times, patients leave the hospital sicker than when they came in, especially if they have surgery.  Hospitals fight infection rates by keeping room temperatures low (chilly); however, keeping everything extremely sterile is of the utmost importance.

 Restaurants are another place where germs lurk.  How many times have you noticed someone preparing food without wearing gloves?  Have you ever witnessed them preparing, say, pizza, and then taking money from someone while you are waiting on your order?  Schools, cafeterias, and most restaurants require wearing hairnets and disposable latex gloves when handling food.  Manufacturing plants have strict rules about keeping food safe by wearing the proper protective equipment.  We are very trusting in our purchases of produce, but first and most important, is washing that produce once it is in our kitchen.  Of course, homemakers aren’t going to wear hairnets and gloves preparing the evening meal, but they should wash hands before and after preparing food. 

Airports are another handy location to pick up germs, both inside the terminal and inside the plane.  There have been reports of planes that have not been properly cleaned between flights, so it would pay to carry some antiseptic wipes in your carry-on bag or purse, to de-germ the things you may be in contact with. 

Teach your children to wash their hands the right way, with plenty of soap and water, in the amount of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice.  This is a good rule of thumb for grown-ups as well.  Keep some antiseptic wipes or cleaner in your car so you can use it after paying for soft drinks at the drive-in, doing your daily shopping or anytime you have been out of your car.  That way at least YOU know your hands are clean; just hope those you have been in contact with observe the same hand hygiene habits.  Think about these things the next time you shake hands with someone!

 

 

General Safety Issues

Seven Common Mistakes Hospitals Make Regarding Their OSHA/GHS Signage

By Jack Rubinger, www.DuraLabel.com, 503-469-3024

We conducted an informal survey among our customers and hospitals across the country. While not all our findings are strictly related to OSHA, we’re sharing the feedback because these signage issues are fairly universal.

1. One huge mistake that happens is that health care facilities tend to believe they are less likely to get inspected by OSHA if they have been inspected by The Joint Commission (TJC) or the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) – so it’s a mistake to base signage and labeling on the potential for an OSHA inspection.

2. Another common mistake – especially in lab settings — is improper labeling of secondary containers. DuraSuite software helps lab managers keep a directory of common lab reagents and label secondary containers with proper GHS labels.

3. Involving those knowledgeable in wayfinding strategies is essential. Your strategic team should comprise external consultants and staff from the healthcare institution.

4. Unfortunately, signage and wayfinding are often an after-thought for projects or new builds and capital requests for wayfinding and signage budgets are rarely approved. This makes maintenance of signage and developing a new strategy or updating the current strategy next to impossible. In the end there is limited money “left” to create signage which can lead to temporary solutions that often never get fixed or replaced with a proper permanent solution. Instead, wayfinding and signage should be included in the design phase. 

5. Whether you’re addressing OSHA signage, HAZMAT or confined spaces, one of the biggest mistakes is lack of consistency. Too often, hospitals have a mish mash of all types of signs and pictograms. An effective safety program ensures consistent graphics throughout a facility. 

6. Signs should not be over designed, over used, too cute or too expensive. The director of hospital safety and his staff are responsible for keeping messages current, installing bi-lingual messages where appropriate and making sure signs are where they are supposed to be. 

7. Too much signage. Facility managers tend to place more signs than necessary. This can often overwhelm visitors and lead to greater confusion. In healthcare settings, patients, visitors and families are already stressed. The least of their concerns should be trying to navigate a confusing building in order to find the department or person they are seeking.

Note:   I worked at a newly-constructed rural hospital and found that our designer had color-coded the tiles on the floor on one side of each hall, i.e., green led to the patient area, blue led to the surgical department, and so-on.  It was very helpful for the employees to be able to find their way in the beginning; however, if a visitor or patient came in, there was no signage to explain the color-coded floor.  If an employee happened along, they were happy to direct them to the right department.  Just a little added thought, and thank you so much for this article, Jack.  Hospital employees should always keep their paper work up to date, just in case of a visit from Medicare, OSHA, or Joint Commission. pb

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

HOW TO MAKE OUR HEALTHCARE SAFER

We are midway through National Patient Safety Awareness Week, an important observance to remind us all that we, as patients, must do what we can to stay safe when we are in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital.  Mistakes do happen, and may seem small, but it all adds up to the saying, “the worst place to be if you are sick – a hospital”.  We know that many lives are saved by treatment and surgeries that were unimaginable years ago; however, there have been patients who have been harmed by medical errors.  If this happens, it is often a result of a series of small failures that are individually not big enough to cause an accident, but combined can result in an error.  Patients must become involved and informed about their treatment.  Everyone has a role in patient safety, and all will benefit from its successes when patients and caregivers communicate more effectively.

Here are some suggestions from the National Patient Safety Foundation:

  • Keep track of your history: Include medical conditions you have, allergies, hospitalizations, etc.
  • Have the names of your pharmacy, doctors, and clinics ready for quick references.
  • Become a more informed health care consumer: seek information about illnesses or conditions that affect you.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions of your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurance coordinator.
  • Work with your doctor and other health care professionals as a team: give up to date information to everyone who is treating you.  Be sure you understand the care and treatment you will be receiving.
  • Pay attention.  If something doesn’t seem right, call it to the attention of your doctor or health care professional.
  • Involve a family member or friend in your care.  If you are not able to observe or participate fully in your care, ask a family member or friend to help you.  Everyone should have an advocate – a friend or family member, especially for check-in and discharge or doctor’s visits.
  • If you have to be in the hospital, bring a notebook with a list of your medications.  If questions arise, write them down.  Take a big bottle of hand sanitizer, and place it by your bed to remind you and the staff to keep hands clean.
  • Follow the treatment plan agreed upon by you and your doctor.  Ask questions about any instructions that are confusing or unclear.  Take medications exactly as prescribed.  Report anything unusual to your doctor.

Infections can occur after many types of medical procedures.  This is particularly true if you have surgery.  My husband contracted a Strep B infection after hip surgery, which required six weeks of home health care.  Staph infections are very serious and difficult to get over, so both the patient and staff must take all precautions to not allow an infection.

Remember, you are your best advocate when it comes to your health.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you didn’t understand the first time.  Especially when in the hospital, and you have waited for the doctor to make rounds, have your questions ready so you won’t forget important things to ask.  Our hospitals are there to help restore us to good health.  They are making strides to correct errors that have been made in the past.  Many times our lives may be in the hands of nurses and physicians.  It is only right to hope for the best care possible.