Small Talks: Introducing the Health Equity Organizational Assessment & Knowledge Builder Series
2022-05-19 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Online via Zoom
According to an IHI 2021 poll, C-Suite leaders stated the top barrier to advancing health equity is inconsistent collection of equity-related patient data. The HEOA helps organizations assess their ability to collect, validate, and stratify patient demographic data and to take action to eliminate disparities. CMS endorses the HEOA as a valuable tool that can promote health equity.
In this session, we will discuss the HEOA Assessment Report, the scoring methodology, and how facilities can still take the assessment. The IPRO QIN-QIO will also share the HEOA educational series schedule with participants.

Discuss the HEOA Assessment Reports.
Learn how to take the HEOA Assessment if your facility hasn’t completed one.
Learn about the HEOA Knowledge Builders educational series

Small Talks: Introducing the Health Equity Organizational Assessment & Knowledge Builder Series
2022-05-25 12:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
According to an IHI 2021 poll, C-Suite leaders stated the top barrier to advancing health equity is inconsistent collection of equity-related patient data. The HEOA helps organizations assess their ability to collect, validate, and stratify patient demographic data and to take action to eliminate disparities. CMS endorses the HEOA as a valuable tool that can promote health equity.
In this session, we will discuss the HEOA Assessment Report, the scoring methodology, and how facilities can still take the assessment. The IPRO QIN-QIO will also share the HEOA educational series schedule with participants.

Discuss the HEOA Assessment Reports.
Learn how to take the HEOA Assessment if your facility hasn’t completed one.
Learn about the HEOA Knowledge Builders educational series.

Check in with the QIO - Office Hours
2022-05-26 12:00 - 12:30, 2022-06-23 12:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
A monthly half-hour zoom session to follow up on recent Small Talks, explore new intervention(s), ask questions, and connect with peers.
These 30-minute sessions do not require registration.

Small Talks: Caring for Residents with Chronic Kidney Disease
2022-06-02 12:00 - 12:30, 2022-06-08 12:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 37 million Americans are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD). With numbers steadily increasing more patients with CKD are residing or visiting a nursing home for a short-term stay. CKD patients are medically complex, often requiring care for multiple comorbidities.
Emphasizing the unique needs of these patients can slow the progression of CKD, ensure adequate care, and quality of life. This session will discuss the health challenges of CKD patients, the stages and progression into end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and important nutrition, medication, and medical management necessary for well-rounded care.
Learning Objectives:

Identify at least three unique elements of caring for a patient with chronic kidney disease
Define the levels of chronic kidney disease and the progression to end-stage renal disease
Summarize the importance of diet/nutrition, medication management, and management of comorbid conditions as they relate to chronic kidney disease
Integrate knowledge gained into practice when caring for chronic kidney disease patients

Small Talks: HEOA Knowledge Builders Series, Category I: Data Collection
2022-06-16 12:00 | Online via Zoom
In this session, we’ll discuss best practices for implementing a standardized procedure for collecting patient self-reported race, ethnicity, and language (REaL) data, and additional demographic data such as SO/GI, disability status, and social determinants of health factors.

Understand why accurate collection of patient demographic data is critical for identifying and addressing health disparities.
Describe best practices for implementing a system-wide, standardized process for accurate collection of patient self-reported REaL and other demographic data.
Share helpful resources.

Small Talk: Ambulatory Care COVID-19 Antivirals (Paxlovid, Lagevrio): Overview for Healthcare Professionals
2022-06-22 12:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
A presentation highlighting the two available oral treatment options for mild to moderate COVID-19 in the ambulatory care setting.
Objectives:

Review the IDSA guidelines for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 infection in the ambulatory care setting
Explore the difference between FDA approval and Emergency Use Authorization
Describe the dosing, side effects and drug interactions associated with Paxlovid and Lagevrio
Summarize the published COVID-19 efficacy data for Paxlovid and Lagevrio

Small Talks: HEOA Knowledge Builders Series, Category II: Data Collection Training
2022-06-23 12:00 | Online via Zoom
In this session, we’ll discuss best practices for training your workforce on how to collect accurate, patient self-reported demographic data in a way that increases patient comfort and staff confidence.

Share different options and best practices for training staff on the accurate collection of patient self-reported REaL and other demographic data.
Understand how to evaluate the effectiveness of workforce training to ensure staff demonstrate competency.
Share helpful resources.

Small Talks: HEOA Knowledge Builders Series, Category III: Data Validation
2022-06-30 12:00 | Online via Zoom
In this session, we’ll discuss how to implement a standardized process to evaluate the accuracy and completeness of self-reported patient REaL and other demographic data.

Share best practices for implementing a system-wide, standardized process for data validation.
Understand to evaluate and address system level issues throughout evaluation processes to continually improve the collection of patient demographic data.
Share helpful resources.

Small Talks: HEOA Knowledge Builders Series, Category IV: Data Stratification
2022-07-07 12:00 | Online via Zoom
In this session, we’ll discuss best practices for stratifying safety, quality and/or outcome measures by patient REaL and other demographic data to identify and address disparities.

Learn how to identify one or more safety, quality and outcomes metrics to use to help uncover disparities.
Understand how to stratify groups to examine differences in quality and pinpoint area with the greatest potential for intervention.
Share helpful resources.

CMS & CDC National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call, July 13, 2022, 3pm ET
2022-07-13 15:00 - 16:00
Please join the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wed, July 13, 2022 at 3:00pm ET for a National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call. Long-term care providers, facility staff and resident advocates are encouraged to attend.
This event is open to the public; registration is required.

Small Talks: HEOA Knowledge Builders Series, Category V: Communicating Patient Demographic Findings
2022-07-14 12:00 | Online via Zoom
In this session, we’ll discuss the importance of and ways to communicate the results of stratified measures for patient populations across your organization.

Discuss various reporting mechanisms for routinely communicating patient outcome measures, and the intended audiences.
Learn how communicating patient demographics findings promote transparency and accountability in your organization.
Share helpful resources

Small Talks: HEOA Knowledge Builders Series, Category VI: Addressing & Resolving Gaps in Care
2022-07-21 12:00 | Online via Zoom
In this session, we’ll discuss best practices for implementing interventions to resolve differences in patient safety, quality and outcomes among identified populations.

Learn how to engage multidisciplinary teams to develop interventions to address identified health disparities.
Understand how to develop and pilot test interventions to address identified health disparities.
Learn how to establish a process for ongoing review, monitoring, and recalibration of interventions.
Share helpful resources.

Small Talks: HEOA Knowledge Builders Series, Category VII: Organizational Infrastructure & Culture
2022-07-28 12:00 | Online via Zoom
In this session, we’ll discuss how to establish an organizational culture and infrastructure to support care delivery that is equitable for all patient populations.

Learn how to implement a standardized process to train the workforce to deliver culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
Explain the importance of naming an individual (or individuals) with leadership responsibility and accountability for health equity efforts.
Understand the importance of engaging with clinical champions, patients and families and/or community partners to reduce health disparities.
Learn how to establish written policies, protocols, pledges or strategic planning documents to show organizational commitment a culture of equity.
Share helpful resources.

Small Talks: HEOA Knowledge Builders Series, HEOA Educational Series Recap
2022-08-04 12:00 | Online via Zoom
In this sessions, we’ll recap the HEOA training and open the session to discussion and Q&A.

Review the available resources.
Discuss if the HEOA will be re-administered and the frequency.
Discuss technical assistance needs.
Open the session for final Q&A

Building QI Resilience Week Five: Strategies to Improve Flu & Pneumococcal Quality Measures
2022-08-09 12:00 - 12:30 | Online via Zoom
In this session, we will review the Influenza and Pneumococcal Quality Measures within the SNF setting with the intent of enhancing your team’s knowledge of the measure, understanding what causes someone to trigger for it, and more. We’ll also share the principles and tools to advance this measure.
Learning objectives:

Examine the disease prevalence of influenza, pneumonia and COVID-19
Discuss the vaccination quality measures and how best to achieve success
Identify required education components and proper documentation of vaccination effort

The webinar will feature a brief presentation followed by Q & A, during which attendees may speak with our team of experts.

Building QI Resilience After Hours: Strategies to Improve Flu & Pneumococcal Quality Measures
2022-08-10 15:30 - 16:00 | Online via Zoom
Hosted by Melanie Ronda, RN, IP, a former NH Director of Nursing, this live replay of the Building QI Resilience Week Five session covers the Influenza and Pneumococcal Quality Measures within the SNF setting with the intent of enhancing your team’s knowledge of the measure, understanding what causes someone to trigger for it, and more. We’ll also share the principles and tools to advance this measure.
Learning objectives:

Examine the disease prevalence of influenza, pneumonia and COVID-19
Discuss the vaccination quality measures and how best to achieve success
Identify required education components and proper documentation of vaccination effort

IP3 Office Hours: Infection Prevention for ﻿Infection Preventionists by an Infection Preventionist
2022-08-11 11:00 - 11:30 | Online via Zoom
While you’re at your desk trying to catch up on a myriad of issues, jump on the IPRO QIN-QIO Office Hours call to hear what people are experiencing, share ideas, and brainstorm solutions. Office hours are hosted by Melanie Ronda, RN, IP, former NH Director of Nursing.

Great Shot! Making Your Vaccine Campaign a Slam Dunk
2022-08-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Online via Zoom
August is Immunization Awareness Month. Make sure your team is armed with tools and strategies to launch an effective vaccine campaign. This session will help you:

Recognize the disease burden of influenza, pneumonia and COVID-19
Review strategies to help increase vaccination rates
Identify vaccine recommendations for the adult population

Clostridioides Difficile: Update On Diagnosis And Treatment In Acute And Post-acute Care Settings
2022-09-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Online via Zoom
Speaker: Ghinwa Dumyati, MD, Director Communicable Diseases Surveillance and Prevention Program, University of Rochester Medical Center.
Dr. Dumyati has expertise in the prevention of healthcare associated infections and antibiotic stewardship. She collaborates with the CDC Emerging Infection Program on identifying the burden and risk factors of infectious diseases of public health importance such as C. difficile and antibiotic resistant gram negative organisms. Dr. Dumyati led several collaborative quality improvement projects to reduce the burden of healthcare associated infections. Over the past several years she succeeded in reducing the incidence of C difficile infections in the local hospitals and nursing homes. Dr. Dumyati is a member of the Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (AMDA) and is the Chair of its Infection Advisory committee. She is also a Fellow of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America and is a member of the Quality Measures Task Force as well as member of its long term care interest group.
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

List the most recent treatment guidelines for C. difficile infection
Identify the role of diagnostic stewardship in optimizing C. difficile testing
Describe the importance of communication across care transitions in improving the management of patients with C. difficile infection

Anticoagulation Forum: New 2022 CHEST Guideline: Perioperative Management of Antithrombotic Therapy
2022-09-09 12:00 | Online via Zoom
From the Anticoagulation Forum
Please join lead guideline authors Drs. James Douketis and Alex Spyropoulos as they discuss the supporting evidence for and the practice implications of the recently released publication, Perioperative Management of Antithrombotic Therapy: An American College of Chest Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline.
IPRO’s Management of Anticoagulation in the Peri-Procedural Period mobile app is referenced in the new 2022 CHEST Guideline: Perioperative Management of Antithrombotic Therapy.
Please join the guideline authors to learn more in the free webinar offered the Anticoagulation Forum. Guideline author Dr. Spyropoulos is also IPRO’s physician expert lead on MAPPP app.

CMS Updates the Nursing Home Requirements of Participation: What Pharmacists and Facilities Need to Know
2022-09-21 12:00 - 13:00 | Online via WebEx
In reaction to concerns for the most vulnerable, the White House expressed increased urgency to improve care provided to the nation’s nursing home residents.
In response, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated the Requirements of Participation (RoP) for facilities that participate in the Medicare program. Areas addressed include infection control, psychotropic medication use and mental health, and, of particular importance, changes to the Guidance to Surveyors, or Appendix PP. Attendance will provide 1 contact hour of ACPE accredited continuing pharmacist education.
Learning Objectives:

Identify the changes to the Requirements of Participation and in particular the revisions to Appendix PP, Guidance to Surveyors
Describe the nuances in the provision of care for residents of skilled facilities as compared to community or other congregate settings, especially related to infection control, psychotropic medication use, and mental health
Discuss the new emphasis surrounding the requirements provide care for those with substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder
Outline strategies to mitigate risks associated with legal and illicit drugs and how to address drug storage, disposition, disposal, and drug overdoses in facilities
Review changes to the requirements for review of psychotropics and gradual dose reductions and
Describe the new refinements to the Infection preventionist requirements

Presenters:

Robert C. Accetta, RPh, BCGP, FASCP
Melanie Ronda, MSN, RN, Assistant Director, Infection Prevention Specialist, IPRO
Terry Lubowski, Pharm D, Director, Drug Safety, IPRO

The Connecticut Pharmacists Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Pharmacists in attendance who complete an evaluation will receive 1 contact hour of CPE credit (0.1 CEU). Statements of credit will be uploaded to CPE monitor on the NABP website, where you can print your credits for your profile.

CMS Updates the Nursing Home Requirements of Participation: What Pharmacists and Facilities Need to Know
2022-09-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Online via WebEx
Live replay of September 21 webinar, including Q & A with presenters.
In reaction to concerns for the most vulnerable, the White House expressed increased urgency to improve care provided to the nation’s nursing home residents.
In response, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated the Requirements of Participation (RoP) for facilities that participate in the Medicare program. Areas addressed include infection control, psychotropic medication use and mental health, and, of particular importance, changes to the Guidance to Surveyors, or Appendix PP. Attending either of the two sessions will provide 1 contact hour of ACPE accredited continuing pharmacist education.
Learning Objectives:

Identify the changes to the Requirements of Participation and in particular the revisions to Appendix PP, Guidance to Surveyors
Describe the nuances in the provision of care for residents of skilled facilities as compared to community or other congregate settings, especially related to infection control, psychotropic medication use, and mental health
Discuss the new emphasis surrounding the requirements provide care for those with substance use disorders, including opioid use disorder
Outline strategies to mitigate risks associated with legal and illicit drugs and how to address drug storage, disposition, disposal, and drug overdoses in facilities
Review changes to the requirements for review of psychotropics and gradual dose reductions and
Describe the new refinements to the Infection preventionist requirements

Presenters:

Robert C. Accetta, RPh, BCGP, FASCP
Melanie Ronda, MSN, RN, Assistant Director, Infection Prevention Specialist, IPRO
Terry Lubowski, Pharm D, Director, Drug Safety, IPRO

The Connecticut Pharmacists Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. Pharmacists in attendance who complete an evaluation will receive 1 contact hour of CPE credit (0.1 CEU). Statements of credit will be uploaded to CPE monitor on the NABP website, where you can print your credits for your profile.

Educating Your Resident and Family Council on Covid-19 Vaccines and Boosters
2022-09-29 12:00 - 12:30 | Online via WebEx
In this interactive session, IPRO’s Infection Preventionists will share a PowerPoint presentation that you may use with Resident and Family Advisory Councils in your facility to help support and enhance COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. The PowerPoint with speakers’ notes will be available for facilities to customize and use to provide education to families, staff, and residents.

CMS Long-Term Services and Supports Open Door Forum
2022-10-04 14:00 - 15:00
Date: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 Start Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM Eastern Time (ET);
Please dial-in at least 15 minutes before call start time.
This call will be Conference Call Only. To participate by phone: Dial: 1-888-455-1397 & Conference Passcode: [REDACTED]
Persons participating by phone do not need to RSVP. TTY Communications Relay Services are available for the Hearing Impaired. For TTY services dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-855-2880. A Relay communications Assistant will help.
Instant Replay: 1-800-391-9853; Passcode: No Passcode Needed
Instant Replay is an audio recording of this call that can be accessed by dialing 1-800-391-9853, beginning 1 hour after the call has ended. The recording expires October 6, 2022, 11:59 PM, ET.
**This Agenda is Subject to Change**
Conference Leaders: Jodie Sumeracki, CMCS and Jill Darling, CMS Office of Communications

Opening Remarks

Chair-Jodie Sumeracki, (CMCS)
Moderator – Jill Darling (OC)

Announcements & Updates

Overview of the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers

Strategy was developed jointly by the advisory councils established by the Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage (RAISE) Family Caregivers Act and the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (SGRG) Act

III. Open Q&A **DATE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE**

Clostridioides difficile: Hospital Best Practices Shared and Outcomes Achieved
2022-10-05 13:00 - 14:00 | Online via WebEx
In the US an estimated 12,800 people died from Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) in 2017, and the CDC Threat Report lists the infection as an urgent health issue. Unfortunately, C. difficile is more common and severe in older people. Inappropriate antibiotic prescribing puts patients at risk for C. diff infections. More than half of all hospitalized patients get antibiotics during their hospital stays, yet studies show that 30-50% of antibiotics are prescribed incorrectly in hospitals.
In this program you’ll hear from two hospital programs that have improved their C difficile rates with multidisciplinary best practice team interventions to increase patient safety.
Who Should Attend: Nurses, Physicians, Infection Preventionists, Pharmacists, Quality and Patient Safety Professionals, Clinical and Hospital Leaders

National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call
2022-10-06 16:00 - 17:00 | Online via Zoom
Please join the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control for a National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call. They will be joined by Thomas Tsai, MD, MPH, Senior Policy Advisor for the White House COVID-19 Response Team for updates as well.
Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 Start Time: 4:00 pm ET
Who Should Attend: Long-term care providers, facility staff, and resident advocates are encouraged to attend.

Antibiotic Stewardship: Quick Wins for Improving Duration of Therapy
2022-11-08 13:00 - 14:00 | Online via WebEx
Antibiotic Stewardship (AS) remains a national priority aimed at optimizing antibiotic use to effectively treat infections, protect patients from harms caused by unnecessary use and combat antibiotic resistance. This event will feature national antibiotic use and duration of Therapy (DOT) trending data, strategies to address AS challenges, examples of best practice to improve antibiotic discharge prescribing and a hospitals success with engaging leaders, providers, and front-line staff in a hospital-wide initiative to improve DOT and outcomes.
In this session, you will learn to:

Describe CDC AS Core Elements and current status of AS programs
Discuss national trending data on antibiotic use and DOT
Review opportunities to improve prescribing practices
Explain DOT evidence-based strategies and associated outcomes

Who Should Attend: Antibiotic Stewardship Teams, Physicians, Pharmacists, Nurses, Infection Preventionists, Outpatient Practice Providers, Quality Professionals, Clinical and Hospital Leaders
Speakers: Arjun Srinivasan, MD, Valerie Vaughn, MD MSc, Robert Neetz, PharmD, BCPS, Lynda Martin MPA, BSN, RN, CPHQ

HHS Announces Listening Session on Protecting the Safety of Patients and Healthcare Workers
2022-11-14 13:00 - 14:40
Join the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including leaders from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Food and Drug Administration, on November 14 as they recommit to the advancement of patient and healthcare worker safety.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra will convene the chief executive officers of the country’s largest healthcare systems, board members, and organizational patient safety leaders in a livestreamed listening session. They will be joined at the podium and around the table by patient and family advocates.
HHS plans to co-create a National Healthcare System Action Alliance to Advance Patient Safety (The Action Alliance) by partnering with healthcare systems, Federal partners, patients and families, and other stakeholders.
Secretary Becerra will invite healthcare systems around the Nation and other stakeholders to join The Action Alliance and support work together to ensure the safety of patients and healthcare workers.
