12-31-2020 Episode 11

Brittany answers this hot question: if farts can go through jeans, how does COVID not go through masks? Brittany and Holly discuss the new COVID variants, answer vaccine questions, and reviews why you need to wear a mask.

Special guest Dawn McClimon PT joins Brittany and Holly to discuss all things COVID vaccine, facts, how it works, why you should get it, and why you should keep wearing a mask!

In this episode Brittany and Holly discuss the COVID surge that’s severely impacted the state of Indiana post Thanksgiving. Brittany discusses the evidence, literature and governing bodies that drives infection prevention decisions – giving listeners the “why” behind PPE, supplies and practices across the system of IU Health. Despite the evidence, there is still a lot of unknowns about the disease process and when that is mixed by personal fears and bias, confusion, caution fatigue and noncompliance results. Stay mindful, understand there’s a bigger picture and know that you can make a difference by practicing diligence with infection precautions outside of work.

In this episode, Brittany and Holly discuss caution fatigue and healthy mindset practices. Stress and emotions are high, circumstances are challenging and times are uncertain – but what you can be certain of and what you can control is your impact, how you can help, and how you react during stress. Set healthy and professional boundaries with your patients. Practice self-care and self-reflection. Extend grace and empathy to one another, and wear a mask! Understand how your mind works with Cy Wakeman on "What is Ego and How to Identify It": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VrTT8sDW5g&utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=99131505&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9-F3DjN24xPDOVfU6xVuiNEV4QLODR98auMo3mYyiY-hYwn1DKKehYkRARB5pWB8GbkYCrsjTMyIstcpW_-EQio1_Gzw&utm_content=99131505&utm_source=hs_email

This episode Brittany and Holly discuss caution fatigue regarding practicing infection prevention with COVID19. Brittany answers questions regarding antigen tests, nasal swabs vs nasopharangeal tests. Indiana is seeing a second spike and the hospital census is increasing – which impacts acute care management flu positive patients, get  your flu shots! IUH Home Health is offering free flu shots to patients and immediate household members.

IU Health updated screening questions, Brittany and Holly discuss it’s impact to home health and hospice. Review of mindfulness both from a mental/emotional state and COVID-19 symptoms. They also give an update for providing flu shots to patients in their homes. 

Brittany and Holly are back to discuss the why behind new supply ordering processes and new disinfectant process. We review the COVID symptoms in the screening for both patients and their household members but also for team members (don’t work if you’re sick!). And finally, IU Health’s new awareness campaign for masks: Wear because you care. How to Improve Your Mask Fit: https://youtu.be/2TTg53aAP8Q

Special guest Donna Stout joins Brittany and Holly to discuss changes to the quality audit process and what it means for OASIS clinicians. Covid discussions continue around supplies and news articles and how to keep continue best practices.

A 33 year old patient was reinfected with Covid19, but a different strand than patient’s original infection. What does that mean? Brittany and Holly discuss this story and other COVID 19 news: a new CMS regulation for hospice clinicians, update on supply and PPE counts, and home COVID19 tests for home care and hospice patients. Oh! And FLU season is just about here and we need to be on top of it! Start discussing flu vaccines with your patients now. A 33-year-old man caught the new coronavirus – twice. What does this mean for immunity? Need to review IM injection administration for giving flu shots? Lippincott Procedures has information available via the IU Health Team Portal, search “Intramuscular injection, home care” in Lipincott Procedures, or click this link. https://procedures.lww.com/lnp/view.do?pId=5560712&hits=injection,im,administration,medicine,inject,injecting,injections,internal,injectable&a=true&ad=false

In this episode, Brittany and Holly answer staff’s questions on mandatory universal eye protection, provide tips for COVID 19 patient education, and give updates on patient testing and sani wipes. Lab Test Directory: https://www.testmenu.com/iuhealthlab