Here are the finalists in the 2016 Health Care Heroes Innovation category.
Honors an individual or team behind a new scientifc discovery, procedure, treatment or device that can save lives or improve the quality of life for a large number of people.
Angie Barr
TITLE: Administrator
ORGANIZATION: The Davis Community
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Six years ago The Davis Community’s leaders brought together residents, family members, staff, community stakeholders and industry experts to envision what the nursing home could be if the resident was at the center of every decision made.
The strategic plan that was developed called for a change from the traditional medical model of nursing home care to a social model where residents live in small households designed for 18-22 people.
The activation of the strategic plan required a complete retraining of every employee and a change in organizational culture. Households develop individual cultures based on the residents living in the households, the staff working in the household and the involvement of family members in daily activities.
The proof is in the numbers. Annual resident satisfaction scores remain high. Employee turnover is low compared to the industry.
With CEO Charles Long, Angie Barr has guided the day-to-day operations of this five-year transformation and been the ever-present ambassador for quality senior care.”
-Julie Rehder, The Davis Community
David Smith
TITLE: Pediatric intensivist
ORGANIZATION: Coastal Children’s Services
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “There are not enough pediatric head trauma patients for his team to acquire expertise on the job, so Dr. Smith teamed up with a colleague to use simulations.
Discovering that a suitable mannequin did not exist, they invented the Head Trauma Simulation Tool, a functional mannequin that monitors intracranial pressure.
Dr. Smith also created the Pain Sedation Scale, which is accessible on all airway carts. At the point of care, the team uses it to evaluate the airway and in conjunction with the physical exam, they score each patient to determine the appropriate level of sedation ... Dr. Smith also took the initiative to become a certified instructor for the Pediatric Fundamental Critical Care Course … designed to address the first 24 hours of post-resuscitation management of the critically ill pediatric patient until transfer or appropriate critical care consultation can be arranged.
Not only does his effort have the potential to positively impact the quality of pediatric care in the region, he has an opportunity to generate impact both at a statewide level and in surrounding states.”
-Elizabeth Harris, co-worker
Deborah Stokes
TITLE: Mobile simulation program manager
ORGANIZATION: Coastal Carolinas Health Alliance
WHAT THE NOMINATOR SAID: “Deb’s vision of training supports the mission of our Mobile Simulation Program (MSP), which is providing access to superior education opportunities for clinicians throughout southeastern North Carolina.
Deb has developed over 100 different training scenarios, which use high-fidelity human mannequins or ‘simulators.’ Her efforts aim to reach hospitals, physicians’ practices, skilled nursing facilities, health departments and any other type of provider. Since 2011, the MSP has provided nearly 11,000 continuing education credits required by state regulation and has successfully trained nearly 10,000 clinicians in our region.
Deb has led this effort for nearly four years now. In 2015 she led efforts to train nearly 700 clinicians on proper doff and don techniques in the event of Ebola outbreak.
Deb has also collaborated with leaders from New Hanover Regional Medical Center to provide Neonatal Simulation training sessions...
Deb is a true educator and is passionate about her own personal education and growth and demonstrates that by pursing her Doctoral Degree in Nursing.”
-Yvonne Hughes, Coastal Carolinas Health Alliance CEO
