ProMed Labor Day Closure Notice

Professional Medical will be closed on Monday, September 3 in honor of Labor Day. All Monday deliveries will be made on Tuesday, September 4. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Customer Care department at (800) 648-5190. 

We wish you and yours a safe and happy Labor Day! 

Study: Rosacea Linked to Tiny Facial Mites

Scientists are now able to link tiny mites that crawl across our faces, unfelt and unseen, to the development of skin-reddening rosacea. They're hopeful that this new finding might lead to more effective treatments for the condition. 

The mites, scientifically known as Demodex folliculorum, spend their daylight hours in our sweat glands. When they die, bacteria in their digestive tracts spills out into the glands. That's not a problem for the majority of us, but when people have a particularly large number of mites on their faces, the release of this bacteria can overwhelm the immune system, causing rosacea. 

These findings are leading scientists to theorize that dietary changes might be effective for preventing rosacea.  The mites feed on dead skin cells and sebum, the oily substance released by sebaceous glands. Eating lower-fat foods, according to the researchers, can lead to a more "normal" sebum that could prevent the mites from multiplying. 

To learn more, click here. 

Hand Hygiene Deficiencies Linked to Staffing Levels

In a recent study, researchers tied an increase in the number of hand hygiene deficiencies observed in nursing homes to inadequate staffing levels.

The researchers found that nursing homes with proportionately fewer RNs, LPNs and aides were significantly more likely to have hand hygiene deficiencies than facilities with more staff. Additionally, nursing homes in states with lower Medicaid reimbursement rates were also more likely to have lapses in handwashing.

The study also noted that inspectors, spurred by increased awareness of healthcare-acquired infections, are becoming more vigilant about looking for hand hygiene lapses. Between 2000 and 2002, inspectors issued hand hygiene deficiencies in fewer than 7.4 percent of facilities. By 2009, that number had jumped to 12 percent.

To learn more, click here.

Are You Using an Oxygen Concentrator Maintenance Log?

Therapeutic use of medical-grade oxygen supplied via an oxygen concentrator requires trained clinical assessment, a prescription, in-servicing and instruction on the use, service, maintenance and support of the system you choose. We also suggest keeping a maintenance log that notes the following about your concentrators:

• Unit’s serial number
•  Hours at time of service, from the digital hour meter
• What maintenance was performed (i.e. changed battery, which filters, etc.)
• Date maintenance was performed
• Signature of who performed said maintenance

      We suggest keeping a copy of this maintenance log inside the unit case or in the rear pouch. 

Note: Concentrator care and components will vary by manufacturer and brand. Please consult your owner’s manual for specific guidance regarding your machines. 

Scientists Working on a "Smart" Catheter

Scientists at the University of Michigan are hard at work on a "smart" catheter that would release bacteria-killing nitric oxide when an infection is beginning to develop. They presented their findings at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, which was held in Philadelphia last week.

Currently existing "unintelligent" catheters can release antibiotics continuously, but these substances can quickly become depleted, lessening their effectiveness. The "smart" catheter would deliver the medication only when an infection is first detected.

The smart catheter would sense changes in the pH level around the catheter. Specific changes in pH indicate the critical point when bacteria have formed a sticky film on the catheter, signaling a developing infection.

To learn more, click here.

HaloShield® Delivers a Knock-Out Punch to Linen Odors and Bacteria

Keeping linens smelling fresh can be a daunting task as dampness creates the perfect home for odor-causing bacteria. HaloShield, an antimicrobial coating applied to textiles such as reusable underpads, was developed to reduce bacteria and permanently eliminate unpleasant odors. Facilities need only to launder textiles in bleach to recharge HaloShield’s odor-controlling power. Despite its strength, HaloShield will not irritate sensitive skin.

Reusable underpads treated with HaloShield eliminate unpleasant, embarrassing urine odors caused by incontinence. Within 10 minutes of contact with the underpad, 99.9 percent of odor-causing bacteria are eliminated. The underpads are also quick-drying and better for the environment than disposable underpads.

ProMed now offers reusable underpads treated with HaloShield. Your territory manager is ready to tell you more! To connect with us, visit www.promedsupply.com or give us a call at (800) 648-5190. 

What You Need to Know Now about the CMS 2012 Nursing Home Action Plan

On July 6, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its 2012 Nursing Home Action Plan, which went into effect immediately.

The Action Plan consists of five interrelated and coordinated approaches, each of which addresses one or more objectives of CMS' Three-Part Aim for improving healthcare in the U.S.:

1.     Improving the individual experience of care;

2.     Improving the health of populations; and

Reducing the per capita cost of care for populations.

The five components of the Action Plan and additional details about each are listed below.

1.     Enhance consumer engagement
Meets objective: 1
CMS plans to provide the public with a wider array of easy-to-understand information. For example, the Nursing Home Compare site (available at www.medicare.gov) has undergone a major overhaul.

2.     Strengthen survey processes, standards and enforcement
Meets objectives: 1, 2, 3
CMS is engaged in several ongoing initiatives to improve the effectiveness of both standard and complaint surveys.

3.     Promote quality improvement
Meets objectives: 1, 2, 3
CMS continues to increase its involvement in Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes as part of their efforts to meet quality improvement goals. The agency also encourages facilities to embrace resident-centered care.

4.     Create strategic approaches through partnerships
Meets objectives: 2, 3
CMS has partnered with State Survey Agencies (SAs), Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) and Advancing Excellence Local Area Networks (LANEs) to address quality improvement at the state and national levels.

Advancing quality through innovation and demonstration
Meets objective: 3
CMS is involved in a number of projects that seek to transform health care by finding new ways to pay for and deliver care while simultaneously improving care and lowering costs. 

To read the plan in its entirety, click here.