Lymphedema Program at YRMC Helps
Breast Cancer Survivors Cope with the Aftermath

Diane Bauer and Jeanne Hines have a powerful bond, even though they have never met. The two Quad City residents are breast cancer survivors who struggle with lymphedema. Both women have found relief through The Lymphedema Management Program at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC).

“Unless you have experienced lymphedema,” said Bauer, “it’s hard to understand its impact.”

Lymphedema is a side effect of cancer treatment that approximately 25 percent of breast cancer survivors experience. Its first signs may be as inconsequential as a heavy feeling in an extremity, a ring that seems tight, or even a watchband that doesn’t rest properly on the wrist. Initially, the swelling subsides at night but within weeks or months it becomes chronic and more intense. For some with lymphedema, the affected area can expand to several times its normal size. Lymphedema can limit mobility and affect how people feel about themselves.

“My arm began to get larger, especially the upper arm, and it was painful,” recalled Hines. “It felt like it was tearing on the inside. My hand began to swell, too. We called it my fat baby hand because it was chubby like an infant’s hand.”

That was in 2001, several years after Hines had undergone treatment for breast cancer. Bauer’s initial experience with lymphedema was different, but the results were similar. Her arm began to swell “fast and huge” when she began radiation therapy for breast cancer in April.

“I had never heard of lymphedema,” Bauer said. “I learned that it was something that could be treated but that it would always be with me, which is sad.”

Today, both women work every day to control their lymphedema. Thanks to The Lymphedema Management Program at YRMC—and a grant from Susan G. Komen Phoenix Affiliate—they have the knowledge and tools necessary to control their lymphedema. The tools are custom compression bandages and garments that are provided through a grant that YRMC received from Susan G. Komen Phoenix Affiliate this year. The grant targets low and middleincome women suffering from breast cancer-related lymphedema.

A Phased Approach to Treating Lymphedema

Donna Hannah, OTR/L, CLT-LANA, leads The Lymphedema Management Program at YRMC. Hannah is the only lymphedema therapist serving Yavapai County and one of eight in Arizona. Hannah—an occupational therapist who is certified by the Lymphology Association of North America (LANA)—has reached the highest level of accreditation in this specialized area. She sees firsthand the impact of lymphedema on breast cancer survivors.

“At first, they wonder if their cancer has returned and the whole experience of breast cancer tumbles back on them,” she said. “In the beginning, we talk about how lymphedema is a chronic condition, but one that can be controlled. Once they understand they can control lymphedema, we get to work.”

That work includes two major treatment phases, which typically last a total of four to six weeks or 16-20 visits. During the first phase, Hannah evaluates the patient’s condition and develops an individualized treatment plan. Plans may incorporate:

• Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)—Lymphedema patients undergo intense manual lymphatic drainage, which Hannah teaches them so they can continue the practice after their treatment concludes. MLD is a massage technique that helps open working lymph nodes so they can help drain the affected areas. According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, combined with other therapies, MLD can reduce fluid up to 73 percent in breast cancer patients.
• Compression Therapy—Bandaging the affected area after an MLD session also reduces lymphedema swelling. Hannah instructs women on how to apply short-stretch compression bandages during the first phase of treatment.
• Exercises—Hannah works with patients on exercises that promote lymphatic flow and reduce swelling.
• Skin Care—Keeping the skin clean and moisturized and preventing trauma, such as cuts and scrapes, can lessen the chances of skin infection that can cause lymphedema to get out of control.

According to both Bauer and Hines, Hannah goes beyond the mechanics of treating lymphedema to help support and encourage patients.

"Donna has so much training and experience," Hines said. ¡§She¡¦s also incredibly compassionate. She helped calm me when I needed it."

Hannah is committed to educating patients about lymphedema so they can recognize it and seek early treatment. Lymphedema, for example, has stages:

• Stage l -- The area (arm, hand or leg) is swollen and feels heavy. Pressing on the swollen area may leave a dent.
• Stage II -- The limb is swollen and feels spongy. A condition called tissue fibrosis may develop and cause the limb to feel hard. Pressing on the swollen area does not leave a dent in this stage of lymphedema.
• Stage II -- In this advanced stage, the swollen extremity may drain lymphatic fluid, in addition to the other symptoms outlined in the earlier stage.

I work with patients to set goals," Hannah said. "One patient with advanced lymphedema said, "I have not been able to reach over my head for 20 years. I want to be able to screw in a light bulb.' We got her there."

During the second treatment phase, treatment in the clinic is less frequent as patients are now more independent and capable of in-home maintenance, such as self-administered MLD and exercise. They also graduate from using only compression bandages to wearing a compression garment during the day. For some patients, Hannah may recommend separate day and night-time compression garments. Ideally, these are custom-made for the patient.

"By phase two, patients should be getting back to their normal activities," she said. "If they like to make pottery or lift weights, we ramp up slowly to monitor what their systems will take."

Support from Susan G. Komen Phoenix Affiliate

 
For patients like Bauer and Hines, the Susan G. Komen Phoenix Affiliate grant provides customized bandages and garments, which health insurance typically does not cover. Customized garments can cost as much as $1,200. Hines, for example, has a customized sleeve ($200), a nighttime garment ($700) and a compression glove ($150) for a total cost of $1,050.

"When you live with lymphedema, infections are very scary. I am so grateful that Susan G. Komen has allowed me to get the garments I need to stay healthy and avoid infection. I never could have afforded to buy customized bandages and garments," Hines said.

The Susan G. Komen Phoenix Affiliate grant will help approximately 18 patients purchase customized garments and also allow YRMC to purchase educational materials on lymphedema.

“YRMC is very committed to building awareness about lymphedema and encouraging early treatment,” said Peter Brennan, director of philanthropy at YRMC. “With the support of Susan G. Komen Phoenix Affiliate, we know we can make a difference to women struggling with lymphedema.”

YRMC’s Lymphedema Support Group

Hannah founded a Lymphedema Support Group to provide information and allow lymphedema patients to learn from one another. Support group members range in age from 40 to over 70, but the common bond is their commitment to managing their lymphedema.

The approximately 20 regular attendees at the monthly Lymphedema Support Group meetings hear presentations from medical experts: genetic oncologists, dietitians and other healthcare professionals. They also spend time sharing information.“

Those women will take a new support group member by the hand and tell her to listen to Donna and work hard,” Hannah said. “They understand what it feels like and know what needs to be done to control it.”

Lymphedema management is a way of life for both Bauer and Hines. When asked what advice she would give breast cancer survivors in the community experiencing the early signs of lymphedema, Bauer said, “Run, don’t walk, to your doctor and get a referral to The Lymphedema Management Program at YRMC.”

Diane Drexler, RN, BSN, MBA, FACHE, Takes Chief Nursing Officer Post

Growing up, Diane Drexler considered the idea of a nursing career. However, it was while observing the nurses who cared for a critically ill high school classmate that she decided to pursue the profession.

“When I visited my friend,” she said, “I was always impressed by the nurses who cared for her. I thought, ‘That’s what I want to do with my life.’”

Drexler understood then that she wanted to help people through illness and provide support to their family members and friends. She’s been doing that for more than 20 years, first as a caregiver and then in management and executive-level positions. In April, Drexler joined Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) as its new Chief Nursing Officer (CNO), the hospital’s top nurse executive in charge of patient care services on both campuses.

“What has impressed me most is that everyone at YRMC—from staff members to board members—embraces the hospital’s mission,” Drexler said. “It’s more than a plaque on a wall; everyone is completely committed to it. I am thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to be part of this organization and community.” Before joining YRMC, Drexler served as Vice President of Patient Care Services for Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Western Regional Medical Center (WRMC). She helped open the hospital, located in Goodyear, Arizona, in 2008. Drexler also launched WRMC’s “acuity adaptable unit,” the first such licensed unit in the state. The acuity adaptable unit design allows patients to remain in the same room throughout their hospitalization.

Drexler’s nursing experience also includes 15 years at Banner Health in the Phoenix area. In her most recent position at Banner, she was CNO of Banner Estrella Medical Center in Phoenix. Again, she undertook the job of opening the hospital, which in 2005 was among the nation’s first to introduce both an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and Computerized Physician Order Entry (CPOE) system.

According to Tim Barnett, YRMC’s President and CEO, Drexler’s experience will be an asset to the hospital and community.

“She’s the right person at the right time,” Barnett said. “With the BreastCare Center at YRMC ready to open this fall and the transition to EMR that the federal government is requiring of hospitals, Diane’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable. Even more important, Diane is devoted to the nursing profession and a true advocate of patients. We are very fortunate to have her on our team.”

Drexler also is pleased to be part of the YRMC team. A successful nurse leader, she said, listens and develops relationships throughout the organization. However, as a nurse, she never forgets the most important relationships are with patients.

“I enjoy listening and talking to patients. I love hearing how we as nurses make an impact on their lives and how we can improve,” she said.

Drexler is a firm believer in both lifelong learning and sharing her professional knowledge. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of New Mexico at Albuquerque and a Master’s of Business Administration from Arizona State University West.

Drexler is a graduate of the Wharton Fellows Nurse Executive Leadership Program and she was also selected for the prestigious Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) Foundation Executive Nurse Fellows program. Only 20 nurse leaders from throughout the country participate in this program each grant cycle. RWJ selects nurses who aspire to help lead and shape the U.S. healthcare system. Additionally, Drexler earned board certification in healthcare management as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). She has published many articles in nursing journals.

“I believe that if I have done something from which others can learn, I want to share my lesson learned,” she said.

Drexler and her family—her husband and two children—are enjoying the people of Prescott and the beauty of the area.

“For the first time, I know my neighbors and they know me,” she said. “We love to hike and kayak so we feel like it’s all at our back door now. It’s the best of all worlds.”

American College of Radiology Awards
YRMC Imaging Services Prestigious Accreditation

Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s (YRMC’s) Imaging Services has earned accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR). Known as the ACR Gold Standard of Accreditation, the gold seal signifies that the hospital has voluntarily pursued a rigorous review to ensure its radiology program meets or exceeds national standards.

“It’s difficult for patients to evaluate the quality of their MRI study, CT scan or other imaging studies or treatments,” said Mary Sterling, Director of YRMC’s Imaging Services. “With ACR accreditation, they are assured that the hospital’s radiologists and technologists as well as its medical equipment have been judged by a third-party to meet the highest quality standards for performance and safety.”

Unlike many other organizations, YRMC pursued and earned ACR accreditation of its entire Imaging Services program at the same time, including:

• CT (Computed Tomography)
• Mammography
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• Nuclear Medicine
• Ultrasound

These services—available at YRMC West in Prescott and YRMC East in Prescott Valley—will be ACR accredited for three years, along with radiology services delivered at YRMC Del E. Webb Outpatient Center in Prescott Valley. YRMC Imaging Services also earned > accreditation in CT for pediatric imaging, demonstrating its commitment to providing pediatric patients with the safest imaging procedures possible.

“I’m proud, but not surprised, that YRMC’s Imaging Services earned ACR accreditation,” said Tim Barnett, YRMC President and CEO. “YRMC’s Imaging Services team is well known for its commitment to high quality imaging and safe services.”

According to the ACR, accreditation indicates that YRMC’s Imaging Services program meets or exceeds quality assurance and safety guidelines. Additionally, the Imaging Services program includes:

• Personnel who are well qualified—through education and certification—to perform and interpret medical images; and
• Medical equipment that is appropriate for testing and treatment.

For more information about YRMC’s Imaging Services contact (928) 771-5140. To schedule an exam, contact YRMC’s Central Scheduling at (928) 759-5860.

Same Personalized Patient Care, Now with Added Ease, Efficiency and Collaboration

Patients at Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) will notice something a little different about the personalized care they receive during their next hospital visits. That’s because YRMC has implemented a new state-of-the-art Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system – called Project CARE. High tech meets high touch with this secure high speed medical record network that gives YRMC caregivers quick access to patient medical information from anywhere within YRMC’s hospital locations in Prescott and Prescott Valley.

Paper charts are now a thing of the past at YRMC as caregivers use a variety of sophisticated tools that range from mobile computing carts and wall mount systems to digital scanners to support the personalized care they provide to patients. These computing devices link YRMC caregivers with patient medical records via a highly secure data center that uses encryption and other sophisticated safeguards to protect patient information.

“Project CARE is consistent with our Vision of a Total Healing Environment,” says YRMC President and CEO Tim Barnett. “Patients will always receive the personalized, one-to-one care they depend on, but now with the added assurance that their medical records are always up-to-date and right where our caregivers need them, when they need them,” states Barnett.

Project CARE supports great patient care.

Providing patients with advanced healthcare will always be the primary motivation at YRMC. Project CARE is a great example of this commitment. “Everything we do at YRMC is guided by our Vision and Values,” states Barnett. “We carefully evaluate every opportunity and we always ask ourselves if it’s the very best thing we can do for our patients. In the case of an EMR, we are positive that it’s the right thing to do.”

YRMC’s new EMR – when combined with the personal touch of caregivers at the bedside – creates a new level of communication, safety and sharing.

• With the new EMR, patient medical records are more complete so patients won’t have to answer the same questions again and again.
• As caregivers spend less time charting, they will have more time to do what they do best – provide great patient care.
• Because the medical records are digital, it won’t be necessary to decipher handwriting.
• Test results are available in real-time.
• Caregivers can immediately check for drug-to-drug and drug allergy interactions.
• Accuracy is increased on all levels. From prescriptions that are sent to the pharmacy, to orders for tests and other procedures, to special dietary restrictions– information will be transmitted faster and more clearly than ever before.

Big project. Big rewards.

The launch of Project CARE is the result of over two years of careful planning and research that involved hundreds of dedicated YRMC staff members. Considerable improvements were made to YRMC’s information systems, workflows were enhanced, and extensive training programs were designed to prepare YRMC staff to use the new tools.

“Our caregivers will now utilize the latest information technology rather than a paper chart when providing care to their patients,” says YRMC Chief Nursing Officer Diane Drexler, RN, BSN, MBA, FACHE. “An EMR won’t replace critical thinking skills however – it’s an adjunct to our training and education that provides real-time access to patient information right at our fingertips.” With paper charting, only one caregiver at a time can look at a patient’s medical record.

With the new EMR, multiple YRMC caregivers can view a patient’s medical chart—from physician orders to vital signs, x-rays and test results—at the same time, from different locations. This is particularly important in emergency situations when seconds count.

Yavapai Regional Medical Center’s (YRMC’s) Emergency Department (ED) implemented new guidelines for prescribing controlled substances on October 1. The new guidelines—developed to address prescription medication abuse—mirror the efforts of other Arizona hospital EDs and are part of a broader partnership with MATFORCE, a coalition dedicated to reducing substance abuse in Yavapai County.

“As caregivers, we’re extremely concerned about prescription drug abuse in our county, state and nation,” said Diane Drexler, RN, Chief Nursing Officer, YRMC. “These guidelines allow YRMC to provide the best care possible to all of our Emergency Department patients.”

The guidelines—developed by a team of YRMC ED physicians, nurses, social workers and administrative leaders in partnership with MATFORCE representatives demonstrate great concern for the health of the community, according to Sheila Polk, Yavapai County Attorney.

“It takes an entire community to address substance abuse issues. I admire, support and am so proud that YRMC stepped forward to be part of a solution that is truly going to make a huge difference,” Polk said.

YRMC’s new guidelines incorporate the following standards of care:

• Prescriptions for opioids (narcotics) to treat patients with chronic pain should come from a single provider. This means that YRMC’s ED will not prescribe narcotic pain medication after a patient’s initial ED visit or if the patient has received narcotic medications from another physician or ED.
• YRMC’s ED discourages giving opioids in intravenous (IV) form or as shots for acute pain. Shots to alleviate chronic pain are not given through the ED. YRMC’s ED does not prescribe Schedule 2 Controlled Substances for chronic pain as these medications are linked most frequently to abuse and addiction.
• Long-acting or controlled-release opioids, such as OxyContin, fentanyl patches or methadone, are not prescribed by YRMC’s ED. Methadone doses for people in methadone treatment programs are not administered by YRMC’s ED.
• Patients given prescriptions for controlled substances from YRMC’s ED may be asked to show a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license, at the hospital’s pharmacy. In order to track prescriptions for controlled substances, people who don’t have an official photo ID may be photographed for their medical record.
• YRMC does not refill stolen or lost prescriptions for narcotics or controlled substances.
• In keeping with the law and best medical practices, YRMC’s ED requests a patient’s medical records when providing treatment and also shares information about treatment administered in the ED with the patient’s physician or physicians.
• YRMC’s ED will establish care plans for frequent ED patients, which may include recommended strategies for avoiding medications associated with abuse or addiction.

According to Drexler, these new guidelines allow YRMC’s ED to maintain its unique and essential role in the community.

“Emergency departments are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” Drexler said. “They care for people facing the unexpected: the passengers injured in a car crash…the person who suffers a heart attack while jogging…the child who fractures his arm while playing at the park. We believe these guidelines for prescribing controlled substances allow us to continue fulfilling that important role and encourage people with chronic pain to work with the appropriate medical professionals to address their long-term health challenges.”

The Arizona Substance Abuse Partnership (ASAP) reported that more than 11 percent of Arizona adults surveyed said they had used prescription drugs without a doctor’s consent in 2010. Almost half of those had misused prescription drugs in the previous 12 months and 13 percent reported misuse in the past 30 days.

A recent expansion of the Emergency Department (ED) at YRMC East in Prescott Valley increases space, enhances efficiency and improves privacy.

“These are excellent improvements,” said Irene Connor, RN, Director, Emergency Department at YRMC East. “They’re good for our patients and their families.”

When it’s completed, the expansion project—launched in early 2012—will increase the ED from 17 to a total of 24 beds and will feature:

• six fully equipped fast-track rooms for patients with less serious illnesses and injuries (e.g., sore throats, ankle sprains and eye infections);
• five critical care rooms, one of which functions as a trauma room and may be used for emergency procedures and surgeries;
• an X-ray viewing station in the trauma room that allows the physician to view images without leaving the trauma room;
• beds that help prevent pressure sores as well as allow patients to be weighed in bed rather than moving to a scale;
• a second triage area that will decrease waits during busy ED times; and a new point-of-care testing area for rapid exam results, such as throat swabs, that are ready when the patient is examined.

Other changes to the ED focus on patient convenience and comfort. A new entrance will allow visitors to access the ED from inside the hospital. A garden area near the current ED main entrance will give visitors a pleasant retreat. Additionally, a children’s waiting area is planned for families with youngsters.

“We know that the surrounding environment is very important to helping relax patients,” said Connor.

The expanded YRMC East ED will feature warm Arizona colors and soothing music to create a calm, comfortable environment for patients and other visitors.

High Risk Newborns and their Families Stay in the Community

“This is a milestone for our community,” said Diane Drexler, RN, YRMC’s Chief Nursing Officer. “It means many babies born early will no longer be transported to other Arizona communities. They will stay with their moms and receive high-level care right here.”

YRMC’s Family Birthing Center—licensed as a Level II Continuing Care Nursery by the Arizona Department of Health Services—is now delivering and caring for babies born at 34 weeks or greater. By January 2014, babies born 32 weeks or greater will be delivered and cared for at the YRMC Family Birthing Center.

Normal gestation is 38 to 40 weeks. According to the March of Dimes, approximately 12,000 babies a year are born prematurely in Arizona.

“Receiving and maintaining certification for the Family Birthing Center through the APT demonstrates that YRMC is committed to providing safe, efficient and effective patient care,” said Connie Buckner, RN, Director, The Family Birthing Center at YRMC.

APT certification brings together Level II Continuing Care Nurseries like YRMC’s to:

• maintain certain standards of care for mothers and babies;
• participate in statewide efforts to benchmark perinatal units; and
• work collaboratively with Arizona’s regionalized perinatal healthcare system.

The Family Birthing Center at YRMC East in Prescott Valley was designed and constructed from the beginning to care for premature infants. The Center, which opened May 26, 2010, followed Arizona Department of Health Services requirements that specify, for example, the amount of space between each baby in the nursery.

After its opening, YRMC’s Family Birthing Center nurses, obstetricians and pediatricians immediately began working together to achieve Level II Perinatal certification. The Center’s registered nurses were cross trained on all aspects of neonatal care, including, for example, how to provide supplemental oxygen, prevent infections, administer medications and manage feeding tubes.

Additionally, the nurses participated in a rigorous series of classroom courses conducted by YRMC’s neonatal nurse practitioner. The Center’s nurses and YRMC respiratory therapists also pursued on-site training in the neonatal unit of another hospital.

“The Family Birthing Center’s staff has been working toward this for a long time. Our first high-risk delivery since the new certification went very well,” Drexler said. “Our team was ecstatic. The newborn did great and so did the baby’s mother. Our entire hospital is proud of this achievement. It’s so important to families in our community.”

State of Arizona Grant Supports Stroke Education at YRMC

Early recognition and rapid response to stroke are the goals of a clinician training program sponsored by Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC). Nearly 270 YRMC registered nurses as well as occupational, physical, respiratory and speech therapists participated in the SimSuite Stroke Simulation Training Program January 7-18. The program featured a wireless patient simulator called the Laerdal SimMan® that replicated possible scenarios associated with stroke in a lab setting as well as classroom-setting workshops.

“Stroke symptoms can be very subtle,” said Diane Drexler, RN, YRMC Chief Nursing Officer. “Because of the SimSuite training, YRMC’s clinicians are more acutely aware of the signs and symptoms of stroke. With this training, they can intervene earlier, which will save lives and help limit disability due to stroke.”

In the simulation laboratory, YRMC clinicians worked in teams of approximately six on a series of scenarios. This experience allowed caregivers to practice identifying and treating stroke patients as well as patients with signs and symptoms that mimic stroke. In addition to the simulation laboratory, the SimSuite training included a learning module with a pre-and post-test. The program’s curriculum is based on the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association “Get With the Guidelines Program: Target Stroke.”

“This is a very effective way of learning in healthcare,” said Drexler. “Every patient is different and the classroom learning combined with the hands-on experience in the lab builds the critical thinking skills necessary to care effectively for patients.”

YRMC occupational, physical, speech and respiratory therapists also learned advanced stroke rehabilitation techniques as part of the training. The therapists participated in two-day, hands-on seminars, which took place in December 2012 and January 2013.

Ellen Benson, YRMC’s Director of Education and Organizational Development, said the training allowed YRMC to increase the skills of its caregivers and improve healthcare for the community. “By training so many clinicians at the same time, we ensure continuity of care,” she said.

The SimSuite Stroke Simulation Training Program was funded in part by an Arizona Job Training Program Grant from the Arizona Commerce Authority. The grant supports Arizona employers seeking to increase the skills of their employees.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one American dies from stroke every four minutes. Each year, more than 795,000 people in the U.S. suffer strokes.

On April 8, The BreastCare Center at YRMC introduces Arizona’s only breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system designed specifically for breast imaging.

“For a community to have this technology within 100 miles is very fortunate,” said Michael D’Angelo, MD, Medical Director, Imaging Services at YRMC. “For a community to have this technology within five or even 25 miles is phenomenal.”

Currently, there are fewer than 50 breast MRI systems in the U.S., all of which are designed by Aurora Imaging Technology, Inc. Most hospitals and imaging centers conduct breast MRI studies by modifying conventional, full-body MRIs. The new system at YRMC’s BreastCare Center was designed solely to study the breast. Every aspect of the Aurora® Breast MRI System—from its outstanding imaging capabilities to the design of the patient table—was conceived exclusively for breast imaging.

Physicians often request an MRI in order to further evaluate areas of concern detected during a woman’s screening mammogram, ultrasound or physical exam. Compared to the more widely available conventional breast MRI, the system at YRMC’s BreastCare Center will offer:

• dramatically superior and precise images;
• speedier results;
• reduced individual imaging times; and
• greater patient comfort.

“This breast MRI is the only commercially available, Food and Drug Administration cleared MRI system that is designed just for three-dimensional, bi-lateral breast imaging,” said Mary Sterling, YRMC’s Director of Imaging Services. “The BreastCare Center at YRMC is so pleased to offer this important service to the women of our community.” Perhaps most significant to women and their families will be the daily availability of this powerful breast MRI system. To accommodate this important equipment and service, a new space specially designed for the breast MRI system was constructed at The BreastCare Center at YRMC.

“Because the exam suite is built exclusively for breast MRI, the experience also will be quieter and more relaxed for patients,” Sterling said.

The breast MRI system joins a comprehensive menu of diagnostic and clinical services available through The BreastCare Center at YRMC, including:

• Digital Mammography;
• Breast Ultrasound;
• Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy;
• Stereotactic Breast Biopsy;
• Pre-Surgical Needle Localization; and
• MRI-Guided Biopsies.

“The breast MRI technology is consistent with YRMC’s community-focused Mission of caring and healing,” said Dr. D’Angelo. “Thanks to a local, anonymous donor, women throughout our community soon will be able to access this incredible service without leaving the area.”

HIMSS Analytics (Health Information Management Systems Society) has announced that Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) has achieved Stage 6 on their Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM).

HIMSS Analytics developed EMRAM in 2005 as a methodology for evaluating the progress and impact of electronic medical record systems (EMR) for hospitals in the HIMSS Analytics database. Tracking their progress in completing each stage, hospitals can review the implementation and utilization of information technology applications with the intent of reaching Stage 7, which represents an advanced electronic patient record environment.

As of October, 2013, only 12% of the more than 5,400 hospitals tracked by HIMSS Analytics have reached Stage 6. YRMC is one of only 643 hospitals that have achieved this level of performance.

“It’s really an honor for YRMC and our community to be recognized by one of the premier advocates of Healthcare Information Technology for our ongoing commitment to electronic medical records. This is an important milestone in our journey to meet performance criteria required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) relating to EMR use,” states Martin de Kort, MD, Chief Medical Information Officer for Yavapai Regional Medical Center.

YRMC has utilized EMR technology in different capacities for several years but made the commitment in 2012 to fully integrate over 55 solutions to create one of the most comprehensive EMR systems in the nation. Today, YRMC is one of a select group of hospitals who have replaced paper charting with faster, more reliable and safer electronic charting.

“Stage 6 recognition means that we have demonstrated an ability to use our EMR as a clinical decision tool to enhance patient care and to maintain the highest levels of safety for our patients,” said de Kort.

Stage 6 hospitals have achieved a significant advancement in their Information Technology capabilities that positions them to successfully address current healthcare transformations, such as meaningful use criteria in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, claims attachments for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, pay for performance, and government quality reporting programs.

“Our adoption of EMR technology is really a testament to the amazing team we have at YRMC,” states John Amos, YRMC President and CEO. “We have a great group of people who made the commitment to complete one of the largest EMR installations in the country. All of our clinical workflows were redesigned to support electronic charting and our medical staff adoption has set an example for others to follow. It’s an honor for me to work with this talented group of people.”

On October 1, 2013, John Amos began his role as YRMC’s new President and CEO. Clifford J. Morgan, MD, FACS, Chairman of the YRMC Board of Trustees, states, “We are exceedingly proud to have John in this role. The Board devoted two years to studying the qualities, characteristics and experience required of a top-quality healthcare system President and CEO. When we matched those variables with John’s background, his extensive screening performance and what we have observed while he served as East Campus COO, it was clear that he was the best candidate. The Board looks forward to an energy-filled and exciting future with John at the helm.”

John began his career at YRMC in 1992 as Director of Physical Rehabilitation Services. His background in occupational therapy and other clinical capacities has given him a wide range of experience working within a clinical scope. He was integral in creating the East Campus hospital in Prescott Valley from the ground up. In this endeavor he demonstrated his extensive skill in managing extraordinary change, while also showing respect for each person with whom he worked.

Dr. Morgan continued by saying, “John’s integrity and commitment to transparency will serve him and YRMC very well as we encounter unprecedented change in healthcare in the next few years. John’s values and his collaborative nature will create the foundation for a very successful future for YRMC. Yes, change is and will be paramount for YRMC and for the healthcare industry in general. We believe John has the courage and the clarity of vision to skillfully guide our organization to provide top quality, compassionate healthcare for our communities.”

Mr. Amos states, “Although this particular role is new for me, I have had the opportunity and the pleasure to establish, grow and develop the East Campus while also maintaining responsibilities on the West Campus. This unique experience of creating a brand new hospital, recruiting and developing staff, and establishing YRMC East as a new community resource was very gratifying. It also gave me many opportunities to develop good relationships throughout our region.”

John completed his undergraduate degree at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. He then earned a master’s degree in Business from Northern Arizona University. John’s extensive professional experience includes working for a national physical therapy company, but his heart was always connected to YRMC.

John’s 21 years at YRMC has enabled him to get to know the organization and our communities very well. He and his family love the greater Prescott area and look forward to continuing their wonderful relationship with those in our community for many years to come.

The Chairman of the Yavapai Regional Medical Center (YRMC) Board of Trustees, Clifford Morgan, MD, FACS, announced today that YRMC President and CEO, Tim Barnett, will be retiring effective October 1, 2013, following 20 years of distinguished service. Dr. Morgan stated, “Tim has done an exemplary job of leading YRMC through a myriad of organizational changes, challenges and growth. He is to be congratulated for his outstanding career.” Dr. Morgan continued by saying, “We wish Tim and his family all the best as he embarks on this new chapter in his life. We also warmly welcome and look forward to working with the next President and CEO, John Amos, who will assume his role on October 1.”

Since one of its primary responsibilities is hiring and evaluating the President and CEO, the YRMC Board of Trustees has always had a sharp focus on succession planning. Recognizing that retirement would eventually become reality for Mr. Barnett, two years ago the Board wisely began developing a detailed executive search, selection and transition process that would result in a smooth and seamless transition. Deeply cognizant of the rapidly changing healthcare environment on the local, state and national levels, the Board engaged two outside consulting firms specializing in executive search and also in succession and transition planning.

The first steps included identifying and prioritizing the qualifications, criteria, characteristics, qualities and values required of the next CEO. The comprehensive analysis involved nationally benchmarked data, industry qualifications and feedback. All these criteria were clearly defined from the beginning. The Board thoroughly considered YRMC’s organizational Vision and Values and recognized the next CEO would be required to appreciate and preserve these keystones in YRMC’s culture. The Board worked tirelessly to create a template for the ideal CEO candidate. They studied all the issues carefully, always mindful of what would be best for YRMC and the patients it serves.

Following a very thorough, time-tested screening process, it was found that one candidate met the benchmarked CEO profile and also performed exceptionally well in a variety of skill/aptitude tests specific to CEO candidates. John Amos excelled in rigorous Board interviews and was selected as the new President and CEO. Mr. Amos has more than 19 years of healthcare leadership experience and eight years of senior level administrative experience at YRMC. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Therapy and a Master of Science degree in Business. He and his family have lived in Prescott since 1992 and are committed to the community.

Mr. Amos was responsible for developing YRMC’s strategic plan so the direction of the organization will continue forward smoothly and without interruption, ensuring the momentum YRMC has underway in all areas will proceed seamlessly. YRMC’s entire senior leadership team consists of seasoned, highly-qualified professionals who will continue to serve the best interests of YRMC and its patients.