HJBR Jul/Aug 2019

Healthcare Journal of Baton Rouge I  JUL / AUG 2019 55 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalBR.com environment. Rather than wheeling clunky work- stations in and out of patient rooms, nurses can now use a smartphone or handheld mobile device to access patient charts and information and to administer medications using barcode scanners. “As a hospital that delivers 8,000 babies a year, finding innovative approaches to enhance the postpartum care we provide is always a pri- ority,” said Cheri Johnson, chief nursing officer of Woman’s Hospital. “Our patients will not only benefit from a more peaceful environment during their stay, but they also receive the added bene- fit of features to help prevent medical errors and reduce risks.” The new technology is Meditech’s Expanse Point of Care system, designed to mobilize clini- cal workflows using streamlined chart navigation, intuitive documentation, customizable worklists, and safe medication administration utilizing bar- code technology. The software provides nurses with real-time notifications of overdue medica- tions, orders, care interventions, and out-of-range lab values. “This is something the nurses have been requesting and we are so excited to provide this innovative technology at the bedside,” Johnson added. “The nurses are amazed at the ease of use and ability to continue to ensure patient safety. They can also save time by documenting their assessments through the device which transfers to the medical record.” Woman’s Hospital is only the second hospital to go live with this software. Nurses administered more than 3,000 scheduled medications using the new devices in the first week of launch. Woman’s DiscussesWhy Overweight Millennials Face Increased Cancer Risk According to a new study, overweight millenni- als are at a higher risk for cancer. The link between obesity and an increased risk of certain cancers is proven, but a recent study released by the Amer- ican Cancer Society now shows a rise in obe- sity related cancers in people specifically born between 1981 and 1997. “Millennials face many challenges when it comes to healthy lifestyle choices, especially in regards to diet and activity,” said Robin Strate, Woman’s oncology dietitian. Strate attributes these chal- lenges to the shift to a tech savvy, indulgent, “live your best life” type of lifestyle where young adults statistically over- utilize modern conveniences and opt out of physical activity, resulting in more time spent being sedentary. This translates to lower daily calorie burn and increased weight gain, which in turn, escalates the obesity rate. Some theories behind the increased millen- nial cancer risks include the fact that excess body weight can affect inflammation and hormones, or that the extra weight impacts the gut’s micro- biome, which are microorganisms that help the body digest food, produce certain vitamins, and regulate the body’s immune system against dis- ease-causing bacteria. “As an oncologist, I often talk with people about the importance of lifestyle modifications when dis- cussing cancer risks,” said Dr. Mindy Bowie, Wom- an’s breast surgical oncologist. “This includes a Our Lady of the Lake, LOPAHonor Silent Heroes for Their Gift of Life Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency (LOPA), a member of Donate Life Louisiana, hon- ored the 2018 organ, eye, and tissue donors with a special Gift of Life ceremony and butter- fly release. Butterflies represent life transferred and transformed.  Last year, 32 individuals became organ donors at Our Lady of the Lake, giving a second chance at life to 97 people who were waiting on life-sav- ing transplants. These heroes were also able to give the gift of sight to 61 individuals through corneal transplants.  Family and friends of donors and transplant recipients were in attendance at the event. Donor families and friends attended a special service honoring their loved ones as silent heroes.