HJBR Nov/Dec 2019

54 NOV / DEC 2019  I  Healthcare Journal of Baton Rouge   Hospital Rounds Association continue to lead the fight to saves lives from cardiovascular diseases and stroke.” During the upcoming year, Anderson will con- tinue to play an instrumental role in guiding efforts to reduce the incidences of heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 5 leading killers, respec- tively, of American men and women. Anderson is also the current Capital Area board president, the 2020 Chair for the Capital Area Go Red for Women movement, a member of the Capital Area Go Red for Women Executive Lead- ership Team, and serves on the Southeast Affili- ate’s Allocation, Communication and Education Committee. Woman’s Invests in Electrostatic Disinfection System to Advance Patient Safety In a continued effort to protect patients from contagious bacteria, viruses, and healthcare- associated infections (HAIs), Woman’s Hospital has invested in the Clorox® Total 360® System, which uses patented technology to clean and dis- infect with more effectiveness than conventional cleaners. Healthcare facilities must contend with a wide range of infection threats, from influenza viruses, to antimicrobial-resistant organisms like methicil- lin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that can cause HAIs. However, research shows when healthcare facilities take specific steps to prevent HAIs, rates can decrease by more than 70 percent. “With 168 licensed hospital beds, 84 NICU beds, and staff performing a multitude of services including birthing, surgeries, pap screens, and breast procedures, our hospital is always busy,” said Johnathan Landor, FACHE, director of envi- ronmental services at Woman’s Hospital. “It may be a fast-paced environment, but we take infec- tion control and patient safety extremely seriously and are committed to providing the healthiest possible environment for patients and their loved ones. The Clorox® Total 360® System allows us to provide our patients and staff with comfort by knowing we’re reaching and disinfecting every sur- face and high-traffic area.” The system uses patented electrostatic technol- ogy to deliver Clorox® disinfecting and sanitizing solutions quickly, enabling the EVS team to carry out comprehensive disinfection. The system works Baton Rouge General First in South Louisiana to Provide NewTreatment for PostpartumDepression Baton Rouge General is the first hospital in South Louisiana to offer a new treatment for postpartum depression (PPD). PPD affects an estimated one in nine women in the U.S., either during pregnancy or after childbirth. Symptoms include sadness, anxiety, irritability, withdrawal from friends or family, trouble bonding with the baby, thoughts about self-harm, or more rarely, the baby.  Zulresso, the first and only medicine specifically approved to treat PPD, is delivered via continuous IV over about 60 hours and can potentially treat the depressive symptoms of PPD rapidly. Before Zulresso, the typical treatment for postpartum depression includes prescription antidepressants and/or psychotherapy, with patients recovering within two to four weeks. “This new therapy works differently than any treatment option we’ve had before,” said Dr. Can- dee Moore, an OB/GYN at Baton Rouge General. “Instead of weeks, patients can see improvement in their symptoms within days. And the sooner they feel like themselves, the sooner they can enjoy life again at home and work.” The treatment is available at BRG’s Birth Center to any woman suffering from postpartum depres- sion. Patients are admitted into the Birth Center for two to three nights to receive the IV medica- tion. Moms may bring their babies with them, as long as they have a support person who can be there to care for the baby. Moms can breastfeed and/or pump during treatment, as long as they are cleared by their OB/GYN to do so safely. “Postpartum depression is far more common than people realize, and our team is proud to be the only hospital in south Louisiana providing this much-needed care for new moms at such a sensi- tive time in their lives,” said Erika Moss, RN, direc- tor of women’s services. Approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administra- tion in March, Zulresso must be administered in healthcare facilities certified under the Zulresso Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy program due to potential side effects during treatment. Throughout their IV process, patients are under observation for excessive sedation and sudden loss of consciousness, as well as continuous moni- toring of their blood oxygen level.  Patients may be diagnosed with PPD through a standard screening for depression, which is con- ducted by their obstetrician. Some women may seek help on their own or be encouraged to seek care by family or friends. “There are times when women go undiagnosed and don’t receive treatment,” Moore said. “With this new treatment and spotlight being placed on postpartum depression, the hope is that more women will be accurately diagnosed and receive the care they need.” Without treatment, PPD can last a year or more, and it can become a problem that patients may struggle with throughout their lifetime. Stephanie Anderson of Woman’s Hospital toHelp Lead American Heart Association Stephanie Anderson, executive vice president and COO of Woman’s Hospital Baton Rouge, was elected to the American Heart Association South- east Board of Directors. Anderson will serve on the board during the Association’s 2019-2020 fis- cal year. The American Heart Association is the world’s leading voluntary organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The American Heart Asso- ciation Southeast region services Alabama, Flor- ida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Caro- lina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Puerto Rico. “The American Heart Association’s dedica- tion to improving the cardiovascular health of all Americans is vitally important work,” said Ander- son. “I am honored to serve as a board member and look forward to helping the American Heart Stephanie Anderson