Continuum: A Healthcare Podcast
By Continuum
Continuum: A Healthcare PodcastDec 18, 2019
An Introduction to Sepsis
An Introduction to Sepsis
Approximately one in every three patients who die in a hospital had sepsis. But what is sepsis? What do we know about it and what have we yet to figure out?
In this episode of Continuum, we’re joined by Mandy Bodily-bartrum and Valerie Pasnau. Mandy is the vice president of infection prevention at Vibra Healthcare and Val is Vibra’s vice president of clinical education and operations.
Mandy and Val provide an explanation of what sepsis is and how it is identified and treated. Most importantly, they discuss how sepsis is prevented, which includes a high level of attention being placed on antibiotic stewardship.
Resources
Infection Prevention in Hospitals
Fighting COVID-19: A Patient’s Perspective
Though the elderly and those with preexisting conditions are the most vulnerable to COVID-19, the virus can strike even the most unsuspecting. Just ask Gerry Hernandez, an otherwise-healthy 39-year-old Mayor Pro Tem from Adelanto, CA.
In this episode of Continuum, Gerry joins us to discuss his battle with the virus.
Gerry shares what his life was like prior to his hospitalization and the challenges of being hospitalized during a pandemic, which kept him separated from his loving family. He also discusses the current stage of his recovery, inpatient rehabilitation at Ballard Rehabilitation Hospital.
Resources
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention: COVID-19
What is Coronavirus?: Separating the facts from the hysteria
In this episode, we discuss the coronavirus with Mandy Bodily-bartrum and Darla Perdue, the two individuals leading the way in protecting the patients of Vibra Healthcare & Ernest Health from the virus. Mandy & Darla provide some background on the coronavirus and address some of the hysteria currently circulating the internet, including:
- Did coronavirus spread to humans because someone ate a bat?
- Is the coronavirus a plague?
- Has the coronavirus mutated?
- Coronavirus vs. the flu
- Is coronavirus curable?
Our Guests
Mandy Bodily-bartrum, DNP, NPH, RN, CIC, FAPIC is the vice president of infection prevention at Vibra Healthcare.
Darla Perdue, MSN, RN is the chief clinical officer at Vibra Healthcare.
Quotable
“People don’t really realize how many people touch a door handle in a day” -Darla
“When you hear about high-touch surfaces being focused on in at a hospital level, it really is something that you should be focusing on in your own homes, as well.” -Darla
“The media has created quite the hysteria, unfortunately” -Darla
“If you wash your hands, if you focus on the cleanliness of your environment, you’re going to reduce your possibility of being exposed to any infection significantly.” -Darla
“[The coronavirus is] something to be cautious about…but not necessarily to get too panicked about.” -Mandy
“There’s still a lot of unknowns about the coronavirus, just because it is such a novel virus that we are seeing.” -Mandy
“When you’re talking about general symptoms, they are very similar to the flu” -Mandy
“Unfortunately, right now we don’t have a general test that’s available for commercial labs, so you can’t just go to your doctor…and in five minutes know if you have COVID-19 or not” -Mandy
“The biggest element of protection is hand hygiene and cough etiquette” -Darla
Here’s a list of resources mentioned in the episode:
World Health Organization: QA on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
CDC: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
For more information on infection prevention, how to properly wash your hands, and other important topics, be sure to check out Continuum: A Healthcare Blog and subscribe to Continuum: A Healthcare Podcaston your favorite platform.
Helping Out Our American Heroes: Dr. Diego Hernandez & Dr. Carlos Garcia
When our veterans transition from active duty to life as a civilian, they often face an even tougher opponent: depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, this is a battle that is often lost, with 22 veterans committing suicide each day. But one organization is working hard to change that.
On this episode of Continuum, Dr. Diego Hernandez, the Clinical Director of ART Research and Dr. Carlos Garcia, a licensed psychologist, Marine combat veteran, and first responder, join us to discuss the mental health challenges many of our veterans face. Dr. Hernandez and Dr. Garcia work with HOOAH, a 100% volunteer organization dedicated to helping our veterans.
The doctors share sobering statistics regarding the mental health crisis our veterans face and explain why the transition from service to civilian life can be so challenging. They discuss emerging therapies that are providing relief to service members, how HOOAH is working to connect veterans with that relief, and how civilians and veterans can work together to end the stigma surrounding mental health.
Learn more about HOOAH and the V22 campaign at victoryfor22.org
Respiratory Failure & Ventilator Weaning: Dr. Albert Loerinc
On this episode of Continuum, Dr. Albert Loerinc, a pulmonologist and Vibra Healthcare’s National LTAC Medical Advisor, joins us to discuss respiratory failure and ventilator weaning. Dr. Loerinc is double board certified in Internal Medicine and Pulmonology and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Chest Physicians.
Dr. Loerinc explains what a pulmonologist does and the role of a long-term acute care hospital in weaning a patient off a ventilator. He reviews how technology has progressed from iron lungs to modern ventilators, including a state-of-the-art piece of technology called volumetric capnography.
What is Aphasia?: Nichole Reynolds, MS/CCC-SLP
On this episode of Continuum, Nichole Reynolds of US Physical Therapy, Inc. joins us to discuss aphasia. Nichole holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech-Language Pathologists.
Nichole explains the basic types of aphasia and how they can affect a person’s ability to communicate. She explains how a speech-language pathologist diagnoses and treats aphasia and offers tips for communicating with an aphasic individual.
International Nurses and the US Nursing Shortage: Val Pasnau
On this episode of Continuum, Val Pasnau joins us to discuss this topic. Val is the VP of Clinical Development and Operations at Vibra Healthcare. She works to educate nurses throughout the organization and is a key figure in Vibra’s international nurses program.
Val explains the reasons behind the nursing shortage and how international nurses have filled that void. She shares stories from her experience working with nurses from across the globe and offers insight into the unique benefits international nurses bring to their new teams. Val also provides information for those interested in practicing nursing in the US.
Life as a New Amputee: Liz Zemke, RN, MS, CCM
On this episode of Continuum, we’re joined by Liz Zemke of San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital. Liz is an RN of 48 years and a below-the-knee amputee of 25 years. She serves as a certified peer visitor, helping new amputees as they prepare for and adjust to life as an amputee.
Liz shares some of the unique challenges a new amputee faces, offers information on resources and rehab programs designed specifically for new amputees, and explains the importance of connecting new amputees to their peers. A passionate advocate for amputees, Liz also speaks to some concerning statistics regarding the increasing number of new amputees.
For links to resources for new amputees, check out the show notes at bit.ly/2UpYyXV
Understanding MS: Kristen Hollinger, PhD
On this episode of Continuum, we’re joined by Kristen Hollinger of Johns Hopkins University. Kristen is a research associate with the departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Neurology.
Kristen provides an explanation of what Multiple Sclerosis is and how it affects those diagnosed with the disease. She shares how our understanding of MS has changed over time, including a better understanding of the cognitive impact of MS. Kristen also offers insight into how treatments are developed to become more effective and with less side effects.
For links to more information on MS, check out the show notes at bit.ly/2YDAFPM
Heart Disease in Minorities: Jessica Hover
On this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Hover of the American Heart Association. Jessica is the Development Director for the Toledo, OH chapter of the American Heart Association.
Jessica explains how different minority groups are uniquely affected by heart disease, and the various contributing factors for each group – with genetics only accounting for about 20%. She also shares statistics that covey the importance of increased awareness and education, as well as a variety of initiatives and resources put in place to improve heart health among minority populations.
For links to more information on heart disease and how it affects minorities, check out the show notes at bit.ly/2XwjKy4
LSVT LOUD® and LSVT BIG®: Helping People with Parkinson’s Get Loud and Big
On this episode, we’re joined by Laura Guse and Angela Halpern of LSVT Global. Laura is the Chief Clinical Officer of LSVT BIG and Angela is the Chief Clinical Officer of LSVT LOUD. We are also joined by Bob Brown, a person with Parkinson’s who has benefited from the LSVT treatments.
Laura and Angela explain what LSVT stands for, the differences between the two treatments, and how they benefit people with Parkinson’s. They also discuss what the treatments entail, the research and data supporting the use of LSVT treatments, and how to find an LSVT certified clinician. As we discuss each topic, Bob provides examples from his own life to illustrate the life-changing impact LSVT treatments can have for a people diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
For links to more information on LSVT and Parkinson's, check out the show notes at bit.ly/2VIWIDp
Veterans and Healthcare - Melani Gonzalez and Mae Weathersby
On this episode, we’re joined by Melani Gonzalez and Mae Weathersby. Melani is the Chief Marketing Officer and Mae is the Chief Clinical Officer for Vibra Hospital of Richardson and Vibra Specialty Hospital of DeSoto.
Melani and Mae are also both veterans, having served in the United States Army. These veterans discuss their time in the service and how it ultimately led them to a career in healthcare. Melani and Mae also discuss the challenges veterans face when it comes to healthcare. Finally, they share some of the healthcare options that veterans may not know are available to them.
For links to resources that help veterans, check out the show notes at bit.ly/2zR2LLS
What is Physical Therapy? - Jennifer Hata, DPT
On this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Hata, DPT. Jennifer is a physical therapist at San Joaquin Valley Rehabilitation Hospital in Fresno, CA. She explains the differences between physical and occupational therapy and how they often work collaboratively to achieve a patient’s optimal outcome. Jennifer also details areas of specialization for physical therapists, including her own focus on brain injury and stroke patients. Additionally, Jennifer shares some less obvious diagnoses physical therapy can help treat.
#NoMoreBadDays - Brisa Alfaro
But that just wasn’t acceptable to Brisa.
Brisa joins Continuum as our first guest to share her incredible story of perseverance. She tells of the surreal experience of figuring out she was “locked-in,” the moment when her doctors began to believe recovery was possible, and what made that unlikely recovery possible. Brisa then explains “No More Bad Days” and her desired destiny – the purpose for which she believes she survived – and what her future holds.
Brisa’s story is one that everyone needs to hear. No matter who you are, there’s something in it for you. May we all have no more bad days!
