SJMO IMPROVES WOMEN'S SERVICES
A message from William Jewell Jr,
tification Corporation Electronic Fetal Monitoring exam.
GYNECOLOGIC HEALTH SJMO offers a wide range of
MD, Chair, Department of Obstet-
rics and Gynecology
This has improved collaborative communication, use of
gynecological services, including minimally invasive surgery
standard terminology and understanding of interpretation
for hysterectomy, myomectomy and cancer surgery. Gy-
of fetal monitoring strips.
necologic cancer treatment also is available. We are privi-
In addition, SJMO voluntarily joined the Michigan Health
oncologists in Michigan on our medical staff.
Women's services at St. Joseph
Mercy Oakland (SJMO) are con-
WILLIAM
JEWELL JR., MD
leged to have one of only 13 board-certified gynecologic
stantly improving and expanding to
and Hospital Association Keystone Project, the goal of
ensure the safest and best-quality
which is to improve outcomes in the management of the
PATIENT SAFETY Many new patient safety initiatives have
care for our female patients.
more difficult areas of obstetrics.
been instituted at St. Joe over the past year. In recognition
of the success of these initiatives, SJMO was recognized
PREGNANCY AND DELIVERY The Birth Center at St. Joe
St. Joe also was one of nine Michigan hospitals selected
offers services such as maternal-fetal medicine (high-risk
to participate in a new initiative: a first-of-its-kind national
with a Trinity Excellence Award.
pregnancy care); a Level III neonatal intensive care unit
effort to significantly improve breastfeeding rates in states
Teamwork and communication have improved tremen-
(NICU); family-centered care; private, single-room care for
where rates are currently the lowest. It's an opportunity
dously, due in part to our multidisciplinary approach to
labor, delivery and recovery; and specially designed operating
for us to improve our mother/baby care services.
care and safety huddles that include doctors, nurses and
rooms for cesarean delivery, making your birthing experi-
ence safe, comfortable and memorable.
Our maternal-fetal medicine program has been highly
administrators.
BREAST CANCER SERVICES Our award-winning, per-
sonalized breast cancer services are bringing hope and
Finally, a national independent agency that provides phy-
help to women who have been touched by cancer. We
sician information and hospital quality outcomes named
successful in ensuring the survival rates and overall health
are privileged to be one of the first breast programs in the
SJMO among the top 5 percent of U.S. hospitals that ex-
of premature babies. It has helped many at-risk mothers
state to acquire a National Accreditation Program for Breast
celled in the treatment of women's health and awarded
carry their babies to term.
Centers (NAPBC) accreditation, demonstrating adherence
our hospital a five-star rating in women's health.
to national breast care standards. Our comprehensive
Other improvements for the safety of moms and babies
women's imaging center was among the first in Michigan
To learn more, visit the new and improved St. Joe website,
include:
to receive the prestigious American College of Radiology
stjoesoakland.org , which has a special Women and
• The percentage of early elective inductions performed
(ACR) Breast Imaging Center of Excellence designation.
at less than 39 weeks gestation is currently at 0 percent—
Children section. In addition to a virtual tour for obstetric
services, the website can provide you with information
far below the national average.
Most recently, we were awarded accreditation in breast
about your gynecological health, pregnancy, cancer care,
• NICU admissions greater than 37 weeks have remained
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by the ACR. Digital
breast health and services to care for your kids.
low, at less than 2 percent.
mammography, ultrasound, ultrasound-guided core biopsy,
• More than 108 nurses, resident physicians and attending
physicians have successfully completed the National Cer-
and stereotactic core biopsy and breast nurse navigators
So why come to SJMO to take care of your health?
are among the other services we offer.
Why not?
PREVENTING FALLS AMONG OLDER ADULTS
When an older adult falls, it can
According to Dr Revankar, there are factors in the home
mean serious'injury or even death.
that put an older adult at risk of falling:
But there are steps people over
• Throw rugs
age 65 can take to prevent falls.
• Clutter on the floor or stairs
• Carrying heavy or bulky items up/down stairs
VARSHA
REVANKAR, MD
BACKGROUND According
• Lack of stair railings
to St. Joseph Mercy Oakland
• Lack of grab bars in the bathroom
(SJMO) Internal Medicine Spe-
• Poor lighting
cialistVarsha Revankar, MD, "one-
third of the population over the
PREVENTION "Falls lead to loss of self-confidence to
age of 65 falls each year, and the risk of falls increases
ambulate (move about) and post-fall anxiety syndrome,"
with age. At age 80, more than half of older adults fall an-
says Dr. Revankar. To prevent falls, she recommends:
nually. Those who fall are two to three times more likely
to fall again."
• Removing tripping hazards
Older adults who fall may have fractures or lacerations or
• Avoiding wet floors
• Leaving plenty of room to move about
• Securing carpets to floors and stairs
may need to be hospitalized. Some injuries can cause bleed-
• Avoiding going out alone on ice and snow
ing in the head or brain and can be fatal. Hip fractures are
• Installing adequate lighting
a leading cause of injury and loss of independence among
• Keeping a flashlight by the bed
older adults. More than 40 percent of nursing home ad-
• Using corner protection guards on wall corners, door-
missions are due to falls.
frames, cupboards and stair edges
RISK FACTORS What causes an older adult to fall? Some
After the first fall, an older adult should see his or her
of the risk factors include:
physician to learn why he or she has fallen and to pre-
• Leg muscle weakness
vent future falls.The physician may change medications,
• Balance and gait problems
recommend the use of assistive devices or adjust the
• Significant drop in blood pressure after getting up
individual's footwear
• Slow reflexes
A physician can guide seniors on how to eliminate risk
factors for falls.
care provider can help you decide what changes to make."
• Foot problems and wearing unsafe footwear
"Getting rid of your fear of falling can help you to stay
• Vision and sensory problems, like numbness in the feet
• Medications
active, maintain your physical health and prevent future
To locate an internal medicine specialist near you, call
falls," says Dr. Revankar. "Your physician or other health
800-372-6094.
FALL 2012
2
MICHIGAN MEDICAL REPORT