January 2018 Newsletter
A Message from the President - Ashley Benedict
 
As the year of my presidency wraps up, I am excited to look back and see what we have accomplished.  This year, SHS had local Lean Coffees, webinars, monthly newsletter (like this one!) and lots of social media efforts including something new we are trying called Healthcare Hangouts.  Another new value-added feature is book reviews that provides insights to popular healthcare improvement books.  Our  committees have been instrumental in engaging members and creating new content.  

I get to celebrate the end of my term at the Healthcare Systems Process Improvement Conference, which is taking place in Atlanta, GA on February 21 -23.  This is personally one of my favorite events of the year - I get to catch up with old friend, make new ones, and celebrate the improvements that healthcare professionals are making in healthcare systems.  This year, we have a full schedule including competitions (Student simulation, Innovation, Rawson's Challenge, Poster) and tons of networking opportunities (speed networking, receptions, dutch treat dinners, and Lean cocktails). 

Looking forward to seeing you all in Atlanta and wishing Dean Athanassiades good luck as the incoming president.  

What to Expect at the HSPI Conference - 

* Multitude of networking opportunities
- Evening Networking Receptions
-Dutch Treat Dinners
-Speed Networking
-Lean Cocktails
-Conference Lunches & Breaks
*Young Professionals Program
*Student Activities
* Excellent continuing education opportunities
- Workshops, Tours, Conference sessions, Poster presentations
* Fantastic opportunity to reconnect or collaborate with peer practitioners
* Environment for new improvement idea generation
- Access to cutting edge practitioners from world-class institutions

Telemedicine Expansion Keeping Up with Quality Measures 

Providers say that for many consults, telemedicine is just as good as in-person care delivered in a clinic or exam room. But the evidence to support these assertions is thin. Now comes the National Quality Forum's attempt to start the discussion on quality measures for telemedicine. The 80-page report does not endorse any measures - although it suggests some candidates. The report instead offers "a framework to support the development of measures." Click here to read the article and National Quality Forum publication.
Opioid Epidemic and Telemedicine

October 2017 announcement of opioid epidemic as a national public emergency has launched many efforts at local and government levels. One of those efforts is to support rural areas who might have limited access to dedicated treatment centers and mental health professionals. To read more about work of three senators to change telemedicine regulation around opioid services click here.

   NEW    IISE Connect allows IISE members to easily interact and communicate online, empowering you to have better access to your member benefits. 
Maryland Global Healthcare Budget Results Come Out 

A recent study from JAMA Internal Medicine analyzed payment model change in hospital and primary care between eight Maryland counties and twenty-seven counties outside the state acting as control group. Results show that the all payer model in Maryland did decrease health expenditures but did not impact hospital and emergency room utilization. Full study and highlights can be found   here. 

You're Invited!

Join fellow ISEs for exciting networking and knowledge-building at the IISE Annual Conference & Expo, May 19-22, Loews Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando. For rates and registration  click here.
Please join our upcoming Webinars 

Click  here  to see all upcoming IISE webinars.
Anything new to report?

Do you have a recent milestone in your career? Have you changed companies or changed jobs? We are excited to hear the good news.  Share your information here!
SHS Newsletter Team
Vanda Ametlli, Editor
Lauren Todd