As 2009 comes to a close, we prepare for more and momentous change. The implementation of OASIS-C begins in January 2010. The changes in language and new questions, numbering over 30, will cause agencies to:
* update/change paperwork
* direct new POC system uploading
* implement OASIS-C education to all staff
* look at how QI staff can manage the necessary oversight of OASIS-C
* study how OASIS-C changes affect outcomes for each agency
* work to contribute to and utilize evidenced-based practice (EBP) to improve safety, quality, and patient education
* assess the ever-present concern of time to complete SOC, ROC, and recertification visits.
In 2010, Home Healthcare Nurse will attempt to address the new and changed OASIS-C questions. Articles and research, current and future, will help homecare clinicians weave clinical practice and OASIS-C to address wound care, depression assessment, pressure ulcer risk, rehospitalization risk, fall risk, and other topics that impact reimbursement and outcomes as the new results filter in.
For example, are we adhering to EBP regarding Foley catheter care? EBP tells us that many patients with Foley catheters colonize organisms and for accuracy we must obtain a specimen from a NEW Foley catheter for a true urinary tract infection diagnosis-are we using evidence in practice? Resources for clinicians to access in addition to Home Healthcare Nurse are as follows:
* Lippincott's http://Nursingcenter.com posts articles on a wide variety of clinical nursing topics related to EBP.
* The Visiting Nurse Service of New York has a Center for Home Care Policy and Research that posts evidence briefs on many subjects about best practice (http://www.champ-program.org/).
* The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website posts frequently asked questions and answers about OASIS questions.
* http://Oasisanswers.com posts and publishes guidance relating to OASIS.
CMS will also mandate patient-satisfaction requirements and is working on identifying "approved" vendors to work with organizations to meet the Home Health Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems starting early in 2010.
In this issue of Home Healthcare Nurse, the articles Intravenous Heart Failure Medications and Research 101 hope to begin exposure to clinicians about cutting edge practice and understanding the research, both past and future, that will add to our home healthcare knowledge base.
Best wishes for a "restful" holiday season as 2010 promises to be fast-paced!!
Sincerely,
Sandy Whittier, RN-BC, MSN, COS-C
Editor Board Member, Home Healthcare Nurse