<p class="article-body"> At GBMC, whether you are parking, visiting a GBMC HealthCare provider, or <a href="/node/2209">using the patient portal, MyChart,</a> there is a group of community members behind the scenes working to make processes as smooth as possible. <br> <br> <a href="/node/2267">The Patient & Family Advisory Council (PFAC) at GBMC</a> was created because, as Director of Patient Experience Michelle Johnson explains, “We wanted to get feedback from patients about how we’re providing services to them. We want to be sure we’re meeting their needs.” <br> <br> Made up of 12 members of the community, Patient/Family Advisors (PFA) represent the demographic served by GBMC from an age and ethnic perspective. Johnson says Council members usually join PFAC after a memorable experience with GBMC, either as a patient or as a patient’s family member. According to Johnson, their experience with GBMC doesn’t need to be a perfect one to become a PFA. <br> <br> “For example, if someone files a grievance, we may ask them to be part of the committee. We want a good balance of members who are going to give us honest feedback,” Johnson says. <br> <br> The GBMC HealthCare PFAC is an integral part of the decision-making process throughout many departments within the hospital, explains Johnson. <br> <br> “We try to ensure they’re part of the strategic planning process every year. Their voices are heard all the way up to the board,” she says. <br> <br> Some past input and suggestions from the PFAC include: </p> <ul> <li> Parking. Johnson says parking at GBMC was redesigned based on PFAC feedback to include valet parking and separate parking for oncology offices. </li> <li> Payment options. “Once, we considered going cash-free in the offices, but PFAC said, ‘Absolutely not. We need to be able to pay cash because certain parts of the population aren’t electronically-savvy.’ So, we kept cash as a payment option,” Johnson says. </li> <li> Patient Portal design. PFAC members sit on the Patient Portal Design Committee to help ensure the place where patients and families go to get information is user-friendly and easy to navigate. </li> <li> Complaints and grievances. A PFA sits on the Grievances Board because, “we’re not always honest when looking at ourselves with a critical eye. It’s important to hear the voice of the patient and not just a clinical perspective,” Johnson says. </li> </ul> GBMC currently has one hospital-based PFAC, while the Sandra & Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute, Gilchrist, and GBMC Health Partners have their own councils. Johnson says there is an additional PFAC in the process of being formed for Maternal Newborn Health. <br> <br> Each PFAC is comprised of 12 to 15 members, and patients and family members of patients within the GBMC HealthCare System are welcome to apply. There is an interview process to thoroughly explain the role of the PFAC and the responsibility of its members, and the committee meets at least six times a year. <br> <br> “PFAC members are an engaged, verbal group,” Johnson says. “They love being a part of the decision-making process and are dedicated to helping GBMC maintain our reputation in the community.” <br> <br> All healthcare providers and administration at GBMC are grateful for the work of PFAC and value their feedback. <br> <br> “We are here because of the patients, so we need to ensure the voice of the patients is heard in everything we do,” Johnson says. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
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<h3> Become Part of the Promise </h3> <strong>$10,000: Family Zone</strong> <ul> <li> Name a family zone within a patient room (60 available): a comfortable place to accommodate family members while they visit with their loved one, ensuring they are a part of the patient-centered care experience. The family zone includes a multi-purpose bench that can transform into a place to work, sleep, dine, and be a part of the healing process with loved ones. Each family zone is placed near a ceiling-high window to provide ample natural light. </li> <li> Listing in GBMC Annual Report </li> <li> Complimentary parking card for GBMC campus* </li> <li> Included in the donor listing on <em>The Promise Project</em> website </li> </ul> <strong>$5,000: Patient Room Server</strong> <ul> <li> Name on patient room server (60 available): to minimize the disruption of patient privacy and family time, as well as protect our staff from entering potentially contagious patient rooms, the patient servers are designed to be able to open from both the inside and outside of patient rooms. The items included here range from linens to medications, which are in a safe-locked portion. </li> <li> Listing in GBMC Annual Report </li> <li> Complimentary parking card for GBMC campus* </li> </ul> <strong>$2,500: Patient and Family Recliner Chair</strong> <ul> <li> Name recliner chair** (60 available): family support can enhance the recovery process for many patients. These chairs are an additional area of respite for family members to have a comfortable space to visit with their loved ones during their stay. It may also be a comfortable option for patients to sit in to look out the windows. </li> <li> Listing in GBMC Annual Report </li> <li> Complimentary parking card for GBMC campus* </li> </ul> <strong>$1,000: Shared Staff Lockers</strong> <ul> <li> Name on shared staff locker (86 available) </li> <li> Additional naming options: EVS Closet, Nutrition Closet, or Medicine Closet (6 total) </li> <li> Listing in GBMC Annual Report </li> <li> Complimentary parking cards are provided on an annual basis for donors of $2,500 or more per calendar year </li> <li> Recliner chair namings will be secured on the wall in the patient room </li> </ul> For more Information: contact Morgan Varley, Director of the Annual Fund, <a href="mailto:mvarley@gbmc.org">via email</a> or phone at (443) 849-2120 <br> <br> Gifts made to <em>The Promise Project</em> can be paid over an agreeable timeframe of up to five years. <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
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<p class="article-body"> Erlene Washington joined GBMC HealthCare as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of GBMC Health Partners in February 2019, bringing with her more than 25 years of experience in healthcare finance, operations, and strategic planning. Three years into the role means half of her time at GBMC has been spent managing in crisis. Despite setbacks like a global pandemic and an international cyberattack, Washington is proud of GBMC Health Partners’ growth. <br> <br> “It just speaks to how well we take care of patients,” Washington said. “Despite everything, we continue to grow, and you can see our focus is the patient. Whether it’s better health or patient experience or more joy, it all ties back to the patient. We have an obligation to ensure our community is healthy.” <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/e01b24ad8d05a69c677646dcc692b2b9.jpg" alt="Erlene Washington, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of GBMC Health Partners"> <figcaption> Erlene Washington, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of GBMC Health Partners </figcaption> </figure> Washington shared five key ways GBMC Health Partners valued the patient experience in 2021. <br> <br> <h3> 1. We value time. </h3> GBMC Health Partners primary care locations offer convenient hours – opening as early as 7 a.m. and closing as late as 9 p.m., depending on the location. Not only is there a focus on centralizing the influenza vaccine and COVID-19 testing, but the primary care practices are also a hub for vaccine administration. <br> <br> In specialty areas, there is also an intentional focus on preserving time for patients by centralizing presurgical and preprocedural testing as a one-stop shop prior to major procedures. <br> <br> <h3> 2. We value availability and accessibility. </h3> On average, patient volumes at GBMC Health Partners increase about 2.5% per year. This year, it is on track to exceed those results. GBMC Health Partners added 36 new providers this year to help serve a growing population of almost 83,000 patients. Additionally, GBMC Health Partners expanded its footprint within the last two years, opening two important locations. <br> <br> GBMC Health Partners at Padonia differs from other primary care locations because of its specialty services. In addition to primary care, patients can also access same-day rapid response services, gynecology, urological gynecology, orthopaedics, as well as pelvic floor therapy. <br> <br> GBMC Health Partners at Jonestown is GBMC’s first location in Baltimore City and centers on access to care. GBMC Health Partners works with key constituents and leaders within the Baltimore City community to address health inequities. <br> <br> <h3> 3. We value resources. </h3> Less than 10 years ago, there was a statewide issue concerning the overutilization of Emergency Departments for non-emergent needs. Due to a lack of available resources, many patients turned to the ED for their basic care, which caused excessive waiting times and obstacles in the case of true emergencies. <br> <br> GBMC Health Partners makes an intentional effort to identify high-utilizers of the ED at the point of entry and refers them to a primary care site. The Complex Care team there – primary care physician, care manager, and care coordinator – manage the patients’ health together, removing the ED from the equation. Whether it is managing diabetes or mental health concerns, chronic pain or routine exams, the team is there for patients when they need care. <br> <br> GBMC is now lower than the state benchmarks in terms of patients utilizing the ED by a difference of almost 25 percent. <br> <br> <h3> 4. We value health. </h3> As part of its commitment to a patient-centered, team approach to care, GBMC Health Partners has been paying close attention to specific measures, one of the most important being diabetes. <br> <br> For patients with diabetes, a care plan is imperative. The Complex Care teams at GBMC Health Partners practices work with patients to develop a plan and then follow up with them to ensure A1C levels are appropriate. If not, the team can evaluate, adjust medications, or make diet suggestions. <br> <br> According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 2020 MIPS benchmark data, in the better performing health systems that rank in the 90th percentile, 31.4% of diabetic patients have uncontrolled diabetes. At GBMC Health Partners, measures show only 19 percent of GBMC patients with diabetes fit this description, and we continue to work to improve even more. <br> <br> Other areas GBMC Health Partners continues to pay close attention to and measure improvement on are breast cancer screenings, colonoscopies, pneumonia vaccinations, BMI screenings as well as depression screenings. <br> <br> <h3> 5. We value your opinion. </h3> Select patients receive a survey after each visit, and the feedback provided is used to guide improvement. Patient satisfaction scores are consistently in the top quartile and a patient’s likelihood to recommend a primary care practice has been as high as 94.1 percent. <br> <br> This means primary care practices are doing well on providing access to care. Patients can get an appointment when they need one and, if they need to visit another hospital for a service GBMC does not provide, GBMC can coordinate the care through MyChart and through the use of its electronic medical record. The ability for providers to access a full medical history, prescriptions, test results, and other records is essential in providing the best and most individualized care plan. <br> <br> <div class="end-of-story"> </div> Washington is proud of the work done this year to achieve GBMC’s strategic vision and goals for care of the community. But the work is not complete. While GBMC Health Partners will continue to ensure the patient experience gets better and better, Washington always keeps in the back of her mind a desire to ensure every single patient feels that experience, regardless of race, gender, ability, or socioeconomic status. <br> <br> “Improving health inequities and providing access in underserved communities is so important. Even if we could make small steps each year on the road to improvement and solving these inequities, it would make a massive difference,” Washington said. “That’s really important to me: to improve the health of underserved communities, particularly in Baltimore City. If I could achieve that by the end of my career, that would be a milestone.” <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
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<p class="article-body"> In 2021, our physicians cared for the community throughout a pandemic, always putting our patients first. GBMC HealthCare is grateful for the commitment of our providers to health, healing, and hope. With 135 members of our medical staff across 69 specialties named "Top Docs" in Baltimore Magazine, we're honored to have more “Top Docs” than any other community health system. <br> <br> See the full listing of GBMC's 2021 "Top Doctors" </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vUZNGcfemvU" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, GBMC has turned to virtual platforms to continue to educate the community. A new series, in partnership with WMAR-2 News, features members of the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination and Domestic Violence Program (SAFE/DV) team speaking on the dangers of these crimes. <em>It’s More Common Than You Think: Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence in Our Community</em> is a quarterly educational series featuring experts in the field. <br> <br> </p> <figure class="image-right"> <img src="https://www.gbmc.org/images/greater-living/roz-and-scott-11-26-21.jpg"> <figcaption> Roz (right) with State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger at GBMC's 2017 Walk a Mile in Their Shoes event </figcaption> </figure> In the first conversation of the series on October 27, Rosalyn Berkowitz, BSN, RN, FNE-AP, a SAFE Nurse at GBMC, spoke with WMAR news reporter Erin MacPherson about the dangers of strangulation and the advocacy work being done by the SAFE/DV team and others to bring about true change for the victims of strangulation. <br> <br> The good news? After more than five years of testifying to various legislators, writing letters, and advocating, Maryland was removed from a list of four states that previously had not considered strangulation a felony. This was an important hurdle because, during COVID-19, strangulation cases increased by 30% and the severity of the injuries has worsened. <br> <br> Rosalyn, who goes by Roz, shared what actually happens when someone is strangled. <br> <br> "External pressure on the neck blocks the flow of air or blood," she said. "It only takes 10 seconds and about five pounds of pressure to render someone unconscious, less pressure than it takes to open a can of soda." <br> <br> Roz said only about 50% of strangulation injuries visibly appear on a victim, so it is important to notice other signs such as a raspy voice, a change in the voice, changes in vision or trouble swallowing. She said 68% of domestic violence victims eventually report they were strangled by their partner, and these crimes can have serious long-term consequences such as stroke, damaged vocal cords, or a traumatic brain injury (TBI). <br> <br> It is important to note that when a patient is treated in GBMC’s SAFE/DV department, they can do so without pressing charges or involving police, and services are performed at no cost to the patient. <br> <br> Roz and the GBMC SAFE/DV team know with education comes knowledge and with knowledge comes prevention. They continue to provide resources and training for groups such as churches, sports teams, schools, and corporations. Knowing this information could help save someone’s life. See the video above to listen to this session or <a href="www.gbmc.org/greaterliving">keep up to date for attending future sessions.</a>
<p class="article-body"> Muscle knots, also known as trigger points, are taut bands of skeletal muscle within a large muscle group. Trigger points are common and can be present in any muscle that provides movement. In fact, they can form in as quickly as 20 minutes from something as simple as bad posture while sitting at a computer screen. But there is a helpful treatment option for muscle knots that can help in as little time as it takes for them to form. <br> <br> Christina Penny, DPT, OMPT, CMTRT, physical therapist for Active Life Physical Therapy, a GBMC affiliate, and the lead provider of Active Life’s newest location in Jacksonville, recommends dry needling as an effective, research-based method to break up trigger points. <br> <br> “Your muscles always have an optimal length-tension relationship,” Penny said. “Every time a muscle contracts, the muscle fibers become shortened and overlap. If these fibers stay tight due to fatigue, overuse, weakness, or an injury, it creates a muscle knot or trigger point.” <br> <br> An active trigger point is tender to the touch and recreates the pain a patient is experiencing, while a latent trigger point doesn’t necessarily produce pain symptoms when pressed but can cause the muscle to work incorrectly. Both have non-optimal length-tension relationships and can move incorrectly. <br> <br> “Dry needling causes a reflexive reaction,” Penny continued. “When the needle is inserted into the muscle knot, it causes the muscle to reflexively contract.” <br> <br> Dry needling is most often recommended as part of an overall physical therapy treatment plan. On average, patients get dry needling two or three times during a plan of care, and each session lasts for 10-15 minutes at a time. During these sessions, a physical therapist is inserting a needle into the interior of the muscle or muscle belly at different angles and areas to ensure they are breaking up all parts of the muscle knot. <br> <br> “After dry needling, people are going to be muscle sore because you basically took that muscle through an extensive workout,” Penny said. “People are usually sore for anywhere between 2 - 48 hours at the most. After treatment, self-care activities such as stretching, heat or ice, and massage are used to manage the muscle soreness. <br> <br> “Trigger points typically don’t happen in isolation,” Penny said. Trigger points occur alongside restrictions in range of motion, weakness, abnormal posture, and joint stiffness. Dry needling is included in a comprehensive treatment plan of manual techniques, stretching, and strengthening. <br> <br> Dry needling is not for everyone. For those who are pregnant, very young, needle-phobic or currently taking anticoagulants, Penny would recommend a manual technique that mimics the needle but uses the fingers to press and hold on a trigger point for a prolonged period of time. <br> <br> No matter the approach, Penny and her team can get patients back to full mobilization in no time. <br> <br> To learn more about dry needling or other physical therapy treatment options, <a href="http://www.activelifesports.com/">visit the Active Life Physical Therapy website.</a> </p> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6eVsiU9XWGM" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The Dr. John Adams Rounds Committee recognizes and supports employees, physicians, nurses, office staff, and volunteers who work in various ways to provide compassionate care of exceptional quality at GBMC HealthCare. This annual Compassionate Care Award was created to honor those who provide exceptional care and service to patients and their families in the GBMC HealthCare system. We invite you to <a href="https://gbmchealthcare.formstack.com/forms/compassionate_caregiver" target="_blank">nominate someone working or volunteering at GBMC HealthCare</a> who in daily practice listens, supports, advocates, and understands what patients and their caregivers are going through. <br> <br> This person has a special talent and dedication that enables him or her to demonstrate concern for others and incorporates this concern into his or her daily work or practice. Up to 5 finalists will be selected each year. The winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize, and 4 honorable mention recipients will each receive $500. The winners will be recognized with a prominently displayed permanent plaque. Nominations are due by November 30, 2021. If you know someone who meets this description, please <a href="https://gbmchealthcare.formstack.com/forms/compassionate_caregiver" target="_blank">take the time to nominate him or her TODAY</a>! The nominee’s role at GBMC could be anything - security officer, cashier, physician, nurse, transporter, analyst, technician, or administrative employee. All employees and volunteers are on the same team, working to make a difference in the community. </p>
<p class="article-body"> <style> .blog-hero h1 {display:none;} img.app {padding:20px; max-width:300px;} </style> The GBMC HealthCare app is designed to help patients and their loved ones navigate our healthcare system with ease. It includes GPS wayfinding, directing you from home to the proper parking garage on GBMC's campus. Once you arrive, the app offers step-by-step directions to help you find your exact appointment location. <br> <br> With the GBMC HealthCare app, you can also access your MyChart account, which allows you to safely </p> <ul> <li> make appointments </li> <li> view your medical record </li> <li> request prescriptions </li> <li> view test results </li> <li> communicate securely and electronically with your medical care team </li> <li> pay your bill </li> <li> link your MyChart account with Apple Health via the Track My Health feature </li> </ul> Additionally, the app can be used to find a GBMC HealthCare service or physician that meets your individual needs. <br> <br> <br> <h2> Download the app and stay connected! </h2> <a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gbmc-healthcare/id1560210362"><img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/436be513c57e811d6a04eb9eb8e0ddc6.jpg" alt="download the apple iphone or ipad app" class="app"></a><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.GBMC.MyChart"><img src="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/5f5716be1a11590cd9b0f5cfad512dbb.jpg" alt="download the android app" class="app"></a> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<p class="article-body"> This fall and winter, with the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to impact public health, it’s more important than ever to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses like the flu. <br> <br> GBMC Health Partners is pleased to offer drive-thru flu vaccinations for its primary care and specialty care patients beginning<strong> Tuesday, September 28, 2021</strong> at Farmhouse Hill on GBMC’s campus. This flu vaccine program is open to all patients of <a href="/node/2416">GBMC Health Partners</a> over the age of 6 and will take place through October. Appointments are required. <br> <br> <strong><em>IMPORTANT: </em></strong>Vaccines for Medicaid patients between 6-18 years of age are not available at the drive-thru. Please contact your Primary Care Physician’s office to schedule. <br> <br> <strong>Hours of operation are:</strong> <br> September 28 and 29: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. <br> October 2: 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. <br> October 5: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. <br> October 6, 12, and 13: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. <br> October 17, 24, 31: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. <br> <br> <br> There are <strong>two options for scheduling</strong> your drive-thru vaccination: </p> <ol> <li> Schedule using your <a href="/node/2209">MyChart account</a> - you can <a href="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/84a5e41f1498d57ba727fe5e8963b99a.pdf">view instructions here</a> <br> </li> <li> Call your Primary Care Physician’s office </li> </ol> <em>We will bill your insurance for the cost of the vaccine.</em> <br> <br> <strong>Important notes!</strong> <ul> <li> Please wear a mask, and bring your insurance card and a photo ID. </li> <li> Remain in your car until a staff member flags you to drive up. </li> <li> <strong>Wear short sleeves</strong> and <strong>avoid having family pets in the car.</strong> </li> <li> <a href="/sites/default/files/hg_features/hg_post/f428a8299422c8fcf403a78d9f093da6.pdf">Click here for a map and directions to Farmhouse Hill</a>. </li> </ul> We hope all of our patients will take advantage of this convenient opportunity to get their flu vaccinations. <br> <div class="end-of-story"> </div>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/592385693?h=12c08b2492" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> Fueled by the overwhelming generosity of our community, The Promise Project will bring two historic advancements to GBMC—a new Inpatient Facility and The Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, the new home of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute at GBMC. These initiatives will not only modernize GBMC’s facilities but extend our promise for generations to come. <br> <br> <a class="btn dark-green" href="https://gbmcpromise.org">Visit the Promise Project Website</a><a class="btn red" href="https://www.classy.org/give/265460/#!/donation/checkout">Donate NOW!</a> </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5ixf37PneUU" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The Nearly New Sale is a longstanding tradition at GBMC and has been a hugely successful fundraising event thanks to the generosity and support of our donors and patrons. Held twice each year, it raises approximately $250,000 annually, contributing significant dollars to patient care delivered by GBMC Healthcare. Recent proceeds have gone to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the GBMC Center for Neurology, the Gilchrist Kids Endowment Fund and a new state of the art surgical simulation lab for clinicians and nurses on campus. See what Bonnie and Ken Kaplan think about this amazing event, and learn about what things you can find! Go to <a target="_top" href="/node/2483">https://www.gbmc.org/nearlynewsale</a> to learn more! </p>
<iframe class="embed-responsive-item" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8v82nIqA4FQ" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <p class="article-body"> The Nearly New Sale is a longstanding tradition at GBMC and has been a hugely successful fundraising event thanks to the generosity and support of our donors and patrons. Held twice each year, it raises approximately $250,000 annually, contributing significant dollars to patient care delivered by GBMC Healthcare. Recent proceeds have gone to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the GBMC Center for Neurology, the Gilchrist Kids Endowment Fund and a new state of the art surgical simulation lab for clinicians and nurses on campus. See what April Asuncion Higgins thinks about this amazing event and learn about what things you can find! Go to <a target="_top" href="/node/2483">https://www.gbmc.org/nearlynewsale</a> to learn more </p>
