I just finished diversity training last week - a requirement of my employment at Community Health Network - and it got me thinking about our health network's diversity initiatives.

Diversity training is admittedly not how I would have chosen to spend a full afternoon. I've lived lots of places, experienced many cultures, and engaged in similar training at former jobs--what would one more afternoon talking about it accomplish? But on reflection it was truly worthwhile. Community has created an engaging opportunity for employees to gather for a multi-disciplinary dialogue. Our instructor kept the energy level high and was willing to show her vulnerabilities to pave the way for others to participate. And who doesn't need reminding that not everyone shares your cultural values and ideas of proper behavior?

I don't have much interaction with patients, so I especially enjoyed learning about some of the tools available to clinicians when communicating with patients from diverse backgrounds. In addition to having Spanish language interpreters on staff, language differences can be overcome with the use of our language line phone service. These specially-designed telephones have two receivers that connect the clinician and patient with an interpreter who can facilitate the conversation. Additionally, Community recently implemented CultureVision technology, a web-based reference to help clinicians understand cultural preferences as they relate to health care. The best part is that it's accessible from any of our network computers.

In addition to meeting the needs of our increasingly diverse patient population, Community also fosters diversity in the workplace. On one hand, that's obvious--how could a workforce of over 10,000 employees not be diverse? But on the other, it is a choice that the network has made. An example is the recognition that Community Hospital North will receive at Noble of Indiana's 2008 Annual Celebration. Community will receive the Employment Award for hiring persons with developmental disabilities and furthering their job growth.

While I have provided just a few of the many examples of Community's commitment to diversity, you can read more on our Web site. It's an evolving initiative that will continue to focus on creating exceptional experiences for our patients, families, physicians and employees.

We seem to be getting a lot of new videos posted lately. Here is an overview video of our Maternal Fetal Medicine program, featuring Lauren Dungy-Poythress, M.D and Deborah Skannal, M.D.

This post is a bit overdue, but since I am on a roll, I will feature some content that was recently uploaded to our YouTube channel.

Community Hospital North was the title sponsor at the Flavor of Fishers on August 2, and in addition to hosting a medical tent at the event, the hospital's Bamboo Cafe was one of the featured food vendors. At my exercise class earlier this week, one of the ladies mentioned how much she enjoyed the vegetable salad that was offered. I asked Chef Diana, food service supervisor at Community Health Network, if she would be willing to share the recipe, and she gladly obliged:

Summer vegetable rainbow salad
Makes about six 1-cup servings

3 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup diced plum tomatoes
1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
1 medium zucchini, gut julienne
1 medium green pepper, cut julienne
1 medium red pepper, cut julienne
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt

Directions: Combine all ingredients. Toss to combine. Add dressing and toss to coat. Cover. Chill. Best if made 2-3 hours ahead of time.

Dressing
2 T fresh squeezed lime juice
3 T red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp lemon pepper blend
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp minced garlic
4 1/2 T olive oil

Directions: Combine all ingredients. Whisk until well blended.

Click here for a video demonstration of the salad preparation, where Chef Diana provides some extra tips and variations on the recipe.

Flavor of Fishers was a one-day event, but you don't have to wait until next year to enjoy Chef Diana's creations. The cafes at Community Health Network's hospitals offer flavorful and healthy food options year round.

When there's an emergency, it can be hard to think through the best course of action. And as with many situations, choosing the quickest or closest option--or not understanding you have a choice at all--may not have the most favorable consequences.

Medical emergencies are a great example. Because my doctor is affiliated with Community Health Network, going to a Community emergency room can make a difference in the quality of care I will receive. The medical records that are maintained by my primary care physician are integrated across the network. No matter if my emergency occurs when I'm near Community Hospital North, East or South--or if I need The Indiana Heart Hospital--the emergency specialists at that facility will be able to access my medical history. If it's a serious situation that impedes my ability to communicate effectively, the ER staff will be able to reference my medical records for any medication allergies and past procedures to make the best decisions possible for my treatment.

Conversely, any notes the emergency room clinicians make on my medical record as a result of my visit will be added to my electronic record. My primary care doctor will know about the ER visit, and therefore will be up-to-date on my medical history.

The same is true if my condition requires hospitalization. I'll be in the care of Community specialists every step of the way--and my records will be updated all in one place.

And the alternative? Bottom line, it's important to get care in an emergency--no matter where you end up. But it sure helps when you know your medical caregivers are on the same page.

Kisha, 26, is carrying twin girls whom she plans to name Macey and Marleah and has already learned that her two daughters have unique personalities. “Macey is more active and outgoing and Marleah is going to be kind of shy,” she says.

Kisha was admitted to Community Hospital North during her 23rd week because of a short cervix and was told she would be staying in the hospital until the babies come. In the meantime, she’s been attending the weekly antepartum support group for women who are in similar situations.

The antepartum support group, which was spearheaded by Ellen Manolopoulos, R.N. and care manager, meets in Community North’s fifth floor solarium.

“The large, sunny room is flooded with natural light and offers a great change of environment from the patient’s hospital room and a place to interact with others who are experiencing complications in their pregnancies which require hospitalization,” says Jonell Allen, R.N. and perinatal clinical nurse specialist who helps facilitate the group.

Another bonus to the group meeting in the solarium is the large amount of space available. It can accommodate patients who are in their beds, in recliner chairs and in wheelchairs. Remote telemetry is available for patients who require continual fetal monitoring. All long-term antepartum patients are invited to join the group, however, each patient who attends needs permission from her doctor to participate.

The support group members discuss their pregnancies, eat snacks and participate in activities, such as journaling, aromatherapy, manicures and pedicures and sharing recipes. Since the group began meeting on May 28, the facilitators of the group also have invited lactation consultants who provide education and counseling.

Patient concierge Joni Brattain, who also attends the weekly meetings, has worked with Kisha to plan a baby shower, which will take place in the hospital on August 16. When first-time group member Christine, 22, found out about this service, she, too, was excited. Christine, who is in her 31st week, began having contractions on July 14. When she arrived at Community North, she learned that she would have to remain on bed rest and be constantly monitored by remote telemetry.

Even though some women have already delivered their babies, they continue to return to the group to share their stories. The group is also open to fathers and siblings. “There is great conversation and a safe environment to ventilate all the feelings that accompany the complications of pregnancy that require an unexpected hospital stay,” says Rainey Martin, R.N. and clinical manager.

On July 21, Stephanie Isenberg, R.N., who works on the medical/surgical unit at Community Hospital North, was the first-ever Community North nurse to receive the DAISY Award. She was nominated by one of her patients.

The DAISY Award is part of a nationwide program that rewards and celebrates excellence in nursing. The award was presented during a ceremony at the end of July. As part of her award, Isenberg received:

• A beautiful certificate
• A DAISY Award pin
• A hand-carved stone sculpture titled A Healer’s Touch
• A 30-day fitness membership (provided by BodyZone fitness center)
• A Starbucks gift card (provided by GetWell Network)
• A parking pass (provided by safety and security)
• A complimentary meal (provided by food services).

Additionally, Isenberg’s unit will receive Cinnabon cinnamon rolls, with the sentiment that the aroma reminds them how special they are and now important their work is.

All nurses whose names were mentioned by patients will receive letters and pins to recognize their great care.

Community North’s participation in The DAISY Award program is generously sponsored by the Community Health Network Foundation.

Indiana artist Debbie Reichard has completed the installation of an outdoor sculpture in the circle entry of Community Hospital North. This installation is an extension of the Community Health Network Foundation’s initiative to incorporate art into the healing process for patients and families.

Titled A Torrent of Pleasantries (in plaid), the installation is five feet tall and 15 feet long and is made of garden hose and steel. This installation is the first in a series of planned projects created by art students at the Herron School of Art and Design at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Later this year, more temporary sculptures will be installed as part of an ongoing relationship with students and faculty. Visitors can enjoy this installation through October 2009.

According to Reichard, this installation is her satirical view of suburban life. “Sentimentally, we can be intrinsically connected to specific objects, colors, sounds and smells,” she says. “Even though many of these triggers seem unremarkable to most, everyone can think of an object that reconnects them to a memory.”

Reichard is a former visiting assistant professor of sculpture at the Herron School and has also taught at the University of Washington and the University of Colorado. She is known for creating unique sculptures and ceramics. “I want to change normal,” she says. She works in metal, wood and ceramic, found objects, castable polymers, and sound.

Shuttle service launched at Community Hospital South this week. With the start of major construction just around the corner, some of the parking areas have been reconfigured. Parking in front of the hospital will be more limited while the new patient tower is under construction. To compensate for the spaces that will be blocked due to the expansion, additional parking is now available at the north end of the campus. Click here for a map.

Patients and visitors are encouraged to use the free valet service at the entrance to the emergency room or at the entrance to the medical office building at the north end of the facility. For those who wish to park their own vehicle, Community Hospital South is now offering shuttle service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The shuttle stops at both entrances to offer convenient access to the hospital. To request a ride on the shuttle, call 317-887-RIDE (7433).