Educational In-Services

HealthCap Risk Management Services is approved by the ANCC as a provider of continuing education for licensed nurses. During on-site risk management visits, facility staff have the option of receiving ANCC approved in-service training sessions on a variety of topics. As a result, your HealthCap Risk Management Services visit is much more than a facility assessment; it is an opportunity to provide your staff with continuing education credits on-site, and on practical topics of direct interest to your facility and staff.

We currently offer in-service training on the following topics:

Administrative In-Services

Quality Assurance F520 - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Although regulatory focused, this presentation will assist facilities in identifying the purpose of a proactive Quality Assurance program and is appropriate for all care settings. The importance of investigative protocols and compliance with regulations is discussed along with identifying the triggers that may lead to an investigation during the survey process. This program was developed for all levels of care.

Resident Rights and Abuse Prevention - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

What rights do residents have and how do we ensure that their rights are maintained? This program will discuss the basics of resident rights while identifying what constitutes a resident rights violation and the penalties associated with such a violation. This program was developed for all levels of care.

Customer Services, Managing Risk - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

This program was developed to assist your management team and direct care staff in setting family expectations before, during and after the admission process. The admission process is a critical time that will set the tone; positive or negative, for the resident's stay. The focus should be one of customer service even for the "high maintenance" guest. Learn the basic elements of setting expectations, effective communication and prompt attention to identified concerns that will lead to improved customer satisfaction. This program was developed for all levels of care.

Risks and Benefits of Senior Living - Assisted Living/CCRC (Contact hours: 1)

This program was developed to assist your assisted living/ccrc community in determining who you are and what level of care your facility will provide. At the conclusion of this program each attendee should be in a position to develop the framework necessary to support the level of care being admitted while maintaining a safe environment for all residents. This program was developed for assisted living/ccrc settings.

Disasters, Pandemic and You - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

This program was developed to assist healthcare facilities in developing and maintaining an effective disaster preparedness plan relating to pandemic situations. Although there are no cases of avian flu reported to date the prediction is that when this virulent disease does affect humans that it will spread rapidly throughout the healthcare arena. Being prepared is no small task and it is never too early to start preparing for predicted events. This program was developed for all levels of care.

Risk Management - The Big Picture - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Risk management is more than a term used in the insurance business. Risk management should be a term that your entire facility is familiar with as they deal with loss control issues on a daily basis. This program was developed to educate facilities on the process of loss control from a global view. This program is appropriate for all levels of care.

Advanced Directives - State of Michigan - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Advance directives are legal documents that allow you to convey your decisions about end of life care ahead of time. They provide a way for you to communicate your wishes to family, friends and health care professionals, and to avoid confusion later on. This program was developed for Michigan based facilities and is based solely on Michigan law.

Documentation In-Services

Constipation/Impaction - Skilled & Assisted Living (Contact hours: 1)

Constipation/impaction can be a problem in the elderly and as caregivers it is our responsibility to assist our residents in the prevention and/or treatment of this common ailment. Understanding the physiology of chronic constipation and the difference between constipation and impaction is important if we are to be successful at preventing and/or treating our residents effectively. This presentation was developed to assist direct care staff in identifying the causative factors and common treatment modalities to assist in preventing these negative outcomes.

Dehydration - Skilled & Assisted Living (Contact hours: 1)

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluid than is taken in and the body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. If fluid is not replenished there may be serious consequences. Mild to moderate dehydration may be reversed by increasing fluids however severe dehydration needs immediate medical treatment. This program was developed to assist direct care staff in identifying early symptoms of dehydration to assist in preventing negative outcomes by early intervention.

Residents with Diabetes - Skilled & Assisted Living (Contact hours: 1)

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play a role. Complications related to diabetes can be catastrophic and direct care staff should be aware of the signs and symptoms of these complications. This program was developed to serve as a resource to direct care staff who provide care to residents with a diagnosis of diabetes.

The Ins and Outs of Documentation - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

At the conclusion of this program participants will be able to identify who is responsible for documentation, what should be documented, when documentation should be done, where specific documentation should be located and the types of documentation that should be avoided.

Legal Documentation - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

This program was developed to address the universal issue of deficient documentation practices. Much litigation is not defendable due to a lack of documentation and/or poor documentation in the medical record. This program will discuss case studies and identify where improvements could be made to the documentation. This program was developed for skilled nursing facilities but may be used in all level of care settings.

Medical Records - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

This program was developed to educate your direct care staff on how documenting timely and utilizing appropriate language in the medical record can decrease risk to your facility. Many claims are settled or lost due to a lack of documentation or poor documentation practices. This program was developed for skilled nursing facilities however is appropriate for all levels of care.

Documentation for Assisted Living - Assisted Living (Contact hours: 1)

Documentation is an interdisciplinary process that can benefit or hurt the facility depending on the quality of the documentation. If the documentation in your medical records is written in a subjective manner and contains unapproved abbreviations your facility is at higher risk and this presentation may benefit you and your team.

Common Documentation Mistakes - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Many documentation systems can be cumbersome and ineffective so encouraging simplicity in documentation is highly recommended. This educational session will discuss how redundant documentation requirements can contribute to errors. Tried and true ideas on how to consolidate documentation tasks will be discussed to assist you in developing an effective, user friendly documentation system. This program was developed for all levels of care.

Loss Prevention Awareness - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Deficient assessment practices can increase the risk of citations and liability in your facility. This presentation will assist you in understanding the importance of ongoing assessment, monitoring and documentation that will support your efforts in the event of a claim.

Care Plans 101 - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Care plans are considered the back bone of a resident's medical record. The importance of accurate identification of needs, realistic goals and appropriate interventions should be the cornerstone of the care provided. This program was developed for skilled nursing facilities however is also appropriate for other levels of care where care plans are required.

Risk Management and Regulations - Skilled (Contact hours: 1)

This presentation is a brief overview of the relationship between risk management and regulatory requirements. The information is not exhaustive or fully comprehensive and a specific facility may require more interventions than are presented.

Documentation 101 - (Contact hours: 1)

This program was developed for direct care staff with a special focus on Licensed Nurses. The program discusses the importance of accurate, timely documentation and how the five steps in the nursing process relate to documentation. The importance of documenting resident assessments, staff interventions and resident's response to treatment are also discussed. Providing quality direct care that is supported by documentation is the key to preventing claims.

Documentation - Anticoagulant Drug Therapy - (Contact hours: 1)

Residents receiving anticoagulant therapy are at a higher risk for a catastrophic outcome if vigilant monitoring and safety precautions are not initiated and followed. Many residents receive multiple medications throughout the day which increases the risk of a negative outcome related to drug interactions. This program was developed to educate your caregivers on what risks to be aware of and how to prevent negative outcomes related to anticoagulation therapy.

Behavior Changes Documentation - (Contact hours: 1)

There are many reasons that a resident may exhibit a change in behaviors both positive and negative. Medications are a leading cause of behavior changes, again, some positive and many times negative. The process of identifying the cause of a change in behavior can be as challenging as initiating interventions to address the change. This program was developed to assist caregivers in identifying the causative factors related to behavior changes, addressing the behaviors and providing appropriate documentation to support the care being provided.

Defensive Documentation - Skilled & Assisted Living (Contact hours: 1)

Documentation continues to challenge many facilities and as such is one of the highest risk areas in the event of a claim. This program was developed to assist facilities in identifying internal and external risks and preventive interventions to address such risks. At the conclusion of this program participants shall recognize the importance of risk assessment and appropriate documentation practices.

Elopement In-Services

Elopement Prevention - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Assessment is the key to elopement prevention but the resident's physical and mental status are only one part of a thorough elopement prevention assessment. This presentation will assist you in identifying environmental risks and developing a plan through your Quality Assurance Committee to assist in maintaining a safe environment.

Elopement Prevention & Effective Documentation - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

There are many aspects for identifying risk and preventing elopement including ongoing assessment of the resident, educating staff, family and residents and communication. Interdisciplinary meetings also assist in empowering staff to assume responsibility for maintaining a safe environment for your residents.

Environmental In-Services

Avoiding Environmental Citations - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

This presentation will assist your facility in identifying environmental hazards that may lead to regulatory citations and increase liability. The benefits of performing regular environmental rounds will be discussed along with helpful suggestions on developing a plan to fit your facility needs.

Environmental Risks - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Maintaining a safe environment for our residents is everyone's responsibility. This program was developed to assist facilities in identifying risks in the environment. Regulations are very clear for skilled nursing facilities however all facilities providing care for elderly residents should be mindful of environmental risks and have a plan to address risks immediately. This program was developed for all levels of care.

Incidents and Accidents In-Services

Fall Reduction - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Performing fall risk assessments is a very important aspect of a fall prevention program however developing a preventive intervention to address each area of risk will assist you in having a successful fall reduction program.

Fall & Elopement Assessment ALF - Assisted Living (Contact hours: 1)

As our population ages in place we are often faced with the challenges of increased falls, elopement risk and addressing these risks. This presentation will assist you in identifying the red flags for falls, the residents at highest risk for falls and elopement and what is considered an elopement by today's definition.

Prevention of Falls - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

The truth is that although thorough, ongoing assessment may assist in reducing the number of falls in your facility, life does happen and some falls may not be prevented. This presentation will assist you in ensuring that all appropriate steps have been taken to prevent falls and that the documentation will support your efforts in the event of a claim.

Incident & Accident Reports - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Although not always required, most facilities do generate some type of incident/unusual occurrence report following an unexpected incident/event involving a resident, staff member or visitor. This program was developed to assist you in identifying what elements are required on these forms, what elements are recommended and how to avoid documenting more than is necessary. Many times over documentation can be problematic and should be avoided. This program was developed for all levels of care.

Compliance With F323 Environment - Skilled (Contact hours: 1)

Skilled nursing facilities are required to meet the federal regulations (F tags) and F323 is latest hot button for surveyors and litigators. This presentation will identify the most recent changes in the regulatory language while identifying the recommended steps for assessing residents for risk.

Infection Control

Indwelling Urinary Catheters - Risks and Benefits - Skilled (Contact hours: 1)

Urinary tract infection is one of the most commonly seen infections affecting geriatric residents in long-term care settings. The current standard of practice requires that prior to inserting an indwelling urinary catheter a primary diagnosis must be identified and documented. Overuse of these devices can lead to sepsis and death and should be avoided. This program was developed to assist you, the caregiver, in meeting the individual needs of each resident.

Preventing the Spread of the H1N1 Virus - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

There are interventions that should be incorporated into a facility pandemic protocol. This presentation addresses that topic and discusses practices to reduce the spread of infection from the H1N1 virus. Symptoms of the H1N1 virus are however the most important means of preventing the spread of infection is hand washing. Tips on hand washing technique and other infection control practices in this program which is intended for all levels of care.

Medication Management

Diabetic Management - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Medication Administration ALF - Assisted Living (Contact hours: 1)

Medication administration in assisted living facilities is often performed by non-licensed med techs. This program was developed to assist in reducing the risk of medication errors while educating the direct care staff on how to safely transcribe and read a physician order and assessing for adverse drug reactions. This program was developed for assisted living facilities.

Diabetes: FAQs - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Managing the care of residents with a diabetes diagnosis can be challenging. This common disease process can have a negative affect on many parts of the body and many times the treatment can result in negative outcomes. Being attentive to subtle changes in a diabetic resident's condition will assist in preventing negative outcomes. This program was developed to answer the most commonly asked question related to Diabetes and is intended for use in all levels of care.

Unnecessary Medications F425 - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

The federal regulations are very clear on what medications and how many are considered "acceptable" for use in the frail elderly. There are many resources available to caregivers including pharmacy providers however there is evidence that we as providers do not take advantage of these resources. This program is intended to outline the newly defined federal regulation (F425) however is not intended to be used exclusively in the skilled care setting. Any healthcare setting where medications are prescribed and/or administered will benefit from this education based on best practices.

Quality of Life

Senior Depression - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Depression is very common in seniors with the severity of the condition strongly correlating to poor health and decreased functioning, both traits frequently seen in elderly nursing home residents. Senior depression is also associated with cognitive decline even when dementia is not present. Depression in the elderly is particularly hard to diagnose as many seniors are less inclined than younger adults to report their symptoms. This presentation was developed to assist you, the caregiver, in identifying residents at risk for depression and assist in maintaining a therapeutic environment for those suffering with depression.

Resident Safety

Transfer Training - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

This program was developed to provide instruction in safe transfers and related safety reminders. It is intended for all staff who might be involved in assisting residents to move from a seat, chair, wheelchair, or from the bed. The techniques needed, the proper use of gait belts and actual sequencing for safe transfers are detailed for the most common types of resident transfers.

Abuse Prevention Program - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Abuse occurs when people mistreat or misuse other people, showing no concern for their integrity or innate worth as individuals and in a manner that degrades their well being. Abusers are frequently interested in controlling their victims and may use abusive behaviors to manipulate their victims into submission or compliance with their will. Abuse prevention training is a federal requirement for many healthcare settings and this program was designed to provide educational opportunities to meet these requirements.

Side Rails and Assist Devices In-Services

Families & Friends - Dangers of Side Rails - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

We have all had the challenging family members who insist on placing side rails on their loved ones bed. This presentation is intended to educate your family members on the risks associated with the use of side rails and includes guidance from the Center for Medicare Services (CMS). This program was developed to be used as a resource for residents and families during the admission process, at resident/family council meetings and quarterly care conferences. This program was developed for all levels of care.

Direct Care Staff - Risks & Benefits - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

This program was developed to be used in educating direct care staff on the risks and benefits of using side rails on resident beds. Although any type of device that attaches to a resident bed increases risk of injury/death, side rail events are most generally catastrophic. This program will assist you in ensuring that your direct care staff is educated on the risks involved with assistive device usage. This program was developed for all levels of care.

Wound, Skin and Nutrition In-Services

Pressure Sores - Nursing Assistants - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

This program was developed to assist your caregivers in identifying the differences between healthy skin and skin that is at risk for breakdown. Once risk is identified, interventions to successfully prevent skin breakdown and decrease risk of future problems will be discussed in an open dialogue format. This program was developed for all levels of care.

Skin Management - Extrinsic Factors - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

There are many components to a successful skin management program including identifying all of the environmental/external forces that can increase a resident's risk for skin breakdown. This presentation will provide your direct care staff with the information necessary to implement an effective program by decreasing the external factors that increase risk. This program was developed for all levels of care.

Nutritional Support for Healthy Skin - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

This program was developed to be a basic, direct care staff presentation that focuses on the anatomy of skin, identifying key nutritional elements necessary to maintain skin integrity and stresses the importance of managing resident's weight changes to prevent impaired skin integrity. This program was developed for all levels of care.

Wound Management- F314 - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

This program was developed utilizing the Federal regulatory tag F314 and focuses on assessment skills and key areas that are critical in reducing the risk of skin breakdown. Best practices are universal in ensuring quality of care for our elderly residents and this program was developed for all levels of care.

The Big Picture - Healthy Skin - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

Nutrition, Hydration, and Dementia - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

There are many reasons elderly residents may suffer with unintended weight loss however due to the aging process, our residents are at higher risk for a negative outcome related to weight loss. This program was developed to assist you in identifying strategies to improve the nutritional parameters of your residents and assist in identifying signs and symptoms of impaired nutrition/hydration. This program was developed for all levels of care.

Nutrition Therapy - Pressure Sore Treatment - All Levels of Care (Contact hours: 1)

This program will educate your team on how to adequately screen for pressure ulcer risk and assess nutritional needs related to prevention and treatment. The importance of following accepted standards of practice related to prevention and treatment of pressure sores will also be discussed.