Welcome to Clean Talk! An Interview-Style Podcast Series About All Things Infection Prevention Featuring Industry Thought Leaders. Tune in as distinguished leaders share their views, experiences, and trends surrounding the infectious control industry. Clean Talk is hosted live on all social platforms every week, Wednesdays at 3PM EST.
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If you’re the type of person who prefers to multi-task while learning, then these podcasts are designed for you. Simply choose a subject and hit play so you can listen to discussions on a variety of clinical topics. From mental health to COVID-19 best practices, we’ve invited clinical experts to have a discussion to share their knowledge and best practices with our listeners.
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”Going Macro on Micro” is a podcast that explores emerging themes and pressing issues in the world of microbiology. From investigating the global challenges of infection control to unveiling the future of diagnostic technologies, ”Going Macro on Micro” provides listeners with thought-provoking insights and actionable takeaways. Join Dr. Lough and her expert guests as they explore the frontiers of microbiology and tackle the pressing issues that impact us all.
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Qsource Talks with Siskin Subacute West in Tennessee
18:03
18:03
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18:03In this podcast episode, Amanda Odom, representing Qsource, talks with Ariel, the administrator of Siskin Subacute West in Tennessee. Ariel shares the challenges her facility faced during their first annual survey post-COVID in October 2023, including issues with their electronic medical records, staff training, and leadership changes. She discusse…
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[Audio Blog] Best Practices for Infection Control and Prevention in Skilled Nursing Facilities
9:00
9:00
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9:00Infection control in skilled nursing facilities is vital for protecting residents, staff, and visitors from preventable illnesses and outbreaks. Facilities face significant challenges—including emerging pathogens, regulatory shifts, and staff compliance—but proactive, evidence-based strategies can mitigate risks. Qsource supports facilities through…
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In this episode of "MDS Optimization," Nurse Bugg shares best practices for improving Minimum Data Set (MDS) processes in skilled nursing facilities. The discussion covers interdisciplinary teamwork, real-time documentation, staff training, and leveraging technology to boost compliance, accuracy, and efficiency. Nurse Bugg highlights the importance…
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[Audio Blog] How Qsource Empowers Nursing Homes Amid CMS Survey Shifts
6:30
6:30
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6:30As CMS shifts focus toward complaint-driven surveys and reduces routine inspections, nursing homes face challenges in maintaining compliance, improving star ratings, and identifying quality gaps. Qsource fills the oversight void with proactive services including mock surveys, Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) support, QAPI coaching, and staff training. These…
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[Audio Blog] Conducting a Fall Risk Assessment: Identifying At-Risk Residents
6:42
6:42
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6:42Falls remain a major safety concern in nursing homes, with structured fall risk assessments offering a proactive way to identify at-risk residents and prevent injuries. These assessments evaluate medical conditions, medication use, mobility, environment, and behavioral factors. By using evidence-based tools and engaging in interdisciplinary collabo…
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Care Planning Success (F-Tags F656, and F677)
12:28
12:28
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12:28In this episode, Nurse Bugg, a nursing home consultant with Qsource, discusses care planning success in healthcare facilities, focusing on regulatory flags F656, and F677. She emphasizes the importance of developing timely baseline and comprehensive care plans, involving interdisciplinary teams, and ensuring resident and family participation. Key s…
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[Audio Blog] How Mock Surveys Can Help Identify Overuse of Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes
6:43
6:43
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6:43Overuse of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes remains a critical compliance and care issue. Mock surveys serve as a proactive tool to detect inappropriate prescribing, ensure compliance with F-Tag 758, and reinforce non-pharmacological interventions. These internal audits help facilities assess prescribing trends, evaluate staff knowledge, …
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[Audio Blog] Preparing for Surveys: How Strong Documentation Can Be Your Best Defense
6:32
6:32
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6:32Survey success starts with strong documentation. Learn how complete, consistent records can protect your facility, support regulatory compliance, and help avoid costly deficiencies. Discover proactive steps you can take now to ensure your team is ready when surveyors arrive. To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home con…
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[Audio Blog] Why Documentation is the Backbone of Quality Care in Nursing Homes
6:23
6:23
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6:23The fast-paced nature of long-term care facilities tends to make documentation appear as an additional duty within an already heavy workload. The nursing home staff and administration must understand documentation must be appropriate since it establishes the base for providing quality care while protecting residents' safety and defending organizati…
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[Audio Blog] Using Technology to Prevent Falls: Innovations in Senior Care
8:02
8:02
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8:02nnovative technology is transforming fall prevention in nursing homes by providing advanced tools such as AI-powered analytics, sensor-based monitoring systems, smart mobility aids, and VR training. These advancements enhance resident safety, support staff response, reduce fall-related injuries, and help maintain regulatory compliance. Qsource supp…
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[Audio Blog] Preventable vs. Unpreventable Re-Admissions: What Nursing Homes Need to Know
8:04
8:04
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8:04Audio Blog - Read the full story here: https://www.qsource.org/blog/preventable-vs.-unpreventable-re-admissions-what-nursing-homes-need-to-know Nursing homes face substantial obstacles from hospital re-admissions because these events affect patient wellness with facility financial stability and compliance with regulatory requirements. Re-admissions…
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De-Prescribing Psychotropics and Antipsychotics
20:48
20:48
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20:48In this podcast episode, Qsource nursing home professionals Linzie, Jon, and Amanda, discuss the prescribing of psychotropic and antipsychotic medications in dementia care during the COVID-19 pandemic. They highlight the increased use of these medications due to pandemic-related challenges, such as staffing shortages and resident isolation. Jon emp…
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[Audio Blog] The Connection Between Antipsychotic Use and Falls in Nursing Homes
5:55
5:55
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5:55Falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalization among nursing home residents, often leading to long-term disability or even death. Antipsychotic medications represent one of the contributing factors that may be often overlooked. These drugs, though sometimes necessary, can raise the risk of falls substantially, thus affecting both resident …
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This podcast explores f-tag 600, the federal regulation that protects nursing home residents from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We break down what constitutes abuse, how facilities can prevent it, and what indicators to watch for in both staff behavior and resident conditions. Learn how Qsource supports nursing homes through mock surveys and pe…
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Take a listen to our latest LTC podcast where Qsource Nurses Amanda Odom and Linzie Bugg discuss TBI (traumatic brain injury) and its impact on our nursing home residents. Learn how nursing home staff can identify signs of TBI and how they support our residents when this type of injury occurs.By Qsource
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With March being National Kidney Awareness month, listen as Qsource experts Linzie Bugg and Amanda Odom discuss dialysis in long-term care facilities. To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meetingBy Qsource
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[Audio Blog] Staff Training- How to Equip Your Team for Effective Fall Prevention
7:04
7:04
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7:04Falls are one of the most common and serious risks in nursing homes, leading to injuries, hospitalizations, and even fatalities. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), approximately 50-75% of nursing home residents experience a fall each year, and many of these incidents could be prevented with proper staff training and pr…
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[Audio Blog] Ensuring Compliance with Evolving Regulatory Standards in Skilled Nursing Facilities
7:46
7:46
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7:46Regulatory compliance is the cornerstone of maintaining quality and safety in skilled nursing facilities. It ensures that residents receive the highest standard of care while protecting the facility from legal and financial risks. As regulations continuously evolve, nursing homes face the challenge of staying up-to-date while balancing operational …
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[Audio Blog] Effective Risk Management- Identifying and Mitigating Potential Liabilities
6:46
6:46
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6:46Risk management is a critical component of operational success in nursing homes. With increasing regulatory scrutiny and complex care needs, proactive risk management strategies are essential to protect residents, staff, and the facility’s reputation. Identifying potential liabilities and implementing effective mitigation measures can significantly…
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[Audio Blog] Understanding Antipsychotic Medications in Nursing Homes
6:40
6:40
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6:40Antipsychotic medications are commonly used in long-term care facilities to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe behavioral disturbances. However, their use in nursing homes—particularly for residents with dementia—has come under increased scrutiny. While these medications can be beneficial in certain cases, they also pose…
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Listen as Qsource discusses the role of social workers in long-term care facilities and how their role is efficient for efficient care and resident satisfaction. To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meetingBy Qsource
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[Audio Blog] Staff Retention Strategies for Skilled Nursing Facilities
8:08
8:08
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8:08High turnover rates are a persistent challenge in skilled nursing facilities, significantly impacting care quality, staff morale, and operational costs. When experienced caregivers leave, it disrupts continuity of care, leading to decreased resident satisfaction and increased workload for remaining staff. Additionally, the costs associated with rec…
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[Audio Blog] Understanding Hospital Re-Admissions: Causes and Consequences for Nursing Homes
7:09
7:09
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7:09Hospital re-admissions are a critical concern for nursing homes, impacting both resident outcomes and the facility’s financial and regulatory standing. For nursing home administrators and staff, reducing unnecessary re-admissions is not just a goal—it’s a necessity to maintain compliance, improve care quality, and enhance resident well-being. To sc…
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Better Processes to Ensure Incident Reports for Falls Are Complete
13:13
13:13
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13:13Listen as Qsource experts discuss how to ensure incident reports for falls are complete and accurate. With real-life examples and information focused towards skilled-nursing facilities, this podcast will help answer your questions regarding fall reporting. To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our nursing home consultants, please vi…
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[Audio Blog] Creating a Vibrant Community in Long-Term Care Facilities
4:39
4:39
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4:39Fostering a sense of community is vital in long-term care settings. When residents feel connected and engaged, their quality of life improves significantly. A vibrant community doesn’t just happen—it’s built through intentional activities, meaningful connections, and shared celebrations that bring people together. By creating an environment where r…
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[Audio Blog] What Is Nursing Home Consulting?
4:35
4:35
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4:35Nursing homes play a crucial role in providing care and support to residents who need assistance with daily living. However, managing a nursing home involves more than just providing care—it requires keeping up with complex regulations, running operations smoothly, and ensuring both residents and staff feel supported. That’s where nursing home cons…
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Preventing Facility Acquired Pressure Ulcers
24:12
24:12
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24:12Listen as Qsource experts discuss methods used to prevent Facility Acquired Pressure Ulcers and reduce harm of nursing home residents. To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one of our experts, please visit: https://www.qsource.org/book-a-meetingBy Qsource
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[Audio Blog] The Financial Benefits of Consulting Services for Nursing Homes
5:08
5:08
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5:08Nursing homes face increasing financial pressures as they balance rising operational costs with maintaining quality care. From labor expenses to reimbursement complexities, managing finances in long-term care requires precision and strategy. Consulting services provide valuable expertise to address these challenges, offering targeted solutions that…
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[Audio Blog] Using NHSN Data to Drive Quality Improvement in Nursing Homes
9:45
9:45
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9:45For nursing homes, quality improvement is a continuous process, and data plays a crucial role in making informed decisions that enhance resident care and safety. The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) offers a comprehensive data infrastructure that supports healthcare facilities in monitoring healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), antimicr…
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[Audio Blog] Tackling Staff Shortages in Nursing Homes: Challenges and Solutions
6:51
6:51
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6:51Staff shortages in nursing homes present one of the most pressing challenges to the healthcare industry today. These shortages affect every aspect of nursing home operations, from the quality of care residents receive to the ability of facilities to comply with regulations and maintain positive workplace cultures. To address this growing issue, it'…
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[Audio Blog] NHSN and Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes: A Closer Look
8:48
8:48
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8:48Infection prevention in nursing homes is a critical element of resident care, as these facilities serve some of the most vulnerable individuals in healthcare. Nursing home staff face unique challenges in preventing and managing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), as residents often live in close quarters and may have underlying health conditio…
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[Audio Blog] Improving Resident Satisfaction Through Quality of Care Initiatives
5:30
5:30
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5:30Resident satisfaction is a cornerstone of success in long-term care facilities. Satisfied residents are not only a reflection of the quality of care provided but also a key factor in a facility’s reputation and operational stability. Improving satisfaction requires a dedicated focus on quality of care initiatives that prioritize residents’ needs, p…
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[Audio Blog] Chemical Restraints / Unnecessary Psychotropic Medications
4:22
4:22
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4:22CMS has updated regulations to streamline oversight and ensure psychotropic medications are used only when medically necessary, with a significant emphasis on resident rights and informed consent. These updates aim to prevent misuse of medications and strengthen the focus on resident-centered care. To schedule a FREE consultation and speak with one…
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[Audio Blog] Nursing Home Consulting: A Strategic Approach to Excellence in LTC
5:39
5:39
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5:39In the highly regulated and dynamic world of long-term care, nursing home administrators and staff face a unique set of challenges. From maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations to improving operational efficiency and ensuring quality resident care, the demands are unrelenting. Nursing home consulting provides a strategic, data-dri…
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[Audio Blog] Qsource and Nursing Home Consulting
6:34
6:34
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6:34Nursing home consulting is a specialized service designed to help long-term care facilities improve the quality of resident care, maintain regulatory compliance, and optimize operational efficiency. Through tailored strategies and expert guidance, nursing home consultants empower facilities to navigate challenges and achieve excellence in all aspec…
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[Audio Blog] Survey Readiness: Preparing Your Nursing Home for Success
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5:30Maintaining survey readiness is essential for ensuring compliance, avoiding citations, and delivering quality care. Inspections by regulatory agencies are inevitable, and their outcomes can significantly impact a facility’s reputation and operations. Being prepared is not just about meeting standards but about demonstrating a commitment to excellen…
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[Audio Blog] Introduction to NHSN - A Framework for Healthcare Safety
8:09
8:09
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8:09For nursing home professionals, infection prevention and patient safety are top priorities. The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), a program under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), plays a critical role in safeguarding healthcare environments, including long-term care facilities, against healthcare-associated infections …
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[Audio Blog] Navigating Regulatory Compliance in Nursing Homes
6:50
6:50
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6:50Regulatory compliance forms the backbone of effective operations in nursing homes. It ensures the safety and dignity of residents, supports high-quality care delivery, and protects facilities from financial penalties and reputational risks. Compliance is not just about following rules—it reflects a commitment to ethical and professional standards i…
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Enhanced Barrier Precaution: Changes for 2024 (LTC Podcast)
22:41
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22:41Listen as Linzie Bugg and Amanda Odom discuss Enhanced Barrier Precautions and how the CMS/CDC changes will affect long-term care facilities in 2025.By Qsource
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[Audio Blog] After the Survey: Writing an Effective Plan of Correction
6:05
6:05
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6:05According to, 42 CFR §488.401 a Plan of Correction is a plan developed by the facility and approved by either CMS or the SA that outlines the actions the facility will take to rectify deficiencies and specifies the date by which those deficiencies will be corrected.By Qsource
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Listen and long-term care team members Linzie and Kim discuss staffing retention in nursing homes and how to recruit and maintain quality employees.By Qsource
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6. Integrated Solutions for a Healthier Tomorrow
15:02
15:02
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15:02In the final episode of "Going Macro on Micro," host Dr. Julie Ann Lough explores the key elements of a robust, One Health-informed infection control framework with experts Dr. Elaine Cloutman-Green and Dr. Simon Doherty. The experts emphasize the need for education, communication, and innovation as the cornerstones of effective infection control. …
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[Audio Blog] Implementing Enhanced Barrier Precautions to Protect Residents and Staff in Long-Term Care
4:29
4:29
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4:29Preventing the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is a critical priority for skilled nursing facilities. Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) provide an effective infection control strategy to reduce transmission risks while allowing residents to maintain an active and fulfilling quality of life. Implementing these precautions involves u…
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[Audio Blog] Enhancing Compliance and Quality in Nursing Homes
5:17
5:17
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5:17Recent updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) outline significant revisions to long-term care surveyor guidance. These changes aim to ensure that nursing homes prioritize resident health, safety, and quality of care while addressing emerging trends in compliance. For nursing homes, these updates represent an opportunity to …
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[Audio Blog] Staff Training and Education in Post-Survey Follow-Ups: Insights from Qsource
8:50
8:50
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8:50Effective staff training and ongoing education are vital to ensuring that nursing homes can meet regulatory standards and provide the best possible care to residents. When a survey reveals deficiencies, staff education becomes even more crucial. Addressing these issues post-survey is not just about making immediate changes; it’s about establishing …
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[Audio Blog] Spotlight on Technology: How Nursing Homes Can Use Tools to Track Diabetes
7:02
7:02
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7:02Advancements in technology have transformed diabetes management, offering valuable tools that can significantly improve care in nursing homes. With innovations like continuous glucose monitors, apps, and digital tracking systems, staff can streamline diabetes care, enhance accuracy, and respond more promptly to residents’ needs. This blog highlight…
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5. Lessons from the Pandemic: Towards a More Equitable and Resilient One Health Approach
13:30
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13:30In this episode of "Going Macro on Micro," host Dr. Julie Ann Lough explores the future of One Health with experts Dr. Elaine Cloutman-Green and Dr. Simon Doherty. The discussion focuses on the challenges of pandemic preparedness and the need to address global health inequities. The episode highlights the key lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, und…
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ESRD Peer-to-Peer Sharing - Home and Travel
20:17
20:17
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20:17Patient care partner, John Tomko, shares his mother’s end-stage renal disease journey and his decision to be her care partner. He advocates for home dialysis and the benefits it provides, including flexibility with treatment and the freedom to travel.By Qsource
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ESRD Peer-to-Peer Sharing - Failed Transplant Leading Back to In-Center Hemodialysis
23:34
23:34
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23:34Kidney patient advocate and ten-year Patient Advisory Council member, Della Major, discusses her chronic kidney disease journey, her road to kidney transplant, and her failed transplant leading back to in-center hemodialysis.By Qsource
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4. Finding the Balance in One Health Priorities
18:38
18:38
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18:38In this episode of "Going Macro on Micro," our experts, Dr. Elaine Cloutman-Green and Dr. Simon Doherty, join host Dr. Julie Ann Lough to discuss the challenges of getting diverse stakeholders with competing interests on board. The conversation centers on the apparent conflicts between environmental sustainability measures and infection control req…
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