Iowa news
DMU signs partnership with Buena Vista to help students interested in health care
Des Moines University and Buena Vista University announced a partnership to create enhanced pathways for BVU students seeking medical and health sciences careers. The partnership will include three reserved seats annually for BVU students in DMU’s doctor of occupational therapy program. Qualifying BVU students can earn credits concurrently at BVU and in one of four DMU degree programs: doctor of occupational therapy, doctor of podiatric medicine, master of health care administration and master of public health. BVU students who meet DMU’s admission requirements are guaranteed interviews for consideration of admission to seven DMU programs, as long as interview slots are available. The partnership agreement takes effect immediately. (Business Record)
Pilot project in three Iowa counties may provide quicker emergency responses in rural areas
Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg says a pilot project in three Iowa counties may be a way to provide quicker emergency responses in rural areas. Beyond the ambulance crews and EMTs already in place statewide, the Iowa United First Aid program will train new groups of volunteers in Cass, Calhoun and Van Buren counties in what Gregg describes as “CPR Plus,” which includes the use of an AED, basic first aid and an app that allows 911 to alert the volunteer closest to the emergency. (Iowa Public Radio)
Van Buren County Hospital to benefit from USDA loan and grant program
The USDA is investing $13,435,000 in loans and $2,946,000 in grants to five projects in Iowa to strengthen infrastructure, promote business expansion and create jobs. Among the five Iowa projects, Southern Iowa Electric Cooperative received a $300,000 grant through the Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program to expand a revolving loan fund, which will partially finance the renovation and expansion of Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua. North West Rural Electric Cooperative also received a $300,000 grant to help finance a facility expansion of Promise Community Health Center in Sioux Center. (Business Record)
National news
COVID-19 admissions up in 37 states
COVID-19 admissions are increasing in 37 states — with more than half of states reporting a “substantial” jump — as new virus strains circulate nationwide, CDC data shows. Nationwide, the U.S. confirmed 15,067 new COVID-19 admissions in the week ending Aug. 19, marking an 18.8% increase from the week prior. In 26 states, new COVID-19 admissions increased by 20% or more last week, which the CDC denotes as a substantial increase. South Dakota saw the largest increase, with admissions rising 127.3%. Eleven other states reported moderate increases. (Becker’s Hospital Review)
Top 12 things health care organizations want in IT vendors
Although most health care organizations are generally satisfied with their health information technology vendor’s customer service, one-third remain dissatisfied, KLAS Research reported. KLAS surveyed more than 53,000 health care professionals and put together a list top 12 factors influencing customer satisfaction. Topping the list by a wide margin was proactive ownership of client issues (mentioned by 44% of respondents). (KLAS Research)
Want to ‘green’ your health care facility? It’s OK to start small
Want to get your hospital or health system headed in a more environmentally friendly direction? It’s OK to start small. For example, one way to save energy might be by running a chiller at 60% rather than at 100%, which would also increase the life of the device. “If I had to start all over, I would start with energy conservation,” said Miranda Skaaning, director of sustainability and energy conservation at Parkland Health in Dallas. “It’s really got a huge impact not only on your emissions, but also money. There’s so much money to be saved whenever you’re reducing your energy use. So it’s also good for the system itself.” (MedPage Today)