Week in Review 8/30/21

Week in Review 8/30/21
09.03.2021

National Tocilizumab Shortage Updates
  • National shortage of Tocilizumab; continues to be in extremely limited supply.
  • Orders for hospitalized COVID-19 patients will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis and must meet current criteria in the MHC COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines.
  • If Tocilizumab is unavailable, Baricitinib may be considered as an alternative. Pharmacy will communicate if Tocilizumab supply is too low to process the order.
  • Prior to prescribing Baricitinib, providers should review the following FDA Fact sheets:
  • This procedure helps to maintain appropriate inventory FDA-approved indications, such as patients receiving CAR-T cell therapy.

Questions?

Nick Torney, PharmD

 

MHC COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines (updated 9.3.21)

MHC Discussing Possible Move to Pandemic Response Stage “Orange”

Due to rising positivity rates in our region, our leadership teams are currently discussing important details that may result in MHC moving back to pandemic response stage “Orange” in the near future.

Masking Resources and Education for Healthcare Team
  • For a literature review of studies that support CDC/MDHHS guidelines regarding masking efficacy: click here.
  • Register for the Sept. 14 12:30-1:30 pm Tuesday Grand Rounds where Christopher Ledtke, MD, will discuss the data that supports masking and talking points to use when discussing masking with patients.

Ordering COVID-19 Vaccines for Practices

In alignment with the FDA’s EUA recommending a 3rd dose for immunocompromised individuals, and in preparation for providing booster doses to adults, those practices already participating in MHC’s COVID 19 vaccine redistribution program should continue to make vaccine requests through our established process.

Requests/questions:  Physician Liaison

Physicians and Nurse Leaders from 21 Michigan Hospital Systems Plead for Vaccinations

Click here to read this letter from MI hospital system CMOs/CNOs in its entirety.

Munson Healthcare’s Ask-A-Nurse Hotline | Real-time, Expert Resource for Patients
  • 231-935-0951, 7 am - 11 pm daily
  • Staffed with trained registered nurses who use evidence-based phone protocols (Schmitt-Thompson) to triage patient needs.
  • Ask-A-Nurse (AAN) Hotline is a free service that provides real-time, front-line support to community members seeking health-related information.
  • In addition to questions on COVID-19 testing, vaccinations, and treatment, AAN also helps patients who have a sick child, accident, or who have any health question.
  • The AAN team helps patients navigate to the most appropriate level of care – self-care, follow-up with their primary care provider, urgent care, or emergency department — providing a safety net for patients.
  • Due to its success, MHC has established AAN as a permanent service.

Ask a Nurse Flyer for Providers

 

 

Hospital Optimization Project (HOP)

All providers who use Cerner PowerChart or FirstNet are required to complete Hospital Optimization Project training prior to Sept. 13.

This training involves completion of online education and an in-person, multi-hour class. Please see attachment (right) for training details.

HOP CEE Web

HOP Project Site

HOP FAQs

 

People on the Move

Chris Squire: Community President for Munson Healthcare Otsego Memorial Hospital
 

Virtual Learning

Provider Forum 9.9.21: Topic TBD

Register

COCA Call 9.9.21:  2021-2022 Influenza Vaccination Recommendations and Guidance on Coadministration with COVID-19 Vaccines

Join Zoom

Watch recording

MSMS Implicit Bias Training Series: 9.7.21, 10.4.21, 11.1.21 *CME

Register

Friday Medical Conference 9.10.21: Buprenorphine Bootcamp (Rademacher)

Register