April 11, 2023

Texas Children’s continues to lead the industry in health information and technology. The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) recently awarded the organization with a rare triple Stage 7 designation after a rigorous two-day validation process on March 28-29.

HIMSS Stage 7 demonstrates IS, clinical and operational excellence – highlighting our ability to transform health care by innovating and advancing patient care, improving outcomes and maintaining operational efficiencies on a global stage.

The validation process for HIMSS AMAM Stage 7 (and revalidating for EMRAM and O-EMRAM, the inpatient and ambulatory adoption models) involved team members from across the system; to no surprise, demonstrating how our One Amazing Team comes together to optimize workflows and drive insights did not go unnoticed.

“It was wonderful to hear from our own providers on how they leverage digital platforms and data insights to improve outcomes,” said Vice President, Associate Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer Teresa Tonthat. “This accomplishment is only possible because our clinicians are empowered to leverage technology to do what’s best for the children and women we serve.”

Committed to embracing technology, together

Texas Children’s is the first organization in the state of Texas to receive Stage 7 designation for analytics (AMAM); the first in the Texas Medical Center to hold dual Stage 7 inpatient and ambulatory validations; and the only in the nation validated at Stage 7 across all three mediums – Analytics, Inpatient and Ambulatory.

“What stood out most was the organization’s true commitment to embracing technology,” noted HIMSS reviewers. “Texas Children’s showed intense collaboration, and that’s particularly impressive.” The reviewers also complimented our strong clinical builder program, calling it “both impressive and amazing.”

“You often see golden threads in Stage 7 organizations, which are excitement, enthusiasm, teamwork and a clear vision – and Texas Children’s certainly has that,” said lead HIMSS reviewer Philip Bradley in his closing statement.

Texas Children’s Senior Vice President and CIIO Myra Davis agrees. “Fostering an environment of collaboration over two decades is a testament to the great outcomes being achieved by leveraging technology,” she said. “Every partner playing a different role, each voice sharing a unique perspective, all culminating in unequivocal patient care. It’s truly like music to your ears!”

Congratulations to all on achieving this incredible milestone! Click here to learn more about our journey to HIMSS triple Stage 7 validation.

Each day, Texas Children’s social workers help break down barriers that prevent our patients and families from getting the support they need in the face of illness and hospitalization.

The Medical Center’s Social Work department recently gathered for a Luau-themed bash to celebrate Social Work Month and a very exciting milestone – reaching 100 team members! From longest-tenured to newly-hired, our One Amazing Team of social workers connected over food and drinks and were treated to custom t-shirts, flower leis and special words of acknowledgment from their leaders.

“We’re so excited to be here celebrating this team that has grown to 100 employees,” said Michelle Lawson, director of clinical support services. “There are so many aspects to patient care, and it’s critical to help families deal with life as it impacts their health journey. I love that I get to support and work our social workers – we figure it out together, and get our patients what they need.”

Like many teams, social work staff numbers took a hit during the pandemic – just when it felt like their services were needed most.

“Having more social workers on staff means we don’t have to pick and choose which families get a consult, and we don’t have to rush to see as many people as we can,” said Maggie Lampe, assistant director of social work. “We want to spend all the time we need with each individual, and now that we have more social workers we can do just that.”

Social worker Porschea Wilson (The Woodlands) was recently recognized for going that extra mile when she set aside more time out of her schedule to color a picture with an acute care patient.

“The patient’s mother stated Porschea was very patient with the child and spent as much time as she could with her until she had another call to go to,” reads Porschea’s Caught You Caring submission. “Thank you for making such a BIG impact for this patient’s first hospitalization and setting her up for a positive experience!”

Texas Children’s social workers are professionals who have earned a master’s degree and are licensed by the state of Texas. They are vital components of the multidisciplinary care team – helping families locate community resources, assisting in crisis interventions, providing counseling, educating families on a child’s diagnosis, and so much more.

Click here to learn more about Social Work at Texas Children’s. A social worker can be contacted 24/7 by calling the hospital page operator at 832-824-2099.

The third annual list spotlights 50 top leaders who are leveraging technology to transform their companies and the role of CIO. Read more

April 5, 2023

Anette Sandoval shares a touching patient encounter to remind us of the importance of trust. Read More

At Texas Children’s, consistent hand hygiene is a priority and studies show it reduces the risk of infection. All workforce members must adhere to hand hygiene practices. For clinical areas specifically, the Five Moments of Hand Hygiene as defined by the World Health Organization must be followed. For convenience, hand sanitizer and handwashing stations are readily available throughout our facilities to consistently practice hand hygiene.

Accountability is key

Partnering with team members can help ensure hand hygiene best practices are followed. Please review the Five Moments of Hand Hygiene flyer and FAQs.

For more information on hand hygiene, including how to improve and increase this important practice across your unit, please contact Kandice Bledsaw, Director of Infection Prevention and Control.

Guiding patients through the admissions process is hard work and is sometimes taken for granted, but it is a vital component of patient care. For patients and their families, a member of the patient access team is typically the first person they interact with either when they pre-register for their service or when they walk through our doors. Those interactions can get our patients and their families off on the right foot as they seek care from our clinicians.

Contact Center Supervisor Lupyta Chapa knows how important her team’s role is in the overall journey and relishes the opportunity to provide solutions and a positive experience for patients and their families.

“Every day, our team tirelessly works to secure benefits and authorizations for services rendered, and usually without any issues. When we do encounter a bump in the road or setback, that’s when the real magic happens and our team members kick into gear,” said Chapa. “The team comes together to find solutions with one goal in mind, giving our patients the care they deserve. This team is amazing and I’m so proud to be part of it. This is why I have dedicated over 16 years of my career at Texas Children’s to the Pre-Service department.”

The Pre-Service department manages all outpatient scheduled events for the Medical Center Campus, Pavilion for Women, The Woodlands Campus, West Campus, Health Centers and the Austin-Mopac clinic.

There are many dedicated team members responsible for pre-service, admissions and scheduling. Through Caught You Caring, they are recognized every day for their efforts. Here are a few highlights:

Judith (Judi) Unrau, Patient Access Representative
We were here a week ago and she introduced herself to my son as we were leaving, and made him smile. Today, she got him laughing and giggling when he was in major pain and scared because he needed blood work. After my son was in procedure, my husband and I were both hungry and she found us a place to stash our bags so we didn’t have to carry everything we had with us to go eat. She laughed and joked and made us feel more comfortable as we waited. She calmed some of my fears. When the waiting room was empty, she volunteered to change the TV station for us. I can’t thank her enough for everything she’s done for us today.

Margarita Briseno, Patient Access Representative
The customer service was very good, helpful and professional. Margarita has a big smile, a helping hand, and is very good with the kids. I will vote for her for best customer service support at the hospital. Keep up the good work and thank you.

Caroline Jones, Contact Center Representative
I received a call today from an upset mom who was so upset and worried her son’s dental appointment for surgery would need to be cancelled. I talked with mom telling her I would look into it and noted the referral shell. Caroline was working the appointment and took it upon herself to reach out to me to see what was going on. And then went above and beyond to see how we could make sure the surgery was approved and not cancelled for this Tricare patient. Caroline escalated the request to Tricare and went way above and beyond even escalating to them. I’m super thankful that Caroline was on this referral shell and thought outside the box to help out. I really appreciate her and her amazingness!!! So glad she’s a part of our Pre-Service Team.

Cristina Aguilar, Patient Access Coordinator
When I got on the phone with Cristina I had already been on the phone for almost two hours trying to make an appointment to see a doctor. I was becoming a little frustrated and struggling to remain calm, and Cristina laid out all of my options clearly, answered my questions with kindness and care, and when I related to her some of the issues that impacted me personally she asked me to hold briefly. It was actually a brief hold, and during that time she went around the office and was able to find me an appointment from a cancellation so I could see a physician I was comfortable with and so I could receive care at a time that was convenient for me. On top of that, she was just so dang nice! Cristina is professional, kind, caring, a good listener, smart, and expedient. I could hear Cristina’s smile through the phone as I was explaining what I needed, and she took my concerns seriously. She is exactly the sort of human you want as the face of your practice, and Baylor OB/GYN is lucky to have her. Thank you, Cristina, for turning what had been a bit of a nightmare into a total win, and for your kindness.

Aaron Wilson, Patient Access Representative was recognized three times in one day! Here’s one of the comments.
Mr. Aaron Wilson, the one that took my ID at the nurse check in desk. He was so very kind and went above and beyond. I was so sick with COVID and still am. He came up to us in the waiting room and handed us two bottles of water and a Gatorade and said, “you will need to stay hydrated.” He did not have to do this but it was SO APPRECIATED!!! It’s those special little deeds that mean so much to patients and their families. You are so blessed to have such a compassionate employee that genuinely cares about others wellbeing.

To read more recognitions or submit a Caught You Caring for a co-worker, click here. Our dedicated patient access team members will celebrate Patient Access Week from April 2-8.

After a successful mock survey in January, teams across the organization are anxiously awaiting the official visit from the Joint Commission. While visits are unannounced, we’re anticipating their arrival in late April or May.

To help our teams get ready, new Education Carts were rolled out across the Medical Center, The Woodlands and West Campuses and have had nearly 1,500 interactions with team members. The carts have proven to be a fun way to test and refresh everyone’s skills and knowledge and engage with leaders.

“The carts have been a big hit,” said Lindsay Meade, assistant clinical director, Perioperative Services. It’s fun way to help everyone get prepared and in the right mindset for the survey. We want to put our best foot forward and getting team members to buy in will help ensure our success.”

Be on the lookout for the Education Cart rolling in to your unit. Other ways to get prepared include reading the Tip of the Week and reviewing the Joint Commission SharePoint site.

The feedback given during the mock survey reinforced what we’re doing well and identified the biggest areas of improvement. While there are specific directives for each unit, some general trends and key areas of opportunity emerged:

  • Equipment: ability to speak to what is clean and what is dirty in the environment
  • Crash Carts: ensure logs are complete
  • Tape: Tape Removal Day is April 6
  • Medication and Sharps: secure medications and sharps
  • Inpatient Dashboard: leaders to monitor documentation to help remind and educate

The Joint Commission’s mission is to make health care a high-reliability industry by ensuring a commitment to continuous improvement in patient care. Our accreditation from the Joint Commission provides “deemed status” for CMS reimbursement, as well as shows our commitment to excel in providing safe, effective, high-quality care.