Conflict Management
Creating a healthy work environment has been demonstrated as one of the most significant factors in reducing medical errors, improving patient safety, reducing work-related stress, and enhancing patient care delivery systems. Creating a positive and healthy work environment is a challenge for all cath lab managers. An understanding of your organization’s culture in handling conflict, the costs of conflict, the impact of organizational complexities, barriers to managing conflict, and strategies for effective conflict resolution are essential.¹

Change

According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), “Healthcare is fundamentally about people caring for people.”¹ This is a statement that Corazon wholeheartedly agrees with!

In fact, within healthcare organizations, people are THE most important asset!

The AHA also believes that society should “increase recognition that human resources are a core, strategic resource of hospitals; fully value and invest in workforce recruitment, retention and development; design work patterns and employment practices attractive in today’s and tomorrow’s workforce while imp

Multiple new and ongoing questions from readers. Your responses are welcome!

Answer or pose a question at cathlabdigest@aol.com

New Questions!

Re: Infection Control and Recycling
I work for a Magnet hospital. We are a great team with several procedure rooms. Last year, we started a very aggressive recycle program. We have been recognized for the savings, but I worry about infection control. Does your lab recycle and if so, are the containers kept inside the rooms? I have expressed my concern, but nobody seems to care. Perhaps I am overreacting at seeing so much

Dear Dr. Mehta,
I work in a cath lab in Roanoke, Virginia. We are interested to know what 30-second Plavix test you use for the ten commandments for short D2B time STEMI interventions.

Thank you!
Christina Bryant, RN, RCIS
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke, Virginia

Dear Christina,
Thank you for your question. The Plavix test is a set of simple questions asked of the patient that determines their feasibility to use long-term antiplatelet therapy. To me, it is the STEMI patient’s perceived ability to take long-term dual antiplatelet therapy that is the bigges

Phil is the Director of Invasive Cardiology and Cardiac Rehab at Tomball Regional Medical Center in Tomball, Texas, which is located in suburban northwest Houston. He is also the current chairperson of the local chapter for the Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (Gulf Coast).

Why did you choose to work in the invasive cardiology field?
I originally started my healthcare career in the respiratory therapy field. While in respiratory therapy training, I became impressed with one of my educators who worked as an exercise physiologist, and also possessed a wealth of knowle

Women Underrepresented in Clinical Trials Used to Formulate Guidelines
More Affected Than Men by Lack of Social Support After Heart Attack
Women are substantially underrepresented in clinical trials used to formulate women’s guidelines and are affected more than men by low social support after a heart attack, according to two studies in the women-themed issue of Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, a journal of the American Heart Association.

In an editorial, Viola Vaccarino, MD, PhD, notes that sex-specific research has revealed important differences

Cath Lab Digest accepts notification of promotions, certifications and job changes at cathlabdigest@aol.com

Congratulations!

Olathe Medical Center located in Olathe, Kansas, would like to congratulate Rebecca Rose for successfully passing the RCIS exam. She is our 4th team member to pass in the last 4 months.
We recognize the fact that she works full time, takes call, works PRN, makes the world’s best banana bars and studied for your exam. We are proud of you!
— Sent in by Alan L. McPherson, Invasive Cardiology Manager, Kansas Cardiovascular Ce

Re: Dynamic Leadership in the Cath Lab, January 2010