Quality Insights Podcast

In this episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm speaks with Karen Fernandes, RN, CPHQ, CPAA, a nationally respected healthcare leader and advocate with decades of experience in nursing, quality management and patient safety. 

Karen discusses her personal connection to the far-reaching impact of the synthetic estrogen diethylstilbestrol (DES), prescribed from the 1940s to the 1970s. She highlights its multi-generational health effects and stresses the need for increased awareness, research funding, and provider education.

Find out more about DES and its effects by visiting Karen’s DES Info Facebook pag...

In this episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm speaks with Stephanie McGrath, PharmD,  Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Pharmacist Care Network and Director of Community Partnerships at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, and Sydney Stawarz, PharmD,  a Pharmacist Fellow at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.  

Stephanie and Sydney discuss their successful collaboration between the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network and Quality Insights to deliver targeted vaccination clinics in long-term care facilities across Pennsylvania. They detail the challenges, successes, and lessons learned from administering almost 5,000 vaccines to nursi...

In this episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm speaks with Erin Woodford, MSN, RN,  a member of the Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification oversight work group with the American Heart Association and  Vice President of Population Health for Genesis Healthcare.

Erin discusses the American Heart Association’s Skilled Nursing Facility Heart Failure Certification, which improves care quality, reduces hospital readmissions, and supports better outcomes for residents. She highlights the importance of early detection, staff training, standardized protocols, and family education in managing heart failure within long-term care. 

Learn m...

In this episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm speaks with three of Quality Insights' Community Health Workers (CHWs): Lisbeth Rojas, Maria Salazar, and Stephanie Duncan.

Lisbeth, Maria, and Stephanie discuss their impactful work in Delaware addressing health disparities for women and babies through community-based relationships and essential resources. They share success stories and envision a future where CHWs are integral parts of the healthcare system, advocating for patient-centered care and support.

Learn more about Quality Insights' maternal health work in Delaware.

If you have any topics...

In this episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm speaks with Jacob Bowling, MSW, Chief Executive Officer of Bowling Business Strategies (BBS). Jacob discusses his career in behavioral health strategy, the impact of stigma, addiction, and mental health care models. He emphasizes the need for integrated care, addressing disparities, and providing mental health care to healthcare workers to counteract burnout.

Learn more about the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health national certification program from Mental Health America.

If you have any topics or guests you'd like to see on...

In this episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm speaks with Amy Kelly, MD, Assistant Professor of Radiology at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and a board-certified diagnostic radiologist with over 15 years of experience specializing in breast imaging. Dr. Kelly discusses advancements in breast imaging, emphasizing the importance of annual screenings, early detection, and improving patient outcomes, with a focus on addressing disparities and leveraging social media for education.

If you have any topics or guests you'd like to see on future episodes, reach out to us on our website.<...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Pam Meador, RN, BSN-BC, Director of Regulatory Services at the West Virginia Health Care Association.

Pam Meador discusses the regulatory challenges, staffing issues, and infection control in long-term care facilities, emphasizing the importance of effective leadership and resident-centered care. She highlights the need for specialized training in long-term care and West Virginia's collaborative healthcare environment.

If you have any topics or guests you'd...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Brian E. McGarry, Ph.D., a physical therapist and health services researcher with an interest in the economics of aging. 

Dr. Brian McGarry discusses his path to becoming a researcher, the impact of public policies on Medicare navigation, and the vital role of consistent healthcare staff and certified medical directors in improving care quality in nursing homes. He highlights the importance of addressing staffing shortages, p...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Dr. Dave Thimons, Founder and CEO of Personal Care Medical Associates (PCMA). 

Dr. Thimons discusses the importance of palliative medicine in improving the quality of life for nursing home residents and reducing hospitalizations. He highlights the benefits and misconceptions of palliative care, emphasizing the necessity of patient-centered care and the ROSE program's role in redefining end-of-life care.

If you have any topics or g...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Jason Povio, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Eagle Telemedicine.

Jason discusses the vital role of telemedicine in improving healthcare access for rural and underserved communities. He highlights the importance of interoperability, chronic disease management, and specialty care through telemedicine, while sharing insights on challenges and future advancements in the field.

If you have any topics or guests you'd like to see on future e...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Emily Jaffe, MD, MBA, Vice President and Executive Medical Director of Enterprise Palliative Care Strategy and Implementation at Highmark Health and post-acute medical director at Allegheny Health Network. 

Dr. Emily Jaffe discusses the importance of quality of life at the end of life, the roles of palliative and hospice care, and CQEL's initiatives to improve serious illness care in Pennsylvania. She emphasizes the need for p...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Jeff Neccuzi, a subject matter expert on immunizations and former Director of the West Virginia Division of Immunization Services.

Jeff Neccuzi discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vaccine uptake, growing vaccine misinformation, and the state of school vaccination policies in West Virginia. He emphasizes the role of primary care providers in combating misinformation and the importance of vaccinations, including measles and shingles, for...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Brian Frazee, President and CEO of the Delaware Healthcare Association. 

Brian Frazee discusses his extensive background in healthcare advocacy, the unique challenges of Delaware's aging and growing population, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare, and DHA's strategic priorities including workforce development and health equity.

If you have any topics or guests you'd like to see on future episodes, reach out to u...

Join us for part one of a two part series on “Unraveling the Mystery of NoviSurvey” with host Yessi Cubillo, Quality Insights ESRD Network 3 Patient Engagement Specialist, and guest Kimberly Hansen, MSN, RN, Acute Care Program Manager within the Health Facility Survey & Field Operations at the New Jersey Department of Health.

For “Part Two” of this series, we need your feedback: Submit your questions.

This material was prepared by Quality Insights Renal Network 3, an End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Network under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Amanda Cummins, PA-C, and Carol Antonelli-Greco, DO, the co-founders of FARMacy WV.

Amanda Cummings and Dr. Carol Antonelli Greco discuss FARMacy West Virginia, a program combining healthcare with access to fresh, healthy food.  The initiative, spanning 10 years and over 30 sites, tackles chronic disease by offering patients locally grown produce and nutrition education, aiming to improve health outcomes while emphasizing the importance of food as medicine a...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Holly Estel, RN, Clinical Advisor for Genesis Healthcare.

Holly discusses long-term care nursing, covering topics such as the nursing workforce shortage, the essential role of nurse leadership, and the impact of COVID-19. They highlight challenges in staff recruitment, regulatory compliance, and innovations like infusion therapy and AI in patient care.

If you have any topics or guests you'd like to see on future...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Merewyn Sheeran, BS, RN, CIC, LTC-CIP, an Infection Preventionist with PA Project Firstline, a program under the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Bureau of Epidemiology, Division of Healthcare Acquired Infection Prevention.

Merewyn Sheeran discusses Pennsylvania Project Firstline, an initiative in partnership with the CDC that aims to bolster infection prevention knowledge among healthcare workers. The program features innovative tools like translated resources and escape rooms, hi...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Cathy Slemp, MD, MPH, board-certified in Public Health/Preventive Medicine and Family Practice, and currently runs her own public health consulting practice. 

Dr. Cathy Slemp discusses her diverse career in public health, focusing on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of community resiliency, and strategies to tackle substance use disorders in rural areas. She emphasizes the role of trusted relationships, accurate information, and t...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Heather McGowan, President of the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Assessment Coordinators (PANAC), and Debra Wright, a Quality Improvement Specialist at Quality Insights.

Heather and Deb Wright touch on their responsibilities, challenges, and professional development, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing shortages. They also explore the impact of accurate assessments on care plans, regulatory compliance, and how organizations like PANAC support NACs.<...

In this second installment of Taking Healthcare by Storm, continuing our previous conversation, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Benjamin Canter, OTD and PhD student from the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Department of Occupational Therapy at Boston University.

Benjamin discusses research on the impact of COVID-19 on rehabilitation in nursing homes, highlighting disparities in access to rehabilitation between post-acute and long-term care patients. He also reviews challenges faced by skilled nursing facilities during the pandemic and emphasizes the importance of...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Benjamin Canter, OTD and PhD student from the Center for Psychiatric Rehabilitation Department of Occupational Therapy at Boston University.

Benjamin discusses the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on nursing home care, focusing on prevention, mitigation, and rehabilitation strategies. His studies highlight the links between functional dependence, dehydration, and poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients and emphasize the importance of tailored monitoring and interventions in long-term care facilities.<...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Sophie Campbell, MSN, RN, CRRN, RAC-CT, CNDLTC, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Association of Directors of Nursing Administration (PADONA), and Debra Wright, a Quality Improvement Specialist at Quality Insights.

Sophie and Deb discuss the evolution and challenges of nursing leadership in long-term care, including the impacts of COVID-19, partnerships to improve care and training, and efforts to combat negative perceptions and recruit new talent. They emphasize...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Rosha McCoy, MD, Senior Director for Advancing Clinical Leadership & Quality at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), a Principal Investigator for the CDC Cooperative Agreement, a pediatrician, and the lead for VaccineVoices.org.

Dr. McCoy discusses initiatives aimed at improving physician leadership, healthcare quality, and combating vaccine misinformation post-COVID. She highlights AAMC's extensive programs in supporting medical education, fostering community collaborations, and promoting integrated...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Zeest Khan, MD, podcaster and former cardiac anesthesiologist.

Dr. Khan shares her journey with long COVID, highlighting the importance of peer support, symptom validation, creative treatment approaches, and trusted information sources. She emphasizes the need for curiosity and compassion in healthcare providers managing long COVID patients. 

Learn more about Dr. Khan by listening to her podcast or by visiting her website or Substack.

Erica, a Practice Transformation Specialist with Quality Insights, interviews Natalie, a physician assistant at Banmaha, PC, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, about their practice’s remarkable achievement—earning Gold Status in the Target: BP program, a critical initiative by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association aimed at controlling and managing blood pressure more effectively across the nation.

Together, they explore the motivation behind joining the program, the strategic steps to enhance blood pressure management, and the challenges encountered. Natalie highlights the critical role of continuous patient education and adherence to treatment plans in achieving lasting results. She...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Kimberly Everett, BS, MA, Executive Director of the Bucks County Health Improvement Partnership. 

This episode highlights BCHIP's collaborative efforts with local hospitals and the county health department to address community health needs in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Key topics include its COVID-19 response, chronic disease management, vaccine hesitancy, and programs like BCARES and Advanced Care Planning, emphasizing collaboration and social determinants of health. 

If yo...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Donna Lisi, PharmD, BS Pharmacy, BCPS, BCPP, BCACP, BCGP, BCMTMS, FASCP, FAAPP, a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist and board-certified psychiatric pharmacist.

Dr. Lisi discusses the importance of immunizations for older adults, addressing vaccine hesitancy, immunosenescence, and barriers like healthcare access. She highlights pharmacists' expanding role, community outreach, culturally competent education, and AI in improving vaccine uptake and infectious disease management. 

If you have any t...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Angie Settle, DNP, APRN, BC, FNP, CEO of West Virginia Health Right.

Dr. Settle shares her journey into healthcare, shaped by her Appalachian roots, and discusses WV Health Right's mission to provide free, quality care to underserved populations in the mountain state. She highlights challenges like vaccine hesitancy, the nonprofit's COVID-19 response, and reliance on volunteers, grants, and innovative community programs to deliver comprehensive healthcare.<...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Ghinwa Dumyati, MD, Director of the Communicable Diseases Surveillance and Prevention Program at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Dr. Dumyati discusses infectious disease management in long-term care facilities, focusing on COVID-19, vaccination, infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, and combating multi-drug resistant organisms like Candida auris. She highlights the importance of collaboration between healthcare facilities and public health to address current and emerging threats. 

I...

In this week’s episode, Quality Insights’ Nursing Home Team gives updates as our contract extension as the QIN-QIO (Quality Innovation Network – Quality Improvement Organization) for Pennsylvania and West Virginia comes to an end on March 7.  

Check out our other interviews by visiting https://www.qualityinsights.org/ qin/multimedia

This material was prepared by Quality Insights, a Quality Innovation Network - Quality Improvement Organization under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Views expressed in this mat...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Lana Kunik, Director of the National PA Center for Diabetes Prevention and Education, a program of the Sight Center of NWPA. 

Lana shares her journey into diabetes prevention, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes and the National Diabetes Prevention Program's 12-month curriculum. She highlights strategies like food tracking, stress management, community support, and the shift to hybrid models post-COVID-19 to address type 2 diabetes, especially in r...

In this week’s episode, we discuss how to manage the most common infections in long-term care settings, including respiratory, gastrointestinal, skin, and urinary tract infections. We will also discuss when to implement isolation precautions, key infection control measures, and evidence-based strategies to minimize the spread of infections. 

We’re joined by Jennifer Brown, RN, BSN, CIC, Infection Preventionist and Quality Improvement Specialist at Quality Insights.

Check out our other interviews by visiting https://www.qualityinsights.org/ qin/multimedia 

This material was prepared by Quality Insights, a Quality...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Erin Kitt-Lewis, PhD, RN, Associate Research Professor and Associate Director of Education at Penn State Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing and Kim Ratliff, RN, Director of Nursing at Wesley Enhanced Living Main Line.

The Pennsylvania Teaching Nursing Home Collaborative bridges nursing schools and nursing homes to enhance geriatric care using the Age-Friendly Health Systems 4Ms Framework. Guests Erin Kitt-Lewis and Kim Ratliff discuss...

Water systems in nursing homes can harbor dangerous pathogens like Legionella and Pseudomonas, posing serious health risks to vulnerable residents. In today's webinar, we'll dive into waterborne threats and how facilities can strengthen infection prevention efforts to safeguard resident health. 

We’re joined by Jennifer Brown, RN, BSN, CIC, Infection Preventionist and Quality Improvement Specialist at Quality Insights.

Check out our other interviews by visiting https://www.qualityinsights.org/ qin/multimedia 

This material was prepared by Quality Insights, a Quality Innovation Network - Quality Improvement Organization under...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Karen Ernst, MA, a nationally recognized expert in vaccine confidence with a decade’s experience in grassroots organizing around the issue.

Learn more about Voices for Vaccines.

Karen discusses her background in literature and grassroots organizing, which shapes her empathetic and imaginative approach to communicating vaccine science. She discusses vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, common misconceptions, and strategies for empowering communities to trust vaccines through cl...

In today's episode, we wrap up the “Back to Basics QAPI: Infection Control” microlearn series by listening to Episode 4, " Sustainability." Each microlearn in this four-part series demonstrates how to improve infection control in long-term care using the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI). 

Related links: 

Check out our other interviews by visiting https://www.qualityinsights.org/ qin/multimedia 

This material was prepared by Quality Insights, a Quality Innovation Network - Qualit...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Maggie Ratnayake, Executive Director, and Maddie Hagerty, Chapter Manager, at Lori's Hands.

Maggie and Maddie discuss the nonprofit’s mission to support individuals with chronic illnesses while providing hands-on learning for healthcare students. They highlight its grassroots origins, expansion into multiple cities, and initiatives like the Charm City Scholars Initiative, which promotes equitable aging and empowers underrepresented groups in healthcare.

If you have an...

In today's episode, we'll continue the “Back to Basics QAPI: Infection Control” microlearn series by listening to Episode 3, " Intro to QAPI Data." Each microlearn in this four-part series demonstrates how to improve infection control in long-term care using the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI).  

Check out our other interviews by visiting https://www.qualityinsights.org/ qin/multimedia 

This material was prepared by Quality Insights, a Quality Innovation Network - Quality Improvement Organization under contract with the Centers for Me...

In this captivating episode of Taking Healthcare by Storm, delve into the world of expert insights as Quality Insights Medical Director Dr. Jean Storm engages in a thought-provoking and informative discussion with Jane Wallis, MPH, Executive Director of Grassroots Health.

If you have any topics or guests you'd like to see on future episodes, reach out to us on our website. 

Publication number QI-50-013125-GK

In today's episode, we'll continue the “Back to Basics QAPI: Infection Control” microlearn series by listening to Episode 2, "Turning Insights Into Action." Each microlearn in this four-part series demonstrates how to improve infection control in long-term care using the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI). 

Related links: 

Check out our other interviews by visiting https://www.qualityinsights.org/ qin/multimedia 

This material was prepared by Quality Insights, a Quality Innovation Network - Quality Improvement Organization under contrac...