THE MICROSCOOP FALL WINTER 2016 Volume 33 no. 2

Transcription

1 THE MICROSCOOP FALL WINTER 2016 Volume 33 no. 2 Oregon State Society of American Medical Technologists smbeard

2 ORSSAMT OFFICERS 2016 Marilyn Albertsen PRESIDENT Audrienne Whitley SECRETARY Another year is almost over. The NWMLS 2016 was held in Portland, Oregon. I hope many of you attended. It takes many volunteers to make it happen. Next year it will be in Lynnwood, Washington in October The program will start to appear in February or March We need your help in planning NWMLS 2018, when it will be held in Portland, Oregon. Volunteer. It is a job you can do. We need new people to learn how to make it happen. Please your state officers. We would love to hear from our members here in Oregon. Look at the Oregon webpage on the AMT site. There is a lot of information about what we do and what we have done. Thank you to everyone who voted on our by-laws. They were approved. Edna Anderson TREASURER William Dettwyler LEGISLATIVE CHAIR Susan M. Beard EDITOR Louise Isbell BOARD MEMBER President s message Marilyn Albertsen ORSSAMT President Susan Potter BOARD MEMBER Sheryl Rounsivill WESTERN DISTRICT COUNCILLOR Kimberly Cheuvront PhD NATIONAL AMT Judiciary Councilor Table of contents ORSSAMT Officers President s message 2 Western District Councillor s message 3 Editor s message.. 4 National News.. 5 Delegates Report 9 Calendar of events.. 12 Fall- winter

3 The hidden profession that save lives Medical Laboratory Science ( also called Clinical Laboratory Science ) is one of the most under-recognized health professions- with excellent job prospects. Medical Laboratory Scientists (MLS) also known as Clinical Laboratory Scientists (CLS), and Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) perform laboratory tests on patient samples to provide information needed to diagnose and monitor treatment. Common laboratory tests include tests to detect anemia, diagnose diabetes and strep throat, and provide a transfusion to an accident victim. Professional duties include: Operating computerized instruments Identifying abnormal cells Assuring safe transfusion of blood products Culturing and identifying bacteria and viruses Correlating test results with patient s condition Selecting and evaluating lab equipment Selecting, orienting and evaluating employees Monitoring the quality of testing Source: NAACLS Standards for Accredited and Approved Programs Have you ever wondered after you get your blood drawn where did it go? Who conducts the detailed testing for your annual exam such as cholesterol and glucose level, and who analyzes the results? If you thought that it is your physician or a nurse or someone else you see at the doctor s office or in the hospital, you are incorrect. An estimated 70% of all medical decisions regarding a patient diagnosis and treatment, hospital admissions and discharge are based on laboratory test results. These laboratory tests are provided by the Medical Laboratory Science professionals. Patients history along with physical signs and symptoms are vital, but most diagnoses need confirmation that only laboratory tests can provide. Laboratory professionals also contribute to wellness testing, guiding treatment and monitoring patient progress. Sheryl Rounsivill RMA, RPT, CMAS, AHI Western District Councillor Another AMT Annual Convention has come and gone. It was held at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, July 17-22, The Peabody Hotel was built in the 18 th century and everything about that hotel just caught my eye as it did for many people throughout the convention. The best feature for me was the lobby with the fountain and the beautiful flower arrangement on top. It was so relaxing to just sit in the lobby. The ducks and the Duck Master put on an awesome performance everyday at 11:00 am and 5:00pm, then off they go to their Duck Palace for the night. I hope everyone that had the opportunity to got to Memphis Tennessee was able to take something home to share with their family and loved ones. As many of us found out ELVIS is still living and entertaining many people everyday. I could go on but I also need to share some important information with you. The convention was a great success and had over 400 attendees, new timers. New Officers were elected to the National Board By-Laws Amendments were all passed by the House of Delegates New Medical programs will start in you area. Spread the word about joining AMT 2017 Convention will be held in Kansas City, Missouri 2018 Convention will be held in the Eastern area, location to be announced Congratulations to the Western District award winners: Marty Hinkle MT, received the Medical Technologist of the Year. Nicole Weiss RMA, received the Medallion of Merit aka M.O.M. award. George Cook MT, received the Becky Award. Hope you all had a great time. As always I am available anytime for your questions or concerns. I look forward in continuing to work with all of you. Western district councillor s message Fall- winter

4 DEALING WITH ELDERLY PATIENTS Hello Members, It is amazing how busy this year has been for all of us. I am so grateful for the opportunity and experiences that I have with all of the members from the State and National level. Words are not enough to express my gratitude for the outpouring support you have for me and for all of the members of our organization AMT. I wanted to thank all of you that were involved in our recent Northwest Medical Laboratory Symposium 2016 in Portland Oregon last October 12-15, You guys rock! It took a lot of work to make that event be possible and successful. I have seen how these AMT members volunteered so many hours of preparation just to give us an opportunity to earn our continuing education credits. I also would like to thank the ASCLS members in both Oregon and Washington. They are very helpful all through the process. I would like to echo what our State Society President has encouraged other members to please join us in helping with our future symposium in October We would be happy to have you with us and to hear your suggestions and what you want to hear and learn in the next event here in Portland. If you need to contribute any articles please don t hesitate to contact me. I would be very happy to include your articles to our newsletter. And if you have any questions and concerns, our state officers are always here for you. I wish you an enjoyable Holiday Season!!!!!! Susan M. Beard Editor Often times, when we see people providing services in clinics, doctors offices or rehabilitation facilities, we mistakenly think they are nurses. Yes, some of them are, but a majority of these people are called medical assistants. As medical assistants, there are challenges within their daily job. Most of these are routine workload. However, a special challenge they have is dealing with an elderly patient. By 2030, 71 million Americans were projected to be over 65, a 200 % increase from An interesting challenge of healthcare providers is the influx of elderly patients that are coming to their facilities. Verbal communications can be a problem as elderly patients many not hear accurately because their hearing may be impaired. Some of them cannot read properly as their eyesight may be failing. Some of them suffer from muscle weakness, problems with balance, memory deficits and other physical, mental and emotional challenges that can make a routine medical examination difficult. Here are some suggested strategies and tactics a medial assistant can use in dealing effectively with older patients: 1. Allow for additional time. Aside from problems communicating and understanding new concepts, patients that are older can be very nervous and resistant compared to younger patients. You should be patient and allow more time when taking patient histories and taking their vital signs. 2. Be ready to provide physical assistance. Be ready to provide any assistance when necessary. 3. Avoid distractions. Make you patients feel you are attentive to their demands. Make sure the examination room is quite, secure and distraction-free. 4. Stand directly in the patient s line of sight. Working face to face can improve communication. 5. Maintain eye contact. Patients want to feel important and cared for. 6. Listen. Allow patients to complete his or her thought before interrupting with any questions or any procedures. 7. Speak slowly and use short, simple sentences. Speak at an enhanced volume, but be careful not to shout. 8. Carefully explain each procedure and it s purpose. This can help lessen the patient s anxiety and improve cooperation. 9. Avoid confrontations. If an older patient becomes hostile, back off and discuss the situation with your supervising physician. It is amazing how healthcare providers and medical assistants can make a difference, and help the people they are taking care of. Source: 4

5 National awards 2016 Oregon State Society of American Medical Technologists honor roll 2 nd place newsletter Distinguished award Photos courtesy of Richard Potter and Louise Isbell Fall- winter

6 Salem Hospital Laboratory hosted the Marion Polk Medical Assistant Society Educational Seminar that was held last October 15, 2016 at the Community Health Educational Center in Salem Hospital, Salem Oregon. There were 25 Medical Assistants that attended the event. The Seminar helped the medical assistants gain 4 hours CEU credits. Our community of medical assistants were very appreciative of the presentation and were impressed with the quality of the educational materials being used. Numerous topics were discussed such as: Phlebotomy techniques, specimen handling, proper documentation for the laboratory, complete blood count ( manual vs. automated differentials), QuantiFERON-TB Gold Testing vs PPD, Medicare Compliance/Advanced Beneficiary notices and Courier/ Client Services Support. It was also discussed how the laboratory is a very important resource and would provide exceptional support for the clinics. Cecelia Morrow Outreach Coordinator Salem Health Laboratories Salem, Oregon Photos courtesy of Cecelia Morrow Fall- winter

7 78 th amt educational Program and National Meeting July 17-21, 2016 The Peabody Hotel Memphis, Tennessee Photos courtesy of Susan and Richard Potter FALL-WINTER

8 Photos courtesy of Jojo Naval from New Mexico State Society Educational and Business Meetings FALL-WINTER

9 Delegates report Hello AMT Oregon, I wish more of you were able to attend the AMT National Convention last July I would like to especially welcome those first timers who attended. I hope you all had a good time. I attended many sessions but I decided to report on: Diabetes. There are 29.1 million people have diabetes. The American Diabetes Association no longer use the word diabetic to define the people that has the illness. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder. Insulin produced by the pancreas stimulate cells to use glucose. People with diabetes either do not make enough insulin or their insulin is not used effectively. Sugar and starches break down into glucose. Glucose builds up in the blood making the cells starved for energy. Classifications: Type I- formerly known as juvenile diabetes, is diagnosed when young to preteen years. Patients have little or no insulin as it has been destroyed by the immune system. Type II- begins with insulin resistance. Your body needs more insulin to help glucose enter the cells. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus- develops only during pregnancy which usually goes away after the baby is born. Diagnosis of Type I Immune mediated diabetes. Children may have ketoacidosis as a first sign. Adults may retain enough B cell function to prevent ketoacidosis for many years. In the later stage there is little to no insulin production evidenced by low levels of C-peptide. Stable patients should be tested twice a year, unstable more frequent testing. Symptoms of diabetes: Frequent urination, increased thirst, hungry, fatigue, blurred vision and poor wound healing. Risk Factors: Weight, ethnicity, family history, aging. Self monitoring of your blood glucose is important and patients are trained how to use the meter and learn the numbers so they can adjust their diet, exercise and take medications. Accuracy depends on: quality of the meter, quality of the test strips and how test is performed. Patients hematocrit with dehydration or anemia can affect the results, also altitude, humidity and temperature. Proper cleaning and disinfecting the meter and finger stick devices after each use to avoid infection. Very interesting and informative session. Thank you for sending me as one of your delegates to the 78 th AMT National Convention Sincerely, Louise Isbell, RMA I enjoyed the Nutrition speech of Celeste Grande BSMT (AMT) MNT CTACC. We have learned so much about nutrition compared to when we were children. Fast food and junk food were unheard of 50 years ago. Can you imagine our grandmothers going through a drive thru or opening up a package of French fries ready to cook? Celeste brought up that our digestive tract feeds our entire body. Her list of nutrients was very thorough with the list of vitamins, minerals and one I didn t think of getting enough water as a nutrient. We don t think of nutritional deficiencies much, but they do exist. It was interesting that even checking for a normal tongue is part of an exam. She covered things like what to eat, for cracks at the corner of the mouth and looking for problems with your tongue and what was the cause. Skin and nails were also covered. Who knew when you stubbed that toe, lost or damaged it, there would be a six month recovery time for it to heal completely. Eating the right healthy food can solve so many health problems. Celeste is a Certified Functional Nutritionist and Wellness Coach. I am delighted that we were able to have her for our 2016 National Meeting. Thank you to the Oregon State Society for sending me as a delegate to the National. Everyday was full of educational material to learn. Susan Potter, AMT I would like to thank the Oregon State Society for sending me as a one of the delegates to the AMT National Meeting July It is always nice to attend the educational meetings. One of the sessions that has caught my interest and attention was the session for Leadership. I especially like the way the speaker arranged the class and how he let us practice and mingle with each other. It was helpful to know that to be an effective leader you should consider the non-verbal communication and expression such eye contact, facial expression, body movement, tone and use of space. That reminds me of the best supervisor I had. It was because he was so sensitive with our non-verbal communication and it seems like he could read our minds when he talked to us. It was also really nice to be in the Peabody Hotel. The hotel has some interesting history and tradition. I especially enjoyed the parade of ducks everyday. What a very nice place to hold the National Meeting! Thank you for all those people behind the scene that worked so hard to made this year s national meeting a success. Susan M. Beard, AMT FALL-WINTER

10 2016 Northwest medical laboratory symposium Portland, Oregon October 12-15, 2016 Pictures taken by Susan M Beard FALL-WINTER

11 A MUST DO when Taking Patient Histories Almost all of us have been to a doctor or in a hospital. When we are at the clinic or physicians office some of us may wonder, who are these people that are asking us questions or that handed us a form to fill out? These people are called medical assistants. As medical assistants one of their main jobs is to take patient histories. It is a record of a patients medical condition, past or present illnesses, surgeries and vaccinations. Medical assistants are crucial in obtaining medical histories as they record everything about a patient. The physician relies upon the information that was entered and they will refer to it. When making a patient history it is very important to consider accuracy of the collected information. Some of the clinics have a standard patient history form to be filled out by the patient, but there are things a medical assistant must consider in getting the best and the most accurate information about the patient that can both help them and their physician s diagnosis. 4. Don t appear judgmental. This takes the most practice, as many times this is really a difficult part. Often when you are taking a medical history you are getting their personal, intimate and even embarrassing information. 5. Don t offer opinions or advice. Many times a patient will ask you about a matter that was discussed and would solicit your medical judgment. You are not allowed to share your opinions. It is acceptable to let them know when you are taking their body temperature, pulse rate or blood pressure. It is safe to let your patient know if the results are normal. However on anything more complex than these your best response is The doctor will be happy to discuss that with you. This will protect you, and the patient from receiving potentially false information. So when we go to a new doctor make sure you answer the questions of a medical assistant or fill out the form with as much information as you can about your health. This helps the doctor better understand about your health. Source: Here are 5 suggestions when taking a medical history: 1. Establish a rapport. You should be welcoming, upbeat and introduce yourself. Do not begin with questions or be mysterious. Ask the patient about their day. You should let them know what you are about to do and why you are doing it. You get more truthful information when the patient trusts you and is relaxed. 2. Follow protocol. There s usually a standard medical history form to fill out for each patient. Follow the form and fill in the information as completely as you can. Be sure not to assume you know what the patient is going to say. 3. Ask for details. If the patient had previous illnesses or surgeries don t forget to ask for the dates. When they have prescription medications, over the counter drugs or dietary supplements, ask for the dosages and frequencies. But be careful not to press hard as sometimes patients don t remember specific dates and dosages. FALL-WINTER

12 Marilyn Albertsen PRESIDENT Highway 202 Astoria, OR (503) Audrienne Whitley SECRETARY Salt Creek Rd. Dallas, OR (503) Susan Potter BOARD MEMBER 845 NW Merrie Drive Corvallis, OR (541) Edna Anderson TREASURER 1397 Redwood St NW Salem, OR (503) Louise Isbell BOARD MEMBER 198A W Woodside St Grant Pass, OR (541) ldisbell@gmail.com William Dettwyler LEGISLATIVE CHAIR 5555 Sunnyview Rd NE Salem, OR (503) wdettwept@aol.com Susan M Beard EDITOR (503) beard74@earthlink.net 2017 Northwest Medical Laboratory Symposium Lynwood Convention Center Lynnwood, Washington ORSSAMT 2017 Board and Business meetings Lynwood, Washington Dates to be announced. The Microscoop is published two times a year under the sponsorship of the Oregon State Society of American Medical Technologists- Allied Health Professionals. The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the contributors and are not necessarily those of AMT or ORSSAMT. The Editor reserves the right to edit any submitted materials. Contents are not to be reproduced or reprinted without permission of the Editor. The MICROSCOOP- Oregon State Society of American Medical Technologists- Allied Health Professionals. FALL-WINTER