Spotlight Feature: FIGS Success Stories
Innovation Demonstration
Grants that turn your “what if?” into reality
No matter where you reside within the Health System, chances are there's at least one person on your team who likes to think BIG. Perhaps it's the clerk who dreams of a new and better process to handle patient requests. Or, it's a collaborative team that wants to do something about stress at work. For all you innovative thinkers - consider applying for a Fostering Innovation Grant to turn your idea into a reality.
FIGs have provided seed money to support more than 100 projects since the programs inception in 2005. Faculty and staff are eligible to apply for funds to implement innovative ideas in one-year and two-year projects. A new application period is in progress. Applications are due Sept. 30. -BJ
Three Success Stories
Keeping the Bugs at Bay
The new health screening process for Mott patients and families has reduced the spread of infection and improved security.The Challenge: C.S. Mott Children's Hospital saw an opportunity to improve its health screening process and better assist patients and families coming to Mott from other clinic areas.
The Idea: Create a health screening questionnaire for children ages 16 and under who are coming to visit a patient, for surgery or for an appointment. Implement a process to conduct screenings and improve customer service.
The FIG - Stop Once for Health and Safety: Since last June, Mott has screened more than 75,000 children under age 16 coming into the hospital. This was made possible by the collaboration of Mott community relations manager Kim Barker, facilities coordinator Nicole Kirkman and security supervisor Terry Swarczinski. As a result of the health screening process, more masks are distributed to patients and visitors, which helps reduce the spread of infection. In addition, this program has improved security.
“FIGs really helped make this possible,” says Barker. “We are continually evaluating this process and are happy to share its success.”
You Gotta Have Art
With her grant, Shannon Scott-Miller, art therapist, was able to create an online art therapy group for teenagers with cystic fibrosis.The Challenge: To prevent infections, kids diagnosed with cystic fibrosis are advised not to be in the same room together. Yet, these patients could really use the boost of support and understanding from peers.
The Idea: Decrease the isolation through an art therapy Web cam project.
The FIG - Teen Virtual Art: To help cope with their cystic fibrosis diagnosis, 32 kids received a Web cam and an art kit. Based on their age, groups were formed for six-week art projects. Kids logged on for structured group sessions about adjusting to life with cystic fibrosis. These online art groups let patients communicate with one another from home, share their artwork and form a community for sharing information.
"More than half of the teens are still participating," says Shannon Scott-Miller, art therapist. "Of the remaining half, teens are assigned to future groups. Many patients reported they will continue to use art therapy as a coping skill. "
Serenity Now
Alyssa Northrop, MPH, Claudia Ogden, R.N., and Sara Warber, M.D., helped create Stress Busters, a program that helps combat workplace stress and improve job satisfaction.The Challenge: Rheumatology nurse Claudia Ogden was thinking about stress. Health System employees have time stress, emotional stress that comes with patient care and other stress that comes with everyday life.
The Idea: Develop a four-part continuing education series for nurses and other Health System personnel to teach stress reduction.
The FIG - Stress Busters Program: Ogden, in partnership with Sara Warber, M.D., Integrative Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, and Alyssa Northrop, MPH, created Stress Busters in an effort to fashion a better workplace where people can reduce stress and increase job satisfaction. They worked with Educational Services for Nursing to ensure credit is given for the program. Now, any Health System unit can request Stress Busters, which includes the four-part series and a workbook to expand on stress reduction skills after the program.
"If nurses and other health professionals within our system learn about stress reduction techniques for themselves, they can also share these with patients and families - people who are under stress because they're in the hospital," Warber says.
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