Y2K News: Patient Safety Solutions
Industry leaders are devising Y2K contingency plans to protect patient safety and are calling on healthcare organizations to collaborate on developing standardized solutions. The initiative, called VitalSigns 2000, provides strategies for surviving the myriad Year 2000 issues - from internal clockwork failures to medical device malfunctions.
More than 40 payors, providers, distributors, suppliers, pharmaceuticals and medical device manufacturers are active participants in the effort.
Headed up by Odin Group, a research and advisory firm in Nashville, and consulting firms Deloitte Consulting and KPMG, the plan calls for working with healthcare organizations to implement two phases of contingency planning to:
- priority rank the healthcare functions that will be directly affected by Y2K compliance - the average hospital has between 1,400 and 5,000 functions that could be affected; and
- developing standardized contingency plans with other organizations.
(Odin Group, Allison Trollop, 212/598-3615)
Mock Trial Offers Strategies
In other Y2K news, RX2000 will host a mock trial Jan. 22 giving hospital experts a sneak preview of pressing Year 2000 issues. The mock presentation took place in New York and involved two trial attorneys offering insight on:
- strategies to help avoid Y2K pitfalls and legal liabilities;
- how to make informed decisions to decrease litigation;
- Y2K risk management; and
- corporate and personal liability issues.
The meeting agenda is available on RX2000's Web site at http://www.rx2000.org. (RX2000, Joel Ackerman, 612/835-4478)
Immunization Program Mobilizes Community
Getting lifesaving messages about childhood immunization out to the community is an outreach priority for healthcare communicators. Compelling reasons include:
- One in four children under age two has missed a vaccination; and
- Minority children are disproportionately at risk for disease - immunization rates are 74 percent for African Americans and 71 percent for Hispanics compared with 79 percent for Whites.
To equip parents with the information they need to protect their children, Washington, D.C.-based PR firm Pasteur Merieux Connaught (PMC) has developed a public service program targeting partnerships with doctors, nurses and public health officials nationwide. The program, "Destination:Vaccination," provides educational materials for families and medical professionals about pediatric immunizations.
The materials include tools to:
- Remind parents about immunization schedules;
- Help doctors keep track of patients' immunization status; and
- Mobilize support from local elected officials. (PMC, Carmelita Chavez, 202/338-8700)
Agency News
Last month was a busy time for healthcare practice expansions. Manning Selvage & Lee's healthcare division, MS&L Global Health, appointed a new SVP to head the division, Doug Arbesfeld. He replaces Stephanie Marchesi, who was promoted to national director of healthcare marketing. The two will focus on new business development, media relations, constituency relations and health policy. (MS&L, Ann Moravick, 212/213-7064)
The Rockville, Md.-based national PR firm Matthews Media Group that specializes in health communications and social marketing added four new hires to its executive ranks. New staffers include Del Harrod, creative director and VP; Rich James, VP, Dora Leonard, VP and Leonard Sherp, associate VP. Mary Crimmings and Nancy Mulligan were promoted to associate VPs. (MMG, Carla Gaffney, 301/984-7191)
Earlier this month, Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide expanded its health and medical practice in Washington, D.C., with five new executive hires, including Pamela Pine, VP; Toni Delacorte, senior associate; David Peikin, associate; Jessica Priego, associate and Dana Duncan O'Kelly, account coordinator.
(Ogilvy, Marcia Silverman, 202/452-9403)