HJNO Jul/Aug 2019

Healthcare Journal of New Orleans I  JUL / AUG 2019 35 For weekly eNews updates and to read the journal online, visit HealthcareJournalNO.com surgery system that provides surgeons with real- time visual guidance and alignment information during shoulder surgery. Similar to a navigation device in a car, this advanced platform provides a visual map of the patient’s shoulder on a screen, allowing surgeons to combine preoperative plan- ning with computer-assisted technology dur- ing the surgery, aligning the procedure to each patient’s individual needs. “With total shoulder joint replacements, the longevity and functionality of the implant really depends on its proper placement and align- ment,” said Dr. Michael O’Brien, an orthopedic surgeon with TISM with specialized fellowship training in shoulder and elbow surgery. “We are now able to operate with a new level of accuracy and precision.” ExactechGPS combines surgeon expertise with an advanced computer system. Personalized for each patient’s unique bone structure and anat- omy, the technology helps surgeons decide where to remove bone and place the shoulder implant in the optimal position. The technology’s preoperative planning tool allows surgeons to plan their cases in advance of the surgery through a virtual simulation. Sur- geons can then execute their plan in real time during the surgery based on a 3-D anatomical model of the patient’s shoulder, making adjust- ments as needed. The new technology is available at Tulane Lake- side Hospital, which is expanding its focus on adult services and adding an adult intensive care unit, expanded orthopedic capabilities, and other services to its women’s, obstetrics, and neonatal intensive care services. Nurse Practitioners on Nationwide Listening Tour Visit Louisiana to Discuss Solutions to Primary Care Access Challenges The chief executive officer of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) was joined by Louisianan and AANP’s president-elect in asking business, community, faith, and policy leaders about the challenges Louisiana patients face in accessing healthcare across the state— and the steps that can be taken to solve the problem.  AANP CEO David Hebert and President-elect Sophia L. Thomas, who is the former president of the Louisiana Association of Nurse Practitio- ners (LANP), said there are five certified college nursing programs in Louisiana and two medical schools with statewide campuses to train health care professionals, yet the state ranks 47thin the nation for access to quality primary care. “Community leaders recognize we have a sig- nificant health care access problem in our state and nurse practitioners represent a real solution,” said Thomas. “Yet, Louisiana still has an outdated regulatory framework requiring NPs to sign a con- tract with a physician in order to practice.”  “While there are many contributing factors to Louisiana’s healthcare situation, we believe an ongoing dialogue about ways nurse practi- tioners can improve access to high-quality care is critical,” Hebert said. “Granting patients full and direct access to NP care is a no-cost, no- delay solution to addressing Louisiana’s health- care challenges.”  Louisiana ranks nearly last in the nation on mea- sures of healthcare access and quality. U.S. News & World Report ranks the state 48th for health- care quality, 44th for overall health, and 37th in accessibility of healthcare. Whereas the national average for preventable hospital admissions is 4,189/100k patients, in Louisiana it is 5,698/100k.  “The simple step of giving patients access to high-quality, affordable primary care provided by NPs is a direct solution to improving our health- care service to our state’s citizens,” said Thomas. Pictured at the meeting are, from left. New Orleans Chamber of Commerce President Ben Johnson, Rev. Jay Augustine, Thomas, Hebert, Nurse Practitioner Kathy Baldridge of Pineville, Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer, and Rev. Jonathan Sellers  STQN Announces 2019 First Quarter Medical Director’s Award St. Tammany Quality Network presented its 2019 first quarter Medical Director’s Award to James Connolly, MD, for his assistance in the development of a more efficient treatment option for patients with a ruptured eardrum. Connolly is an active member of the STQN Finance and Con- tracting committee and has been involved in the improvement of ear, nose, and throat care deliv- ery in west St. Tammany for more than six years. “Dr. Connolly’s enthusiasm and thoughtfulness in improving patient care is impressive,” said Michael K. Hill MD, STQN medical director. “His unique ability to analyze care pathways has pro- vided numerous recommendations that improve patient outcomes.” Connolly is a New Orleans native and received a Bachelor of Science from Millsaps College. After completing undergraduate studies, he spent a year researching nerve regeneration and assisting with cornea transplantation at LSU Medical Cen- ter (Lyons Clinic). He received a medical degree from LSU School of Medicine in New Orleans, and completed an internship in general surgery and residency in otolaryngology – head and neck sur- gery at University of Mississippi Medical Center. He is board-certified in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery as well as sleep medicine. Ochsner Provides Tips on Stroke Prevention and Treatment According to the American Stroke Association, someone in the United States has a stroke every 40 seconds. That translates into nearly 800,000 people each year; and every four minutes, a stroke is deadly. Getting that message out was a primary focus St.Tammany Quality Network presented its 2019 first quarter Medical Director’s Award to James Connolly, MD, right.