Cath Lab Digest

Has your lab undergone a recent Joint Commission inspection?
Yes, our cath lab underwent a Joint Commission inspection in 2006/2007, which we passed. Our cath lab currently undergoes monthly mock inspections to maintain our high quality standards.

Where is your cath lab located in relation to the OR department, ER and radiology department?
Both the emergency room and the radiology department are located on the ground floor of the hospital, just down the hall from the cath lab. The operating room is located on the fifth floor, with a priority key for the elevator available to the cath lab if needed.

How do you handle vendor visits to your lab?
Vendors are permitted in the lab monthly, as scheduled by the director. Pacemaker vendors are here for each implant.
How is staff competency evaluated?
Staff are evaluated by yearly competencies, through the completion of internet learning, and are required to complete portions of the Wes Todd program annually. Peer evaluations and an annual review with the director are part of this evaluation as well.

Does your lab utilize any alternative therapies (such as guided imagery)?
Not currently.

What trends do you see emerging in the practice of invasive cardiology?
With the advent of new modalities, i.e, 64-slice CT scanners, we foresee fewer diagnostic procedures and more interventional procedures. Included in the increased interventional procedures are carotid, peripheral and multi-vessel disease, as well as left main stenting and percutaneous valve replacement.

What do you consider unique about your cath lab and staff?
We are very proud of the level of research that takes place at our facility and its potential impact on the future of cardiovascular medicine. Borgess has a history of supporting an excellent diagnostic and interventional cardiology fellowship program, directed by Dr. Tim Fischell, a well-known inventor of cardiac devices like the Bx Velocity stent, the Angel Med Guardian device and Ostial Pro Stent Positioning System.
Borgess has a talented cardiovascular staff, which creates a excellent team approach to holistic patient care.

Is there a problem or challenge your lab has faced? How was it addressed?
A major challenge came in October 2005 as our new cath lab construction was completed. We transitioned from our old area in the hospital to a brand new outpatient center area. Each team member played an integral role in the development of our treatment areas.
Today we are seeing our patient census declining, presumably from drug-eluting stents. This brings challenges in staffing and inventory. We have refrained from temporary staffing, considered modifications of shift work, and are now able to use our talented staff in other non-invasive areas.

What’s special about your city or general regional area in comparison to the rest of of the U.S.? How does it affect your “cath lab culture?”
Kalamazoo, located on the southwestern side of Michigan, has a diverse city population of approximately 80,000 people. We are located halfway between Detroit and Chicago, and only four hours south of pristine wilderness. We have two colleges and one university which supplement our culture of art, education and varied industries.
We are the home of the “Kalamazoo Promise,” a gift of education from private donors to children of Kalamazoo public schools to a fully funded education in any of Michigan’s colleges or universities.
Borgess is the major cardiac care center in our region. There are many surrounding towns and communities who depend on our innovative medicine and inspired care.

The Society of Invasive Cardiovascular Professionals (SICP) has added two questions to our spotlight:

1. Do you require your clinical staff members to take the registry exam for Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS)? Do staff receive an incentive bonus or raise upon passing the exam?
Levels 3 and 4 in our career ladder require staff members to obtain the RCIS.

2. Are your clinical and/or managerial team members involved with any professional organizations that support the invasive cardiology service line, such as the SICP, ACVP, or regional organizations?
We have staff members involved with the SICP, D2B Alliance, American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association. n

The authors can be contacted at ronzellers@borgess.com