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Education (STAR Kit)

Emergency Preparedness Education for In-home Caregivers

In 2006, PHS conducted a survey to assess in-home caregiver emergency preparedness: The survey included assessments of caregivers’ essential skills and knowledge relating to equipment, oxygen safety, and use, emergency resuscitation bag function and use, and emergency response procedures. While caregivers were found to be skilled in routine daily care, there was a demonstrated need for additional education and training, particularly in oxygen use and safety.

As a result, PHS developed the STAR Kit, education materials, and tools designed to enhance patient safety in the home. The kit includes informational DVDs, safety checklists and reminders, troubleshooting guides, equipment tags, and an emergency action plan. Training was provided and the STAR Kit was given free of charge to PHS families, home care providers, and referring physicians. The kit also became part of PHS’s education program.

A follow-up survey in 2007 demonstrated marked improvement, but PHS believed even more could be done. Elements of the program were adjusted, and survey results indicated even greater improvement. With the implementation of the STAR kit, there has been an overall improvement in all five of the areas assessed in the survey — equipment assessment, emergency backup equipment/batteries, oxygen safety, emergency AMBU bag, and emergency patient response.

NOTE: Data below demonstrates results from patient families in our Minneapolis office. The STAR program is currently being evaluated for use in all other markets.

Emergency Back-Up Equipment and Battery

Backup equipment is ready for use

2007 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Yes 84.6% 96% 94% 94% 86% 100% 100%

 Oxygen Safety

Caregiver can change an oxygen cylinder without support

2007 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Yes 55.4% 100% 97% 97% 97% 94.74% 95.24%

 Oxygen Safety

Caregiver knows how long an oxygen tank will last and/or where to find this information

2007 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Yes 55.4% 96% 88% 89% 86% 100% 100%

 Emergency AMBU Bag

Caregiver can demonstrate how to check the function of the resuscitation bag

2007 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Yes 70.3% 96% 94% 100% 97% 100% 95.45%

 Emergency AMBU Bag

Emergency bag/bedside supplies are fully stocked

2007 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Yes 81.5% 100% 97% 97% 100% 100% 95.45%

 Emergency Patient Response

Caregiver can respond appropriately if the trach is blocked/obstructed

2007 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Yes 84.6% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% 95.45%

Summary

PHS recognized a need for in-home caregivers to be better prepared for emergencies in the home and developed the STAR Kit. This educational tool has proven effective in caregiver training and as an aid in the actual care of patients.

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Clinical Outcomes

Education (STAR Kit)

The PHS STAR Kit allows caregivers to continually improve their knowledge of equipment use and be prepared to handle emergencies at home.

Customer Service Outcomes