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
Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) Rates
The rate of catheter infections in PHS patients is extremely low, even though many PHS patients are chronically ill and receive complex catheter treatments from PHS.
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.
Reliability of Staffed HCN Hours
Despite the nursing shortage all hospitals, clinics and home care companies are experiencing, the reliability of PHS home care nurses is high.
Customer Service Outcomes
Shipping Accuracy
PHS’s shipping accuracy is consistently greater than 85 percent.
Customer Satisfaction
PHS is proud to maintain a 4.7/5 star rating between Google ad Facebook reviews.