/ en Wed, 30 Jul 2025 22:21:42 -0500 Fri, 25 Jul 25 00:25:28 -0500 /role-hospitals-monument-health-trash-collecting-character-gets-kids-read <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-5"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-07/ths-monument-health-porter-project-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="Monument Health Trash-collecting character gets kids to read. stock image of a woman and young girl reading together." width="700" height="532" class="align-left"></p></div><p>Thanks to a partnership between Monument Health and the Porter Project, thousands of second-grade students in the Black Hills of South Dakota received a free book — and homework for their parents.</p><p>The “Porter the Hoarder” book series is written by film and television producer Sean Covel (best-known for the movie “Napoleon Dynamite”) and illustrated by artist and singer/songwriter Rebecca Swift. The South Dakota natives paired up to create a reading experience for young children and their families. Parents and siblings read the book to the younger child, who takes on the challenge to “seek and find” all the odds and ends that Porter has tried to squirrel away. If they can find all the objects, then Porter gets a prize at the end of the book.</p><p>In “Porter the Hoarder and the Hospital Hijinks,” that prize is an ambulance full of lollipops.</p><p>Monument Health and the Porter Project distributed the books to area kids in May 2024, via hundreds of classrooms across the region.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://monument.health/magazine-article/reading-together-is-a-check-up-from-the-neck-up/" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/community-benefit">Benefiting Communities</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Fri, 25 Jul 2025 00:25:28 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-st-tammany-health-system-reaches-rural-communities-through-collaboration <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-5"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-07/ths-st-tammany-healthier-northshore-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="St. Tammany Health System. Woman checks fresh produce at a farmer's market as vendor looks on" width="700" height="532" class="align-left"></p></div><p>Launched in September 2020, Healthier Northshore is a collaborative initiative led by St. Tammany Health System to improve health outcomes across Louisiana’s Northshore region. Born out of the urgent health needs highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program brings together nearly 50 leaders from health care, government, education and nonprofit sectors. Its mission is to improve access to care, promote preventive health care and address chronic issues such as poor behavioral health, smoking and vaping, poor nutrition and lack of exercise. The program operates through a network of mobile clinics, community gardens, school-based campaigns and health education events to make health care services more accessible.</p><p>Healthier Northshore has already shown measurable success, including increased cancer screenings, improved smoking cessation rates and over 2,000 rural residents gaining access to care through mobile clinics. Its emphasis on collaboration is a model of community-driven health innovation with a replicable structure.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://healthiernorthshore.health/" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/community-benefit">Benefiting Communities</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:43:24 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-atlanticare-opens-75m-expansion-featuring-50-private-rooms-integrated-care-technology <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-5"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/ths-atlanticare-expansion-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid="d8d940b7-6135-4cb2-a792-04306933fb2d" data-entity-type="file" alt="The ribbon cutting ceremony for AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center - Mainland Campus's 50 new state-of-the-art private rooms spread over two floors." width="700" height="532" class="align-left"></p></div><p>State of the art health care has taken on a new dimension with the opening by AtlantiCare, the largest health care provider in southeastern New Jersey, of 50 new state-of-the-art private rooms spread over two floors at its Mainland Campus in Galloway Township.</p><p>Each room is designed to enhance safety, comfort, and the experience of care. They include smart technology for patient control over entertainment, climate, and meals, as well as integrated clinical tools like digital whiteboards and bedside dialysis access. The design was shaped by input from medical staff and includes features such as satellite nursing stations with natural light, decentralized supply areas, and hospitality-inspired aesthetics. Staff lounges and ceiling-mounted lifts in select rooms further enhance the working and healing environment.</p><p>In addition, the $75 million project also incorporated its Healing Arts Program into the new floors, commissioning local artists to create calming, uplifting artwork. This expansion is a key part of AtlantiCare’s Vision 2030, a six-year strategic plan to transform health care in the region.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.atlanticare.org/news/atlanticare-opens-75m-expansion-featuring-50-private-rooms-integrated-care-technology" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/community-benefit">Benefiting Communities</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Wed, 09 Jul 2025 15:09:39 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-texas-health-harris-methodist-hospital-stephenville-helps-rural-community-breathe-easier <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-4"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-07/ths-texashealth-pulmonary-700x532.jpg" alt="Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville. Stock photo of an older man blowing into a tube" width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>At Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville, a new pulmonary rehabilitation program is transforming the way chronic respiratory diseases are treated in rural Erath County. Recognizing the urgent need for localized care, the hospital launched this initiative to help patients manage conditions like COPD, asthma and bronchitis — illnesses that are often more prevalent and underdiagnosed in rural areas.</p><p>“We wanted to offer the community a new program and prevent multiple hospital admissions from patients dealing with chronic breathing issues,” said Brandie Williams, M.D., medical director of the Pulmonary Rehabilitation program. “Our goal was to address the needs of Stephenville residents by meeting them where they live and helping them improve their breathing conditions and lifestyle.”</p><p>The 12-week program, housed within the hospital’s cardiac rehabilitation facility, offers more than just supervised exercise. “Pulmonary rehab will provide them with resourceful tools to manage their chronic conditions,” said Casey Accaputo, B.H.A., RRT, director of the Cardiopulmonary Program. “We offer the necessary nutritional guidance, effective breathing techniques and constant emotional support our patients need and deserve.”</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.texashealth.org/newsroom/News-Releases/2025/Texas-Health-Stephenville-Enhances-Respiratory-Care-in-Erath-County">LEARN MORE</a></p><p> </p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/center/population-health">Improving Health and Wellness</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:18:35 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-louisiana-childrens-medical-center-five-hospitals-within-louisiana-childrens-health-system-receive-birth-ready <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-4"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-06/ths-lcmc-birth-ready-700x532.jpg" alt="Louisiana Children’s Medical Center. A pregant woman sits talking with a female physician" width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>Five hospitals within the LCMC Health system — East Jefferson General Hospital, Lakeside Hospital, Lakeview Hospital, Touro and West Jefferson Medical Center — have earned the Louisiana Birth Ready or Birth Ready+ Designation, a recognition awarded by the Louisiana Department of Health and the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (LaPQC). The designation honors hospitals that have implemented evidence-based practices to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.</p><p>Launchedin 2021, the Birth Ready program evaluates hospitals across five key areas, including clinical readiness, patient partnership and the implementation of policies to address severe maternal morbidity. “LCMC Health is committed to providing the highest quality and best practice of safe patient care for all our patients,” said Toni Flowers, Ph.D., corporate chief social responsibility officer at LCMC Health. “All five of our birthing hospitals have demonstrated this commitment by obtaining and sustaining Birth Ready and Birth Ready+ designations. We applaud our team’s dedication to achieving improved health outcomes for mothers and infants in our community.”</p><p>This achievement is part of a broader statewide effort to improve maternal health outcomes. “Birthing hospitals across Louisiana are working diligently to ensure safe and patient-centered care for Louisiana families,” said Veronica Gillispie-Bell, M.D., medical director of the LaPQC.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.lcmchealth.org/blog/2025/march/lcmc-health-celebrates-five-of-their-hospitals-a/">LEARN MORE</a></p><p> </p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/center/population-health">Improving Health and Wellness</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Tue, 10 Jun 2025 14:02:33 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-keck-school-medicine-usc-makes-hearing-breakthrough-studying-mouse-inner-ear <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-5"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-06/ths-usc-keck-hearing-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="USC Keck School of Medicine. Illustration of soundwaves entering an ear canal" width="700" height="532"></div><p>Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, in collaboration with Baylor College of Medicine, made a major discovery in understanding how the brain may help regulate hearing. And they did it by adapting an imaging technique currently used in ophthalmology offices, called optical coherence tomography.</p><p>The team used OCT to capture real-time images of the cochlea — a part of the inner ear involved in hearing — in mice, revealing that the brain can send signals to the inner ear to enhance sound sensitivity. The study found that while the cochlea doesn’t respond to short-term brain state changes, it does increase activity in response to long-term hearing damage in mice with genetic hearing loss. The study suggests the brain compensates for hearing loss by boosting the function of remaining sensory cells.</p><p>The team is now preparing clinical trials to test whether blocking certain brain-to-ear signals could help reduce symptoms in patients with sound sensitivity disorders. Findings could lead to new treatments for conditions like tinnitus (ringing, buzzing or other phantom sounds) and hyperacusis (where everyday sounds become uncomfortably loud).</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://scitechdaily.com/new-brain-discovery-could-revolutionize-hearing-loss-treatment/" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/topics/promoting-healthy-communities">Building Healthy Communities</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:08:29 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-commonspirit-st-elizabeth-hospital-provides-toiletries-clothes-and-other-necessities-community-members-through <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-5"><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-05/ths-commonspirit-st-elizabeth-clothing-toiletries-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="CommonSpirit St. Elizabeth Hospital provides toiletries, clothes, and other necessities to community members through its Care Closet" width="700" height="532"></div><p>CommonSpirit St. Elizabeth Hospital's Care Closet is a compassionate initiative aimed at improving the health and well-being of vulnerable individuals and families in the community. By providing essential items such as clothing, toiletries, and feminine products, the Care Closet offers crucial support to those experiencing hardship.</p><p>St. Elizabeth President John Swanhorst emphasizes the importance of access to these basic needs, highlighting the hospital's commitment to extending a helping hand beyond its walls. “We believe access to these basic needs is crucial for overall health and well-being, and we are proud to offer this support to those who need it,” he said.</p><p>The Care Closet is accessible through St. Elizabeth staff members who identify a need in patients or community members. Although not open to the public, anyone who inquires can receive materials. The hospital provides toiletry bags, clothing, and other necessities for both children and adults. Generous community support has enabled the Care Closet to participate in local events, distributing items like coats and gloves.</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.mountain.commonspirit.org/news/commonspirit-st-elizabeth-hospital-provides-toiletries-clothes-and-other-necessities-community-members-through-its-care-closet" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p></div></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/topics/promoting-healthy-communities">Supporting Public Health</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Thu, 08 May 2025 13:10:46 -0500 Patient care and Information /aha-center-health-innovation-market-scan/2025-05-06-4-critical-steps-scale-generative-ai <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-8"><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/4-Critical-Steps-to-Scale-Generative-AI.png" data-entity-uuid="7ea69c77-70fc-4898-b953-67ac0db1cbd5" data-entity-type="file" alt="4 Critical Steps to Scale Generative AI. A brain that is half generative AI and have biological brain connecting health care data." width="1200" height="751"><p>As health care organizations grapple with rising operational costs, an aging population and a worsening workforce crisis, the need for transformative solutions has never been greater. A new Accenture report, <a href="https://www.accenture.com/content/dam/accenture/final/accenture-com/document-3/AI-Amplified-Scaling-Productivity-Final.pdf" target="_blank" title="Accenture—Gen AI amplified: Scaling productivity for healthcare providers">“Gen AI Amplified: Scaling productivity for health care providers,”</a> highlights how generative artificial intelligence (AI) can offer a critical path forward — unlocking unprecedented productivity gains, enhancing patient care and reshaping the future of care delivery.</p><h2>Health Care’s Inflection Point</h2><p>Health care providers face a historic staffing shortage: By 2033, the U.S. is projected to lack as many as 139,000 physicians while the global nursing shortfall could reach 13 million. Traditional solutions like increased hiring and training alone cannot meet this demand. Providers must embrace innovative technologies to scale human capacity.</p><p>Generative AI presents a powerful opportunity. According to Accenture’s survey of 300 U.S. health care C-suite executives, 83% view boosting employee efficiency as the biggest opportunity of generative AI, and 77% expect it to drive direct revenue growth productivity gains. Early pilots show promise — automating routine tasks, improving data analysis and enhancing decision-making — but widespread adoption remains limited.</p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Potential-Benefits-of-Generative-AI-in-Health-Care.png" data-entity-uuid="2fbbdc98-8b8d-4810-8e21-52ee7353de18" data-entity-type="file" alt="Potential Benefits of Generative AI in Health Care. 70% of health care workers’ tasks could be reinvented with AI. 20%: Automation could free up 20% of nurses’ repetitive tasks, unlocking $50 billion annually. 9+: Generative AI could help doctors see 9 additional patients per month. Source: Accenture 2025." width="896" height="197"><p>Despite high awareness, a major execution gap exists. While 83% of health care organizations are piloting generative AI, fewer than 10% have invested in the infrastructure needed for enterprise-wide deployment. Without decisive action, health care risks falling behind industries like automotive and finance, where AI-driven gains are already significant.</p><h2>A Road Map for Action</h2><p>The Accenture report outlines four critical steps to help health care leaders move from fragmented pilots to scaled implementation:</p><ol><li><span><strong>Build a reinvention-ready digital core.</strong></span> A robust digital infrastructure — including cloud integration, seamless data access and scalable AI capabilities — is essential. Organizations with a strong digital foundation are poised to reinvent twice as many functions with generative AI over the next three years compared with those without.</li><li><span><strong>Strengthen data quality and strategy.</strong></span> High-quality, centralized data are a prerequisite for reliable AI outcomes. Health care providers must prioritize data cleansing, standardization and accessibility to empower AI to deliver clinical and operational benefits.</li><li><span><strong>Prioritize responsible and secure AI deployment.</strong></span> As the use of generative AI expands, safeguarding patient privacy and preventing cybersecurity breaches are nonnegotiable. Embedding responsible AI governance is critical to building trust among patients, providers and regulators.</li><li><span><strong>Forge strategic partnerships.</strong></span> Scaling generative AI requires expertise beyond internal capabilities. Collaborations with technology leaders, academic institutions and specialized vendors are key to accessing cutting-edge tools and accelerating innovation.</li></ol><h2>The Productivity Promise</h2><p>Accenture estimates that 70% of health care workers' tasks could be reinvented through technology. In nursing alone, automation could free up 20% of repetitive tasks.</p><p>Examples already abound:</p><ul><li>Generative AI can automate clinical documentation, giving physicians back minutes to hours per day — time that can be redirected to patient care.</li><li>Generative AI-augmented call centers have reduced patient wait times and improved first-call resolution rates without compromising security.</li><li>AI-enabled clinical appeals processes have achieved a 70% reduction in handling time and a 30% decline in misrouted claims.</li></ul><p>However, staying in pilot mode comes at a cost. Piecemeal implementations prevent providers from achieving the full operational efficiencies that scaled deployment can offer and widen the gap between health care and faster-moving industries.</p><h2>Leadership Alignment Is Critical</h2><p>A unified C-suite vision is essential. While CEOs recognize the transformative potential of generative AI, clinical leaders like chief medical officers (CMOs) and chief nursing officers (CNOs) are often underutilized in planning and deployment efforts, even though clinical workflows are among the most impacted.</p><p>The report stresses that everyone from board members to front-line clinicians must be involved in redefining roles, automating tasks where appropriate and reskilling teams to work alongside AI tools.</p><p>Key takeaways for health care leaders</p><ul><li><strong>The time to act is now.</strong> Scaling generative AI can drive productivity, reduce burnout and enhance patient care — all while improving financial sustainability.</li><li><strong>Build the foundation.</strong> Investment in cloud infrastructure, high-quality data and responsible AI frameworks are nonnegotiable prerequisites.</li><li><strong>Don’t go it alone.</strong> Strategic partnerships will be critical to closing skill gaps and accelerating deployment.</li><li><strong>Empower clinical leadership.</strong> CNOs and CMOs must play a central role in redesigning work processes to ensure that AI initiatives improve, not burden, care delivery.</li><li><strong>View generative AI as an ongoing journey.</strong> Scaling technology is not a one-time event, but a continuous reinvention of how health care operates.</li></ul><p>Generative AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s a present-day imperative. Health care organizations that act decisively today by scaling generative AI strategically and responsibly will define the next decade of health care delivery. Those that hesitate risk being left behind.</p><h3>Additional Resource</h3><p><em>The AHA recently released a report to guide hospital and health system executives on using AI and AI-powered technologies to transform their organizations’ operations. The report, </em><a href="/center/emerging-issues/market-insights/ai/building-and-implementing-artificial-intelligence-action-plan-health-care"><em>“Building and Implementing an Artificial Intelligence Plan for Health Care,”</em></a><em> features insights from 12 health care AI experts and leaders, published health care articles, presentations, reports, research and surveys on health care AI.</em></p></div><div class="col-md-4"><p><a href="/center" title="Visit the AHA Center for Health Innovation landing page."><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/logo-aha-innovation-center-color-sm.jpg" data-entity-uuid="7ade6b12-de98-4d0b-965f-a7c99d9463c5" alt="AHA Center for Health Innovation logo" width="721" height="130" data-entity- type="file" class="align-center"></a></p><p><a href="/center/form/innovation-subscription"><img src="/sites/default/files/2019-04/Market_Scan_Call_Out_360x300.png" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type alt width="360" height="300"></a></p></div></div></div>.field_featured_image { position: absolute; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0 0 0 0); height: 1px; width: 1px; margin: -1px; padding: 0; border: 0; } .featured-image{ position: absolute; overflow: hidden; clip: rect(0 0 0 0); height: 1px; width: 1px; margin: -1px; padding: 0; border: 0; } h2 { color: #9d2235; } h3 { color: #9d2235; } Tue, 06 May 2025 06:15:00 -0500 Patient care and Information /press-releases/2025-04-29-mary-beth-kingston-receive-aha-award-honor <p><strong>WASHINGTON</strong> (April 29, 2025) — The ���������� Association (AHA) today announced that its 2025 Award of Honor will be presented to Mary Beth Kingston, PhD, RN, FAAN for her dedication to advancing the nursing profession and improving patient care. The award is given to individuals or organizations in recognition of exemplary contributions to the health and well-being of our nation through leadership on major health policy or social initiatives. Kingston will receive the award during a ceremony on May 5 at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting in Washington, D.C.</p><p>During Kingston’s 45-year career, which includes service as the chief nursing officer of multiple health systems, she continually has fostered the professional growth of the nurses serving under her leadership, many of whom have become chief nursing executives. She has been a strong and outspoken advocate for nurse safety, leading efforts to reduce violence against the health care workforce through the AHA and the federal government and publishing extensively on workplace violence reduction and workforce wellbeing. </p><p><strong>“Mary Beth is an inspirational nursing leader whose cutting-edge efforts on nurse safety and workforce wellbeing have made a tremendous difference for patients and caregivers,” </strong>said AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack.<strong> “We thank her for the countless hours serving her communities, including her contributions to the AHA by serving on the board, committees and as chair of the AHA’s Hospitals Against Violence Advisory Group as well as past president of the American Organization for Nursing Leadership.”</strong></p><p>Kingston serves on the boards of Providence Saint Joseph’s Health and Main Line Health and is board chair of Chamberlain University. In 2024, she received the <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.7kr010ACWZRfM3MOuCoTb98fFqUCFwdqQcXQFXsONWz3hfoZhFg6Brf8ZsCN3KaQCnL6gnbEiPuLCnmp1L5beWgN74W4XxuDDACVHHrnebzfNk6W-2FzP5hFA-2FlsHSVCe-2FlrwJX5CBwzx-2FFt-2Bd1-2FALQE4xxbQVtu65bdYqRX7qhZI-3DbFQv_d2RbcZIH1cPr8T71lfy9-2Baax-2F-2BEajmJ1xBQdwzrxSfXYrczhBuOKN0y9-2Fz7LWn8-2BDbxbRMmISA8VWYgeVYMYLehFbJjjJrsDU061vryWib5OgupGu7XbukALgR8dzkZg2Dg9g351m0vxxGiu8sGH-2FkRhtTs7FMGhnIphAQ2V0ggdxRZqByV3qd-2FWW8XcNkvZCoysmb3CXqB9z8pe-2FfPQeTUcBBRwbGLUAH8RMyKIiGibQXO-2BGAsIk9KzpUWIQlni9Fz-2BzmXRkBiewQDRex7LPP2IE6LhH-2FaG-2BRay1ioNwhZGRnViGU9ql00PT4Tn7qHUNzbuDCCRek-2FDpeDyJFsgIbb-2B-2B00cSrADiT-2FSwazq54-2FhZ1TTIBB8ifj2VBL8hksl&data=05%7C02%7Cbteicher%40aha.org%7Cb465832ff339414aa9d208dd872c6d31%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638815347071289211%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=2qybybu08vPgvaUkhO%2BlsUQIOWGM%2Fg%2BeGRbrNaW3Sew%3D&reserved=0">AONL Lifetime Achievement Award</a> and the DAISY Lifetime Achievement Award. She became a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing in 2020. </p><p> </p><p class="text-align-center">###</p><p><strong>About the AHA</strong></p><p>The AHA is a not-for-profit association of health care provider organizations and individuals that are committed to the health improvement of their communities. The AHA is the national advocate for its members, which include nearly 5,000 hospitals, health care systems, networks, other providers of care and 43,000 individual members. Founded in 1898, the AHA provides education for health care leaders and is a source of information on health care issues and trends. For more information, visit the AHA website at <a href="https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flink.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com%2Fls%2Fclick%3Fupn%3Du001.7kr010ACWZRfM3MOuCoTb4j1A7dsWuFv5c9nef7CCBE-3DnvOh_d2RbcZIH1cPr8T71lfy9-2Baax-2F-2BEajmJ1xBQdwzrxSfXYrczhBuOKN0y9-2Fz7LWn8-2BDbxbRMmISA8VWYgeVYMYLehFbJjjJrsDU061vryWib5OgupGu7XbukALgR8dzkZg2Dg9g351m0vxxGiu8sGH-2FkRhtTs7FMGhnIphAQ2V0ggdxRZqByV3qd-2FWW8XcNkvZCoysmb3CXqB9z8pe-2FfPQeV2OeSNhdVU3D6l9H6c4J9GEpgsCR6QS-2F-2FXqSGZ8jyilM7ZeWQQsi2cBrS52gPy8-2F8WO-2FZLhOCvQa3PF-2B9eGk2IZarVaQQgXpX67HvpjDcfmFwl0MLlKIbthCxZUl4GWk6khcG2Ni8JUOIpCY6f8nOlGurgZPGWQQesBuGmDf8mF&data=05%7C02%7Cbteicher%40aha.org%7Cb465832ff339414aa9d208dd872c6d31%7Cb9119340beb74e5e84b23cc18f7b36a6%7C0%7C0%7C638815347071311896%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qPhXIyHop9ltKml1v8RES7VkUj1qvsLlXB2cfVFqo6U%3D&reserved=0">www.aha.org</a>.</p><p class="text-align-center"> </p> Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:46:37 -0500 Patient care and Information /role-hospitals-university-oklahoma-cancer-center-implements-new-technology-make-cancer-care-more-comfortable <div class="container"><div class="row"><div class="col-md-9"><div class="col-md-5"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/2025-04/ths-oklahoma-radiation-700x532.jpg" data-entity-uuid data-entity-type="file" alt="University of Oklahoma Medical Center. A patient receiving radiation therapy is viewed from inside the machine looking out" width="700" height="532"></p></div><p>The Stephenson Cancer Center at University of Oklahoma Medical Center is the second hospital in the nation to introduce a groundbreaking cancer treatment called surface-guided radiation therapy. The treatment uses a non-invasive technology known as the Accuray Radixact System, offering cancer patients faster, more precise and comfortable treatments. The Radixact System delivers image-guided intensity-modulated radiation therapy, helping health care teams to effectively position patients and target tumors with increased accuracy while protecting healthy tissue. This advanced technology is particularly beneficial for patients with tumors in challenging locations, such as the lungs or near critical organs, as it minimizes the impact on surrounding healthy tissue. It can also track tumors in real time and adjust treatment to account for changes in tumor size.</p><p>“Every advancement in cancer treatment technology means new hope for our patients,” said Jerry Jaboin, M.D., radiation oncologist at the Stephenson Cancer Center. “With the Radixact System, we can offer more patients access to precise, personalized treatment plans that fit their specific needs while minimizing disruption to their daily lives."</p><p><a class="btn btn-primary" href="https://www.ouhealth.com/blog/2025/january/new-cancer-treatment-technology-at-stephenson-ca/" target="_blank">LEARN MORE</a></p></div><div class="col-md-3"><div><h4>Resources on the Role of Hospitals</h4><ul><li><a href="/topics/innovation">Innovation, Research and Quality Improvement</a></li><li><a href="/roleofhospitals">All Case Studies</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> Mon, 28 Apr 2025 12:03:06 -0500 Patient care and Information