501 - 2008 Pandemic Update: Are You Ready?
Gail K. Army, RN, COHN-S, CCM, CHS III
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 8:00 -9:30 a.m.

Course Number: 501
Track: WWE
Level: Intermediate 

Abstract:

A pandemic threat continues to exist across the world. If and/or when a pandemic hits the United States, all business related activities would be impacted. Frequent updates to regulatory (OSHA, CDC, WHO, HHS) compliance guidelines and recommendation requires constant monitoring and response strategy planning. Effective occupational health nursing response planning requires current knowledge, community relationships (Public Health, EMS), state plan awareness and clinical/illness case management readiness. Proving occupational health value during a pandemic or emerging illness event should be considered a critical success opportunity. Participants will receive the most current information and strategy for pandemic response planning. 

Objectives:

1. State current statistical and demographic pandemic case information;
2. Identify and summarize new regulatory guidelines and recommendations for US/Global control of pandemic outbreak; and
3. Discuss ongoing pandemic challenges and opportunities.

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502 - Road Map to Wellness: Navigation and Communication of Resources and Programs
Donna C. Ferreira, ANP, MS, COHN-S
Judy Doms, RN, COHN
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 8:00 -9:30 a.m.

Course Number: 502
Track: HPDP
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

This program focuses squarely on two components of a successful wellness program: 1) finding current and useful resources and 2) communicating programs to maximize employee participation. Attendees will gain new ideas and leave with lists of sites to obtain wellness program information and resources. The barriers to and solutions for communicating wellness programs will be addressed. Innovative methods of advertising wellness programs will also be provided.

Objectives:

1. Describe the importance of staying current with clinical information and resources for wellness program content;
2. List four resources for wellness program information;
3. Outline various means of communicating wellness programs to employees; and
4. Name two roadblocks to effective communication of wellness programs at the workplace.

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503 - OH&S Risk Management and Communication
Dianne Dyck, RN, BN, MSC, COHN-S, COHN(C), CRSP
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 8:00 -9:30 a.m.

Course Number: 503
Track: SAF
Level: Intermediate 

Abstract:

Occupational health nurses are constantly involved in occupational health and safety (OH&S) risk management and communication at some level. This session provides an operational definition of risk management, its value in business and how to quantify risk. Occupational health nurses will also learn how to effectively communicate OH&S risk to stakeholders, thereby avoiding the myths and pitfalls concerned with risk communication. 

Objectives:

1. Discuss risk management and its value to business;

2. Explain how to quantify occupational health and safety risk;  

3. Describe the alignment of the loss control model with occupational health and safety risk management;  

4. Define risk communication;  

5. Describe some of the myths and pitfalls associated with risk communication; and  

6. Identify ways to effectively communicate occupational health and safety risk.

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504 - Key Strategies for the Effective Management of Workers' Compensation Claims
Arlene Guzik, MSN, ARNP-BC, COHN-S, FAAOHN
Richard F. Johnson, MD, MPH
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 8:00 -9:30 a.m.

Course Number: 504
Track: CM
Level: Intermediate 

Abstract:

This session will address the key strategies for management of worker's compensation claims that will result in quality care and effective claims administration. The session will focus on the dimensions of care management, claims management and case management. Participants will gain an understanding of the concepts of major contributing cause, work-relatedness causation and the medical decision-making process that will add value to the clinical and administrative management of worker's compensation claims.

Objectives:

1. Define the primary components of care management, claims management and case management;

2. Discuss the process of determining major contributing cause, work-relatedness causation and the medical decision-making process; and  

3. Explain the value of the use of the medical decision-making process.

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505 - Creating Cultural Competency
Kelli L. Nottingham, BA, MA
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 8:00 -9:30 a.m.

Course Number: 505
Track: PROF
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

In today's increasingly multicultural world, the need for culturally competent healthcare is growing exponentially. This lively presentation provides a broad overview of diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency, as well as delving deeper into specific cultural differences. Participants will learn to compare the many ways that cultural backgrounds can influence a patient's understanding and compliance with medical treatments. Specific skills for bringing cultural competency into clinical practice are explained, including maintaining proper power distances and recognizing direct and indirect communication styles. 

Objectives:

1. Differentiate between diversity, inclusion and cultural competency, recognizing the role it plays in healthcare settings;
2. Identify and compare the various ways in which cultures and individuals can differ; and
3. Outline specific techniques for bringing cultural competency into the clinical practice.

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506 - Lunch & Learn: Emergency Action Planning-Plan, Prepare, Prevent: Be Ready
Mary Gene Ryan, MPH, BSN, RN, COHN/SM, FAAOHN
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 12:30 -2:00 pm

Course Number: 506
Track: WWE
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

Is your company ready for its next emergency? What are the potential emergency threats and what are the company's most common emergencies? Has your company completed emergency action and fire prevention plans? Can the plans adapt to new threats and hazards and/or address pandemic disease (e.g., avian flu)? In this session you will determine the risk of potential threats by completing a vulnerability analysis for an emergency and disaster action plan and a fire risk matrix for a fire prevention plan. You'll be able to use these tools to prioritize, budget and implement your emergency and disaster plans and drills based on the risk potential identified.

Objectives:

1. List the four elements of emergency management;
2. Identify at least three required elements for both 29 CFR 1910.38 Emergency Action Plan and 29 CFR 190.38 Fire Prevention Plan; and
3. Determine the risk of potential threats using the vulnerability analysis and fire risk matrix tools.

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507 - Lunch & Learn: When "What If" Becomes "What Now"? Assessing International Medical Risks
Pascaline Wolfermann, MA
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 12:30 -2:00 pm

Course Number: 507
Track: HPDP
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

Preparing for health risks associated with international travel often involves vaccinations and immunizations for dengue fever, malaria, TB, and other diseases. Many additional risks are frequently overlooked. Heart attacks, food poisoning, strokes and broken bones are common ailments that occur while traveling, and nurses need to know how to respond to such international emergencies. This presentation will cover what occupational nurses may expect from international travelers facing a medical crisis. Information on how to assess medical care abroad and where to access reliable, destination-specific information, including the quality of local patient care, cultural challenges in medicine and more will be discussed.

Objectives:

1. How to prepare for the unexpected - from dengue fever to MVAs;
2. Assess the whole situation, including country disease ratings and other health risk ratings; and
3. Access reliable country-specific information.

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508 - Lunch & Learn: Hearing Conservation Software: What's Out There, What to Look For and How to Shop Wisely
James J. Jerome, MA, CCC-A
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 12:30 -2:00 pm

Course Number: 508
Track: WWE
Level: Intermediate 

Abstract:

Objectives:

1. List the types of hearing conservation data management application software available;
2. Describe the possible application setup configurations; and
3. Explain what factors are important in selecting an application.

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509 - Lunch & Learn: Applying for Small Research Grants
Grace K. Paranzino, MS, RN, CHES, FAAOHN
Judith S. Ostendorf, MPH, RN, COHN-S, CCM, FAAOHN
Bonnie Rogers, PhD, FAAN, COHN-S, LNCC, FAAOHN
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 12:30 -2:00 pm

Course Number: 509
Track: PROF
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

This session is designed for the new investigator and will focus on why research is conducted and its importance in helping to build a body of knowledge in the specialty field of occupational and environmental health. Participants will learn how to obtain an AAOHN research application and the steps needed to complete the process for application. A discussion of the AAOHN research priorities, project purpose, research significance, project methods and design, data analysis and human subject protection will be discussed. Investigator qualifications will also be addressed. 

Objectives:

1. Discuss the importance of conducting research prior to grant development; and
2. Describe the steps involved in making an application for an AAOHN new investigator award.

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510 - OH&S Best Practices: Are Occupational Health Nurses in the Know?
Dianne Dyck, RN, BN, MSC, COHN-S, COHN(C), CRSP
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 2:30 -4:00 pm

Course Number: 510
Track: CLN
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

Best practices are a form of benchmarking that result from direct observation of clinical practices. As concrete solutions, they work best when linked to existing problems or even to specific crises within a workplace. They are based on real examples and can be used to gradually promote system improvement. Occupational health and safety (OH&S) best practices can serve as guidelines for practice and measurement of outcomes. This presentation is designed to cover the twenty top best practices in OH&S, and what role the occupational health nurse can play in facilitating the organization's achievement of these best practices. 

Objectives:

1. Explain the concept of occupational health and safety best practices (OH&S);
2. Discuss the rationale and impact for occupational health nurses on the top ten OH&S best practices; and
3. Discuss what occupational health nurses can do to implement the best practices.

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511 - Motivating Employees to Make Lifestyle Changes
Don R. Powell, PhD
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 2:30 -4:00 pm

Course Number: 511
Track: HPDP
Level: Intermediate 

Abstract:

It is one thing to know how to alter one's behavior, but it is an entirely different matter to be motivated to do so. Employee motivation is a key factor in determining the success or failure of worksite wellness programs and their ability to reduce health care costs and increase productivity. Health professionals have developed many behavioral techniques to assist employees in making lifestyle changes. Despite these methodologies, the majority of employees are unsuccessful in modifying their behavior long term. This presentation will address key behavior modification techniques, including the strategic use of incentives, that can help initiate and maintain employee motivation for positive lifestyle changes and 

Objectives:

1. Describe two models of behavior change;
2. Identify the five components of an incentive management program; and
3. Identify seven ways to increase motivation and compliance.

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512 - Nanotechnology Is Coming: What You Need to Know
Linda A. McCauley, PhD, RN, FAAN, FAAOHN
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 2:30 -4:00 pm

Course Number: 512
Track: WWE
Level: Intermediate 

Abstract:

Nanotechnology is a rapidly developing science with expected proliferation into virtually every aspect of industry in coming decades. The potential benefits of nanotechnology are enormous, but there is an increasing awareness of the need to discover and minimize any associated human health risks. This session will provide an update on the development of the science, information on its wide use in consumer products, and current uses in healthcare, communication, ecological cleanup, and other industries. Research advances on health hazards and impact to workers and environmental health will be discussed. 

Objectives:

1. Explain basic concepts of nanoparticles and how they are used in industrial processes;
2. Describe challenges in exposure assessment of nanoparticles and current research needs; and
3. Discuss the occupational health and safety implications of nanotechnology.

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513 - Computers and Technology: Preparing Occupational Health Nursing for a Digital Future
James A. Cato, RN, CRNA, MHS, MSN, CPEHR
Steven H. Shaha, PhD
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 2:30 -4:00 pm

Course Number: 513
Track: PROF
Level: General Audience

Abstract:

This session will provide a basic overview of the changing healthcare landscape and how information systems are being designed and implemented to support improved care in the most efficient manner possible. Participants will learn how hospitals are rising to the challenge and how computerization and automation are dramatically improving the care they provide. We will also explore the care provided in the occupational health industry and discuss ways that clinical information systems might be used in the near future. Finally, the session will focus on the importance of measuring success. Participants will learn why measuring outcomes is important, what they might consider measuring, when and how to measure and how to use outcomes to generate improvement in patient safety, satisfaction and health. 

Objectives:

1. Understand the basic need for computers and technology in occupational and home health environments;
2. Recognize the capability of digitalized medicine for improving patient safety, increasing patient and provider satisfaction, improving outcomes and streamlining workflow; and
3. Identify opportunities for improvement in clinical care, measure current outcomes and plan for leveraging clinical information systems to achieve improved outcomes.

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514 – Use of Evidence-Based Guidelines for Treatment and Return-to-Work
Presley Reed, MD, FACOEM, FAADEP
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Time: 2:30 -4:00 pm

Course Number: 514
Track: CM
Level: General Audience 

Abstract:

In this session participants will be exposed to the definition of evidence-based medicine as it applies to the development of guidelines and application in clinical practice and return to work. Participants will learn to determine the evidence basis of guidelines as well as development methodologies. How evidence-based guidelines can be applied to assist occupational health nurses in working with the treating physician and the employee during periods of treatment and in return to work after injury or illness will be addressed. The timing and benefits of returning injured or ill employees to work will be considered and participants will be provided with suggestions for setting specific expectations for treatment outcomes when working with the employee and the treating physician. A new predictive modeling tool that provides individual employee disability durations for recovery will be discussed.

Objectives:

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