Samantha Jacques

Tai Chi and Meditation A Conceptual (Re)Synthesis

The aim of this article is to review the literature on Tai Chi and meditation. A coherent construct is developed that includes a comparative analysis and conceptual synthesis of existing theories. The authors discuss a set of assumptions that justify this synthesis; they also argue that this construct would facilitate greater understanding of Tai Chi from the perspective of meditation. Such synthesis may bring “additional” benefits to Tai Chi practitioners as they could recognize that this mind—body technique holds the essence of meditation. Within the scope of this article, the evidence shows a majority of common features when concerning Tai Chi and meditation. These mutual similarities should be taken into account when performing this type of mind—body medicine by patients and/or therapists. Finally, the authors suggest that this inspiring compilation of movements and mindfulness can be used for practical purposes.

Improving Clinical Alarm Management: Guidance and Strategies

This article focuses on the type of problems that lead to false or nonactionable clinical alarms and the type of data that can help identify which of these alarms are most prevalent in specific units in healthcare facilities. The process of identifying necessary data is first described, as this activity will drive later choices on capturing data. This article also discusses how to use the data collected in alarm reports to help determine which alarms should be targeted first for improved management in a pilot environment. Suggestions are provided on how to reduce false and nonactionable alarm signals and how to monitor to ensure no untoward consequences occur from new alarm default settings. The information provided here can be individualized to hospitals and units to enhance alarm management with physiological monitor alarms. It also can be adapted to reduce nonactionable alarm signals occurring from other medical devices.

An Alarm Management View of IT and Biomed Roles and Responsibilities

Melita Howell is manager of Information Services at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, TX. E-mail: mjhowell@ texaschildrens.org The Joint Commission (TJC) made improving alarm effectiveness a National Patient Safety Goal in 2003 and re-energizing the effort in 2014. Alarm management is a complex issue that needs to be tackled using a group approach. Most organizations develop a cross-disciplinary team that includes representatives of nursing, physician, clinical informatics, respiratory therapy, biomedical engineering, and information technology (IT) staff to look at standard approaches to reducing alarm burdens, including: • Customizing alarm parameters to meet the needs of individual patient. • Customizing delay and threshold settings for SpO 2 . • Provide initial and ongoing education about devices with alarms. • Altering alarm sound and priority settings. • Sending select alarms to secondary notification systems. • Setting up monitor watchers. • Setting up call centers to distribute alarm notifications to staff.

Proactive Vendor Management for Healthcare Technology

Clinical engineering (CE) and healthcare technology management (HTM) departments have the responsibility to manage many equipment and technology vendors, and healthcare facilities contract with vendors and third-party support organizations to implement and maintain many different types of technologies. However, most HTM departments are not proactive about monitoring vendor responsibilities and accountabilities; instead, they only interact with the vendor when problems occur. Trying to manage a vendor while in a downtime situation or after a crisis generally doesn’t provide the outcomes for which organizations strive. This article seeks to provide insight and best practices to proactively contract with and manage vendor relationships through contracts.