Sample POA (PDF) - The Plan of Action is a critical step in the OBQI process. An example of a completed Plan of Action showing hypothetical information. (download pdf reader)
ACH POA - This template helps agencies develop a Plan Of Action for reducing acute care hospitalization.
ACH Risk Factor Assessment (PDF) - Helps home care staff assess patients for high risk for acute care hospitalization. (download pdf reader)
Emergency Care Plan - Resource for agency to leave with patient to assist patient with signs and symptoms an swhen it is appropriate to contact the home care agency.
Medication Tools: Assist emergency room staff with home health patients' medications. Intended for agencies to give to their patients.
SBAR Tool (PDF) - Helps effectively enhance communication between home health professionals and physicians. for use by home care agency staff.
Guidelines to using SBAR
SBAR Case Scenarios (PDF) (download pdf reader)
SBAR - COPD (PDF) - The physician-communication tool, specifically designed for use with COPD patients (download pdf reader)
2006 Immunization Toolkit (MedQIC Medicare Quality Improvement Resources)
Dyspnea Tools
Dyspnea Overview - A snapshot look at Dyspnea, how it is defined, contributing factors, etc.
Effective Strategies to Improving Dyspnea
Dyspnea Start of Care Assessment Checklist
Dyspnea Chart Audit Tool
Modified Borg Scale - An easy-to-use tool to assist the clinician in evaluation of dyspnea.
MO490 Scoring Flowchart - Tip sheet for OASIS Question MO490
HF Exacerbation: Early Identification Protocol
Home Care Plan for Heart Failure - Patient education/teaching tool for Heart Failure
Daily Weight Log - Patient education/teaching tool
COPD Exacerbation: Early Identification Protocol
Home Care Plan for COPD - Patient education/teaching tool
Inhaler Use Assessment Protocol - Developed to encourage a standardized and effective evaluation of patient inhaler use
Energy Conservation Strategies - Developed to provide techniques to maximize patient function while minimizing dyspnea and/or fatigue
Materials from Elizabeth Hogue: Legal and Ethical Issues for Pay for Performance (P4P): Patients Who are Inappropriate for Home Care and/or Non-Compliant
Related Websites:
Visit MedQIC , a web-based resource developed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Quality Improvement community. Contains comprehensive resources, tools and literature for providers and quality professionals to develop and implement change strategies.
See CMS' Home Health Quality Improvement webpage for current information on public reporting, quality initiaves and more.
www.homehealthquality.org - National campaign to reduce avoidable acute care hospitalization.