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| News & Events |
| September 26, 2005
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| HOSPICE RECEIVES “DISTINGUISHED PERFORMER” AWARD |
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The excelleRx Institute has announced its selection of Niagara Hospice as a “Distinguished Performer” in the field of hospice pharmacotherapy outcomes. Niagara Hospice received the award in the category of hospices with an average daily census of 40 or more (the organization served an average of 132 Niagara County patients per day last year).
The purpose of the Excellence in Pharmacotherapy Outcomes Award is to recognize outstanding achievements by hospice organizations dedicated to superior care and to promote best practices. “Pharmacotherapy outcomes” is defined as the use of drugs in the treatment of disease. When utilized in hospice care, pharmacotherapy outcomes seek to grant the patient the most amount of comfort possible. The award was based upon the work of Dr. Sarah Motiwala-Goris, the first post-doctoral pharmacy practice resident at Niagara Hospice.
“This work showed that the impact of clinical pharmacists in hospice both improved patient care and saved money for the hospice,” said Robert Wahler, PharmD and Hospice pharmacy consultant. For every dollar spent on clinical pharmacy services, Niagara Hospice realized $5.25 savings in medications and other costs. “We're very proud of this recognition. The Clinical Pharmacy Program has developed over the last few years and some of the fruits of our labor have ripened. But we still have further goals to achieve,” stated Wahler.
Niagara Hospice’s dedication to providing the highest level of care was also recently recognized by the Accreditation Commission for Healthcare, Inc. The ACHC has awarded Niagara Hospice with its accreditation for hospice care.
Accreditation with this organization is a voluntary activity where healthcare organizations submit to peer review of their internal policies, processes and patient care delivery against national standards. By attaining accreditation, Niagara Hospice has demonstrated its commitment to maintain a higher level of competency and desire for excellence in its services and customer satisfaction.
Vice President of Hospice services Catherine Borden stated: “Choosing to undergo the accreditation process is voluntary on our part, and doing so allows our hospice to receive an outside stamp of approval, so to speak, and lets other heath care providers know that when they choose to partner with us in providing care, that level of care will be outstanding.”
The ACHC is a private, not-for-profit corporation which was developed by home care and community-based providers to help companies improve business operations and quality of patient care.
Niagara Hospice provides end-of-life comfort, care and support to Niagara County individuals and their families faced with terminal illnesses. No one is denied hospice care due to ability to pay. Niagara Hospice served over 700 terminally ill patients and their families in Niagara County last year. For more information, call Niagara Hospice at 716/439-4417.
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