Journal Club Vault

Diabetes Management in PALTC – A Brief Update, May 15, 2024

Join special guest, Dr. Naushira Pandya, and your hosts, Dr. Elizabeth Hames and Dr. Kenya Rivas, for this special episode of FMDA’s Journal Club, Diabetes Management in PALTC – A Brief Update.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Strategies to optimize diabetes management in PALTC.
2. Use of newer therapeutic agents to improve cardiorenal outcomes.
3. Potential applications and benefits of wearable diabetes technology.

Click here to view the May 15, 2024 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

Antimicrobial Stewardship & Quality, February 14, 2024

Join special guest, Dr. Swati Gaur, and your host, Dr. Diane Sanders-Cepeda, for this special episode of FMDA’s Journal Club, Antimicrobial Stewardship & Quality.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Revisit current guidance and protocols for Antimicrobial Stewardship in our PALTC facilities.
2. Discuss how we are tackling vaccinations as it relates to COVID, Flu and RSV in our PALTC facilities for both residents and staff.
3. Describe the challenges that PALTC facilities have with the spread of drug resistant pathogens such as Candida auris.
4. Provide examples of interdisciplinary approaches to combatting the over prescribing of antibiotics and share how this impacts the quality of care for PALTC residents.
5. Review how our PALTC Facilities can work with their QIO to educate and implement policies on Antimicrobial Stewardship.

Click here to view the February 14, 2024 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

Legislative Debrief: Qualified Medication Aides in Florida Nursing Homes, February 8, 2023

Join guest panelists, Amina Dubuisson, DNP, MBA/HCM, RN, LNHA, CDP; Deborah Franklin, MHA, NHA; and Toby Philpot, and your host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this special episode of FMDA’s Journal Club, Legislative Debrief: Qualified Medication Aides in Florida Nursing Homes.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Review the proposed Qualified Medication Aides in the Nursing Home Bill.
2. Provide clarity on the scope of practice that Qualified Medication Aides will have in the PALTC facilities.
3. Describe the expected and potential clinical outcomes, taking into consideration insights gained from states with this authorized role.
4. Clearly define the opportunity for advancement offered by this position, and the impact to workflow for our nurses in PALTC facilities.

The following documents are pertinent:

1. Qualified Medication Aide Briefing Document
2. Future of the CNA: Nursing Home Reform Efforts, Staffing Crisis Drive Changes in Key Role | Skilled Nursing News
3. The National Imperative To Improve Nursing Home Quality: Honoring Our Commitment to Residents, Families, and Staff | The National Academies Press

Click here to view the February 8, 2023 Edition of the Journal Club

Winter is Coming – PALTC Preparedness for COVID's Next Surge, Decemeber 21, 2022

Join special guest, Swati Gaur, MD, MBA, CMD, AGSF; and your host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD; for this special episode of FMDA’s Journal Club, Winter is Coming – PALTC Preparedness for COVID's Next Surge.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Review latest COVID projections, modeling for the upcoming months, and the impact to PALTC.
2. Explain the underutilization of bivalent boosters and Paxlovid in PALTC facilities and approaches that should be adopted for improvement.
3. Discuss the challenges, barriers, the ongoing threat of COVID, FLU, and RSV across our PALTC continuum.

Click here to view the December 21, 2022 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

Best Practices for Applying the Baker Act in SNFs, September 21, 2022

Join panelists Eduardo Diaz, MD; Amina Dubuisson, DNP, MSN, RN, PCNS-BC; Karen Goldsmith, Esq.; Gregory A. Sullivan, MD; and your host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD; for this special episode of FMDA’s Journal Club, Best Practices for Applying the Baker Act in SNFs..

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Describe the nuances and complexities around Baker Acts in PALTC facilities.
2. Define the roles that we play in executing Baker Acts in our PALTC facilities.
3. Address the challenges that PALTC facilities and providers face with Baker Acting residents.
4. Review legal and regulatory updates and challenges surrounding Baker Acts.
5. Discuss the appropriate assessment and evaluation that should be conducted prior to initiating a Baker Act.

Click here to view the September 21, 2022 Edition of the Journal Club

Resident Wishes: DNR, POLST, Advanced Care Planning, and More, August 31, 2022

Join special guest, Leonard R. Hock Jr., DO, MACOI, CMD, and our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, Resident Wishes: DNR, POLST, Advanced Care Planning, and More.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Discuss current approaches to advance care planning.
2. Revisit the value and limitations of do-not-resituate (DNR) orders.
3. Describe the opportunities and challenges for Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) in Florida.
4. Discuss the future state of advance care planning, palliative, and hospice care delivery.

Ariadne Labs Serious Illness Conversation: www.ariadnelabs.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/SI-CG-2017-04-21_FINAL.pdf
Vital Talks: www.vitaltalk.org/vitaltalk-apps

Click here to view the August 31, 2022 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

Achieving Quality Now, June 22, 2022

Join our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, as she welcomed special guests, Lynn D’Avico, PharmD, CPh, and Amina Dubuisson, DNP, MSN, RN, PCNS-BC, to this episode of FMDA’s Journal Club, Achieving Quality Now.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Analyze the evolving healthcare landscape and the impact on our PALTC facilities.
2. Define the current state of our PALTC staffing challenges while discussing legislative initiatives that we are adopting in PALTC.
3. Describe how we are approaching infection control and prevention while addressing increased antibiotic usage in many PALTC facilities.
4. Revisit psychotropic stewardship and opioid use reduction efforts and explain what we are currently experiencing in our PALTC facilities.
5. Provide insight on the work that we are doing to decrease preventable hospitalizations and readmissions.

Click here to view the June 22, 2022 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

Long COVID – Clinical Deep Dive, May 11, 2022

Join our host and speaker, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, as we head down the rabbit hole and explore clinical cases, literature, and guidance while continuing the dialogue on the impact of Long COVID, aka. Post-Acute Sequala of COVID (PASC), across the PALTC continuum.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Review current insight into the pathophysiology of Post-Acute Sequala of COVID and duration of this condition.
2. Evaluate the current literature and anecdotal knowledge around Post–Acute Sequala of COVID.
3. Assess our ability to recognize and diagnosis this condition across the PALTC continuum.
4. Discuss clinical interventions and medical management under investigation for Post-Acute Sequala of COVID.
5. Create a dialogue around guidance and guidelines for the management of Post-Acute Sequala of COVID across the PALTC continuum.

We reviewed the following articles:

1. American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation - Phase-Adapted Rehabilitation for Acute Coronavirus Disease-19 Patients and Patient With Long-term Sequelae of Coronavirus Disease-19
2. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society - Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection in nursing homes: Do not forget the most vulnerable
3. Mayo Clinic Proceedings - Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
4. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health - Defining Post-COVID Symptoms (Post-Acute COVID, Long COVID, Persistent Post-COVID): An Integrative Classification

Click here to view the May 11, 2022 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

Meeting the Current Clinical Challenges in PALTC, March 30, 2022

Join special guests, Kenneth Scheppke, MD, FAEMS, and Kimberly R. Smoak, MSH, QIDP, and our host Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, Meeting the Current Clinical Challenges in PALTC.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Review President Biden’s nursing home policy, as laid out in the State of the Union, and varied responses from AMDA and other national organizations.
2. Describe the staffing crisis across our PALTC continuum and the long-lasting impact to our PALTC infrastructure.
3. Deliberate over current state of the state for the COVID pandemic and the preparedness required for an endemic response in PALTC.
4. Discuss practical implications for second boosters and our current SNF vaccine policies as they stand today.

Click here to view the March 30, 2022 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

Cardiology Updates, February 23, 2022

Join special guests, Bernardo J. Reyes, MD, CMD, AGSF; Shannu Satyavolu, MD; and our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, Cardiology Updates.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Discuss the latest hot topics and clinical trends impacting the PALTC community.
2. Deep dive into atrial fibrillation with the review of USPTSF recent screening for atrial fibrillation guidance.
3. Describe the impact to of this atrial fibrillation guidance on the geriatric population.
4. Define the practical implications for providers practicing across the PALTC continuum.

We reviewed the following articles:

1. JAMA – Screening for Atrial Fibrillation | Updated Evidence Report and Systematic Review for the US Preventive Services Task Force
2. JAMA – Screening for Atrial Fibrillation | US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendation Statement
3. JAMA Network OPEN – Screening for Atrial Fibrillation | Refining the Target

Click here to view the February 23, 2022 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID Pharmaceutical Update, January 19, 2022

Join special guests, Corey Bishop, RN, CRRN, CRNI; Ginny Hoar, PharmD; Terry O'Shea, PharmD, BCGP; and our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, COVID Pharmaceutical Update.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Discuss current state of pharmaceutical management of COVID in PALTC facilities.
2. Describe the challenges and opportunities seen statewide and nationally with the delivery of monoclonal antibodies in PALTC facilities as we combat the omicron variant.
3. Analyze novel treatments for COVID and address how PALTC facilities can get access to the medications.
4. Review the current state of vaccinations and boosters for PALTC residents, staff, and what we can expect if 4th shots are approved.

Click here to view the January 19, 2022 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

Nursing Home Staffing Perils, November 17, 2021

Join special guest, Susan Jensvold, RN, and our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, Nursing Home Staffing Perils.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Describe the staffing crisis that we are experiencing across our PALTC facilities.
2. Discuss the variables that may be contributing to our staff shortage including vaccine mandates, COVID infections amongst staff, and other stressors.
3. Review NH strike team funding and discuss how our facilities can engage in this process.
4. Provide insight into a day in the life of our nursing staff.

Click here to view the November 17, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

What's Then? What's Now? What's Up?, October 20, 2021

Join your host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, What's Then? What's Now? What's Up?

This session was high impact, high yield, and focused on the following learning objectives:

1. Provide an overview of current state of the state for the COVID-19 pandemic with discussion of clinical trends and metrics.
2. Discuss recent literature and clinical updates covering COVID-19 and more.
3. Describe the current staffing challenges that PALTC is facing statewide and across the country.
4. Address the future state of PALTC by detailing the challenges and opportunities we face in the PALTC community.

Click here to view the October 20, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

The Thing About Boosters, September 22, 2021

Join special guest, Swati Gaur, MD, MBA, CMD, AGSF, and our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, The Thing About Boosters.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Discuss the current guidance and clinical research surrounding 3rd shots/boosters.
2. Unpack the ethical considerations associated with boosters.
3. Identify how we in the in PALTC community should be approaching boosters for our PALTC residents and geriatric patients.

Click here to view the September 22, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

Special Edition: COVID-19 Call to Action, August 19, 2021

Join our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this Special Edition of FMDA's Journal Club, COVID-19 Call to Action.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Address current state of the state, hotspots, and trends with COVID-19 infections across the country.
2. Describe the differences in infection rates seen with the Delta variant and discuss which other variants have been identified.
3. Analyze current staff vaccination rates and review FMDA’s SNF Staff Vaccine Confidence Initiative progress in tackling vaccine hesitancy.
Examine monoclonal antibody updated guidance and review the challenges of using this treatment in PALTC settings.
5. Review current guidance on administering 3rd shots of mRNA vaccines for immunocompromised patients and define who the “immunocompromised” are.

Click here to view the August 19, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

Variants, Vaccinations, and SNF Preparedness, July 28, 2021

Join special guests Leslie Eber, MD, CMD, and Sing Palat, MD, CMD, and our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, Variants, Vaccinations, and SNF Preparedness.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Provide an overview of current state of the state with discussion of clinical trends and metrics.
2. Discuss current surges in COVID cases across the country and breakthrough cases of COVID in vaccinated populations.
3. Describe SNF preparedness in tackling this current COVID surge and enhanced protocols developed to combat the rise in cases associated with Delta Variant.
4. Review the ongoing challenge of staff vaccinations and approaches to addressing vaccine apathy and hesitancy.

Click here to view the July 28, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Long Haulers, June 23, 2021

Join our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, COVID-19 Impact: Long Haulers.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Discuss how to distinguish between skin manifestations related to COVID-19 and similar looking etiologies, such as shingles and deep tissue pressure ulcers/injuries.
2. Describe the Chronic Symptoms experienced by many COVID survivors.
3. Analyze the current literature and review pathophysiology proposed to be associated with this condition.
4. Review clinical approaches being utilized to treat and provide rehabilitation to patients experiencing Chronic COVID symptoms.
5. Discuss the impact of persistent COVID symptoms on our recovering residents in PALTC.

Click here to view the June 23, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Understanding COVID-19 Skin Manifestations, June 9, 2021

Join special guests, Victoria Nalls, PhD, GNP-BC, CWS, ACHPN, Pamela Scarborough, PT, DPT, CWS, FAAWC, and our host Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, COVID-19 Impact: Understanding COVID-19 Skin Manifestations.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Discuss how to distinguish between skin manifestations related to COVID-19 and similar looking etiologies, such as shingles and deep tissue pressure ulcers/injuries.
2. Provide helpful documentation considerations for wounds that develop as a result of, or are stalled in their healing trajectory due to COVID-19.
3. Discuss COVID-19 long–haulers and the issues that arise with wound development and wound healing.
4. Introduce COVID-19 Skin Manifestations Campaign and discuss how facilities can participate.

Click here to view the June 9, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

Racial Inequalities & Disparities: An Ongoing PALTC Challenge, May 26, 2021

Join special guest, Brette Svensson, DNP, MSN, AGPCNP-BC, and our host Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, Racial Inequalities & Disparities: An Ongoing PALTC Challenge.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Discuss the healthcare disparities seen during this COVID - 19 pandemic, and the impact that we have seen to our PALTC communities.
2. Examine the longstanding healthcare challenges produced by racial inequities and disparities.
3. Summarize the impact of microaggressions and unconscious bias on care delivery in PALTC.
4. Understand our roles in providing advocacy for health equity and parity in PALTC.

Click here to view the May 26, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Tackling SNF Vaccine Hesitancy, May 12, 2021

Join special guest, Leonard Hock, DO, MACOI, CMD, FAAHPM, HMDC, and our host Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, COVID-19 Impact: Tackling SNF Vaccine Hesitancy.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Address ongoing approaches to addressing vaccine Hesitancy within our PALTC community.
2. Discuss the perspectives of clinical and administrative leaders by sharing our experiences.
3. Report on FMDA’s SNF Vaccine Hesitancy initiative and the steps we are taking to increase vaccine confidence within the PALTC community.

Click here to view the May 12, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Evolving Infection Control in PALTC, April 28, 2021

Join special guest, Swati Gaur MD, MBA, CMD, and our host Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, COVID-19 Impact: Evolving Infection Control in PALTC.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Address the current challenges PALTC are facing at this stage of the Pandemic.
2. Review how PALTC facilities are approaching the regulations and mandates set forth in the new legislation.
3. Discuss local community surges in COVID cases and the risk for outbreaks in PALTC facilities.
4. Address vaccinations in LTC and the ongoing challenge of vaccine hesitancy.

Click here to view the April 28, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: The Roundup, April 14, 2021

Join our host Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, COVID 19 Impact: The Roundup.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Provide an in-depth State of the State for COVID-19 impact in the US and Florida.
2. Review national and state trends, and discuss the surging cases in COVID-19
3. Discuss local, state, and national vaccination strategies.
4. Provide insight into utilization of monoclonal antibodies in our communities and facilities.
5. Review research and provide clinical updates concerning COVID-19 and Non-COVID conditions.

Click here to view the April 14, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 and Advocacy: Advocacy for the PALTC Clinician, March 31, 2021

Join special guest, Christian Bergman, MD, CMD, and our host Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, COVID-19 and Advocacy: Advocacy for the PALTC Clinician.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Better understand methods and ways of engaging in advocacy.
2. Access tools necessary to effectively engage in public policy.
3. Distinguish between advocacy and lobbying.
4. Engage with media in a best practice manner while focusing on delivering a concise message.
5. Network with colleagues and build a network of PALTC "change agents".

Click here to view the March 31, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Progress Report, March 17, 2021

Join special guest, Kimberly R. Smoak, MSH, QIDP, and our host Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, COVID-19 Impact: Progress Report.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Review the progress we have made since the onset of this pandemic.
2. Discuss the challenges faced by our SNFs and ALFs and the steps taken to resolve those issues.
3. Describe the gains we have made with vaccinations in our facilities and the obstacles we still need to overcome.
4. Evaluate the future state for our facilities and the improvements we need to make to our PALTC infrastructure.

Click here to view the March 17, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Special Edition: Revisiting Vaccinations – Are We There Yet? March 3, 2021

Join special guest, Leslie Beth Eber, MD, CMD, and our host Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, COVID-19 Special Edition: Revisiting Vaccinations – Are We There Yet?

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Address continued vaccine hesitancy and strategies to achieve vaccine confidence
2. Review the three options presented by CDC for continued vaccination in LTC
3. Discuss AMDA’s ongoing efforts to continue vaccination offerings in our facilities

Click here to view the March 3, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Monoclonal Antibody Use in PALTC, February 24, 2021

Join special guests, Corinne Bishop, RN, CRRN, CRNI; Christopher Lemelle, MD, MBA; and our host Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD; for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, COVID-19 Impact: Monoclonal Antibody Use in PALTC.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Review current perspective and current research related to the use of monoclonal antibodies
2. Discuss operational considerations when starting this treatment program in PALTC facilities
3. Describe the challenges and opportunities seen statewide and nationally with the delivery of this treatment in PALTC facilities

Click here to view the Febrary 24, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Vaccines, Variants, and More, February 10, 2021

Join our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, COVID-19 Impact: Vaccines, Variants, and More.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Review current state and national trends
2. Provide clinical updates regarding vaccination distribution and administration
3. Discuss our current understanding around COVID-19 variants and the impact they are having on COVID-19 treatments and vaccine effectiveness
4. Discuss vaccine confidence and strategies to target vaccine hesitancy among residents, staff, and the greater population

Click here to view the Febrary 10, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Skin Manifestation, January 27, 2021

Join special guest, Pamela Scarborough, PT, DPT, CWS, FAAWC, and our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA's Journal Club, COVID-19 Impact: Skin Manifestation.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Call for action for specific COVID-19 skin related education;
2. Propagate awareness of COVID-19 skin manifestations in the medical and lay communities;
3. ICD-10 code for COVID-19 skin manifestations for proper reporting to CMS;
4. Collect meaningful numbers of specific skin manifestations of silent COVID-19 from the long-term care setting.

Click here to view the January 27, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Today & Tomorrow, January 13, 2021

Join our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for FMDA's first Journal Club session of 2021, COVID-19 Impact: Today & Tomorrow.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Provide an in-depth State of the State for COVID-19 impact in the US and in Florida
2. Review rates of infection and strategies around identifying the new variant strain of COVID-19
3. Discuss Florida’s vaccination strategy and goals for achieving vaccination targets
4. Review the challenges we have seen around vaccine aversion and the ongoing opportunity to build vaccine confidence
5. Provide insight into the healthcare disparities seen within our nursing facilities and geriatric populations as it relates to COVID-19 infection rates and outcomes

Click here to view the January 13, 2021 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Building Vaccine Confidence, December 16, 2020

Join special guest, Leslie Eber, MD, CMD, and our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for FMDA's last Journal Club session of the year, COVID-19 Impact: Building Vaccine Confidence.

Our learning objectives for this session were:

1. Discuss what we need to do to build Vaccine Confidence across the PALTC continuum, and review current strategies and guidance
2. Provide an update around current vaccinations, Emergency Use Authorizations, and our next steps regarding vaccine distributions
3. Review what we know now after initial vaccine administration in other countries
4. Review the Vaccine pipeline and new updates regarding current and emerging therapeutics
5. Discuss the State and Federal Vaccination distribution plans and phases and how it impacts PALTC clinical providers

Click here to view the December 16, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Headwinds, December 2, 2020

This episode describes current clinical trends and the differences that we are seeing with this current surge in cases, discusses recent clinical updates and relevant literature regarding vaccinations and monoclonal antibodies, reviews what we now know about COVID-19, it's manifestations, and the impact that we are seeing months later, and discusses ongoing facility preparedness, immunity, and revisits the plans to distribute the vaccine in our facilities.


Click here to view the December 2, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Preparing for a Vaccine, November 18, 2020

Join special guest, Ginny Hoar, PharmD, as she joins our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA’s Journal Club, COVID-19 Impact: Preparing for a Vaccine.

This episode provides an update around the current vaccination trials and the reported progress, discusses the federal and state vaccination distribution plans, reviews the role of the LTC consultant pharmacist in distributing the vaccine, and describes the preparedness strategies that facilities will need to engage in to distribute this vaccine to their residents and staff.


Click here to view the November 18, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Navigating the Potholes, November 4, 2020

Join special guest, Alfonso Gonzalez-Rodriguez, MD, as he joins our host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this episode of FMDA’s Journal Club, COVID-19 Impact: Navigating the Potholes.

This episode reviews the latest stats and trends impacting our facilities during this pandemic, provides clinical updates and reviews relevant clinical literature, discusses operationalizing state and national guidance in our facilities, addresses the changes to our clinical providers workflow, and describes solutions and strategies implemented by our clinicians on the front lines.


Click here to view the November 4, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Our Ongoing Journey, October 7, 2020

FMDA's Journal Club host, Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, provides a high-level review of our current status in this pandemic, revisiting where we have been and where we are going; discusses guidance from the CMS Commission, medical societies, academic institutions, and some state’s departments of health; defines the best care practice recommendations that have been revealed; discusses how we move these concepts and recommendations forward; and takes time to reflect, and openly discuss our personal journeys while living through this pandemic.


Click here to view the October 7, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: The Next Wave of Challenges, September 23, 2020

Special guest, Muhammad Salman Ashraf, MBBS; Associate Professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, at University of Nebraska Medical Center, joins your host Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this edition of FMDA’s Journal Club, COVID-19 Impact: The Next Wave of Challenges.

This session: reviews the latest testing guidance from CMS for nursing facilities; discusses reopening guidance, and the steps we need to consider to assure the safety of our residents and staff; addresses preparedness to manage both COVID-19 and the flu in our facilities; describes where we are currently with this pandemic, and the vaccination trials that are ongoing; and analyzes what needs to be next in terms of infection control and prevention policies for PALTC.


Click here to view the September 23, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Creating and Managing a COVID-19 Designated Unit, September 9, 2020

Special guests Connie Cheren, RN, MSW, LeadingAge Florida Clinical and Compliance Specialist; Dr. Karl Dhana, SVP Medical Affairs; Robert Morin, Director of Facilities; Carmen Shell, SVP Health Center; and Stephen Shell, Risk Manager, joined Dr. Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this edition of FMDA's Journal Club.

This session addressed: the steps to take when starting or improving a COVID-19 unit; identifying the major infection control, operational, and staffing features that should be included in the planning process; learning about initiatives to avoid staff burnout, stress, and fear of contracting the virus; identifying ways to use PPE more efficiently without compromising the safety of staff; and how the medical director can support the COVID-19 care team.


Click here to view the September 9, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: All Things Missed, August 26, 2020

In this edition of FMDA’s Journal Club, special guest Elizabeth Galik, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, FAANP, joins Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, to discuss the health impact to the non-COVID patient and concerns regarding delaying care, emerging and impactful research outside of the COVID scope, and the longstanding psychosocial impact of COVID-19 to both patients and providers.


Click here to view the August 26, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Pharmaceutical Updates and Emerging Research, August 12, 2020

Special guest Dana Saffel, PharmD, DPh, CGP, FASCP, joins host Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for the this edition of FMDA’s Journal Club. This session examines: emerging pharmaceutical research regarding treatments and vaccinations, current medications being utilized for the management of COVID-19 both in acute and subacute settings, compassionate medication use including how to address conflicting research, and insights into how we should be working with consultant pharmacists in our facilities.


Click here to view the August 12, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Addressing the Public Health Challenge, August 5, 2020

Special guest, Sean Cannone, DO, CMD, joins Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, on this edition of FMDA’s Journal Club to discuss: the development of a population health strategy to meet the demands of this pandemic, the unique challenges presented by Nursing Homes and ALF’s, advocating for your health system at the local and state level, the steps required to meet the needs of a diverse population, and how Dr. Cannone’s team addressed social determinants of health and healthcare disparities.


Click here to view the August 5, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Clinical Trends, Advances, and Healthcare Disparities, July 29, 2020

Join Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, for this edition of FMDA’s Journal Club where we reviewed all relevant updates and research around COVID-19, clinical advances and emerging best care recommendations, and discussed healthcare disparities related to COVID-19 and the impacts across the PALTC Continuum.


Click here to view the July 29, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

COVID-19 Impact: Post COVID Sequelae and the Long Road to Recovery, July 21, 2020

Special guest panelists Elaine Healy, MD, CMD, and Elizabeth Vandevelde, ARNP, join host Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, in their return to FMDA's Journal Club to discuss what conditions we're seeing s/p recovery from COVID-19, rehabilitation changes following this condition, and how we prepare to treat and manage patients who have persistent symptoms following recovery.


Click here to view the July 21, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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COVID-19 Impact: Clinical & Regulatory Updates, July 15, 2020

This session, hosted by Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, featured special guest Kimberly Smoak, MSH, QIDP, Chief of Field Operations, Health Quality Assurance, Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration.


Click here to view the July 15, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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COVID-19: Leading the Battle, July 8, 2020

This session includes: operationalizing the response in skilled nursing facilities; the impact on the morale of nurses and staff, and the difficulties of maintaining a workforce through this pandemic; managing a SNF through an outbreak and addressing the possibility of achieving and maintaining “COVID-free” status; the role of the Medical Director during this pandemic and the responsibility of PALTC clinicians; how SNFs should be managing visitation and vendors; the evolution of Telehealth in facilities; and the variability and variance from county-to-county and state-to-state.

Hosted by: Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD
Special Guest: Elizabeth Borer, RN


Click here to view the July 8, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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COVID-19: In the Trenches, June 24, 2020

This session looks at the opportunities and challenges of providing primary/geriatric care to patients in the outpatient and LTC setting during this pandemic – including practice limitations, the evolving roles and responsibilities of a medical director in PALTC, and practice management insights and strategies.

Hosted by: Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD
Special Guest Panelists: Dr. Thomas Edwards, Dr. Elizabeth Hames, Dr. Brian Kiedrowski, and Dr. Dan Kaplan


Click here to view the June 24, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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COVID-19 Overview: Current State, Challenges, and Opportunities, June 17, 2020

This session, hosted by Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, features special guest Bernardo J. Reyes, MD, CMD, Assistant Professor of Integrated Medical Science, Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University. .


Click here to view the June 17, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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COVID-19: Telehealth in the Time of Pandemic in PALTC, June 10, 2020

This session, hosted by Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, features special guest Robert A. Zorowitz, MD, MBA, FACP, AGSF, CMD, as he discusses telehealth in post-acute and long-term care during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Click here to view the June 10, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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COVID-19: Evolving Our Infection Control Policies and Response, June 3, 2020

This session, hosted by Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, features special guest Joseph Mylotte, MD, Professor Emeritus of Medicine, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY.


Click here to view the June 3, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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COVID-19: Behavioral Health Impact, May 27, 2020

This session, hosted by Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, features special guest Marc Agronin, MD, as the Journal Club addresses the behavioral health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Click here to view the May 27, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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COVID-19: Clinical Deep Dive into the Research – Part II, May 20, 2020

1. Review all relevant updates and literature around COVID-19
2. Discuss data and revelations from ongoing clinical trials
3. Review emerging best practices

Click here to view the May 20, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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COVID-19: Stories from the Front Lines, May 13, 2020

Hosted by Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, this session features special guests: Gregory James, DO, MPH, CMD; Renee Lebon, RN, NHA; Elizabeth VandeVelde, RN, MSN, ANP-CRN, MSN, ANP-C; and Bertha Carrion, ARNP, DNP, FNP.

Topics include challenges around obtaining PPE, successes and barriers to treating in place and delivering care via telehealth, and the uphill battle of unnecessary hospitalizations.


Click here to view the May 13, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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COVID-19: Advance Care Planning, April 29, 2020

This session, hosted by Diane Sanders-Cepeda, DO, CMD, features an expert panel discussion with Maria Gonzalez, MD, FAAFP, CMD, and Naushira Pandya, MD, CMD, FACP.


Click here to view the April 29, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
Click here to access the PowerPoint Slides

Treating COVID-19+ Patients in Place: Clinical Deep Dive into the Research, April 22, 2020

This session reviews all relevant updates and literature around COVID-19 with emphasis on typical and atypical clinical presentation, innovations around testing, evolving pharmaceutical landscape, and of course, practical implications.


Click here to view the April 22, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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Treating COVID-19+ Patients in Place in PA/LTC: Part III – Facility Readiness, April 16, 2020

1. Cohorting Patients
2. Reducing Transmission
3. Safely Using and Conserving PPE

Click here to view the April 16, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club

Treating COVID-19+ Patients in Place in PA/LTC: Part II – Pharmaceutical Management, April 8, 2020

Click here to view the April 8, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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The Opportunities and Challenges of Treating COVID-19 Positive PALTC Residents in Place, April 1, 2020

Click here to view the April 1, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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COVID-19 Update: Guidance from the State and Teleheatlh Coding, March 25, 2020

Click here to view the March 25, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club
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These are the 3 articles we reviewed on Wednesday, February 19, 2020

1. Deprescribing as a Clinical Improvement Focus
2. Physician Perspectives on Deprescribing Cardiovascular Medications for Older Adults
3. Older Adults’ Awareness of Deprescribing: A Population-Based Survey

Click here to view the February 19, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club

These are the 3 articles we reviewed on Wednesday, January 22, 2020

1. Predictive Accuracy of Frailty Tools for Adverse Outcomes in a Cohort of Adults 80 Years and Older: A Decision Curve Analysis
2. A New Functional Classification Based on Frailty and Disability Stratifies the Risk for Mortality Among Older Adults: The FRADEA Study
3. Translating Frailty Research Into Clinical Practice: Insights From the Successful Aging and Frailty Evaluation Clinic

Click here to view the January 22, 2020 Edition of the Journal Club

These are the 3 articles we reviewed on Thursday, November 21, 2019

1. Post-acute and Long-term Care Settings as First Responders for the Surviving Sepsis Campaign
2. Can Sepsis Be Detected in the Nursing Home Prior to the Need for Hospital Transfer
3. Early Identification and Management of Sepsis in Nursing Facilities: Challenges and Opportunities

Click here to view the November 21, 2019 Edition of the Journal Club

These are the 2 articles we reviewed on Wednesday, August 28, 2019

1. Cross-Country Validation of the Association Between Oral Health and General Health in Community-Dwelling Older Adults
2. Oral Health, Disability and Physical Function
3. Improving Nursing Home Residents’ Oral Hygiene NH Residents

These are the 2 articles we reviewed on Wednesday, July 31, 2019

1. Quality of Life and Pain Medication Use in Persons With Advanced Dementia Living...
2. Managing Paratonia in Persons With Dementia

These are the 2 articles we reviewed on Wednesday, June 19, 2019

1. Visit-to-Visit Blood Pressure Variability and Progression of White Matter Hyperintensities Among Older People With Hypertension
2. Treatment of Hypertension in People With Dementia: A Multicenter Prospective Observational Cohort Study
3. Predicting Future Health Transitions Among Newly Admitted Nursing Home Residents With Heart Failure
4. Risk of Readmission After Discharge From Skilled Nursing Facilities Following Heart Failure Hospitalization: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Click here to view the June 12th, 2019 Edition of the Journal Club

These are the 2 articles we reviewed on Wednesday, May 30, 2019

1. Treatment of Hypertension in People With Dementia
2. Visit-to-Visit Blood Pressure Variability and Progression of White Matter Hyperintensities Among Older People With Hypertension

These are the 2 articles we reviewed on Wednesday, March 27, 2019

1. Thirty-Day Postdischarge Mortality Among Black and White Patients 65 Years
2. Patient Outcomes After Hospital Discharge to Home With Home Health Care vs to a Skilled Nursing Facility

These are the 2 articles we reviewed on Wednesday, February 27, 2019

1. Assessing the Scope and Appropriateness of Prescribing Cascades
2. American Geriatrics Society 2019 Updated AGS Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults

These are the 3 articles we reviewed on Wednesday, January 29, 2019

1. The Underappreciated Role of Low Muscle Mass in the Management of Malnutrition
2. Association of Body Mass Index With Disability
3. Association of Frailty and Malnutrition With Long-term Functional and Mortality Outcomes

These are the 2 articles we reviewed on Wednesday, November 28, 2018

1. Impact of Atrial Fibrillation on Falls in Older Patients
2. Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, and Warfarin in the Oldest Adults with Atrial Fibrillation in Taiwan

Click here to view to the November 28, 2018 Edition of the Journal Club

This is the the 1 article we reviewed on Wednesday, September 19, 2018

1. Screening for Osteoporosis to Prevent Fractures

These are 2 published articles we reviewed on Wednesday, August 22, 2018

1. Obesity Paradox


2. Effect of Obesity on Postacute Outcomes of Skilled Nursing Facility Residents with Hip Fracture

These are 2 published articles we reviewed on Wednesday, July 25, 2018

1. Randomized Trial of Verubecestat for Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease


2. Anticholinergic drugs and risk of dementia: case-control study

These are 7 published articles we reviewed on Wednesday, April 18, 2018

1. 2017 Summary Hypertension Guideline


2. 2017 Summary Hypertension Guideline


3. HTN Guideline Resource for Practicing Clinicians


4. Highlights From The 2017 Guideline HTN Guidlines Too Much Too Little


5. 2017 High Blood Pressure Clinical Practice Guideline


6. 2017 Blood Pressure Guideline Slides


7. Highlight Reel -ACC/AHA HTN Guideline 2017

This is the 1 published article that we reviewed on Wednesday, March 14, 2018

1. 2017 ACC Expert Consensus Decision Pathway for Optimization of Heart Failure Treatment

These are 2 published articles that we reviewed on February 21, 2017

1. Diabetes Care and Dementia Among Older Adults: A Nationwide 3-Year Longitudinal Study


2. Prevalence of Long-Term Opioid Use in Long-Stay Nursing Home Residents

These are 2 published articles that we reviewed on January 17, 2017

1. Discontinuing Inappropriate Medication Use in Nursing Home Residents A Cluster Randomized


2. An Even Distribution of Protein Intake Daily Promotes Protein Adequacy but Does Not Influence Nutritional Status in Institutionalized Elderly

These are 3 published articles that we reviewed on November 15, 2017

1. Surveillance Definitions of Infections in Long-Term Care Facilities


2. Template for an Antibiotic Stewardship Policy for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Settings


3. Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance in the Elderly: Updates and Controversies

These are 3 published articles that we reviewed on October 14, 2017

1. Choosing Wisely? Measuring the Burden of Medications in Older Adults near the End of Life:Nationwide, Longitudinal Cohort Study


2. Antipsychotics to Treat Agitation or Psychosis in Patients With Dementia


3. Colorectal Cancer Screening and Surveillance in the Elderly: Updates and Controversies

These are 3 published articles that we reviewed on August 23, 2017

1. Temporal Trends in the Numbers of Skilled Nursing Facility Specialists From 2007 Through 2014


2. Growth of Skilled Nursing Facility Specialists: Navigating Between What Is Ideal and What Is Practical


3. Reducing Excessive Use of Antipsychotic Agents in Nursing Homes

These were the two published articles that we reviewed in June 2017. The titles include,

1. Deprescribing proton pump inhibitors
2. Systematic Review of Interventions to Reduce Urinary Tract Infection in Nursing Home Residents

These were the four published articles that we reviewed in April 2017. The titles include,

1. Introduction for the FDA Blueprint for Prescriber Education for Extended-Release and Long-Acting Opioid Analgesics
2. CDC GUIDELINE FOR PRESCRIBING OPIOIDS FOR CHRONIC PAIN
3. CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain — United States, 2016
4. Association of Opioids with Falls, Fractures, and Physical Performance among Older Men with Persistent Musculoskeletal Pain

These were the four published articles that we reviewed in February 2017. The titles include,

1. Stopping antibiotics after 5 days in clinically stable community-acquired pneumonia was noninferior to usual care
2. Duration of Antibiotic Treatment in Community-Acquired Pneumonia A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
3. Duration of Antibiotic Treatment in Community-Acquired Pneumonia A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial
4. Management of Adults With Hospital-acquired and Ventilator-associated Pneumonia: 2016 Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the American Thoracic Society

These were the three published articles that we reviewed in January 2017. The titles include,

1. Association of β-Blockers With Functional Outcomes, Death, and Rehospitalization in Older Nursing Home Residents After Acute Myocardial Infarction
2. Supplementary Online Content
3. Appropriate use of serum troponin testing in general practice: a narrative review

These were the five published articles that we reviewed on November 15, 2016. The titles include,

1. Cranberry for Prevention of Urinary Tract Infection?
2. Effect of Cranberry Capsules on Bacteriuria Plus Pyuria Among Older Women in Nursing Homes
3. Medications Associated with Geriatric Syndrome (MAGS) and their Prevalence in Older Hospitalized Adults Discharged to Skilled Nursing Facilities
4. Medications Associated with Geriatric Syndrome (MAGS) and their Prevalence in Older Hospitalized Adults Discharged to Skilled Nursing Facilities
5. Medications Associated With Geriatric Syndromes and Their Prevalence in Older Hospitalized Adults Discharged to Skilled Nursing Facilities

These were the five published articles that we reviewed on October 15, 2016. The titles include,

1. Elder Abuse in Nursing Homes: How Do We Advance the Field of Elder Justice?
2. Preoperative Frailty Assessment and Outcomes at 6 Months or Later in Older Adults Undergoing Cardiac Surgical Procedures
3. Frailty and Surgical Decision Making
4. Journal Club
5. The Prevalence of Resident-to-Resident Elder Mistreatment inNursing Homes

These were the three published articles that we reviewed on August 24, 2016. The titles include,

1. 6-PACK programme to decrease fall injuries in acute hospitals: cluster randomised controlled trial
2. Comparative Survival among Older Adults with Advanced Kidney Disease Managed Conservatively Versus with Dialysis
3. Does the Evidence Support Conservative Management as an Alternative to Dialysis for Older Patients with Advanced Kidney Disease?

These were the 2 published articles that we reviewed on July 13, 2016. The titles include,

1. Efficacy and Harms of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in the Elderly for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation and Secondary Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism
2. Intensive vs Standard Blood Pressure Control and Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes in Adults Aged ≥75 Years

These were the three published articles that we reviewed on June 15, 2016. The titles include,

1. Importation, Antibiotics, and Clostridium difficile Infection in Veteran Long-Term Care
2. Effect of Dextromethorphan-Quinidine on Agitation in Patients With Alzheimer Disease Dementia A Randomized Clinical Trial
3. Dextromethorphan and Quinidine for Treating Agitation in Patients With Alzheimer Disease Dementia

These are the three published articles that we reviewed on May 16, 2014 and they are all from JAMA Internal Medicine. The titles include,

1. Safety and Benefit of Discontinuing Statin Therapy in the Setting of Advanced, Life-Limiting Illness: A Randomized Clinical Trial
2. Hip Fracture: A Trigger for Palliative Care in Vulnerable Older Adults
3. Survival and Functional Outcomes After Hip Fracture: Among Nursing Home Residents