What encourages people to perform to the best of their abilities? Research has shown how a person feels is often more important than what they earn. A 2013 study of 1,200 U.S. employees from a broad cross-section of industries found 70% of respondents reported their most meaningful recognition “had no dollar value”. The study also found:

  • 83% said recognition for contributions was more fulfilling than rewards or gifts;

  • 76% found peer praise very or extremely motivating;

  • 88% found praise from managers very or extremely motivating;

  • 90% said a “fun work environment” was very or extremely motivating (Lipman, 2013).

What makes positive feedback such a motivating force?  Scientific research has shown pride, pleasure, and increased feelings of self-esteem are all common reactions to being paid a compliment. Being praised triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control the reward and pleasure centers of the brain. Natural dopamine can make us feel good and contribute to innovative thinking and creative problem-solving.

It is important to note these positive effects, can be relatively short-lived. The best chance for praise to have an enduring impact is to offer it regularly. Also relevant is the way in which the praise is delivered. When only genuine achievements are recognized, it can increase credibility. Empty words have little or no value. It is possible for unearned praise to do more harm than no recognition at all. It is also helpful for leaders to be specific about which aspects of their team members’ performance are impressive and why (The Toolkit for Managers, 2014).

Additional benefits to recognition:

  • Recognition can occur almost immediately without having to submit requests to payroll and wait for a paycheck. Recognize team members as close as possible to the event for maximum impact.

  • A timely public thank you, extra leave, a prime parking spot for a month, or leaving early on a Friday, can create a passionate, hard-working team committed to growing and improving the company (Thompson, 2016).

  • Recognition is relational, whereas monetary rewards are transactional.

  • Recognition is non-transferable, it can not be removed or exchanged.

  • Recognition can happen anytime someone notices positive behaviors of another. It can be beneficial for team members to know how they are doing before a result is achieved(Saunderson, 2013).

Money is important and there is a time and place for monetary rewards. However, it appears that positive feedback can be both more effective and more efficient when recognizing team members. Possibly, the most important tools for motivating people and keep them performing to the best of their abilities is right on the tip of the tongue.

We are entering a season full of friends, full of family, full of fun. It’s a time overflowingly full. It can be difficult to balance all the things we need and want to do this time of year.  Holiday merriment may cross the line into mental, physical, and emotional stress.   Consider a way to stay centered and check in with yourself regularly, in as little as 5 to 10 minutes a day, yoga can help you maintain your physical health and your sanity. Breathing through one nostril at a time or taking an easy forward fold can stop a headache before it starts and release the tension in your neck and shoulders.  There is also the surprisingly effective “legs up the wall” pose. Seriously if you have not tried this one yet, give it a whirl, your nervous system will thank you!

Here is a quick reference for a few poses designed to de-stress your mind and relax your body. The links below add a few more helpful poses as well as some guidance on when, where, and how long to practice for maximum benefit.

https://yogatime.tv/blog/yoga-poses-for-stress-relief/

https://www.doyouyoga.com/10-yoga-poses-for-instant-calm-during-the-holidays/

Enjoy the rest of your 2018, and we will see you next year!

Contributed by staff writer Amanda Fraraccio

We ended 2018 by giving our readers some ways to take care of themselves during the busy holiday season.  As we get back to regular work routines and start off a new year let’s look at how to take care of ourselves at work.  Sonographers and technical assistants in clinic can encounter long busy days.  We know our team members are intent on providing quality care and a good patient experience, often this includes sacrificing their own needs.

When you have patients back-to-back it can be a challenge to eat nutritiously, or even to eat at all. Eating in cafeterias or on-site restaurants or grabbing empty calorie snacks from a vending machine are not always the healthiest options.

Here are a few tips for healthy eating:

Prepare ahead, buy healthy items at the beginning of the week and take a few moments at home to chop and prep fruits and vegetables. Portion healthy snacks into single serving containers that you can pack into a cooler daily to bring to work.

Stay hydrated, bring a large water bottle and keep it next to you to drink throughout the day.

Relax when eating, even if it’s just a quick snack take a few slow deep breaths before you take your first bits, this helps reduce stress and assist your body in proper digestion (Meyer, 2009).

Eat something at least every 6 hours (preferable every 4 hours). On days when you are unable to sit down for a break try to find at least a few minutes to eat a high-fiber protein bar (one with at least 5 g of fiber and 7 g of protein to increase satiety), or to consume a meal-replacement drink (Meyer, 2009).

Limit vending-machine snacks. If the vending machine is your only option at any given time, choose a more nutritious snack (a granola bar, wheat chips, or peanut butter and crackers, for instance) instead of candy (Meyer, 2009).

 Examples of quick healthy foods to snack on include those high in soluble fiber and antioxidants such as:

An apple with raw almonds.

Hummus with raw veggies like bell peppers, carrots, and jicama.

Greek yogurt with a tablespoon of chia seeds and berries.

Many other nuts and seeds like pistachios and sunflower seeds (Reed, 2014).

 Making a few changes in your eating habits can have a huge impact on your energy level, job performance, and overall health. It can be tempting to forego your own needs to care for patients, however in the long run both provider and client suffer when our team members are not taking care of themselves.

So, buy a cute lunch bag (amazon has some great budget friendly options) and let’s start taking better care of ourselves this year.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077GQ7SMJ/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_QmmoCbTJVGM9X

 For more resources on easy healthful snacks visit these websites:

https://www.snacknation.com/blog/healthy-office-snacks/

http://stiritup.me/snack-time/

 

References

Meyer, K. (2009, September/October). Nutrition tips for nurses who work shifts. Retrieved from American Nurse today: https://www.americannursetoday.com/nutrition-tips-for-nurses-who-work-shifts/

Reed, D. (2014, September 30). Eating healthy for nurses: Nutrition basics to promote healthy for nurses and patients. Retrieved from The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing: http://ojin.nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJIN/TableofContents/Vol-19-2014/No3-Sept-2014/Healthy-Eating-for-Healthy-Nurses.html

Contributed by staff writer Amanda Fraraccio

We kicked off the new year with a look at nutrition tips for self-care in the work place.  This month we outline suggestions for approaching daily schedules intentionally and mindfully.  These practices can go a long way in maintaining sanity and improving patient care. Here are some tips for staying on track during the work day.

Give the task at hand undivided attention

When evaluating the daily schedule anticipate working in breaks, even quick ones, to refocus. Try to avoid stopping mid task for a rest.  Keeping the mind focused takes practice.  Build this mental concentration muscle by being aware of times the mind wanders and consciously redirect focus to the current task (Komar, 2016).

Create realistic time frames

It can be helpful to think honestly about how long a task takes you as an individual with your own set of skills and challenges. Errors can occur when calculating only the time it “should” take to complete a task (Komar, 2016). Consider asking for help when you feel you have exhausted your own resources (Bowen, 2019).

Review the daily schedule and refer to it throughout the day

Knowing each day’s big picture may allow for better preparedness rather than being surprised by what’s next.  It can also be easier to adjust to changes or unforeseen problems when you know what the day holds (Komar, 2016). BBI sonographers utilize morning huddles to review the day together and address bottle necks, questions, concerns, and lunch breaks (Romero, 2019). TAs arrive at clinic 30 minutes before the first patient and sonographers arrive 15 minutes ahead to get the clinic ready and create a game plan for the day (Bowen, 2019).

Allow dedicated time for difficult tasks

Whether it’s an occasional special project or a routine task that requires a higher level of concentration, schedule those events for a time of day/location when you feel most productive and will have the least interruptions (Komar, 2016).

Passing the fetal echo exam within a year of hire is a goal BBI strongly encourages. There are fetal echo books at multiple clinics for sonographers to study. Choosing times and clinics that allow for focused study without distracting a sonographer from patients is key (Bowen, 2019).

Communication and Preparation

Though stopping to communicate information may seem time consuming in the moment it can save time overall.  During an appointment, a patient interacts with multiple healthcare providers (front desk, nurse, TA, sonographer, and doctor). Passing along information about patient status can help avoid unnecessary time loss.  For example, when a sonographer lets the TA know she has completed an exam the TA can move the patient to a consult room opening an ultrasound room for another appointment to begin.  Taking time to hear or read the communication from other team members can save time. For example, reviewing the chart/past exams to determine what information the doctor needs and focusing on those items can lead to a complete exam without taking excessive time (Bowen, 2019).

Quality patient care does not have to mean sacrificing the mental and physical health of team members.  In fact, taking a few moments throughout the day to be conscious of working effectively can allow for a happier experience for our team and those we serve.

 

References

Bowen, M. (2019, February 8). Clinical Director and Regional Supervisor. (A. Fraraccio, Interviewer)

Komar, M. (2016, January 25). https://www.bustle.com/articles. Retrieved from Bustle: https://www.bustle.com/articles/137582-7-tips-on-how-to-actually-stay-on-schedule-once-for-all

Romero, P. (2019, February 4). Operations Manager. (A. Fraraccio, Interviewer)

Contributed by staff writer Amanda Fraraccio

Healthcare is a vital component and often debated part of our society. We are all impacted by this vast industry. There is a monumental shift underway in the delivery of healthcare and we would like to take a little time to explore what is occurring.

Healthcare in the United States is expensive, can be inefficient, and the quality is varied. The goal of value-based care is to fix those issues (Cosgrove, 2013). In a fee-for-service system providers are paid based on the volume of healthcare services they deliver (NEJM Catalyst, 2017).  In this model every test ordered, and procedure completed increase the bottom line. In a value-based model providers, including hospitals and physicians, are paid based on patient health outcomes instead of number of services delivered. This can mean improving patient’s health brings greater financial reward than continuing to treat illnesses (NEJM Catalyst, 2017)

Data is helpful in making this systemic change. Collecting data can identify variations in clinical practice leading to unwanted outcomes. For example, Cleveland Clinic was able to utilize data of heart-surgery patients to determine that “those who received blood transfusions during surgery had higher complication rates and lower long-term survival rates.” (Cosgrove, 2013) This finding changed their procedure and led to adopting strict guidelines to limit transfusions. They achieved improved quality of care and better outcomes. Data collection at Cleveland Clinic has also led to changes in procedures reducing central-line infections by more than 40%, and urinary-tract infections dropped 50%. (Cosgrove, 2013). Data collection in the field of obstetrics have shown that key developmental processes occur between 37- and 39-weeks gestation.  Babies born at or after 39 weeks have the best chance at healthy outcomes compared to those born before 39 weeks. This information has led to a decrease in induction of labor as well as elective delivery of babies before 39 weeks (The American College of Obstetricians and Gynocologists, n.d.).

Benefits of value base healthcare to patients include:

·         Spending less money to achieve better health

·         Focusing on recovering from illness and injuries more quickly

·         Avoiding chronic disease in the first place

Benefits for providers include:

 ·         Spending less time managing chronic disease

·         Increasing quality of care by focusing on value of services instead of volume

·         Less financial risk

Benefits to society include:

·         Spending less money assisting people managing chronic disease

·         Spending less money on hospitalizations and medical emergencies

·         Reducing overall costs spent on healthcare, lost wages, and productivity (NEJM Catalyst, 2017)

 There are many benefits to moving toward value-based care however, systemic change can be difficult, and roadblocks exist. Next month we will identify obstacles and ways providers are working to implement changes.

 

References

Cosgrove, T. (2013, September 24). value based healthcare is inevitable and thats good. Retrieved from Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org/2013/09/value-based-health-care-is-inevitable-and-thats-good

NEJM Catalyst. (2017, January 1). What is value based healthcare. Retrieved from NEJM Catalyst: https://catalyst.nejm.org/what-is-value-based-healthcare/

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynocologists. (n.d.). Deliveries Before 39 Weeks. Retrieved from acog.org: https://www.acog.org/About-ACOG/ACOG-Departments/Deliveries-Before-39-Weeks?IsMobileSet=false

Contributed by staff writer Amanda Fraraccio

This month is the final installment of our look at value-based health care trends.  One of the key transitions in this movement is how patients are viewed and treated by providers.  Many health care entities are now asking themselves “how do we merge quality patient care with improved customer service?”  In recent history health care providers have not seen their industry through the lens of customer service. Patients are patients not customers. Patients themselves have felt relatively powerless in their ability to change the quality of their experiences.  When insurance was covering the majority of health care costs some providers felt they had to cater to them, and patients were at their mercy.  While much of that system is still in place, there is an increase in the use of high deductible healthcare plans and patients have begun to see themselves as paying customers who want better experiences.  Patients are asking for:

·         Trusted advice backed by data from skilled providers

·         Simplified processes including less paperwork and less bureaucracy

·         Personalized care not a one-size-fits-all treatment

·         Digitized systems for increased efficiency (Astute Solutions, 2016)

However, health care is a multifaceted industry and the needs of patients vary from preventative care and minor illnesses and injuries, to chronic disease, acute emergencies, and life-threatening situations.  The very nature of the industry prohibits healthcare from fitting neatly into the “customer is king” service model.  It seems there has been a disconnect between what industry leaders believe will raise patient satisfaction ratings and what it is patients really seek.  Many executives have spent a great deal of money:

·         building new facilities

·         providing more private rooms

·         increasing the quality of food service

·         giving an overall appearance of a luxury hotel

From a patient perspective navigating illness can be a very confusing time, the more serious the illness the more vulnerable the patient.  At a time when one is most vulnerable there can be the need for a patient to make crucial, complex decision, often in a very short amount of time. The “services” patients seek require a level of trust in providers not seen in other industries (Torpie, 2014). Reflect on the last time you were sick or injured.  If a person is in pain, frightened, and vulnerable is it luxury amenities they are seeking? More likely a patient wants:

·         skilled staff

·         responsive and compassionate care

·         to feel safe and valued

·         to be an active participant in their personalized care (Torpie, 2014).

Instead of paying luxury prices to have posh surroundings, patients seem to be satisfied with adequate surroundings if the focus is on high quality care.  Providers who are not only skilled in their work, but also know how to connect with patients and care for them emotionally as well as physically can earn gratitude.  A grateful patient tends to have a much higher level of satisfaction with their care (Torpie, 2014). Possibly a more efficient use of health-care funds is investing in staff and their resources rather than amenities.

For a more in depth look at patient care vs. customer service including what is required of providers visit:

https://pxjournal.org/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1045&context=journal

 

References

Astute Solutions. (2016, October 19). Astutesolutions.com/blog. Retrieved from Astute: https://www.astutesolutions.com/blog/articles/the-changing-customer-experience-part-7-new-trends-in-healthcare

Torpie, K. (2014). Customer Service vs. Patient Care. Patient Experience Journal, 6-8.

Contributed by staff writer Amanda Fraraccio

Team building events can be an essential component of a company’s success regardless of its size or structure.  The best ideas, and most innovative plans mean nothing without great people on the team.  Planning team events is a great way to take care of people, the company’s most important assets.

Taking time away from the office might seem unthinkable from the standpoint of productivity and financial output. Alternatively, looking through a lens of investment, consider how team building events and activities foster relationships and often lead to a more open and collaborative culture.  People have an innate drive for connection and often co-workers are what people like best about their jobs. Even when the work gets rough, people may still report high levels job satisfaction when they feel supported and appreciated (Kaiser, 2018).

Benefits of team building can include:

  • Getting to know each other – Seeing coworkers outside of professional settings can lead to learning new information about each other (Kaiser, 2018).  People often find it easier to relax and let their guards down when events are held in nontraditional settings (Leonard, 2019).

  • Connecting across departments – People who may not normally interact daily have an opportunity break down invisible departmental barriers. This can also be an opportunity for leaders to see team members in a new light.  Someone who is typically quiet may be put in a situation of power during an activity and demonstrate undiscovered potential (Leonard, 2019). When coworkers discover each other’s talents it can be a catalyst for innovation (Kaiser, 2018).

  • Increasing morale – Team building events can help break up routine, they can be fun, and can build bridges especially for those who work remotely or on flex schedules (Kaiser, 2018).  Laughing together and a little friendly competition can increase team members feelings of value to the company. Getting to know each other better can reduce misunderstandings and conflict (Leonard, 2019).

  • Creating a positive company culture  – Team building can assist in recruitment efforts, especially for millennials who are often seeking more than just salary and traditional benefits when looking for a job (Kaiser, 2018)

  • Building trust – Activities outside the office can allow team members to view leaders as real people. Going through memorable experiences together increase trust and interpersonal bonds (Kaiser, 2018).

It has been shown that the most effective team building activities simply focus on having fun together outside of the office. Something as simple as sightseeing or taking a group cooking class can build trust. Try something adventurous like paintball, or rafting. Solve a fun problem together with a murder mystery or cooperative game. Try local experiences such as restaurants or sporting events. As long as the goal is having fun, positive results will likely follow (Kaiser, 2018).

 

References

Kaiser, M. (2018, August 16). Why team building events are important. Retrieved from endless events: https://helloendless.com/why-team-building-is-important/

Leonard, K. (2019, February 4). What are benefits of team building. Retrieved from Chron.com: https://smallbusiness.chron.com/benefits-team-building-1979.html

We are taking our act on the road to the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography Annual Conference this year September 26 – 29th in National Harbor, Maryland. Just like our team, this conference is a bit of a unicorn with:

·       Over 60 exhibitors focused specifically on diagnostic sonography

·       Education resources

·       Professional opportunities

·       Showcasing the newest technologies

·       Organized networking opportunities

·       Visit https://www.sdms.org/ to learn more

At BB Imaging we are looking for highly talented sonographers that are as rare as unicorns but we believe they exist. Here are some of the benefits we offer that make us unique:

·       Massage therapy for arm health

·       Competitive Pay

·       No call, no weekends

·       Technical Assistants to partner with sonographers

·       Continued education and training opportunities

·       Your birthday is a paid holiday

·       Unique company culture focused on personal and professional growth as well as excellent patient care.

Stop by and see us at SDMS this month and share your unicorn traits.  Let’s see how we can make magic together.

Contributed by Jill Farr

Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month is an annual event intended to bring attention to the benefits of medical ultrasound, and highlight its value in the healthcare system.

Most of the general public is aware of the importance of ultrasound imaging in pregnancy, but many people lack familiarity with the uses of sonography for other diagnostic purposes, like vascular imaging or 3D or 4D sonography. Sharing information and educating people on the various uses of medical ultrasound can serve a double purpose; it can heighten comfort with procedures when they’re recommended by a family doctor or specialist, and it may also afford an opportunity for ultrasound professionals to take pride in the very important work that they do.

Diagnostic sonography is an important element of modern medical treatment and is a continually growing sector. New applications being researched and developed consistently, increasing its usefulness, but without skilled sonographers, medical ultrasound is just technology. Honoring the work they do is an important element of Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month.

BB Imaging recently held a retreat for staff members and honored a few individuals for their stellar job performance and dedication to the profession. One honoree, Michael E. Gregory, R.T(R), RDMS, RDSC, RVT (and a Senior Member of AIUM) had this to say about the responsibility of sonographers, and in particular, those providing mobile imaging, as BB Imaging does…

“I do one thing,” Michael said. “I show up.”

“In more than 40 years of working in this field, I can count on one hand the number of times I have called in or taken a sick day.”

“If there is one thing I would try to emphasize to my colleagues, especially the younger technologists, it would be to just show up. Nowhere in medical imaging is it more paramount to “just show up” than in mobile imaging, as a third-party vendor or as a temp.”

“This would be my testament to my fellow sonographers; be accountable and present, not only for your clients, your patients, and your employer…but for yourself.”

This October, you can celebrate Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month by promoting the understanding of the technology through sharing information, but if you’re a sonographer, you can also give yourself a big pat on the back–you deserve it!

Contributed by Jill Cacic

Your email inbox used to be filled with harmless fun: work emails, discounted travel deals, and marketing newsletters. Now, it’s a breeding ground for phishing scammers looking to make your personal information their catch of the day.

Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails, pretending to be someone else to entice individuals to reveal personal information, including credit card information, passwords, and social security numbers. In 2018, the Internet Crime Report (IC3) stated there were 351,936 complaints related to online phishing scams with losses exceeding $2.7 billion. That is a 17% increase in reported complaints and a 90% increase in losses over 2017.

As technology improves, so do the phishing schemes, making it challenging to identify a potentially dangerous email. The subject line of the email will look like a legitimate email from a company you trust – your bank, favorite department store, or popular streaming service. The body of the email often cites a believable story like there has been suspicious activity on your account, or you need to make a payment complete with a fake invoice or a coupon for a free month. So, what red flags should you look out for to discover a potential phishing scam?

A call to action asking you to click or download something. All phishing schemes will contain something you need to click (a link) or download (an attachment). That is the gateway for the malware to enter your system and swipe your sensitive information.

A generic greeting. With advanced email marketing platforms, most major companies are not sending out emails starting with “Hi dear.”

Awkward or typo-filled text. Just glancing over the email, you notice multiple improper subject-verb agreements, and many commonly used words misspelled.

Email addresses that look just a little off, including the number “0” in place of the letter “O.” Scammers will attempt to duplicate a legitimate email by making small tweaks that make it seem believable.

Your gut telling you something isn’t right. You know your account is up-to-date, and Netflix never offers a digital coupon.

How can you better protect yourself from one of these phishing scams?

  1. Install anti-virus or malware software. Make sure your computer and phone are working to actively protect you against potential threats at all times.

  2. Do not click on any links in an email you’re not expecting. Clicking that link gives the scammers access to your system.

  3. Call the recipient and ask if they sent the email. This includes the company that sent the email. Ask the billing department if they sent a bill or customer service if there are any current email coupon offers. If you respond to the fraudulent or compromised account, the fraudsters will confirm their request for you to click the link or open the document.

  4. Use multi-factor authentication on your accounts when possible. This requires you to use two credentials to access your information: something you have (a passcode you receive via text) and something you are (fingerprint or face ID).

When it comes to phishing scams, you need to trust your gut. If something feels off, err on the side of caution. Falling victim to a phishing scam can put you at risk of identity theft, monetary loss, and open up your business system to irreparable damage.

If you feel like you received a potential phishing attempt, forward the email to the Federal Trade Commission at spam@uce.gov and Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org. You can also forward phishing text messages to SPAM (7726).