Retty Casey This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. 24x7

   www.24x7mag.com/article.php?s= - [Cached]

   Published on: 11/1/2006   Last Visited: 11/17/2006

   says Retty Casey, director of clinical facilities development, OHSU, who was tasked with heading up nine subcommittees to provide direction on the new building project.
   
   One of those groups, the technology subcommittee, consisted of about 15 individuals from various areas in the hospital, such as nursing, architecture, facilities, IT, clinical engineering, respiratory therapy, and the operating room (OR). The team began by researching new and emerging technologies and visiting hospitals employing them.
   
   The subcommittee soon targeted specific solutions: to use radiofrequency identification (RFID) asset tags; a wireless, voice-activated, wearable communication system; and to install the hardware required for both wireless solutions to function. Graduate students helped detail the return on investment that could be realized by implementing the strategy, and Casey presented the proposal to the Capital Council. All three projects were funded.
   
   Demonstrating specifically how new technology will improve the bottom line-and ultimately the care provided-is the best way to obtain funding for substantial renovations.
   
   "The plan was approved because of the return on investment, both financial and human," Casey says.
   ...
   "There are a lot of items where, because they're so expensive, we only own a few of them, and yet when you need that piece of equipment you need it," Casey says. She gives bariatric wheelchairs as an example.
   ...
   "In one year of renting a piece of equipment called a wound vac, we spent what we would have spent on the entire asset-tracking project," Casey says.
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   "I think our staff is really sold on the changes, because they understand it makes their job easier," Casey says, acknowledging that new technology is sometimes resisted because it demands that employees change the way in which they work.

2. 2. www.us.trumpf-med.com

   www.us.trumpf-med.com/209.hosp - [Cached]

   Published on: 11/18/2007   Last Visited: 11/29/2007

   "We were really focused on research and evidence based design to create a patient-centered environment," states Retty Casey, Director: Clinical Facilities Development at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). In describing the key objectives established for the new Peter O. Kohler Pavilion, featuring 26 MICU rooms, Casey explains, "We wanted to minimize the look of technology for the patient and enhance the color scheme. We wanted to reduce noise and the harried-ness of the staff to decrease stress on patients and families." Casey, a veteran staffer with more than 24 years experience who had full responsibility for opening the new facility, also emphasizes the importance of patients having access to outside light and nature.
   ...
   "Different units have different ways of working; people change; equipment changes; size of equipment changes; whether it needs to hung or rolled: all of this came into play," said Casey.
   ...
   When asked how things are going Casey responds with noticeable pride. "It's going great! It really is," she says.
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   "Also, we've taken advantage of one of the best views of Portland, the mountains and the river," says Casey.
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   Casey concludes, "It's nice to be able to accommodate that: it's very different from being tied to a fixed column and the impact those moments can have on recovery cannot truly be measured."