Resolutions Passed at House of Delegates - September 26, 2003

Alabama Nurse,  Dec 2003-Feb 2004  

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Collaboration in the Healthcare Setting

Date: September 26, 2003

Whereas, General business practices emphasize the value of collaboration in order to achieve mutual goals; and

Whereas, The advantage of collaborating or working together as a team is that each team member's capabilities are utilized to the fullest; and

Whereas, Collaborative relationships and partnerships are built when all members of the health care team share resources to best meet the needs of the patients; and

Whereas, Factors that impact collaboration in the health care setting include visionary leaders who can articulate how to achieve expected outcomes, team members willing to take the risk to facilitate new strategies, a shared commitment to maintain open channels of communication; and

Whereas, A successful team will involve using individuals who have different skills and backgrounds; and

Whereas, Successful teams focus on common interest and goals to help minimize differences; and

Whereas, Historical nursing practices and nursing research provides models for a collaborative team effort; therefore be it

Resolved, That ASNA actively build bridges to other health care organizations by involving them in planning mutual activities, engaging in dialogues impacting healthcare, etc.; and be it further

Resolved, That ASNA provide educational opportunities about delivery models that promote team work; and be it further

Resolved, That ASNA explore other methods of the delivery of health care through dialogue at the state and local levels, printing both pros and cons of the ideas presented in The Alabama Nurse, and providing educational opportunities concerning other alternative methods.

Adult Immunizations

Date: September 26, 2003

Whereas, According to the National Coalition for Adult Immunizations, up to 60,000 Americans die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases; and

Whereas, Pneumonia and influenza together are the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S., and the fifth leading cause of death among older adults; and

Whereas, Medicare Part B fully reimburses healthcare providers who accept Medicare-approved payment amount for both influenza and pneumococcal immunizations; and

Whereas, During most influenza seasons, 10% - 20% of the nation's population is infected with influenza with an annual estimated cost to society of up to $12 billion during severe epidemics; and

Whereas, Each year in the US, pneumococcal disease accounts for an estimated 500,000 cases of pneumonia, 6000 cases of bacteremia, & 3,300 cases of meningitis; and

Whereas, Pneumonocal pneumonia, the most common form of pneumonia, accounts for up to 175,000 case of hospitalizations each year, and

Whereas, The hepatitis B virus is 100 times more infectious that HIV and an estimated 80,000 Americans are infected with hepatitis, and an estimated 180,000 Americans are infected with all forms of hepatitis each year; and

Whereas, 50 or fewer cases of tetanus occur each year, but result in about five deaths. Most deaths occur in individuals who are 60 years of age or older, or never been vaccinated, or who have not had a booster in the last 10 years; and

Whereas, Almost all reported cases of tetanus occur in persons who have never been vaccinated or persons who have had their primary series, but not a booster within the last 10 years; and

Whereas, Nearly one out of 10 people who get diphtheria will die from it; and

Whereas, Unimmunized persons of any age can get measles, but those born after 1956 who do not have proof of immunity are particularly at risk and should be immunized; and

Whereas, If rubella occurs during pregnancy, it can result in severe birth defects; and

Whereas, Approximately 1/5 of infected people do not exhibit symptoms of mumps; and

Whereas, Serious complication of mumps and chicken pox are more severe in adults as compared to children; therefore be it

Resolved, That ASNA publish the CDC 2002-2003 Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule in The Alabama Nurse; and be it further

Resolved that all Districts provide a CE activity on adult immunizations during 2003-2004.

: Opposition to Bigger & Heavier Trucks

Date: September 26, 2003

Whereas, According to 2001 figures of the U.S. Department of Transportation (US DOT) Alabama had 145 people killed and 1,902 injured in truck crashes; and

Whereas, In February 2003 a national poll concluded that 89% of likely voters oppose allowing triple trailer truck operations and are opposed to bigger (triple) trucks because of safety; and

Whereas, According to an August 2002 U.S. DOT study, bigger trucks are likely to have 11% higher fatal accidents as compared to single trucks and double and triple trucks are larger and slower, thus have trouble merging and changing lanes and have trouble maintaining speed on upgrades. According to a University of Texas study, a 15 mile per hour speed differential increases accident risk nine times; and

Whereas, Heavier trucks have a higher center of gravity because the extra weight is typically stacked vertically. Raising the center of gravity increases the risk of rollovers; and