SVMC Primary Care Offices Recognized for Patient-Centered Care

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BENNINGTON, Vt. — Five primary care sites of Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC), a member of Dartmouth Health, have achieved national recognition for providing personalized, effective, and efficient care.
 
The following medical practices, located in Vermont, have been re-designated as Patient Centered Medical Homes (PCMH) by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA):
  • SVMC Northshire Campus
  • Deerfield Valley Health Center
  • Pownal Campus
  • SVMC Internal Medicine
  • SVMC Pediatrics
The national designation recognizes SVMC's practice sites for providing comprehensive care and follow-up, in addition to a number of preventative and wellness screenings.
 
"Each of SVMC's practice sites follow a stringent set of guidelines that allows our staff to meet the criteria and ensures our providers, clinical and support staff give every primary care patient the care and follow-up they need, as well as options and appropriate screenings for a multitude of concerns," said Tina Gallant, CMPE, director of SVMC's Primary Care Medical Practices. "It's also a testament to the importance of our Community Health Team members who provide our patients with nurse case management, certified diabetic education and mental health and social services."
 
According to NCQA, research shows that PCMHs improve quality and the patient experience, and increase staff satisfaction—while reducing health care costs. The PCMH program identifies practices that promote partnerships between individual patients and their personal clinicians. A team of doctors, nurses, and other allied health providers oversees each patient's care, ensuring health needs are coordinated across the health care system.
 
Practices must resubmit for consideration every year. SVMC's Twin Rivers Medical office, located in New York, falls under a different evaluation system, separate from the NCQA guidelines.
 
"National recognition as a Patient Centered Medical Home is an outstanding accomplishment by the staff, doctors, and advanced practice providers at our primary care practices," said Trey Dobson, MD, SVMC Chief Medical Officer and Vice President of Clinical Services. "As we continue to focus on primary care provider recruitment and expanding access to our rural communities, this and similar awards demonstrate SVMC's commitment to exceptional health care."

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Tips for Safely Tackling Spring Cleaning

As spring approaches, the urge to freshen up living spaces is hard to resist. As eager as we are to toss this or purge that, it’s important to approach tasks wisely to avoid injury from exertion or repetitive motion. 

Before diving into your spring cleaning, review these tips to help you clean your home safely and effectively.

Plan and Prepare

  • Make a list of all the tasks you want to accomplish and then break down large tasks into smaller, manageable ones.
  • Budget and schedule your cleaning sessions to allow for frequent rest breaks and prioritize tasks based on importance and energy levels.
  • Before you begin cleaning, clear clutter from high-traffic areas, secure loose rugs, and ensure good lighting to reduce the risk of trips and falls. If you plan to use step stools or ladders, be sure they’re placed on a level, secure surface.

Practice Good Technique

  • When lifting, bend your knees, not your back, to reach an item and keep it close to your body when carrying it.
  • When moving heavy items, use a dolly, furniture slides, or wait for an extra set of hands to help.
  • When dusting hard-to-reach areas, use extension wands. For easy-to-reach areas, sit down while cleaning to avoid straining your back.
  • Transport cleaning supplies between rooms using a lightweight tote.
  • If possible, invest in a lightweight vacuum cleaner and a mop with adjustable handles to help preserve your back.
  • Choose ergonomic tools with extra padding and large or curved handles to minimize stress on muscles and joints.
  • When cleaning floors, be mindful of wet surfaces and wear non-slip shoes.

 

Specific Cleaning Tasks and Considerations

  • Decluttering: start with one small area at a time, utilize the “keep, donate, discard” method.
  • Kitchen: check expiration dates on food and medications, organize cabinets and drawers to keep frequently used items within easy reach.
  • Bathroom: ensure grab bars and non-slip mats are in place, keep essential items within easy reach.
  • Alternate between different tasks to prevent repetitive strain on specific muscle groups.
  • Use timers for focused cleaning sessions and to remind you to take regular breaks.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep your muscles loose.

Following these guidelines will help you tackle spring cleaning tasks safely. Remember to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. If you’re uncertain you can accomplish a task safely, don’t even try. It’s easier to ask for help than it is to explain how you got injured. Happy cleaning!

Lauren Conigliaro OTD, OTR/L is an occupational therapist at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC)’s Rehabilitation Department.

 

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