Inspire Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 10

Elevating PROVIDING EXCELLENT STROKE CARE STROKE CARE AT PALI MOMI MEDICAL CENTER IS A PERSONAL MISSION FOR DR. HUIDY SHU, MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF NEUROLOGICAL SERVICES. IN 2002, JUST AS HE WAS ABOUT TO BEGIN HIS MEDICAL CAREER, HE FOUND HIMSELF IN THE ROLE OF A PATIENT, CARING FOR HIS DAD. “I began to notice memory problems in my father,” Dr. Shu said. “His senior moments slowly became more frequent.” An initial neurological evaluation suggested it was a normal part of the aging process. “I was relieved but somewhat skeptical to hear this as dad's memory loss continued to progress,” Dr. Shu said. “In 2007, I took him to see a behavioral neurology specialist who eventually provided a diagnosis of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.”   It was a life-changing experience, one that has shaped the way Dr. Shu relates to his patients and their families who are going through the same challenges. years, Pali Momi’s Stroke Center has also been honored as a Gold Plus Award winner by the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for the quality of clinical care Amy Thomas, director of clinical education. High-fidelity manikins that mimic real-life patients’ symptoms and reactions allow physicians and nurses to learn from their mistakes without compromising a patient’s As the only trauma center for Central and West O‘ahu, Pali Momi continues to educate its staff on the best way to treat safety. “It also allows us to train with our own equipment in our own environment and “Within the first few months of my arrival stroke patients or anyone in emergency to Pali Momi in 2010, I quickly noticed that situations when his or her life is at risk. the two most burdensome neurological Health care, like other high-risk industries issues facing our community were stroke including the airline and nuclear industries, and dementia,” Dr. Shu said.   requires frequent and intense training Research shows that simulation training because lives are at stake.  Simulation retention rates are nearly 70 percent higher training is an essential part of improving than traditional training methods. patient safety and outcomes. A recent donation in support of Pali Since then, with Dr. Shu and his team in place, Pali Momi has elevated its stroke care. Pali Momi’s Stroke Center has 10 Dr. Huidy Shu examining a patient. practice skills that would otherwise take years to develop in the clinical setting,” said Amy. treated more than a thousand patients “Simulation virtual Momi’s trauma and stroke program will with the latest technologies and most up- environment that allows for teamwork, help equip an on-site simulation lab. to-date methods available. training creates a It achieved engagement and communication and is the The Pali Momi Foundation is fundraising accreditation as a Primary Stroke Center only place, besides the real clinical setting, for three simulation bays, simulators, by the Joint Commission. For three straight to practice this type of skill mastery,” said computer stations, online trauma modules,