A process followed by our patient relations department to handle patient and family complaints and grievances.
COMPLAINT
A patient or family statement that a situation is unsatisfactory or unacceptable.
CNM (CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIVES)
Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) with additional education and certification to provide care to women throughout the lifespan. CNMs perform physical exams, prescribe medications including contraceptive methods, order laboratory tests as needed, provide prenatal care, gynecological care, labor and birth care, as well as health education and counseling to women of all ages.
CISM TEAM (CRITICAL INCIDENT STRESS MANAGEMENT) TEAM
Hospital staff face a variety of stressors daily and, in general, cope very well. Occasionally, they deal with situations that can produce strong emotional reactions and are therefore labeled critical incidents; for example, the death of a patient they have been caring for long-term. The CISM team is a group of trained individuals who respond after an event to help staff cope and manage their stress.
CERNER
A computerized electronic system and an element of our enterprise electronic health record (eRecord) used at UPMC’s inpatient areas for documentation of patient conditions.
CDIFF (CLOSTRIDIUM DIFICILE INFECTION)
Bacterial infection of the intestines that causes severe diarrhea and cramping.
CAUTI (CATHETER-ACQUIRED URINARY TRACT INFECTION)
An infection of the bladder, kidneys or associated areas that occurs when organisms, usually bacteria, enter through an indwelling catheter, also known as a Foley Catheter.
CARE COORDINATION MODEL
The deliberate organization of patient care activities between a multidisciplinary team of care providers involved in a patient’s care to expedite efficient, patient-centered, high-quality healthcare services.