Clinic Management Intensive:
Servant Leadership in the Medical Clinic

Facilitator:
Audrey Stout, RN, RDMS,
NIFLA Medical Consultant, Co-Owner SoundView Imaging Partners
Panelists:
Deanna Monteith, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, Clinic Director, Women’s Resource Center, Mobile, AL
Mischa Long, RN, Director of Nursing, Life Choices Health Network, Joplin, MO
Heidi Wieland, RN, Nurse Manager, Vida Medical Clinic and Support Services, Appleton, WI

Introduction:

He also chose His servant David and took him from the sheep pens. From the care of the ewes with nursing lambs He brought him to shepherd Jacob His people, And Israel His inheritance.
So David shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart and guided them with his skillful hands. Psalm 78:70-72

He raised up David to be their king, concerning whom He also testified and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My will.’ For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep. Acts 13:22b, 33

I. God chooses and places leaders to serve His purposes—God is Creating teams

A. Preparation to lead

“Fundamental to all Christian leadership and ministry is a humble personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, devotion to Him expressed in daily prayer and love for Him expressed in daily obedience. Without this, Christian ministry is impossible.” – John Stott

B. Pursuing a walk with Jesus
C. Choosing the best medical personnel
D. Personal qualities desired in team members.
E. Leadership challenges with personnel

II. A leader’s task is to shepherd people— Building and guiding a team

A. Spiritually
B. Relational/Interpersonally
C. Cultivating growth in skills and knowledge for competence

“When you are through learning, you’re through.” -- Dr. Howard Hendricks
“You don’t know what you don’t know; you’ll never know what you won’t learn.”—Dave Stout

D. Ministering encouragement in discouraging and difficult times

It is our privilege to see and celebrate each little life God has created though it may be cut short.
It is also our privilege to remember that baby, giving its life dignity and respect.

E. Satisfaction, joy in clinic leadership

III. Lead with integrity of heart and skillful hands—The daily work of serving your patients and organization.

Integrity = the quality or state of being of sound moral principle; uprightness, honesty, and sincerity.
The integrity of the upright guides them. Proverbs 11:3 (ESV) He stores up sound wisdom for those the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk in integrity. (Prov. 2:7)

A. How integrity is demonstrated
B. Consequences of compromise in integrity and/or skill
C. Avoiding compromise of medical and legal standards
D. Requiring accountabilit
E. Developing clinic management tools
F. Ensuring competence in skills compliance of mandated medical/legal standards
G. Increasing outreach in community
H. Sharing victories for life

IV. Questions and Answers

V. Challenge in leading

‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My heart, who will do all My [a]will.’
For David, after he had [a]served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep.
Acts 13: 22, 36 (NASB)


The Fetus as our Patient:
Therapeutic Advances in Prenatal
Diagnosis & Therapy

Byron C. Calhoun, MD,
FACOG, FACS, FASAM, MBA

I. Fetal Therapy Lecture Objectives

A. Be familiar with the historical aspects of fetal therapy
B. Understand mechanisms of fetal therapy
C. Be able to discuss the various fetal therapies available

II. Fetal Therapy Session Description

A. Advances in prenatal diagnosis have led to a plethora of new and innovative methods of caring for the fetus in-utero.
B. Participants will learn of the extraordinary progress made in operative techniques, procedures, and care of the fetus with anomalies.
C. Discussion will include care of Bladder Outlet Obstruction, Neural Tube Defects (NTD), Isoimmunization (Rh disease), Infectious Hydrops Fetalis, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Congenital Cystic Adenomatoid Malformation (CCAM- lung abnormalities,), Sacrococcygeal Teratoma, Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Twin-twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), Fetal Arrhythmias, and Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.

III. At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to discuss therapies and advances available for the fetus with a congenital anomaly.


Pregnancy Unknown Location (PUL)

Dotsy Davis, BSRT, RDMS, RVT
Ultrasound Consultant, NIFLA

I. What is a pregnancy of unknown location?

A. Definition
B. Incidence
C. Occurrence
D. Sonographic Findings
E. Differentials
F. Prognosis

II. Presentation of study correlating thickness of endometrium to likelihood of ectopic pregnancy.

III. Differentials and how they present:

A. Miscarriage
B. Ectopic pregnancy/Cornual/heterotopic
C. Subchorionic hemorrhage
D. Free Fluid in the cul-de-sac
E. Molar pregnancy

IV. Conclusions/Outcomes


The Ultrasound Visit: Pearls & Lessons Learned

Sandy Christiansen, MD
Care Net National Medical Director

Did you recently make a medical conversion, or are you new to medical services? Taking a practical, patient flow approach, learn tips and takeaways for best practices in conducting the medical visit. Who does the intake? What should be included? Options coaching highlights and more--vital signs?

I. Learning objectives

A. Participants will become familiar with a patient flow model that maximizes optimal patient care.
B. Participants will learn about the core components and significance of the reproductive health-focused medical intake and clinical evaluation during a limited obstetrical ultrasound exam appointment.
C. Participants will gain insight into conducting critical conversations during the ultrasound appointment, including pertinent health screenings.

II. What it means to be a medical clinic-the Paradigm Shift

III. Starting Assumptions & Context

A. Mission-focused medical pregnancy center
B. The primary client
C. The registered nurse is the clinic manager/sonographer
D. Nurses help patients, not clients

IV. Basic Requirements

A. Function under the authority and direction of a licensed physician who is in good standing with the physician’s state licensing board
B. Only utilize trained and licensed medical professionals to perform medical procedures, including ultrasounds
C. Carry sufficient medical liability coverage for the center and all medical personnel (unless they have their coverage).

V. Pre-appointment

A. PT contacts the center for an appt
B. Scheduler pre-screen
C. PT vs. PT/Sono appointments
D. Timing
E. Gestational age
F. Encourage partner attendance
G. Minors
H. What to expect

VI. Electronic vs. paper charting

A. CRMs: Take advantage of the capabilities you like
B. Example: texting consent forms, privacy forms
C. A blend of the two is the most common
D. Plan for growth

VII. An Example of Patient Visit Flow

VIII. Components of the PT/Sono Appointment

IX. The Medical Intake

X. Healthcare Screenings

XI. Options Coaching

XII. Spiritual History

XIII. Vital Signs

XIV. During the Ultrasound Exam

XV. Post-Sono Patient Debrief

XVI. Patient Follow-up


Addressing Maternal and Infant Mortality Rates:
Empowering Women through Supportive Centers

Cherilyn Holloway
Certified Crisis Pregnancy Intervention Specialist,
Level 2 Certified Lay Counselor

I. Introduction

A. Importance of addressing maternal and infant mortality rates
B. The role of supportive centers in women’s healthcare journey

II. Affordable Housing as a Systemic Driver

A. Recognizing housing as a crucial factor in women’s choices
B. Advocating for safe and affordable housing options
C. Exploring alternatives to building individual maternity homes

III. Doula Programs for Black Mothers

A. Highlighting the research on Doulas impact on black mothers
B. The significance of the center visited in Baton Rouge, IL
C. The implementation of Doula programs in supporting black mothers
D. The role of being a NIFLA member in ensuring quality care

IV. Empowering Women through Advocacy

A. Centers as a source of information and education
B. Equipping clients with knowledge to advocate for themselves
C. Understanding and exercising birthing and post-birth rights

V. Addressing Implicit Bias in Healthcare Systems

A. Defining implicit bias and its implications
B. Becoming an ally to combat Implicit Bias
C. Supporting clients before, during, and after the birth experience

VI. Conclusion

A. Recap of key points discussed
B. Reiterating the importance of supportive centers
C. Encouraging collective efforts to address maternal and infant mortality rates


Human Trafficking Among Us:
What Pregnancy Resource Centers Need to Know

Fidelma Rigby, MD
Professor of OB/GYN
Virginia Commonwealth
University School of Medicine

I. Introduction Slide

II. Disclaimers/ Trigger Slide

III. Outline of Talk

IV. Terms that we use/ don’t’ use.

V. Overview of HT: POLARIS Hotline and Heat Maps

a. Worldwide
b. In the US
c. In Virginia

VI. But why does this apply to PRCs?

VII. What difference can we make?

VIII. Example of one small act making a big difference.


Chemical Abortion and Abortion Pill Reversal in 2023
Impacts on the Patient and the APR Treatment Team

Karen D. Poehailos, MD
Board Certified, American Board of Family Medicine
NIFLA Assistant Medical Director and Board Member
Abortion Pill Reversal Medical Advisory Team, Heartbeat International

 

Medical Abortion Procedures

A. Eligibility—FDA approved up to 10 weeks estimated gestational age (EGA)—70 days after LMP.
B. Prevalence—53.4% of all abortions in 2020 (51% were ≤ 9 weeks gestation, 2.5% were > 9 weeks’ gestation).
C. Access—CDC removed the requirement for dispensing mifepristone in certain health care settings (clinics, medical offices, hospitals) — “in-person dispensing requirement” on 12/16/2021. The REMS modification was approved on 1/3/2023.

    1. Can be written by a certified prescriber and dispensed by a certified pharmacy or under the supervision of a supervised prescriber.
    2. Prescriptions can be mailed via certified prescribers or pharmacies in addition to in-person.
    3. FDA does not “recommend” buying mifepristone online outside of the REMS program.

D. Access to Mifepristone (first medication in the protocol)

    1. The FDA lists Mifepristone on REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy. REMS is for medications with serious safety concerns to ensure benefits outweigh risks—62 currently.
    2. Additionally, there are Elements to Assure Safe Use (ETASU). It is only given in specific settings; prescribers must hold a certified agreement with the manufacturer confirming assessment throughout the pregnancy, diagnose ectopic pregnancies, provide surgical abortion in the case of an incomplete abortion, and have a patient signed Patient Agreement form before dispensing the drug.
    3. There are calls to remove it from REMS.

E. Medications Used

  1. Mifepristone (Mifeprex and an approved generic as of April 2019) blocks progesterone’s action, which is needed for the developing embryo.
  2. Misoprostol causes softening of the cervix and uterine contractions.
  3. Methotrexate (not often used) will stop the process of implantation.

[1] Abortion Surveillance—United States, 2020.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.ss7110a1  Accessed 6/25/2023
[2] Questions and Answers on Mifeprex https://fda.gov/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex  Accessed 6/25/2023
[3] Kaiser Family Foundation. “Abortion.” https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/fact-sheet/the-availability-and-use-of-medication-abortion/.  Accessed 3/9/2021
[4] Henney JE and Gayle HD.  Time to Reevaluate US Mifepristone Restrictions.  N Engl J Med, Aug 15, 2019, 381(7):597-8.

F. Medical Abortion Eligibility Criteria

  1. Up to 70 days EGA (10 weeks after last menstrual period—LMP)
  2. No ectopic pregnancy suspected, no IUD, and specific other medical exclusions.
  3. Ability to follow instructions and follow-up contact.

G. Additional requirements:

Require pregnancy confirmation by clinical evaluation or ultrasound. There is no requirement for viability confirmation, assessment for suspected anemia, or blood type (Rh testing). It is suggested that these be waived for telehealth visits. However, in an ACOG document on Early Pregnancy Loss, Rh testing is still recommended to be considered in early pregnancy loss, especially later in the first trimester.

H. Timing of Mifepristone Abortion Protocol

Mifepristone 200 mg as a single dose, followed by misoprostol 800 mcg as a single dose 24-48 hours later.

G. Risks of Medical Abortion

Gastrointestinal, headache/dizziness, fever/chills/sweats, heavy bleeding, need for emergency D&C, need for surgical evaluation for incomplete abortion, continuing pregnancy, and infection.

 

ABORTION PILL REVERSAL

A. Network of over 1300 health care providers (physicians, NPs, PAs, and pregnancy centers) in a variety of settings.
B. To access: abortionpillreversal.com—gets patient in contact with a nurse who takes information and relays it to a provider who contacts the patient to start treatment.

Method of Action

A. Mifepristone binds to progesterone receptors in the uterus, where the placenta develops. If progesterone cannot reach the receptors, the placenta breaks down, the cervix softens, and contractions occur.
B. Progesterone is given if the second medication (misoprostol) has not been taken. Large doses can outcompete the mifepristone, more progesterone to the placenta and the pregnancy.

How well does it work?

A. The latest review of cases from the hotline was published in 2018.
B. The overall rate of reversal was 48%.
C. The highest rate of reversal was in two subgroups.

    1. Progesterone IM initially or exclusively 64% successful
    2. Progesterone oral high dose to end of first trimester 68% successful

[5] Raymond EG, Grossman D, Mark A, et al. Commentary: No-test medication abortion: A sample protocol for increasing access during a pandemic and beyond. Contraception. 2020;101(6):361-366. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2020.04.005
[6] ACOG Practice Bulletin: Early Pregnancy Loss.  Published Nov 2018. https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2018/11/early-pregnancy-loss  Accessed 6/25/2023
[7] Practice Bulletin No. 181: Prevention of Rh D Alloimmunization, Obstetrics & Gynecology: August 2017 - Volume 130 - Issue 2 - p e57-e70  doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002232
[8] https://www.heartbeatinternational.org/images/ImpactReports/APRN_Impact_Report_2022.pdf  Accessed 6/25/2023
[9] Delgado G, Condly SJ, Davenport M, Tinnakornsrisuphap T, Mack J, Khauv V, Zhou PS.   A Case Study Detailing the Successful Reversal of the Effects of Mifepristone Using Progesterone.   Issues Law Med, Spring 2018, 33(1): 21-31.

What is the rate of continuing pregnancy if misoprostol is not taken but no progesterone?

In studies where mifepristone alone was taken without misoprostol, the highest survival, 23% using a single 200 mcg dose, now in the FDA protocol. The 2018 study used 25% to look statistically at survival.

Does mifepristone harm the embryo?

ACOG Bulletin on Medication Abortion up to 70 Days of Gestation states that no evidence exists for the teratogenic effect of mifepristone.
BUT—misoprostol and methotrexate can cause birth defects.

What is the track record of progesterone in pregnancy?

It has been used safely in pregnancy for over 50 years. American Society of Reproductive Medicine states no long-term risks when used in pregnancy. The current FDA classification in pregnancy is P2 “Benefits are likely to exceed the risk.”

Are the APR survivors at increased risk for birth defects?

No, the rate was 2.7% in the 2018 study, compared favorably to the general population rate of 3%.

What is required of the patient?

A. The patient is willing to see the doctor as soon as possible for an exam, ultrasound, and labs.
B. The oral regimen is easiest to start quickly (even before seeing the doctor) and costs reasonable.

What about Methotrexate?  Can it be reversed?

Information, at this point, is anecdotal. A physician who has attempted is only aware of six successes. He knows two were born with a missing toe on each foot. The one he cared for was the only known defect, but the data is small and incomplete.

Methotrexate can cause birth defects—careful consent and documentation are needed. The protocol is available through APR to providers.

HOW DOES THIS IMPACT PATIENTS?
WHAT ABOUT THE HOTLINE PROVIDERS/PREGNANCY MEDICAL CLINICS?

For patients—access to medication abortion is easier than ever. They can obtain pills without seeing a physician in person, without verification of intrauterine pregnancy or gestational age, without Rh testing, and without knowing whether consent is being forced or pills being hoarded to give women without consent, hiding potential sex trafficking, sexual assault, and sexual activity among minors.

For APR Network providers/pregnancy centers—women may be starting medication abortions without verification of intrauterine pregnancy, so hotline patients may not have had their pregnancy verified as an IUP making early ultrasound access a must. Will women contact your center asking to verify that their abortion was complete by ultrasound?

[10] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Practice Bulletin, Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation, October 2020.

 

EMOTIONAL WEIGHT OF ABORTION REVERSAL FOR APR Network PATIENTS, APR Network PROVIDERS, AND PREGNANCY CENTERS— “the agony and the ecstasy.”

The “agony”

--women calling the hotline and then not answering the providers when they call back, or not showing up for the ultrasound, or returning texts

--failures—roughly 1/3 fail. They can fail abruptly after a reassuring ultrasound when they’re at a more advanced gestational age that would normally do better. The patients need to be supported, but so do the teams. For the patients, referral to pregnancy loss resources (but do they fit into the existing categories very well?) For the teams, utilize prayer hotlines, debriefings afterward, and strong prayer life.

The “ecstasy”

- helping women in moments of tremendous need

- ability to walk with them, spiritual sharing, staying with them through the pregnancy

- sometimes, they stay in touch for years!

In EITHER case (if the reversal attempt is successful or unfortunately fails), we should remember that we are God’s hands and feet here and are asked to be faithful and provide the best care we can.


[9] Delgado G, Condly SJ, Davenport M, Tinnakornsrisuphap T, Mack J, Khauv V, Zhou PS.   A Case Study Detailing the Successful Reversal of the Effects of Mifepristone Using Progesterone.   Issues Law Med, Spring 2018, 33(1): 21-31.

[10] American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Practice Bulletin, Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation, October 2020.


A Summary of the Latest Legal
Pitfalls and Best Practices

Anne O’Connor, JD
Vice President of Legal Affairs, NIFLA
Angie Thomas, JD
General Counsel, NIFLA

I. External Attacks

A. Legislative Update

1. Attacks on providers of APR (CO)
2. Attacks on PCs – Deceptive Advertising (IL)
3. Attacks on PCs from AGs (NJ)

B. Litigation Update

1. IL case
2. NY Boss Bill
3. CO case
4. Abortion Pill case

C. ACOG White Paper on CPCs

II. Best Practices to Limit Attacks

A. Medical

1. Medical Malpractice Insurance
2. Ectopic Precautions
3. Early Ultrasounds
4. Additional Scans
5. HIPAA

a. Security Risk Assessment
b. BAAs
c. Training

6. Abortion pill Reversal (APR)

a. Provider
b. Consulting center

7. Proper Training for Medical Personnel

a. Review courses and guidelines for ultrasound training
b. Review scope of practice and who should do what service (The nurse should do the medical assessment, not the advocate.)
c. Medical Policies and Procedures

8. Post-Abortion Assessments - review policy

9. Release of Patient Information

a. To the patient
b. To third parties

10. Transgender patients

11. Exit Survey and Patient Complaint Form

B. Websites and Advertising

1. We will analyze several sample advertisements and provide recommendations.
2. Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
3. NPP

C. Employment

1. Hiring
2. Importance of religious foundations


Bioeffects, Risk and Safety Considerations
in Obstetrical Sonography

Dr. Fred Kremkau
Professor of Radiological Sciences
Wake Forest University School of Medicine

I. Interaction Mechanisms

A. Heating
B. Cavitation

II. Experimental Studies

A. Cells
B. Mammals
C. Humans

III. Official Statements

A. AIUM
B. WFUMB

IV. Prudent Use

A. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
B. ALARA Principle
C. Instrument Outputs
D. Output Display Standard (ODS)
E. First-trimester Exposure


Mission Possible

Missy Clifton Ph.D.
Founder of Learning Is Created

1) Why is completing a security risk assessment important?

a) Required by HIPAA
b) Amendment to HITECH Act
c) American Data Privacy and Protection Act
d) Protecting Personal Health Data Act
e) My Body, My Data Act
f) Best practice

2) What is risk?

3) What is a risk assessment?

4) What is a SECURITY risk assessment (SRA)?

5) Preparing to conduct a security risk assessment: Questions to ask:

a) Who conducts a SRA?
b) What are your assets?
c) Who are your business associates?
d) Where are your documents?

6) Using the SRA Tool

a) Introduction
b) Demographics
c) Using your ingredients
d) Assessment

i) How the assessment is guided
ii) Sections
iii) Question structure and resources
iv) Vulnerabilities and subjectivity
v) How risk is calculated
vi) Likelihood, impact, and subjectivity
vii) Areas of success and Areas for review

7) Summary and Reports

a) Summary
b) Risk Report
c) Flagged Reports
8) Setting Goals
9) Downloading the SRA Tool
10) Question