Bizzell Supports NIDA in the Launch of Innovative Learning Tools to Help Manage Opioid Treatment

Bizzell Supports NIDA in the Launch of Innovative Learning Tools to Help Manage Opioid Treatment

In conjunction with the National Institute on Drug Abuse-Clinical Trials Network (NIDA-CTN), Bizzell announces the availability of three educational videos for healthcare providers managing opioid use disorder (OUD). The first two videos are animations that discuss overdose prevention. The third video is an interactive tool used to educate healthcare providers on OUD in an emergency setting.

Video 1Overdose Prevention Education for Clinicians Treating Patients with Opioids for Chronic Pain is an animated video that focuses on four key strategies: Reducing Risk for Development of OUD and Avoidance of Misuse, Identification of Risk Factors, Safety Planning, and Overdose Rescue Preparation.

Video 2: Overdose Prevention Education for Clinicians Treating Patients for an Opioid Use Disorder is an animated video that highlights three key strategies: Identifying Overdose Risk Factors, Developing a Safety Plan, and Overdose Rescue Preparation.

“These teachings are done in a simple, non-judgmental fashion offering the viewer clear and memorable points in assessing and managing opioid overdoses,” says Douglas L. Gourlay, M.D., MSc., FRCPC, FASAM, Former Director of the Pain and Chemical Dependency division of the Wasser Pain Management Centre at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto, a reviewer of the video.

Video 3:  Buprenorphine Initiation for Opioid Use Disorders in Emergency Departments: Interactive Case Vignettes is a branching video, which is an interactive educational tool. It allows participants to select a healthcare track which results in varying outcomes. The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is providing Continuing Medical Education (CME) credit and access to the tool will require the creation of a free ACEP account. Throughout the course, guidance is provided on the clinical management of OUD with a focus on screening, enlisting the patient’s input into their treatment, buprenorphine initiation, and referral to ongoing treatment.

After watching these videos, participants will be able to apply a patient-centered, shared decision-making approach while discussing the prevalence of overdose and the process of introducing buprenorphine in the ED for treatment of OUD. Participants will also be able to discuss chances for recovery as research suggests that patients are twice as likely to enter addiction treatment and remain in treatment at 30 days if medication is initiated in the ED.

The targeted audiences for the buprenorphine initiation video include: Emergency Physicians, Emergency Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Residents, Medical Students, Physician Assistants, Emergency Department Medical Directors, Hospital Administrators, EMTs/Paramedics, and other healthcare providers engaged in the practice of emergency medicine.

“This branching video effectively and quickly walks users through the most high-yield information in the most engaging way possible. Providers around the country should see this video before their next shift caring for patients with opioid addiction,” says video reviewer, Alister Martin MD, MPP, Faculty – Center for Social Justice and Health Equity, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital Emergency Department.

All of the above mentioned videos were funded in part with federal funds from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Center for the Clinical Trials Network Dissemination Initiative (contract # HHSN271201700059C). The content for the videos was developed by researchers and experts and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. These training resources should not be considered as a substitute for individualized patient care and treatment decisions.

  • This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the American College of Emergency Physicians, NIDA, The Bizzell Group, and Modern Epic. The American College of Emergency Physicians is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • The  American College of Emergency Physicians designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate .with the extent of their participation in the activity.
  • Approved by the American College of Emergency Physicians for 1 hour of ACEP Category I credit.

ABOUT BIZZELL

Established in 2010, The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) is a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) certified strategy, consulting, and technology firm that specializes in program management, administrative support, communications and outreach, conference management and logistical support, health services and research, technical assistance, and training and development. Bizzell’s expert staff and consultants work on health, scientific, education, environmental, research, and information technology projects that advance national priorities. Under the leadership and vision of founder, Anton C. Bizzell, MD, the company has grown from a staff of two in one small office, to a thriving firm with three offices in Lanham, MD, Rockville, MD, and Atlanta, GA, with ongoing projects around the world. Learn more about how we develop data- driven, research-informed, innovative solutions to complex-real-world challenges: www.BizzellUS.com.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE (NIDA)

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIDA supports most of the world’s research on the health aspects of drug use and addiction. The Institute carries out a large variety of programs to inform policy, improve practice, and advance addiction science. Fact sheets on the health effects of drugs and information on   NIDA research and   other   activities   can be found at www.drugabuse.gov, which is now compatible with your smartphone, iPad or tablet. To order publications in English or Spanish, call NIDA’s DrugPubs research dissemination center at 1-877- NIDA-NIH or 240-645-0228 (TDD) or email requests to drugpubs@nida.nih.gov. Online ordering is available at drugpubs.drugabuse.gov. NIDA’s media guide can be found at www.drugabuse.gov/publications/media-guide/dear-journalist.

Bizzell Supports Development of CMS Nursing Home Toolkit to Combat COVID-19

Bizzell Supports Development of CMS Nursing Home Toolkit to Combat COVID-19

The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) supported the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the development and release of the Toolkit on State Actions to Mitigate COVID-19 Prevalence in Nursing Homes. The toolkit is designed to facilitate efforts to manage the spread of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in nursing homes, and includes strategies, best practices, and resources to assist long-term care facilities with disease control and prevention, gaining access to personal protective equipment (PPE), managing the transfer of patients, implementing protocols around visitation and staffing, and more.

Bizzell assisted CMS by facilitating the coordination, organization, design, editing, and 508 compliance remediation of the toolkit. Content for the toolkit was curated by a number of experts, including health care providers, Governors’ COVID-19 tasks forces, associations, community partners, and the 12 Quality Innovative Network-Quality Improvement Organizations (QIN-QIOs).

In addition to nursing homes, the toolkit was distributed to Governors, health departments, and other agencies and facilities that serve elderly populations at the local and state levels. Learn more about the toolkit here: https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-issues-nursing-homes-best-practices-toolkit-combat-covid-19

This work is in support of the CMS Data Validation and Administrative Contract (DVAC), in which Bizzell was selected to lead and evaluate the improvement of quality healthcare programsincluding nursing home care.

Bizzell Wins Five Hermes Creative Awards for Public Health-Related Content

Bizzell Wins Five Hermes Creative Awards for Public Health-Related Content

May 8, 2020 (Lanham, MD) – The Bizzell Group (Bizzell), one of the fastest growing companies in America according to Inc. Magazine and Washington Business Journal, has won five Hermes Creative Awards, including two Platinum awards, two Gold awards, and one Honorable Mention. Bizzell was recognized for visual communication and marketing projects designed to support federal agencies and corporate initiatives that tackle the most critical and consequential issues affecting our world such as Ebola, suicide, substance use disorders and healthcare quality improvement.

“At Bizzell, we integrate world-class strategy, design, and technology to accelerate our clients’ missions, transforming lives in the process,” said Anton C. Bizzell, M.D., President & CEO. “We take pride in delivering exceptional communication products and will continue to set monumental standards worth achieving. Thank you, Hermes, for this distinguished honor.”

The Hermes Creative Awards, administered by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals are an international competition for creative professionals and serve as a benchmark of excellence for communications. Winning companies and individuals are selected from over 200 categories grouped under advertising, publications, marketing, branding, integrated marketing, public relations/communications, electronic media, and training.   From the United States, there were about 6,000 entries in the 2020 competition.

Full list of Bizzell’s Hermes Creative Awards:

Platinum Awards:

Gold Awards:

Honorable Mention:

For a  full list of awards won by Bizzell, please visit our website at:  https://BizzellUS.com/awards/.

ABOUT BIZZELL

Established in 2010, Bizzell US is U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) HUBZone certified strategy, consulting, and technology firm with a mission to improve lives and accelerate change. Bizzell US develops innovative solutions to some of the most critical issues of our time such as health care services equity, global health, workforce innovation and other urgent needs facing the world. Under the leadership and vision of founder, Anton C. Bizzell, MD, the company has grown into a thriving firm headquartered in New Carrollton, Maryland with staff and offices in various regions around the country including California, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Georgia, and globally in Africa, Asia, and Central America. Learn more about how we develop data-driven, research-informed, innovative solutions to complex-real-world challenges. Learn more at www.BizzellUS.com.

ABOUT HERMES CREATIVE AWARDS

Hermes Creative Awards honors the messengers and creators of the information revolution. Armed with their imaginations and computers, Hermes winners bring their ideas to life through traditional and digital platforms.

Each year, competition judges evaluate the creative industry’s best publications, branding collateral, websites, videos, and advertising, marketing and communication programs. https://hermesawards.com/

U.S. Army’s First Female Cyber Operator Joins Bizzell as Senior Associate for Cybersecurity and Intelligence

U.S. Army’s First Female Cyber Operator Joins Bizzell as Senior Associate for Cybersecurity and Intelligence

April 21, 2020 (Lanham, MD)—Leslie Kershaw, M.S. joins The Bizzell Group (Bizzell) as Senior Associate for Cybersecurity & Intelligence. In this role, she will support business development efforts by identifying opportunities to integrate security into the health industry including making information, devices, and processes secure from outside threats. Kershaw will also direct strategic relationships with clients, vendors, and business partners.

“I’m honored to lead strategy and growth in the area of cybersecurity at Bizzell. I will use my experience to bring a holistic approach to protecting health systems from cyber attacks from all angles, especially those angles that compromise protected health information and endanger health care delivery systems. I look forward to accelerating our impact in the field,” says Kershaw.

Bringing over 15 years of experience in cybersecurity and intelligence, Kershaw’s career in this field launched when she was recruited to a special missions unit in the U.S. Army. She became the Army’s first female National Security Agency (NSA) certified, offensive cyber operator and led all of NSA’s Computer Network Exploitation Operations. After leaving government service, Kershaw built a hunt operations center for root9B, a cybersecurity company. She then became one of the first members of a cyber security startup that focused on finding hackers. Kershaw created a subsidiary where her efforts focused on building a cyber analytic and operational platform.

“The ever-evolving technology and security needs of our world calls for a revamp in the capabilities and services we offer,” says Anton C. Bizzell, M.D., President & CEO of Bizzell. “We’re looking forward to leveraging Leslie’s expertise in order to advance our clients’ missions, using essential insights to ensure strategic advantage.”

Kershaw holds a Master of Science in Information Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, and served in the U.S. Army for six years.

About Bizzell

Established in 2010, Bizzell US is U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) HUBZone certified strategy, consulting, and technology firm with a mission to improve lives and accelerate change. Bizzell US develops innovative solutions to some of the most critical issues of our time such as health care services equity, global health, workforce innovation and other urgent needs facing the world. Under the leadership and vision of founder, Anton C. Bizzell, MD, the company has grown into a thriving firm headquartered in New Carrollton, Maryland with staff and offices in various regions around the country including California, Colorado, Oklahoma, and Georgia, and globally in Africa, Asia, and Central America. Learn more about how we develop data-driven, research-informed, innovative solutions to complex-real-world challenges: www.BizzellUS.com.