AMPHIBIAN DISTRIBUTION IN THE GEORGIA SEA ISLANDS: IMPLICATIONS FROM THE PAST AND FOR THE FUTURE

We summarized amphibian distributions for 12 coastal islands in Georgia, USA. Occurrence among islands was correlated with life history traits, habitats, island size, distance to other islands, and island geological age. Species’ distributions were determined from published literature. Island sizes and vegetation types were derived from 2011 Georgia Department of Natural Resources habitat maps, which included both federal and state vegetation classification systems. Species occurring on more islands tended to have greater total reproductive output (i.e., life span >4 years, and annual egg production >1,000 eggs) and adults had tolerance of brackish environs. Larger islands had great­er area of freshwater wetlands, predominantly short hydroperiod (<6 months). Species tied to long hydroperiod wetlands (>6 months) were more restricted in their distribution across islands. Overall, larger islands supported more species, but the correlation was weaker for geologically younger Ho­locene islands (age <11,000 years). While Euclidean distance between islands does not necessarily preclude inter-island dispersal, inhospitable habitat for amphibians (brackish tidal marshes and creeks interspersed with wide rivers) suggests that inter-island dispersal is very limited. The paucity of recent occurrence data for amphibians in this dynamic coastal region, let alone standardized annual moni­toring data, hinders efforts to model species’ vulnerability in a region susceptible to sea level rise and development pressure. The most common survey method, standardized amphibian vocal surveys, will detect Anuran reproductive efforts, but is unlikely to ascertain if breeding was successful or to detect salamanders. While it will not replace actual population data, consideration of critical life-history traits and breeding habitat availability can be used to direct management to support long-term species per­sistence in changing environs. Even common amphibians in coastal conservation areas of Georgia are vulnerable to increasing population isolation caused by unsuitable habitat

Actionable Patient Safety Solution (APSS) #3D: Pediatric Adverse Drug Events

In 2001, the ISMP and the Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (PPAG) collaborated to produce the nation’s first set of guidelines to reduce pediatric medication errors (ISMP, 2001). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has also taken a lead in making recommendations to reduce errors (AAP, 2003). Closure of performance gaps and “getting to zero” medication errors will require the constant vigilance from all healthcare professionals and the commitment of hospitals and healthcare systems to implement action in the form of specific leadership, practice and technology plans. This will lead to a decrease in medication errors and a reduction in the occurrence of preventable ADEs in pediatric patients

The Functions of Management as Mechanisms for Fostering Interpersonal Trust

The central purpose of this article is to draw attention to ways that interpersonal trust between supervisors and employees can be fostered through activities associated with the four functions of management.  Interpersonal trust has received increasing attention as an important variable for effective management and the success of organizations.  Further, managers serve a critical role in promoting organizational success.  Practical insights regarding activities that promote interpersonal trust within each of the four functions of management is briefly discussed.  Emphasizing these insights within management education venues is also addressed.  These insights are offered with the intent of encouraging a more deliberate focus on trust within the functions of management.

Actionable Patient Safety Solution (APSS) #3D: Pediatric Adverse Drug Events

This report presents a plan of action for introducing a program to reduce the incidence of pediatric adverse drug events (pADEs) and harm ... [that] combine[s] leadership strategies, software (healthcare IT), hardware (drug compounding systems, drug delivery technology, and physiological monitoring systems), and most importantly people (changes in clinical practice, protocols and education) to protect pediatric patients

Actionable Patient Safety Solution (APSS) #3A: Medication Errors

This report presents a plan of action for introducing a program to reduce medication errors, which are a major cause of patient morbidity and mortality

Actionable Patient Safety Solution (APSS) #3D: Pediatric Adverse Drug Events

Preventing ADEs in pediatric patients poses unique challenges because children are particularly vulnerable to adverse outcomes from medication errors (preventable adverse events due to wrong medication use). However, it can create a safety culture, which is a culture that promotes patient safety and quality of care while reducing preventable risks and harm