Local chapter update: Leverage ACDIS offerings for meeting topics

Given the state of the world right now, local chapters and networking groups planning virtual events may run into roadblocks when it comes to speaker recruitment. If you’re experiencing this problem, here are a few ways you can leverage ACDIS’ existing offerings for meeting topics without having to engage an outside speaker.

First, chapter leaders, per the Local Chapter Agreement Form, are eligible for two free ACDIS products per year to help facilitate chapter meetings. If you’re chapter is planning an event, this might be the perfect time to take advantage of this offering and request a free ACDIS webinar. Leaders can reach out to Associate Editorial Director Melissa Varnavas and Associate Editor Carolyn Riel to make a request.

Second, leaders may choose to create a panel discussion based on one of ACDIS’ recent publications. If you choose to go this route, pick a publication and assign a piece to each leadership team member. That team member is then responsible for presenting the information they learned during the chapter meeting and facilitating a discussion (if applicable) on the topic. The May/June edition of the CDI Journal published on May 1 would be an excellent candidate, as would ACDIS’ position and white papers.

And finally, chapters can use the CCDS/CCDS-O Exam Candidate’s Handbook to host review sessions for those wishing to pursue certification. This option may be best suited for smaller groups or for a subset of a larger group. For these meetings, assign each participant or panelist with a topic area covered in the exam content outline and ask them to present an overview of the topic area. Depending on the depth of the review, chapter leaders could set up a series of meetings and tackle each topic in turn.

As always, the ACDIS team is here to help you make the most of your chapter and networking group meetings. If you have questions or need help planning your next gathering, don’t hesitate to reach out.

The following is a list of upcoming events for ACDIS local chapters. If you have an upcoming event you would like to include, please email Varnavas (mvarnavas@acdis.org) and Riel (criel@acdis.org).  

May:

• The New Orleans ACDIS chapter meets Thursday, May 7, 4 p.m., via webinar. For information, contact Judi Dowling (judith.dowling@ochsner.org).
• The Florida ACDIS chapter event slated for Saturday, May 16, has been canceled. For information, contact Edna Betances-Harold (betane@shands.ufl.edu).
• The Ohio ACDIS chapter meets Thursday, May 21, 12-1 p.m., via webinar for the Quarterly Conference call. Click here to register. For additional information, contact Brittani Winkler (brittani.winkler@trusthcs.com)
• The Tennessee ACDIS chapter meets Friday, May 29, 11.30 a.m. to 1 p.m., via webinar. For additional information, contact Vicki Brown (Vicki.Brown@BMHCC.org).

July:

• The St. Louis Missouri ACDIS chapter event slated for Wednesday, April 29, has been postponed until July. For information, contact Pam Bulfer (pamela.bulfer@ssmhealth.com).
• The Ohio ACDIS chapter meets Friday, July 10, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Atrium Medical Center Friday. For additional information, contact Brittani Winkler (brittani.winkler@trusthcs.com).
• The Central Pennsylvania ACDIS chapter meets Friday, July 24, via a Zoom meeting hosted by Penn State Health.  Contact Deanne Wilk dwilk@pennstatehealth.psu.edu for more information.

August:

• The Arizona ACDIS chapter meets Saturday, August 22, for a half-day event. More details to follow.

September:

• The CDI educator networking group meets Friday, September 18, for an event titled "New CDI Orientation Process at Banner Health". For more information, contact Coral Fernandez (Coral.Fernandez@BHSI.com).