Editor's Note In this study, researchers developed a question prompt list for older adults considering high-risk surgery. Three decision-making needs were addressed, including clarification of treatment options, setting postoperative expectations, and advance care planning. The list included 11 questions within 3 domains: Should I have surgery? What should I expect…
Editor's Note The Joint Commission on June 29 issued an urgent update to computed tomography (CT) technologist standards after receiving significant feedback from those concerned about the expectation for advanced-level CT certification and the potential impact on patient access to CT services if it was required by January 2018. The…
Editor's Note In this study, researchers examined whether income, educational level, marital status, and country of birth were independently associated with all cause cardiovascular, diabetes-related, and cancer mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes. Results showed that independent of risk factors and access to/use of healthcare, socioeconomic status was a…
Editor's Note A Joint Commission white paper issued June 27 dispels myths about the sharing of information with patients and their families. The aim of the paper, “Busting the myths about engaging patients and families in patient safety,” is to help organizations design more effective communication practices because open communication…
Editor's Note A program at the Hospital for Special Surgery, New York City, to improve orthopedic surgery residents’ communication skills with older adults is paying off, according to a new study presented at the Council of Orthopaedic Residency Directors meeting on June 24 in Seattle. A total of 64 residents…
Editor's Note A survey of nurse leaders by the American Organization of Nurse Executives found that 81% were “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with their jobs. The top reason nearly half (47%) of respondents gave for staying in their positions was “I find joy and meaning in my work.” A…
Editor's Note Rebuilding America’s Warriors (RAW) will provide free surgery to survivors of the Orlando nightclub shootings, WFTV9 Eyewitness News reports. The RAW group comprises more than 350 surgeons in more than 40 states who perform reconstructive surgery for war veterans for free. In addition to the surgeons covering the…
Editor's Note This study finds that 10 years after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, patients were able to maintain more than 50% of what they lost in excess body mass index and more than 25% of their original total body weight loss. The study also found reductions in diabetes, heart…
Editor's Note Preoperative falls may be common and often injurious in surgical patients across all ages, and they are associated with preoperative functional dependence and quality of life, this study finds. The study included 15,060 adult patients undergoing elective surgery. In the 6 months before surgery, 26% fell at least…
Editor's Note The overall risk for deep wound surgical site infections (SSIs) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is low, but it varies by graft type, this study finds. Of 1,452 patients included in the study, 55 had deep wound infections. Infection risk was highest for hamstring autograft (2.5%), compared…