Editor's Note In this study, a preassembled toolkit that facilitated the aseptic collection of samples for culturing detected viable microbes on fully reprocessed endoscopes. Biopsy ports and suction/biopsy channels of 5 gastroscopes, 5 colonoscopes, and 5 bronchoscopes were aseptically sampled with the toolkit after the scopes were fully processed. Bacteria…

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Editor's Note The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on June 30 published a correction to its recently updated fire safety requirements for hospitals. The correction says that hospital outpatient surgical departments must meet Life Safety Code provisions "applicable to Ambulatory Health Care Occupancies, regardless of the number of…

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Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on June 29 categorized the recall of HeartWare Ventricular Assist Device (HVAD) batteries by HeartWare Inc (Framingham, Massachusetts) as Class I, the most serious. The batteries are being recalled because they may lose power prematurely because of faulty cells. If the HVAD…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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