Effectiveness of various pressures, solutions for wound irrigation of open fractures
Editor's Note Very low pressure irrigation with saline is an acceptable, low-cost alternative for irrigating open fractures, this study finds. Managing open fractures requires wound irrigation and debridement, but the effectiveness of various pressures and solutions remains controversial. Researchers investigated the effects of castile soap versus normal saline irrigation delivered…
FDA proposes early warning system for medical devices
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on December 31, 2015, released draft guidance on “Public Notification of Emerging Postmarket Medical Device Signals (Emerging Signals).” The draft proposes a policy for how the FDA will notify the public about “emerging signals” (ie, new information) of possible device risks before…
Nurses top Gallup poll as most honest, ethical profession
Editor's Note Nurses have topped Gallup’s annual Honesty and Ethics ratings every year but one since 1999, when they were added to the list. The exception was in 2001, when firefighters were included on the list on a one-time basis after September 11. With an 85% rating, nurses are 17…
Combining systems and teamwork interventions improves patient safety
Editor's Note Patient safety approaches that combine teamwork training and systems interventions are more effective than either approach alone, this study finds. The study involved 4-month safety improvement interventions in 5 UK hospitals using teamwork training (TT); systems redesign and standardization (SOP); Lean quality improvement; SOP plus TT; or Lean…
New guideline for geriatric surgical patients released
Editor's Note The American College of Surgeons and American Geriatrics Society on January 4 released a new best practice guideline for optimal care of older adults before, during, and after surgery. The new guideline, “Optimal Perioperative Care of the Geriatric Patient,” addresses the care of surgical patients 65 years old…
FDA issues draft guidance on UDI convenience kits
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on January 4 issued a draft guidance: “Unique Device Identification [UDI]: Convenience Kits—Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff.” The document outlines the FDA’s interpretation that the term “convenience kit,” as defined by 21 CFR 801.3, applies solely to…
Bill allowing MU Stage 2 hardship exemptions signed into law
Editor's Note A bill designed to make it easier for healthcare providers to receive hardship exemption from financial penalties for failing to meet Stage 2 meaningful use (MU) electronic health record (EHR) requirements was signed into law on December 28, 2015, the January 4, 2016, iHealthBeat reports. The bill ensures…
CMS finalizes rule on prior authorization for durable medical equipment, supplies
Editor's Note The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), on December 30, 2015, published a final rule that establishes a prior authorization process for certain durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, and supplies to help reduce unnecessary and fraudulent claims. Under the final rule, the same information necessary to submit…
FDA: Class I recall of Perseus A500 Anesthesia Workstation
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration, on December 23, 2015, classified the recall of the Perseus A500 Anesthesia Workstation by Draeger as Class I, the most serious. Draeger Medical (Telford, Pennsylvania) recalled the workstation because a faulty power switch may fail, causing the workstation to alarm and shut down…
ECRI Institute releases 2016 Top 10 Hospital C-suite Watch List
Editor's Note The ECRI Institute on January 4 released its annual Top 10 list of important technology related issues that hospital and health system leaders need to pay close attention to this year. The list includes: Medical device cybersecurity (eg, hacking into pacemakers) Miniature leadless pacemakers Changing landscape of robotic…
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- Novel liver transplant technique offers new hope for colorectal cancer patients
- Bipartisan bill would expand presidential trade authority over medical goods
- Legislation proposes granting CRNA practice authority to expand anesthesia access for veterans
- FDA announces Class 1 recall for implantable ports
- FDA designates Class 1 recall for embolization devices
- AI reshapes healthcare leadership
- The Joint Commission launches UNIFY 2025 to advance patient safety, healthcare quality
- Insights into spinal vs general anesthesia: Which comes out on top for same-day outpatient surgery?
- US News & World Report releases results of second annual ‘Best ASCs’ ratings
- Hospitals make steady gains in patient safety amid persistent challenges