FDA: Class I recall of Medtronic implantable cardioverter, cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on July 18, identified the recall by Medtronic of its implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds) as Class I, the most serious. Medtronic is recalling all ICDs and CRT-Ds, with glassed feedthroughs that were manufactured after 2017, as…
[Free Webinar] Optimizing the Surgical Workflow: Strategies for Improved Patient Access and Surgeon Satisfaction
In todayโs fast-paced healthcare environment, perioperative leaders face numerous challenges, including increased patient volumes, complex scheduling, and limited resources.ย To overcome these obstacles and provide exceptional patient care, it is crucial to quickly identify opportunities in order to streamline the surgical workflow.ย The challenges of maximizing patient access, ensuring surgeon…
Can playing Dungeons and Dragons improve mental well-being?
Editor's Note Researchers at the University of South Australia are studying the use of tabletop role-playing games, such as Dungeons and Dragons, to boost confidence and self-esteem in players to improve their mental well-being. The research is part of a collaboration between the University of South Australia and social gaming…
Gamifying nursing education with a virtual escape room
Editor's Note This study by nurse researchers at UNC Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, shows how technology can keep Generation Z nursing students engaged. After receiving student feedback that lecturers for a new nurse residency program could be โboringโ and it was โhard to pay attention,โ a virtual escape room…
FDA: Class I recall of Draeger Medicalโs Oxylog 3000 Plus Emergency and Transport Ventilators
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on July 13, identified the recall by Draeger Medical of its Oxylog 3000 Plus Emergency and Transport Ventilators as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because of reports that the ventilator may not automatically switch back to using AC…
CMS proposes changes to price transparency rules, mental health services
Editor's Note On July 13, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposal that would increase Medicare hospital outpatient prospective payment system rates by a net 2.8% in 2024 compared to 2023, including a โproposed 3% market basket update, offset by a 0.2% cut for productivity,โ the…
Improving IP work-life balance, retention with an alternative work schedule
Editor's Note This study from the Falls Church, Virginia-based Inova Health System finds that an alternative work schedule improved work-life balance, productivity, and morale of its infection preventionists (IPs). With the surges and threats of emerging infectious diseases, the Inova Health System was dealing with a shortage of IPs and…
The Joint Commission/AHA revise requirements for Advanced Certification in Heart Failure program
Editor's Note The Joint Commission, on July 12, announced that it and the American Heart Association (AHA) have revised requirements for the Advanced Certification in Heart Failure program to align with the latest clinical practice guidelines for heart failure, effective January 1, 2024. Requirements for interdisciplinary team members have been…
SSIs in children having nonemergent surgical procedures
Editor's Note This study, led by researchers at Boston Childrenโs Hospital and the American College of Surgeons, finds that a small number of surgical procedures account for a disproportionate number of surgical site infections (SSIs) in elective pediatric surgery. This multicenter analysis included SSI data from 90 hospitals and 11,689…
The Joint Commission revising CAH EPs to better align with CMS
Editor's Note The Joint Commission, on July 12, announced that it is making several changes to its critical access hospital (CAH) elements of performance (EPs) to better align with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation, effective August 27, 2023. The changes are part of CMSโ…