Study shows ransomware attacks against healthcare are on the rise
Editor's Note In this study conducted by researchers at the University of Minnesota and by Beth Virnig, PhD, MPH, dean of the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions, data shows that ransomware attacks on healthcare organizations have more than doubled from 2016 to 2021, Healthcare Purchasing…
Inequities in cancer treatments after COVID-19 infection
Editor's Note This study led by researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York City, finds that race, ethnicity, and area-level social determinants of health (SDOH) were associated with delayed or discontinued cancer treatments and longer delays to restart drug-based therapies after COVID-19 infections. The analysis included data on…
ECRI lists Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2023
Editor's Note ECRI on January18 published its Top 10 Health Technology Hazards report for 2023, which includes: Gaps in recalls for at-home medical devices Defective single-use medical devices Automated dispensing cabinet overrides Undetected venous needle dislodgement Cybersecurity risks associated with cloud-based clinical systems Inflatable pressure infusers Confusion about ventilator cleaning…
Effect of vaccination on persistent COVID-19 symptoms
Editor's Note This study led by researchers at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, finds that more severe acute COVID-19 illness, a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, and being unvaccinated before infection were linked to a higher risk of reporting 28 days or more of…
AAMI updates PPE standard
Editor's Note The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) on January 18 released a revised American National Standard that includes new information for manufacturers and users of personal protective equipment (PPE). The new edition of โANSI/AAMI PB70:2022, Liquid barrier performance and classification of protective apparel and drapes intended…
Pediatric patients benefit from calming, quiet OR environment
Takeaways โข Children are not small adults. Greater attention should be paid to their fears and anxiety, and equipment and medication should be tailored to meet their needs. โข All staff should have Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification. โข ASCs can use toys and games as distractions to ease…
Making real change: How nurse leaders can collaborate with legislators
Takeaways โข OR nurse leaders are becoming a force in healthcare legislation. โข Legislators value nursing expertise and want to collaborate with nurses on healthcare legislation. โข It is easier than expected to get involved with legislation to improve patient safety, support staff, and optimize the workplace. Tracy Hoeft-Hoffman, MSN,…
Editorial
For healthcare, and for hospitals and health systems especially, 2022 was one of the years with the worst financial performance seen in decades. Monthly reports throughout last year depicted rising costs, mostly exacerbated by the crippling staff shortages and a reliance on more expensive contract staff, and diminished profit margins.…
Managing labor costs in a time of staffing shortages
Nationwide staffing shortages are causing significant strain on healthcare systems. Hospital leaders have to be creative with how to mitigate this challenge while still prioritizing patient care. Healthcare workers are essential, but labor costs are often the largest expenses for hospitals. Even before the pandemic, labor costs, including recruitment, retention,…
Assessing options for post-warranty equipment maintenance
When making decisions about technology and equipment, there is a tendency to focus on immediate productivity increasesโor perhaps, practical aspects such as carrying out an implementation or training staff. But here is another major issue: how to maintain OR equipment once the warranty runs out. This is more complex than…