Study: Patient perceptions of surgeons linked to color of scrub attire
Editor's Note This study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill finds that scrub color is a valuable identification tool, and it is associated with patientsโ perceptions of surgeons. An electronic survey was administered to patients and visitors at the University of North Carolina Medical Center in Chapel…
ECRI says it is time to review new evidence on weight-loss drugs
Editor's Note On January 10, ECRI released a new report calling on healthcare leaders to change their approach and embrace Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved weight loss drugs. ECRI says there is a large body of evidence showing that these drugs are beneficial as an adjunct to diet, exercise, and…
Biden administration seeks to end the COVID-19 emergency declaration
Editor's Note This week the Biden administration will be renewing the COVID-19 public health emergency for the 11th time since the pandemic began with claims that it will be the last time, reports January 10 Politico. The administration seeks to end the public health emergency as early as the spring.…
Listening to music linked to stress, mood during COVID-19 lockdown
Editor's Note This study from the University of Vienna, Austria, finds that listening to music in daily life during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown was associated with lower stress and better mood. This cohort study of 711 adults living in Austria and Italy was conducted between April 1 and May 8,…
US nurses ranked most honest, ethical professionals
Editor's Note For more than 2 decades, nursing has been ranked the most honest and ethical profession in Gallupโs annual poll, the American Nurses Association (ANA) reported on January 10. In the poll, 79% of Americans rated nursesโ honesty and ethical standards as โvery highโ or โhigh.โ The second highest…
Hospitals implement internal staffing agencies as solution to shortages
Editor's Note Hospitals and healthcare systems across the nation continue to face the staffing challenges which emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, reports January 9 Beckerโs Hospital Review. This issue is a top priority for healthcare leaders who want to maintain adequate staffing in order to provide the best patient care.…
Trends in surgeon burnout
Editor's Note This study led by researchers at Brigham and Womenโs Hospital, Boston, finds that contrary to popular perceptions, there is no evidence of rising surgeon burnout in the published literature. Of 3,575 studies screened (publication dates from 1996 through 2021), 103 (representing 63,587 surgeons) met inclusion criteria. Among the…
Healthcare employment up in December
Editor's Note Overall healthcare employment in the US was up in December to a seasonally adjusted 16,687,700 workers, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on January 6. Thatโs up 54,700 since November. Hospital employment also was up by 15,700 jobs. The overall unemployment rate for December was 3.5%, for a…
Metaverse company to help roll out VR surgery simulation
Editor's Note Metaverse company, Ubitus K.K., will help Smart Surgery Technology roll out Sim Surgery โ a VR surgery simulation application, reports January 5 Healthcare Purchasing News. Sim Surgery will be an affordable and more available solution addressing the growing need for medical students and physicians to gain ample surgical…
Effect of liberal preop fasting policy on fasting duration and patient well-being, safety
Editor's Note This study, led by researchers at the University Medical Center Utrecht in the Netherlands, finds that a liberal preoperative fasting policy allowing adults scheduled for general anesthesia to drink clear fluids until arrival in the OR was associated with reduced fasting duration and improved patient well-being with regard…