College course delivery model linked to psychological distress during COVID-19
Editor's Note This study by researchers from Harvard Medical School, Boston, finds that college students whose classes were offered entirely online during the COVID-19 pandemic had increased psychological distress, compared with those attending a mix of in-person and online classes. Of 59,250 full-time undergraduate college students analyzed, 3.5% attended fully…
Another six health systems, schools starting nursing programs
Editor's Note Another six health systems and schools are starting nursing programs and partnerships or plan to do so, the November 30, Becker’s Hospital Review reports. UMass Chan Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, is starting a nurse preceptor academy. The West Virginia Professional Charter School Board approved a proposal for the…
Use of serious games to promote infection prevention among senior nursing students during COVID-19
Editor's Note This study by nursing researchers from Turkey, finds that serious game implementation significantly increased senior nursing students’ knowledge of infection prevention and safe behaviors during COVID-19. A total of 62 nursing students completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, COVID-19 information form, and game usability form, and their responses were analyzed…
The Joint Commission launches new Speak Up About Vaccinations campaign
Editor's Note The Joint Commission on November 30 announced the launch of a new patient safety campaign—Speak Up About Vaccinations—that is designed to help patients better understand vaccines. The campaign includes: an infographic poster/flyer in three sizes an animated video a distribution guide with recommendations on how healthcare organizations can…
Hospitals' margins remain negative in November, 10th consecutive month
Editor's Note Hospitals and healthcare systems across the nation experienced their 10th consecutive month of negative profit margins, according to data Kaufman Hall released in a report on November 30, the American Hospital Association November 30 reports. The report notes that the pressures of increased expenses is a key driver…
Submit presentation proposal for OR Manager Conference 2023 by Dec. 15
Editor's Note The OR Manager Conference program committee is seeking presentation proposals for the 2023 conference, to be held September 18–20 at Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. Perioperative leaders who have experience or a story to share in the following categories are encouraged to submit a proposal by December…
COVID-19-related deaths higher in younger people in 2021
Editor's Note This study by researchers from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, finds that in the COVID-19 pandemic’s early phases, most deaths were in older people, but in 2021, deaths in younger people increased while deaths in older people decreased. The researchers, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data,…
The Joint Commission updates ORYX performance measure requirements
Editor's Note The Joint Commission on November 23 announced that it had updated its 2023 ORYX performance measure reporting requirements, effective January 1, 2023. Key updates for hospitals and critical access hospitals include: Three new electronic clinical quality measures (eCQMs)—hospital harm, severe hypoglycemia; hospital harm, severe hyperglycemia; and ST-segment elevation…
Transforming Healthcare Operations: How Three Healthcare Systems Leveraged AI, Automation, and Change Management
What do CommonSpirit, Gundersen Health System, and The University of Kansas Health System have in common? Each utilized LeanTaaS’s iQueue platform to see a measurable increase in block utilization, staffed room utilization, and surgical volume. ORs can generate up to 70% of a hospital’s revenue–and up to 40% of hospital…
Optimizing Outcomes: How Technology Enhances Care in Resource-Constrained Environments
As care costs soar and critical resources shrink, health systems face mounting pressure to balance profitability with accessible care. The American Hospital Association’s 2023 report highlights this, noting a 17.5% rise in hospital expenses and a 20.8% increase in labor costs from 2019 to 2022, factors leading to hospital closures.…