CMS releases safety expectations on workplace violence
Editor's Noteย The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a new memorandum on November 28 emphasizing the importance of enforcing regulations and expectations to create a safe environment for hospital staff when delivering patient care, the American Hospital Association reported on November 28. According to the memo, the…
Association of COVID-19 with incidence of HAIs in California hospitals
Editor's Note This study, by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, and California Department of Public Health, finds significant increases in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in California acute-care hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically, central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections (BSIs). The researchers found…
FDA: Class I recall of Baxter Hillrom WatchCare IMS for RF interference risk
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration, on November 23, identified the recall by Baxter Hillrom of its WatchCare Incontinence Management System (IMS) as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because of the risk for radiofrequency (RF) emissions from WatchCare devices that may interfere with other devices,…
Michigan initiates launch of its first nurse apprentice program
Editor's Note Michigan has launched its first RN apprentice program in light of the stateโs significant nursing shortage, HealthLeaders November 14 reports. Created from a partnership with Corewell Health Ludington Hospital and West Shore Community College, the program will combine both instructive and experiential learning, as well as nurse mentorship,…
Antiviral, antibiotic shortages cause strain on healthcare providers
Editor's Note A shortage of medications used in treatment of pediatric illnesses are causing additional challenges for healthcare providers amid spikes in respiratory viruses, according to a November 22 CNN story, reports Beckerโs Hospital Review November 23. It was reported by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) that as…
Part 1 of Benchmark Questionnaire on OR Business Practices closes December 5, 2022
Editor's Note Part 1 of the Benchmark Questionnaire on Operating Room Business Practices (Elective Cases Only)ย closes December 5, 2022 at 8 pm ET. We ask that you take 10 minutes to complete the survey to help highlight best OR Practices for our readers.ย The first part of this 2-part survey…
[Free Webinar] Critical Components of Optimized OR Performance: Credible Data and an Effective Surgery Block Management System
Watch now on-demand by completing the form below. Abstract: As a hospital leader, it is indeed frustrating for you and/or your perioperative leadership to haveย difficult conversations with surgeons about block allocation and utilization, particularly when the data isnโt defensible and when surgeons can take their cases elsewhere. It is…
Parentsโ COVID-19 vaccination status linked to children's hospital admissions
Editor's Note This French study finds that during the Delta and Omicron periods of COVID-19, parentsโ vaccination status was associated with hospital admissions for their children younger than 5 years of age, for whom vaccines were not licensed. During the study period, 599 children were admitted to the hospital. For…
FDA: Class I recall of Insulet Omnipod DASH PDM
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on November 16 identified the recall by Insulet of its Omnipod DASH Insulin Management System Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because of PDM battery issues, including: Battery swelling Fluid leakage from the battery…
Cynthia Hess: Perioperative Nurses Week Interview
Todayโs chat is with Cynthia Hess, MSN, RN, FNP-C, RT(R)(CT)(ARRT), Director of Nursing, Northeast Missouri Ambulatory Surgery Center, Hannibal, MO. Q: What is something that went right at your facility and/or that you are thankful for this year? What Iโm thankful for, hands down, is my staff. They take such…