UPMC to use new digital app for monitoring pre- and post-surgery care
Editor's Note University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) facilities will be testing a new health app designed to help patients easily manage their care before and after a surgical procedure, HealthLeaders Media October 20 reports. “Surgery can be incredibly difficult on a patient’s body; in some cases, it can have…
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among HCWs in academic hospitals
Editor's Note This study led by researchers from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia examines COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs) at two large academic hospitals in Philadelphia. A total of 5,929 HCWs were surveyed, including 2,253 MDs and DOs, 582 nurse practitioners (NPs), 158 physician assistants (PAs), and 2,936 nurses.…
The Joint Commission, ACOG announce Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care
Editor's Note The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), announced on October 20 the launch of Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care (ACPC). ACPC incorporates the latest research, evidence-based practices, and guidance to help improve quality and safety for pregnant or postpartum patients and…
Evaluating essential surgery during COVID-19
Editor's Note This study led by researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, examines the World Bank Disease Control Priorities’ 44 essential surgical procedures, which are a starting point for health care systems in low- and middle-income countries, and analyzes whether the list should be expanded for nations with more…
FDA: Philips Respironics recalls certain BiPAP, CPAP masks
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 19 identified the recall by Philips Respironics of certain masks for BiPAP and CPAP machines as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because magnetic headgear clips that hold the masks in place can cause injury or death…
Save the Date: OR Manager Conference 2023, call for proposals
Editor's Note For those who were unable to join us in Denver, Colorado, for the 2022 OR Manager Conference, each session has been recorded and will be available for purchase and to earn CE credits online. Attendees of the conference receive complimentary access to all recorded sessions. Stay tuned for…
White House releases strategy to improve preparedness for future biological threats
Editor's Note On October 18, the White House released the “National Biodefense Strategy and Implementation Plan for Countering Biological Threats, Enhancing Pandemic Preparedness, and Achieving Global Health Security” (the strategy), Becker's Hospital Review October 19 reports. The strategy includes the objective to create enough vaccines for the US population within…
Study: Manually cleaning medical instruments increases contamination exposure
Editor's Note The American Journal of Infection Control published a study on October 13 showing the risks of manually cleaning medical equipment, Healthcare Purchasing News October 14 reports. The study emphasizes the importance of proper procedures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce risk of contamination. The…
Session: ASC Leadership Roundtable Panel, Ask the Experts
Editor's Note The last day of the OR Manager Conference saw perhaps its most inventive breakout session yet. The ambulatory surgery center (ASC) leadership roundtable panel led attendees through an education-filled hour marked by games, interaction, and trivia. “Technology is the way of the future, it is here, and we…
Session: Elements for Establishing Operational Excellence in Robotics
Editor's Notes Sherry Rogers, director of robotics at Emory Healthcare, identified key elements for establishing operational excellence in robotic surgery during this breakout session on the last day of the conference. Rogers noted the practices and procedures she and her colleagues apply to Emory’s robotics program that have helped them…