FDA: Class I recall of Normoflo irrigation fluid warmers, warming sets
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on September 15 identified the recall of Smiths Medical Normoflo irrigation fluid warmers and warming sets as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because of the potential for aluminum ions leaching into warmed fluids, potentially exposing patients to high…
Impact of COVID-19 on intent of nurses to leave current positions, profession
Editor's Note This study led by nurse researchers at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York City, finds a high level of COVID-19 pandemic impact on nursesโ intent to leave their current positions and the nursing profession. Among 5,000 nurses surveyed, pandemic impact was rated high overall and was highest in…
ECRI, ISMP join leaders in celebrating World Patient Safety Day
Editor's Note ECRI and its affiliate, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), announced on September 14 that they will be joining leaders around the globe in celebrating World Patient Safety Day, September 17, 2021. To support this yearโs theme, โSafe Maternal and Newborn Care,โ ECRI and ISMP developed an…
ORโs Juggling Act: Matching Supply of Anesthesia Coverage with Surgeon Demand for OR Time
In OR management, matching supply and demand patterns is a critical requirement. On the supply side, organizations need staff with the right skills, ORs, anesthesia coverage, and the necessary equipment. On the demand side, teams must juggle procedure volume, different types of procedures, timing, and expected duration. OR downtime issues…
Study: Effects of COVID-19 mask mandates on hospital resources, mortality
Editor's Note This study led by researchers at the US Army Institute of Surgical Research and the Brooke Army Medical Center JBSA Fort Sam Houston, Texas, finds that a Texas state-level mask mandate issued July 3, 2020, followed by a Bexar County-level mandate issued July 15, 2020, did not reduce…
Intermountain Healthcare halts nonemergency surgical procedures at 13 hospitals
Editor's Note Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare is postponing all nonemergency surgical procedures in its 13 hospitals, effective September 15, the September 10 Beckerโs Hospital Review reports. The action is being taken because of a COVID-19 surge fueled by the Delta variant. In a news release, the health system said…
Value of hospital staffing with nurse practitioners
Editor's Note This study led by nurse researcher Linda H. Aiken, PhD, at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, finds that having more nurse practitioners (NPs) in hospitals has favorable effects on patients, staff, and efficiencyโadding value to labor resources. Data on 579 hospitals gleaned from nurse, patient,…
ACS raises awareness about surgeon suicide
Editor's Note The American College of Surgeons (ACS) on September 10 announced that through its Surgeon Well-Being program, it is striving to build awareness about surgeon suicide during September, which is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. ACS is emphasizing Physician Suicide Awareness Day, September 17, in order to destigmatize…
Surgical patients find postop virtual visits more convenient without loss of satisfaction
Editor's Note In this study by researchers at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, surgical patients find virtual follow-up care more convenient than traditional in-person appointments without loss of quality or efficiency, which are important components of patient satisfaction. The analysis included 289 patients having laparoscopic appendectomy or…
CDC: COVID-19 transmission is high in more than 95% of US counties
Editor's Note A total of 95.19% of US counties are reporting high COVID-19 transmission rates, with at least 100 new cases per 100,000 people in the past 7 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The surge in COVID-19 cases is being driven largely by the Delta…