Predictors of loss of independence after hip fracture repair
Editor's Note Age 50 to 80 years was a strong predictor of returning to independent living and walking 1 year after hip fracture surgery in this study. Of 600 patients aged 50 and older included in the study, 3.07% aged 50 to 80 years were living in an institution 1…
CMS releases opioid prescribing mapping tool updates
Editor's Note The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on February 22 released an update to its Medicare Part D opioid prescribing mapping tool and a new Medicaid opioid prescribing mapping tool. The Medicare tool is an interactive, web-based resource that shows geographic comparisons of opioid prescribing rates at state,…
Unnecessary UTI testing cut by 45%
Editor's Note Making a simple change to the electronic system used by physicians to order urine tests can cut by 45% the number of bacterial cultures ordered without compromising the identification of patients who need treatment for urinary tract infections (UTIs), this study finds. In this analysis of 18,954 patients…
FDA: Class I recall of ICU Medicalโs ChemoLock Vial Spike
Editor's Note The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on February 22 identified the recall by ICU Medical (San Clemente, California) of its ChemoLock Vial Spike (20 mm) as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because of the potential for plastic particles to break off the protective cap.…
[WHITEPAPER] How Effective Partnerships Support Exceptional, Cost-Effective Healthcare
This whitepaper explores key benefits of partnering with vendors by identifying four key trends affecting hospital performance and by analyzing how third-party service providers can help hospitals adapt to those trends. This was the experience at two health systems, Erlanger Health System and Baystate Health, where healthcare teams benefited from…
Mortality rates lower in areas with more primary care physicians
Editor's Note Communities in the US with more primary care physicians had lower mortality rates than those with fewer physicians, this study finds. Results showed a: 51.5 day increase in life expectancy for every 10 additional primary care physicians per 100,000 people 19.2 day increase in life expectancy for every…
FDA: Class I recall of Smiths Medical Sterile Saline and Water for Inhalation
Editor's Note The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on February 4 identified the recall by Smiths Medical (Minneapolis, Minnesota) of certain lots of Sterile Saline and Water for Inhalation as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because of potential exposure to infectious agents (bacillus infantis and staphylococcus…
Effect of โgritโ on success and well-being of nurse leaders
Editor's Note The personality quality termed โgritโ was associated with longevity as a leader, higher educational attainment, and reduced burnout in nurse leaders in this study. A survey of nurse leaders across the US measuring grit (ie, courage and resolve, strength of character) and well-being found that grit was significantly…
Joint Commission seeking comments on proposed EP for office-based surgery practices using fluoroscopy
Editor's Note The Joint Commission on February 20 announced that it is seeking comments on a proposed element of performance (EP) for office-based surgery practices that provide fluoroscopy services. The new requirementโEnvironment of Care (EC) standard EC.02.02.01โaddresses the monitoring of radiation exposure badges. The deadline for comments is March 29.
New nurses working long shifts, overtime
Editor's Note New nurses are predominantly working 12-hour shifts and nearly half work overtime each week, trends that have remained relatively the same over the past 10 years, this study finds. Analyzing surveys from more than 4,500 newly licensed nurses in 13 states and Washington, DC, researchers from New York…