Researchers pinpoint factor that predicts unplanned readmissions
Editor's Note The widely used โLACE index,โ which assesses a patientโs risk of hospital readmission, has a โblindspotโ because it fails to consider whether patients are on Medicaid, West Virginia University researchers say. LACE stands for length of stay, acuity, comorbidity, and emergency department. To assess the predictive value of…
Predicting ICU readmission of surgical patients
Editor's Note ICU readmission risk for surgical patients can be predicted using a simple, clinical nomogram based on seven demographic and physiologic variables, this study finds. Of 3,109 patients admitted to the ICU by general surgery, transplant, trauma, and vascular surgery services, there were 141 (5%) unplanned readmissions within 72…
FDA: Sun Pharmaceutical recalls four lots of Vecuronium Bromide
Editor's Note The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on January 8 announced the recall by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Inc (Cranbury, New Jersey) of three lots of Vecuronium Bromide for Injection, 10 mg (lyophilized powder) (Lots: JKS0443A, JKS0444A, JKS0477A), and one lot of Vecuronium Bromide for Injection, 20 mg (lyophilized powder)…
Thank you for registering for the March 7, 2019 webinar
Thank you for registering for theย What Did 857 Perioperative RNs Have to Say About Covering and Observing Sterile Tables? webinar. You should receive a confirmation email shortly with instructions on how to access the webinar. If you do not receive this email, please contact us at 1-888-707-5814 orย [email protected].
Effect of Medicare ACOs on spending for inpatient surgery
Editor's Note Though Medicare Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) have had some success in reducing spending for medical care, they have not had similar success with surgical spending, this study finds. Of 341,675 patients at 427 ACO hospitals and 1,024,090 patients at 1,531 non-ACO hospitals analyzed, average baseline payments were similar…
Joint Commission seeks comments on new antimicrobial stewardship requirements
Editor's Note The Joint Commission on January 9 announced that it is seeking feedback on its newly proposed requirements for antimicrobial stewardship at Medication Management (MM) standard MM.09.01.03. The requirements apply to ambulatory healthcare organizations and office-based surgery practices. The proposed requirements align with current recommendations from scientific and professional…
Surgical intern education decreases postop opioid prescribing
Editor's Note Education of surgical interns on postoperative analgesia was effective in preparing them for judicious opioid prescribing, this study finds. An education session on postoperative analgesia prescribing was presented to 31 incoming surgical interns by surgical residents. Before the education session was started, few interns felt comfortable prescribing opioids…
ASA updates practice advisory on visual loss linked to spine surgery
Editor's Note The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has published a new โPractice Advisory for Perioperative Visual Loss Associated with Spine Surgery 2019,โ which updates the Practice Advisory published by the ASA in 2012. The purpose of the Advisory is to enhance awareness and reduce the frequency of perioperative visual…
Cardinal Health Achieving OR Turnover Agility
Todayโs OR directors feel tremendous pressure to turn over rooms more quickly and efficiently--every minute of OR time affects the hospitalโs bottom line. To improve efficiency, OR directors are becoming more aware of the need to approach turnover practices as a process (e.g., room scheduling, room setup, room cleaning) and…
[Whitepaper] Covering Prepared Sterile Tables in the OR: Why Its Time Has Come
This whitepaper discusses the benefits of covering prepared sterile tables and reveals research-based insights into how clinician knowledge and attitudes inform covering sterile tables, inclusive of physical attendance and direct observation. Download this whitepaper, brought to you by TIDI Products, and discover insights into: AORN guidelines to recommend covering prepared…