Joint Commission seeking comments on ePBM performance measures
Editor's Note The Joint Commission on October 17 announced that it is seeking public comment on three draft electronic Patient Blood Management (ePBM) performance measures: PBM-01 Preoperative Anemia Screeningย PBM-03 Preoperative Blood Type Testing and Antibody Screeningย PBM-04 Initial Transfusion Threshold. The Joint Commission is looking at options for using…
FDA, DHS increase coordination for medical device cybersecurity
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 16 announced that as part of the Administrationโs efforts to strengthen cybersecurity in healthcare, the FDA and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have agreed to greater coordination and cooperation for addressing cybersecurity in medical devices. Under the agreement, DHS will…
Despite concerns, patients see opioids as superior, expect them for postop pain
Editor's Note Despite concerns about addiction and side effects of opioids, patients still expect them to be prescribed and believe them to be the most effective for postoperative pain relief, finds this study presented October 13 at the Anesthesiology 2018 annual meeting in San Francisco. Researchers gave a 13-question survey…
Joint Commission announces new CV certification with AHA
Editor's Note The Joint Commission and the American Heart Association (AHA) will offer a single cardiovascular (CV) certification program for hospitals beginning January 1, 2019, the Joint Commission announced on October 10. The single certification is designed to enhance CV patient care and improve outcomes and quality of life. It…
PSH improves outcomes in elderly, children
Editor's Note The Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) model of care was successful in improving quality of care and outcomes in elderly hip fracture patients and children having cardiac surgery in two studies presented October 14 at the Anesthesiology 2018 annual meeting in San Francisco. One study compared 308 hip fracture…
CDC reports progress in lowering HAIs
Editor's Note The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on October 11 released as report showing progress by hospitals in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The report shows hospitals reduced: abdominal hysterectomy surgical site infections (SSIs) by 13% central line-associated bloodstream infections by 11% Clostridium difficile infections by 8% catheter-associated…
Countering unprofessional workplace behavior
Editor's Note Organizational support initiatives and authentic leadership training for nurse leaders reduced bullying among licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in this study. A survey was sent to a random sample of 855 LPNs that was drawn from a total of 4,306 in a Midwestern state; 168 usable questionnaires were returned…
CMS: 1,299 providers join new bundled payment initiative
Editor's Note The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on October 9 announced that 1,299 healthcare providers are participating in its new Bundled Payments for Care ImprovementโAdvanced model, which began October 1 and will continue until December 31, 2023. The program includes 32 bundled clinical episodes (29 inpatient, 3…
Effect of preop patient-centered surgical wellness program
Editor's Note In this study, a preoperative, patient-centered wellness program significantly reduced hospital acquired infections in surgical patients at an academic medical center. A total of 12,396 surgical patients were given a wellness bundle in a roller bag during preoperative screening. The bundle included chlorhexidine bath solution, immuno-nutrition supplements, an…
Joint Commission deletes PI standard for ASCs
Editor's Note The Joint Commission announced October 10 that accredited, deemed-status ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) will no longer be required to collect data on medical necessity and appropriateness of procedures (PI.01.01.01, EP 21), effective July 1, 2019. The Joint Commission developed the performance improvement (PI) standard to align with the…