Study: Lean methods improve first case on-time starts
Editor's Note In this study, implementation of Lean interventions to redesign the workflow in the preoperative holding area of a large urban medical center was linked to significantly improved rates of elective first case on-time starts. Data from 23,891 surgical procedures performed over 415 days were examined−86 days before, 35…
Traits millennials want in a leader
Editor's Note A survey of 350 millennials finds that traits employees want in a leader has changed dramatically in the past 20 years, the August 2 Great Leadership reports. Among the traits millennials are looking for in a leader are those who: communicate openly and frequently inspire people to be…
Cesarean section ERAS pathway reduces recovery time, improves outcomes
Editor's Note A new enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathway has been developed and implemented at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to enhance recovery after cesarean delivery. Updated guidelines for the ERAS pathway include: Intake of water and clear sports drinks before surgery to keep mother hydrated. Walking after…
CMS: Changes in IPPS, LTCH PPS final rule empower patients, reduce administrative burden
Editor's Note On August 2, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized its Hospital Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS) and Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment System (LTCH PPS) rule for FY 2019. The rule will empower patients and advance the White House “MyHealthData” initiative and the CMS “Patients…
FDA issues warning on azithromycin
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 3 issued a warning for azithromycin, saying the antibiotic should not be given long-term to prevent an inflammatory lung condition in patients with cancers of the blood or lymph nodes who undergo a donor stem cell transplant. A clinical trial…
Study assesses cleaning of different surface types in the OR
Editor's Note This study finds that irregularly shaped OR surfaces may require enhanced covering, cleaning, and monitoring protocols, compared to more regularly shaped surfaces. Researchers coupled ATP assays with traditional RODAC plate sampling and mass spectrometry to evaluate cleaning of five types of high-touch surfaces in the OR. Whether surfaces…
Joint Commission automates patient safety event phone line
Editor's Note The Joint Commission announced August 1 that beginning September 1, callers to its patient safety event phone line (1-800-994-6610) will receive automated instructions on how to file a report or concern. The line will no longer be answered by a staff member. The Joint Commission says the phone…
EHRs are top factor contributing to physician burnout
Editor's Note A recent Reaction Data survey of 254 physicians found that 21% believed electronic health records (EHRs) were the biggest determinant in burnout, followed by payers/preauthorization, regulatory compliance, and internal bureaucracy, the July 31 Healthcare Informatics reports. All factors had a common theme of consuming time and preventing physicians…
Door openings in the OR linked to increased environmental contamination
Editor's Note The number of door openings in the OR and duration of procedure were significantly associated with increased colony-forming units (CFUs) in the OR overall and outside of laminar airflow (LAF), this study finds. In LAF conditions, however, only the number of OR personnel was significantly associated with increased…
Survey: 49% of adults worry about healthcare data security
Editor's Note In a survey of more than 2,000 US adults, The Harris Poll on behalf of healthcare marketing firm Scout found that nearly half are extremely or very concerned about the security of their healthcare data, the July 30 Health IT Security reports. The survey also found that 47%…