Study: Medical-surgical nurse leaders’ evidence-based practice attributes
Editor's Note This study led by nurse researchers from the Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, examines the capacity of medical-surgical nurse leaders to implement evidence-based practices (EBPs) into their organizations. Using a cross-sectional design survey methodology, the researchers found that: Senior nurse leaders reported higher EBP attributes compared…
The Joint Commission announces hospital program revisions to align with CAH changes and CMS CoPs
Editor's Note The Joint Commission, on August 22, announced changes to its hospital accreditation program to better align with critical access hospital (CAH) program changes and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation (CoPs), effective January 1, 2024. The changes include: New Elements of Performance on compliance…
Study: Transitioning back to reusable surgical gowns
Editor's Note In this study, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, examine the feasibility of transitioning back to reusable surgical gowns and the corresponding cost savings and reductions in solid waste. Disposable surgical gowns were replaced with polyester reusable surgical gowns with AAMI level III barrier protection that…
HHS: ARPA-H project to strengthen healthcare cybersecurity
Editor's Note The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) announced that it is seeking proposals through September 7 to help fund and develop cybersecurity technologies for healthcare systems, clinics, and healthcare-related devices, the August 17 WIRED reports. The Digital Health Security…
The Joint Commission’s revised medication compounding requirements include perioperative settings
Editor's Note The Joint Commission announced, on August 22, that it had revised its requirements related to medication compounding for accredited hospitals and critical access hospitals, effective January 1, 2024. The revisions include Element of Performance (EP) 3 for National Patient Safety Goal (NPSG) NPSG.03.04.01: "Label all medications, medication containers,…
Effects of race on operative, nonoperative management of emergency general surgery conditions
Editor's Note This study from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, examines whether the decision to operate or not operate for an emergency general surgery condition affects Black and White patients differently. A total of 556,087 Medicare patients (59,519 Black and 496,568 White) were included in the analysis. Overall, 165,932 (29.8%)…
Two NY Upstate Medical hospitals reimpose mask mandates
Editor's Note Two New York (NY) Upstate Medical hospitals, University and Community General, reimposed their mask mandates on August 17 after an increase in COVID-19 cases was announced, and testing is also now required for all patients admitted to the hospitals, The Daily News reports. According to a memo sent…
FDA: Class I recall of labeling for Impella RP Flex with SmartAssist
Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), on August 17, identified the recall by Abiomed of the labeling for its Impella RP Flex with Smart Assist System Catheter as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because the catheters’ instructions for use did not appropriately address precautions…
Survey: Surgical volumes surge in midst of staffing woes
Takeaways It takes an average of 112 days to fill an open RN position and 130 days to fill an open ST position, according to survey results. Turnover rates have decreased slightly but remain high. Most OR leaders are finding it more difficult to recruit RNs and STs, compared to…
Maximizing productivity measurement: Part 1
Takeaways • Many tools for measuring productivity do not reflect the complexity of the perioperative setting. • Multidisciplinary teams can help establish productivity metrics and tools. • Productivity measures vary across the perioperative continuum. For most perioperative leaders, discussions about productivity do not top the list of enjoyable parts of…