Editor's Note According to data from the FBI, just in 2022, 25% of ransomware attacks have been directed at the healthcare sector, Becker’s Health IT October 26 reports. Common Spirit Health, one of the largest nonprofit hospital systems in the US, is the latest reported victim to a ransomware attack,…

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Editor's Note A “sharp rise” in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this fall is worrying staff at US hospitals, who fear what may happen to the capacity of hospitals and other healthcare facilities if RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 infections peak around the same time this winter, The Washington Post…

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Editor's Note University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) facilities will be testing a new health app designed to help patients easily manage their care before and after a surgical procedure, HealthLeaders Media  October 20 reports. “Surgery can be incredibly difficult on a patient’s body; in some cases, it can have…

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Editor's Note This study led by researchers from Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia examines COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among healthcare workers (HCWs) at two large academic hospitals in Philadelphia. A total of 5,929 HCWs were surveyed, including 2,253 MDs and DOs, 582 nurse practitioners (NPs), 158 physician assistants (PAs),  and 2,936 nurses.…

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Editor's Note The Joint Commission, in collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), announced on October 20 the launch of Advanced Certification in Perinatal Care (ACPC). ACPC incorporates the latest research, evidence-based practices, and guidance to help improve quality and safety for pregnant or postpartum patients and…

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Editor's Note The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 19 identified the recall by Philips Respironics of certain masks for BiPAP and CPAP machines as Class I, the most serious. The recall was initiated because magnetic headgear clips that hold the masks in place can cause injury or death…

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Editor's Note On October 18, the White House released the “National Biodefense Strategy and Implementation Plan for Countering Biological Threats, Enhancing Pandemic Preparedness, and Achieving Global Health Security” (the strategy), Becker's Hospital Review October 19 reports. The strategy includes the objective to create enough vaccines for the US population within…

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Editor's Note The American Journal of Infection Control published a study on October 13 showing the risks of manually cleaning medical equipment, Healthcare Purchasing News October 14 reports. The study emphasizes the importance of proper procedures and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce risk of contamination. The…

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Editor's Note “Is your OR ready for a DEA [Drug Enforcement Administration] inspection?” was the question Dennis Wichern, MBA, partner at Prescription Drug Consulting, asked attendees of this breakout session. As a retired DEA agent, Wichern discussed the ways the DEA has been involved in the medical field, specifically pertaining…

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Editor's Note Only 26 states require the reporting of surgical site infections (SSIs) to either the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) or the state, Lisa Berus, MSN, MEd, RN, CAIP, CNAMB, CASSPT, senior director at SCA Health, explained in this two-part breakout session.…

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