ECRI Institute, ISMP launch new Patient Safety Organization
Editor's Note In an August 17 news release, the ECRI Institute and its affiliate, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP), announced that they had launched a new Patient Safety Organization (PSO). The PSO is an important step in making medication, medical devices, and healthcare practices safer for patients across…
Study: Robust T-cell immunity found in those with asymptomatic, mild COVID-19
Editor's Note In this study from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, researchers found strong, long lasting immunity to COVID-19, even in those who were asymptomatic or developed only mild symptoms as well as those who did not test positive for antibodies. The researchers collected blood from more than 200…
CDC: Masks with exhalation valves, vents don’t prevent spread of COVID-19
Editor's Note The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its face mask recommendations, warning that masks with built in exhalation valves or vents aren’t effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19. The purpose of masks is to keep respiratory droplets from reaching others. However, masks with one-way…
Convalescent plasma treatment of COVID-19 patients decreases mortality
Editor's Note This interim analysis from the eight-hospital Houston Methodist system showed a significant reduction in 28-day mortality in COVID-19 patients transfused with convalescent plasma within 72 hours of admission. Of 316 transfused patients, 136 had 28-day outcomes and were matched to 251 nontransfused control COVID-19 patients. Compared with patients…
Joint statement provides guidance for maintaining essential surgery during COVID-19 pandemic
Editor's Note Four national organizations have released a joint statement on maintaining essential surgical procedures as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) reported on August 13. The joint statement from the ACS, American Society of Anesthesiologists, AORN, and American Hospital Association, provides a list of principles…
Immune system deviations determine differences between severe, mild cases of COVID-19
Editor's Note This study led by researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine finds that immunological deviations and lapses determine whether individuals get mild or severe cases of COVID-19. The researchers analyzed the immune response in 76 patients with COVID-19 and in 69 healthy individuals. Most patients with severe…
Prevalence of COVID-19 infection in New York State HCWs
Editor's Note This study of healthcare workers (HCWs) in a tertiary New York State hospital finds that the rate of COVID-19 infection in HCWs is lower than what has been reported for the general public in the region. Of 3,046 HCWs, 1,699 had antibody testing, 617 had RT-PCR testing, and…
Gallup poll finds disinterest in receiving COVID-19 vaccine
Editor's Note A Gallup poll of US adults conducted from July 20 to August 2 finds that 35% of those surveyed would not be interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine when one is approved by the Food & Drug Administration. The survey also finds that 41% of non-white Americans would…
Filtration efficiency of face masks used during COVID-19 pandemic
Editor's Note This study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill evaluated 29 face masks for use by clinicians interacting with patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and found that expired N95 respirators and sterilized, reused N95 respirators were acceptable alternatives when N95 respirators were not available. All other…
Decline in US COVID-19 deaths, cases
Editor's Note The US reported more than 376,000 COVID-19 cases and 7,200 deaths for the week ending August 9, marking the first decline in deaths after 4 weeks of increases, according to an August 10 Reuters analysis of Johns Hopkins data. COVID-19 cases in the US have now fallen for…
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