Wildfires linked to longer postop hospital stay following lung cancer surgery, study finds
Editor's Note A new study led by Leticia Nogueira, PhD, MPH, scientific director of Health Services Research at the American Cancer Society indicates, found that exposure to wildfires may influence how long patients remain in the hospital after undergoing surgery for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Cancer Network March 26…
Study: Wildfire smoke raises hospital borrowing, patient care costs
Editor's Note Wildfire smoke is driving up borrowing costs for hospitals and healthcare facilities, potentially leading to higher patient care costs, according to new research from the University of Nevada, Reno. As detailed in a February 18 article in Nevada Today, findings show municipal bond investors are factoring wildfire smoke…
Session: Navigating the Storm: Ensuring Operational Continuity Through Crisis Leadership
Editor's Note In an expansive session at the 2025 OR Business Management Conference, Tampa General Hospital's emergency management team demonstrated how proactive planning, strong partnerships, and real-time decision-making helped navigate multiple crises in 2024, including back-to-back hurricanes and a cyberattack on the state's blood supply. The session was presented by Erinn…
Medical device shortages present pediatric patient challenges, FDA warns
Editor's Note Although medical device shortages threaten all patients, a recent FDA announcement highlights particular risks for pediatric populations who require size-appropriate equipment. “From ventilators and neonatal breathing tubes to hemodialysis catheters, the scarcity of these critical devices poses a growing threat to patient care – especially for our youngest…
HIPAA security standard update sparks debate over cost, feasibility, patient safety
Editor's Note The first federal overhaul of the HIPAA Security Rule in over a decade aims to address modern cybersecurity threats but has drawn sharp criticism from health systems over its cost and feasibility, according to a January 13 article in Axios. According to the article, the proposed changes require…
Wildfire smoke poses long-term health threats
Editor's Note The wildfire smoke blanketing the Los Angeles region poses significant longer-term health and economic consequences, according to a January 10 article in Bloomberg. Already, the fires have displaced nearly 180,000 people and cost up to $20 million in insured losses, the outlet reports. What remains to be seen…
Hospitals continue to grapple with IV fluid shortage
Editor's Note US hospitals continue to face a shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids due to Hurricane-related damage to the Baxter manufacturing facility that was responsible for 60% of the nation’s supply, MedPage Today reported December 31. Citing a report from Baxter, the article notes that the manufacturer has restored eight…
House report criticizes COVID-19 pandemic response, calls for reform
Editor's Note A Republican-led House subcommittee investigating the COVID-19 pandemic released a 520-page final report summarizing its two-year inquiry, outlining recommendations for future pandemic preparedness and critiquing both US and global responses to the crisis. CNN reported the news December 2. The report concludes that COVID-19 most likely emerged from…
Study: COVID-19's impact on oncological surgery offers lessons for future crises
Editor's Note A scoping review of 15 studies reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted oncological abdominal surgery (OAS), leading to postponed or canceled procedures, adoption of alternative treatment plans, and increased psychological stress among surgical teams. Published November 5 in the American Journal of Surgery, the findings emphasize the…
Joint Commission Sentinel Event Alert details environmental disaster preparation
Editor's Note To support healthcare organizations in implementing proactive risk management strategies, The Joint Commission has issued Sentinel Event Alert, “Environmental disasters: Preparing to safely evacuate or shelter in place.” As detailed in a November 13 press release, this alert outlines steps for healthcare organizations to consider as they prepare…
Free Daily News
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- Study: BMI, hidden tumors complicate intubation
- New 7T MRI technique pinpoints hidden epilepsy-causing brain lesions
- Wildfires linked to longer postop hospital stay following lung cancer surgery, study finds
- Smart t-shirt enables earlier discharge, safer recovery after urological cancer surgery
- Study compares robotic, laparoscopic cholecystectomy cost drivers
- Hospital closures rise in 2025 amid ongoing financial pressures
- AI-driven tech partnerships aim to enhance surgical planning, imaging
- Study: Stronger sense of mission reduces burnout, turnover risk among perioperative nurses