Editor's Note In an interview with the Financial Times, Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Stephen Hahn, MD, on August 30, said the FDA could fast-track approval of a COVID-19 vaccine before late-stage clinical trials are complete if regulators believe the benefits of doing so outweigh the risks. Dr Hahn…

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Editor's Note This study by researchers at University of Oxford, UK, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, questions whether rigid safe distancing rules are oversimplified and outdated science based on experiences of past viruses. Instead of single, fixed physical distance rules, the researchers propose graded recommendations that better reflect…

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Editor's Note In this study of four Maine overnight camps with 1,022 attendees from 41 states and international locations, a multilayered prevention and mitigation strategy was successful in identifying and isolating three asymptomatic COVID-19 cases, quarantining their contacts, and preventing secondary transmission. The camps implemented several nonpharmaceutical interventions, including: pre-…

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Editor's Note In this study from Mount Sinai Hospital and School of Medicine, New York City, researchers identify two markers of inflammation that reliably predict the severity of COVID-19 and likelihood of survival. A total of 1,484 patients were followed up to 41 days after admission, and the findings were…

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Editor's Note The Joint Commission on August 26 announced that nominations are now being accepted for the 2020 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Awards. The annual awards recognize major achievements by individuals and organizations to improve patient safety and healthcare quality. Submissions for the awards are encouraged for…

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Editor's Note In an August 21 letter, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) warns that the use of passive protective barrier enclosures without negative pressure when treating patients (such as during intubation, extubation) who are known or suspected to have COVID-19 may pose increased health risk to patients and healthcare…

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Editor's Note This study from the University of California, San Diego; Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore; and Institute for Disease Modeling, Bellevue, Washington, finds that acute anxiety spiked early during the COVID-19 pandemic but has since returned to typical levels. Researches examined internet searchers indicative of acute anxiety that originated from…

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Editor's Note The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) on August 24 changed its recommendations on testing asymptomatic people for COVID-19. The CDC is no longer recommending asymptomatic testing. The new guidance includes the following: For those who have been in close contact (within 6 feet) of a person…

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This series, written by OR Manager’s clinical editor, Judy Mathias, MA, RN, presents the management approaches of top leaders from around the country and describes the qualities that make them exemplary leaders. These articles are intended to inspire nurse leaders to achieve the highest levels of success in their careers…

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Leaders at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Health System in Richmond started the journey to become an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) hospital in 2016 with the following problem statement: Across surgical specialties, and regardless of superior surgical technique, perioperative care, and anesthesia care, patients can experience extended length of hospital…

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