Tag: Patient Safety

Water quality: 5 Ws and an H for sterile processing pros

Asking who, what, why, when, where, and how—otherwise known as the “5 Ws and an H”— is a time-tested way for writers and researchers to ensure comprehensive coverage of any topic. Here, we apply this framework from the perspective of sterile processing department (SPD) professionals seeking to start a water…

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By: Angela Lewellyn, LPN, CRCST, CER, CHL
August 28, 2024
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How perioperative staff can combat human trafficking—Part 1

Human trafficking (HT) is a global public health crisis and one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises that grosses hundreds of billions of dollars annually, all of which are tax-free profits made off the sale of human cargo. And yet, research shows the problem is poorly understood or recognized among…

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By: Francine Bono-Neri, PhD, RN, APRN, PNP
August 28, 2024
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Pilot project takeoff proves promise of AI staff optimization

Perioperative leaders face mounting pressures to optimize resources, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes. However, one challenge stands out among the rest: OR staffing shortages. According to a November/December survey conducted by LeanTaaS in collaboration with OR Manager, staff recruitment and retention is a top priority for OR leaders this…

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By: Stacey Leadbeater
August 28, 2024
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Study shows decline in infections, antibiotic resistance at VA medical centers

Editor's Note A 13-year study at US Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers found a decline in both hospital-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance for common pathogens, MedPage Today August 15 reports. From 2007 to 2019, the overall infection rate of nine pathogens decreased, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC)…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
August 28, 2024
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Some FDA-recalled medical devices remain in use while manufacturers implement corrections

Editor's Note A 2016 recall issued for the Abbott MitraClip cardiac device highlighted potential safety concerns, but instead of removing the product from the market, Abbott and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed continued use with revised instructions and additional training for doctors. This approach reflects a broader trend…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
August 27, 2024
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International study highlights OR waste management strategies, barriers

Editor's Note Effective waste segregation and adopting a circular economy approach can significantly reduce environmental impact of incinerating hospital waste incorrectly classified as hazardous, according to a narrative review published August 19 in the Medical Journal of Australia. However, surgeons' concerns about patient safety and insufficient systemic policies can hinder…

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By: Matt Danford
August 27, 2024
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‘Surgical pause’ saving lives, expanding beyond VA hospitals

Editor's Note The “surgical pause”—a means of validating whether surgery is truly safe for patients deemed to be “frail” before starting a procedure—significantly reduces mortality rates and is changing practices at more than 50 Veterans Administration (VA) hospitals, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported August 18. Developed by VA surgeons Daniel Hall…

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By: Matt Danford
August 27, 2024
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FDA announces Class 1 recall for chest compression devices

Editor's Note The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has designated Defibtech, LLC’s recall of RMU-2000 ARM XR Chest Compression Devices as Class 1, the most severe category indicating serious risk of injury or death. A motor issue could stop  compressions in adults whose hearts suddenly stop, according to the…

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By: Matt Danford
August 23, 2024
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Studies highlight success strategies for combatting handoff communication failure, care inequity

Editor's Note Recent research sheds new light on addressing two of the most pressing problems for surgical care: handoff communication failures and care bias and inequities leading to adverse—and preventable—events.   These problems are the subjects of two separate success stories in the August issue of The Joint Commission Journal…

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By: Matt Danford
August 23, 2024
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Immunotherapy’s FDA approval expected to improve lung cancer treatment

Editor's Note The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved immunotherapy durvalumab for perioperative treatment of resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to an August 15 announcement. The approval is for durvalumab (Imfinzi, AstraZeneca) in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy as a neoadjuvant treatment, followed by durvalumab alone as…

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By: Matt Danford
August 22, 2024
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