Tag: Patient Safety

GAO urges HHS to strengthen cybersecurity oversight

Editor's Note A November 13 report from The Government Accountability Office (GAO) identifies critical gaps in the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) ability to manage cybersecurity risks in the healthcare and public health sector. HHS, the lead federal agency for cybersecurity in this sector, faces challenges in monitoring…

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By: Matt Danford
November 19, 2024
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Study: GLP-1s reduce TKA complications for non-diabetic patients with obesity

Editor's Note Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) could reduce total knee arthroplasty (TKA) complications for non-diabetic patients with obesity, according to a November 13 Helio report on research presented at the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Annual Meeting. In addition to reduced odds of 90-day medical complications, the…

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By: Matt Danford
November 19, 2024
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Study finds high rates of preventable, adverse events in perioperative care

Editor's Note Adverse events (AEs) remain widespread in perioperative care, affecting nearly one in three patients and resulting in substantial and often preventable patient harm, according to a retrospective cohort study published November 13 in The BMJ. The study analyzed 1,009 weighted admissions from a sample of 64,121 surgical patients…

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By: Matt Danford
November 19, 2024
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Blast from the past: Best practices for successful implementation of ERAS

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) represents a transformative approach in modern surgical care, emphasizing evidence-based, multidisciplinary protocols to optimize patient recovery. Spanning decades, ERAS has grown from a novel concept into a global standard for perioperative care, with benefits that include shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and reduced healthcare costs.…

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By: Tarsilla Moura
November 15, 2024
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Hospital safety grades show progress in reducing medical errors, infections

Editor's Note During the past few years, US hospitals have improved significantly in reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), adhering to hand hygiene best practices, and preventing medical errors, according to the fall 2024 Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group, a nonprofit focused on patient safety. Released November 15, the rankings…

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By: Matt Danford
November 15, 2024
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AHA's Congressional "wish list" calls for financial relief, patient access, workforce protections

Editor's Note   In a November 12 letter to Congress, the American Hospital Association (AHA) outlined its priorities for the lame-duck legislative session, focusing on measures to stabilize hospitals and health systems facing significant financial and operational pressures. If enacted, these recommendations would support the nation’s healthcare infrastructure amid rising…

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By: Matt Danford
November 14, 2024
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Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates lag pre-pandemic levels, racial disparities persist

Editor's Note Survival rates following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have not returned to pre-pandemic levels and continue to reflect racial disparities, according to a preliminary study set for presentation at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2024. Analyzing data from over half a million U.S. adults who experienced OHCA between…

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By: Matt Danford
November 14, 2024
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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…

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By: Matt Danford
November 13, 2024
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ACS recognizes 77 hospitals for excellence in surgical outcomes

Editor's Note The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has recognized 77 US hospitals for “exceptional surgical outcomes” in 2023 based on performance metrics tracked as part of the ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP). According to an October 30 ACS announcement, these hospitals were selected from among 609 eligible…

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By: Matt Danford
November 13, 2024
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Color-changing gel could enhance cataract surgery safety, efficiency

Editor's Note Johns Hopkins researchers have developed a fluorescent hydrogel that may improve outcomes in cataract surgery by aiding in the complete removal of residual gel, reducing complications such as increased eye pressure, pain, and potential vision loss, Medical Xpress reported October 31. Cataract surgery, a frequently performed procedure, involves…

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By: Matt Danford
November 13, 2024
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