Researchers develop world's most sensitive test for superbugs
Editor's Note A diagnostic tool developed by researchers at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, can detect the smallest traces of compounds that signal the presence of an infectious disease, such as C difficile, MRSA, hepatitis C, and other superbugs. The test has the best sensitivity ever reported for a detection system.…
The Effect of Adding Functional Classification to ASA Status for Predicting 30-Day Mortality
Our Take In this study, functional capacity to perform activities of daily living was an independent predictor of postoperative mortality within each ASA class, indicating that it should be incorporated into routine preoperative evaluations. The likelihood for mortality was significantly lower for patients who were functionally independent than for those…
OR staff reap rewards of paperless patient tracking system
Clearing a patient for surgery is no easy feat, and a completely paper-based workflow can be very inefficient. Switching to a paperless tracking system has cut labor and costs in the preanesthesia screening services (PASS) department at Sinai Hospital, LifeBridge Health, Baltimore, and nurse leaders there hope to integrate the…
Ebola surgical protocols enhance safety of patients and personnel
In the months since Ebola patients were first treated in US hospitals, much progress has been made in establishing protocols to protect patients and healthcare workers from harm. Though the number of Ebola patients in the US remains small compared with the thousands in African countries, the disease continues to…
Avera McKennan finds innovative strategies to address orthopedic pain management
Postsurgical pain scores are highly correlated with reports of overall patient satisfaction during hospital stays, according to a poster presented at the 2014 American Academy of Pain Medicine annual meeting. Dermot Maher, MD, and his colleagues from Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles examined patient responses on HCAHPS (Hospital…
Planning for postoperative care: A key strategy for reducing readmissions
With the expansion of Medicare readmission penalties to elective total-knee and total-hip arthroplasty patients in 2014 comes an increasing demand for OR leaders to ensure better postdischarge care. To avoid readmissions, OR management will have to be more proactive about reducing length of stay and complications and providing for care…
Center for Geriatric Surgery meets older patients' special needs
When Mark Katlic, MD, MMM, FACS, descended into the basement of the hospital where he was a resident 30 years ago to satisfy his curiosity, he had no idea that what he found would set him on his career path. Dr Katlic had cared for a few surgical patients more…
Preoperative screening program reveals missed diagnoses and reduces mortality
Cancelled surgical procedures at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital (CRMH) in Roanoke, Virginia, are considered a success rather than a failure. “That’s because we cancel procedures for cause,” says Sandy Fogel, MD, FACS. Before 2010, many patients at CRMH were having surgery with undiagnosed, untreated medical problems, and postoperative 30-day mortality…
Fewer surgical cancellations occur after preoperative screening
Duke University Hospital has had a Pre-Operative Screening Unit (POSU) in place for the past 16 years to optimize patients prior to surgery, but until recently, there were no hard data on surgical cancellation rates. Now, a retrospective analysis has revealed that fewer cancellations occur when patients are seen in…
Guidelines addressing preoperative assessment of geriatric patients aim to enhance outcomes
The number of elderly people in the US is on the rise, and so is the number of older patients having surgery. However, while advances in technology and techniques may make surgery more feasible for those age 65 and older, ensuring successful outcomes for this cohort is challenging. Specific guidelines…
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- Study: Postoperative thirst often overlooked by OR, ward nurses
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- AAMI updates sterilization materials compatibility guidance
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- Study: Black CABG patients disadvantaged in accessing best hospitals
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- 3D modeling advances cardiovascular surgery at Boston Children's Hospital
- Report: Healthcare ransomware compromises millions of patient records, costs billions in downtime