Practice updates ease steam sterilization balancing act
Reliable and robust enough for daily use on most medical devices, steam is the most common sterilant in healthcare facilities. However, using steam properly requires a balancing act. For example, too much moisture can lead to wet packs, while steam that is too dry might not be sufficient to achieve…
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…
OR “megafloor” combines inpatient, outpatient procedures
Editor's Note A newly constructed surgical “megafloor” that connects inpatient and outpatient ORs promises to aid workflow and add flexibility for perioperative teams at The University of California Irvine (UCI) Health—Irvine campus, Healthcare Design reported October 7. As detailed in the article, the academic center must accommodate a variety of…
Feds take action on Hurricane-wracked medical supply chain with wartime powers, drug compounding guidance
Editor's Note The Biden administration has invoked wartime powers to speed rebuilding of intravenous fluid (IV) manufacturing capacity, CBS News reported October 15, four days after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took steps to combat drug shortages. Both efforts are in response to devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene,…
FDA designates Class 1 recall for infusion pumps due to air bubble risk
Editor's Note The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed Zyno Medical’s recall of Z-800, Z-800F, Z-800W, and Z-800WF infusion pumps a Class 1, the most severe designation indicating serious risk of injury or death. According to FDA’s October 11 announcement, the recall was due to a defect in…
FDA announces Class 1 recall for pediatric resuscitator
Editor's Note The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has deemed Mercury Medical’s recall of Neo-Tee Resuscitators a Class 1, the most severe category indicating serious risk of injury or death. According to the agency’s October 7 announcement, the recall was motivated by potential for the inline controller to come…
AAMI, CTA partners to develop healthcare AI standards
Editor's Note The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has entered into a partnership with the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) to develop new standards for the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare, according to an October 1 report in DOTmed. Formalized through a memorandum of…
Why nurse travelers are more friends than foes
Many are quick to blame travelers for the poor state of hospital finances. However, isn’t there a difference between a traveler in the OR—an interim staff member in the hospital’s profit center—and an interim RN in an area financially supported by OR profits? What about the argument that travelers can…
How perioperative staff can combat human trafficking—Part 2
Human trafficking (HT) is a hidden-in-plain-sight crime—victims walk among the public at large, yet they remain essentially invisible. Lack of education and knowledge on HT and anti-trafficking measures is particularly egregious in healthcare. In fact, the literature shows the majority of people being trafficked access the system without being identified…
California updates guidance on CRNA scope of practice
Editor's Note Confusion about the scope of practice for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) prompted The California Department of Public Health to update guidelines for acute care hospitals, MedPage Today reported September 18. Issued after violations at two Modesto hospitals resulted in hundreds of cancelled surgeries, a letter from the…
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- Hospital financial report predicts stability, high cybersecurity costs for 2025
- IV fluid shortage drives innovation in hospital hydration practices
- FDA Class 1 recalls target anesthesia workstations, ambulatory infusion pumps, ventilators
- Five leadership lessons from an ASC CEO
- CMS final rule for CY 2025: Key updates impacting Medicare payments, quality programs
- GAO urges HHS to strengthen cybersecurity oversight
- Study: GLP-1s reduce TKA complications for non-diabetic patients with obesity
- Study finds high rates of preventable, adverse events in perioperative care
- AMA urges stronger radiation protections
- Study: Digital tool detects preoperative pediatric anxiety, depression