Editor's Note New infection control recommendations from the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA Pain Medicine) are purportedly the first comprehensive guidelines tailored specifically for regional anesthesia and interventional pain management procedures, such as cortisone injections and drug-delivery implants.   As detailed in the organization’s January 21…

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Editor's Note Optimizing surgeon stress could enhance surgical performance and patient outcomes, according to a large cohort study published January 15 in JAMA Surgery. Researchers focused particularly on physiological markers of surgeon stress during the first 5 minutes of a procedure, revealing a significant inverse relationship with major patient complications.…

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Editor's Note Individuals with negative colonoscopy screening (NCS) results face significantly lower long-term risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality, suggesting the recommended 10-year rescreening interval could be safely extended for low-risk populations, according to a study published in JAMA Oncology. Healio reported on the results January 15. As…

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Editor's Note The first large-scale, randomized pediatric trial of its kind reveals the potential of treating acute, non-perforated appendicitis in children with antibiotics instead of surgery, Medical Xpress reported January 20. Published in The Lancet, the APPY study involved collaboration among 11 children’s hospitals worldwide to compare the effectiveness of…

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Editor's Note Although medical device shortages threaten all patients, a recent FDA announcement highlights particular risks for pediatric populations who require size-appropriate equipment. “From ventilators and neonatal breathing tubes to hemodialysis catheters, the scarcity of these critical devices poses a growing threat to patient care – especially for our youngest…

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Editor's Note Growing consolidation and private equity investments in health care are driving up costs, reducing access, and raising quality concerns, according to a new report from HHS. According to HHS’ January 15 announcement, the report stems from a tri-agency effort by HHS, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the…

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Editor's Note New research underscores the need for innovative educational approaches to strengthen infection control practices. Published January 8 in the American Journal of Infection control, the study examined the impact of clinical observations on nursing students' adherence to standard precautions. Findings show observational learning contributes minimally to compliance, accounting…

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Editor's Note Anyone who has attended the annual OR Business Management Conference understands the value of an intimate event focused exclusively on OR efficiency and profitability. However, even regular attendees are likely to find something new this at year’s conference, which is scheduled for February 10-12, 2025, at the Saddlebrook…

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Editor's Note Nurse staffing rates in hospitals serving a high percentage of Black patients are worse than in hospitals serving fewer Black patients, a disparity that has significant implications for patient outcomes, according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. Published in the journal Nursing Research…

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Editor's Note New and revised workplace violence prevention requirements take effect for The Joint Commission-accredited, office-based surgery practices July 1, The Joint Commission announced.  According to the January 16 announcement, which also announced new and revised standards for accredited assisted living communities and nursing care centers, the updates aim to…

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