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ACC CV Quality SmartBrief

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  • Frailty affects hospital discharge decisions, mortality

    A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society linked frailty in older adults to higher rates of hospital discharge to postacute care facilities, readmissions and mortality. The study, which involved more than 23,000 patients ages 65 and older, linked discharge to a skilled nursing facility to a higher risk of mortality. Medscape (8/13) Learn More

  • Study: H. pylori infection could lower GERD risk

    A study in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology suggests that Helicobacter pylori infection may reduce the risk of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and eradicating H. pylori could increase this risk. The meta-analysis of 25 prospective studies shows a trend toward decreased GERD risk with H. pylori infection (pooled odds ratio, 0.58) but an increased risk after eradication (pooled OR, 1.95), particularly in Asian populations. Researchers highlight the need for further research on the topic. Gastroenterology Advisor (8/13) Learn More

  • Simple steps help identify, manage delirium in hospital

    Around 30% of older hospitalized patients experience delirium, which can lead to longer lengths of stay, higher health care utilization, higher spending and poor outcomes, including death. The first step to solving the problem is identifying it, and recent studies have found that simple screening tests are effective and can be integrated into EHR platforms. Carefully managing medications, ensuring patient rooms are conducive to sleep, getting patients out of bed regularly and communicating with family members can be beneficial, according to a commentary in JAMA Internal Medicine. Forbes (tiered subscription model) (8/11) Learn More

  • Common cold may reduce COVID-19 risk, study finds

    A recent rhinovirus infection may significantly reduce the risk of contracting a SARS-CoV-2 infection and lower the viral load in those who do contract the virus, according to a study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. Researchers found that participants who had a rhinovirus infection in the past 30 days were 48% less likely to get COVID-19. The study also notes that children, who frequently get colds, show higher expression of antiviral genes, possibly explaining why they often experience milder COVID-19 symptoms. Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (8/11) Learn More

  • Expert advice to integrate digital health tools in cardiology

    Wearable and digital health technologies have the potential to significantly improve cardiovascular care, but a patient-centered approach is needed, according to a presentation at the American Society for Preventive Cardiology's Congress on CVD Prevention. Cardiologist Dr. Seth Martin suggested inviting patients to bring their devices and apps in to the clinic and offering guidance about which types of data are likely to be most useful. Healio (free registration) (8/11) Learn More

  • Decentralized model requires reimagining of health care

    Decentralized care models, which include virtual and home-based care, are gaining traction, and they could reduce hospital revenue by up to 30% within the next five years, writes Asher Perzigian, care innovation practice lead for North America at Accenture Health. Decentralized care requires the reimagining of traditional health care facilities and roles alongside technology, rapid scale-up of care-at-home strategies, redesigned care pathways and new workforce training models, Perzigian writes. Healthcare Innovation (8/12) Learn More

  • NHS partners on rapid pneumonia test development

    EDX Medical has developed a rapid test for early detection of pneumonia in critically ill patients, delivering results within 60 seconds. Developed in collaboration with Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and other partners, the test identifies the DNA or RNA of microbes causing lung infections. EDX expects the test to be available to patients later this year, pending validation. Medical Device Network (UK) (8/11) Learn More

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