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  • Biofilm in hospital sinks a persistent infection risk

    Biofilms in hospital sink drains pose a significant infection risk, as highlighted by microbiologist Mark Wiencek of the Association for the Health Care Environment Exchange. The communities of microorganisms form protective layers, are difficult to remove and can withstand disinfectants. Infection Control Today (6/24) Learn More

  • Long-acting antibiotics perform well in serious infections

    Long-acting lipoglycopeptides were as effective as standard antibiotics in treating serious Gram-positive bacterial infections, according to a study in JAMA Network Open. The study involved 42,067 patients and found that long-acting antibiotics were particularly protective against osteomyelitis in patients who did not use antibiotics. Medscape (7/2) Learn More

  • Medication review programs safe, effective for older adults

    Medication review programs can reduce the number of prescriptions for older patients without negatively affecting health outcomes, according to a study in JAMA Network Open. Researchers analyzed 118 studies involving more than 417,000 patients 65 and older and found that the programs reduced the number of medications per patient by an average of 0.5. However, no significant effects on hospitalization rate, mortality or other health measures were noted. McKnight's Long-Term Care News (6/29) Learn More

  • Report: More than 700 rural hospitals at risk of closure

    More than 700 rural hospitals in the US are at risk of closure due to financial challenges, with over 300 in immediate jeopardy, according to a report from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. The report highlights inadequate reimbursement from private insurers as a primary issue and recommends changes such as requiring insurance plans to reimburse at higher levels and introducing Standby Capacity Payments, which would provide payments to facilities for 24/7 readiness for emergencies. DOTmed HealthCare Business News (free registration) (7/1) Learn More

  • Joint Commission simplifies accreditation program

    The Joint Commission is launching Accreditation 360, a significant update to its hospital and health care accreditation processes. The initiative simplifies requirements, removing 714 from the hospital accreditation program and organizing them into 14 National Performance Goals. The National Quality Forum is also introducing both a certification program based on outcome measures in four key areas and a program to recognize leading practices. Healthcare Innovation (6/30) Learn More

  • Device eases heart load in post-MI shock

    A study in JACC showed that a microaxial flow pump, Impella, can reduce heart workload in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction-induced cardiogenic shock. The study, involving 223 patients, found that the device lowers pulmonary pressures and reduces the need for vasoactive and inotropic support, with lower mortality at 180 days. Medscape (7/3) Learn More

  • First-in-class polymer heart valve shows positive data

    A polymer-based heart valve, the first of its kind to gain commercial approval, showed positive one-year outcomes in surgical mitral valve replacement patients, according to a study in JACC. The Tria mitral valve was developed by Foldax. Cardiovascular Business (6/27) Learn More

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