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Cardiovascular Quality and Research News

ACC CV Quality SmartBrief

The ACC CV Quality SmartBrief eNewsletter is a free, twice-weekly briefing for health care stakeholders interested in quality care. Learn more about the ACC CV Quality SmartBrief and subscribe.

  • Study supports safety of less intensive monitoring post-thrombolysis

    A study presented at the European Stroke Organization Conference found that less intensive monitoring for patients with acute ischemic stroke after thrombolysis may be safe and feasible outside of intensive care units. The OPTIMISTmain trial, also published in The Lancet, suggested that reducing the frequency of vital sign and neurological assessments did not affect recovery or increase adverse events. Medscape (5/23) Learn More

  • Long-acting drugs may offer options for serious infection

    Researchers reported in JAMA Network Open that long-acting lipoglycopeptides such as oritavancin and dalbavancin are as effective as standard-of-care antibiotics for step-down therapy in serious cases of gram-positive bacterial infection. Bacteremia, osteomyelitis, endocarditis and septic arthritis were among the infections studied. The laLGPs may offer new options for patients with barriers to prolonged IV therapy. Medical Dialogues (5/26) Learn More

  • Upholstery cleaning crucial for health care safety

    Upholstered furniture in health care facilities plays a crucial role in maintaining the facility's safety and image, and regular maintenance helps prevent the accumulation of dirt and pathogens. Experts emphasize the importance of infection control, deep cleaning and adjusting the approach based on traffic patterns. Healthcare Facilities Today (5/23) Learn More

  • CMS mandates actual prices in updated transparency rule

    The CMS has released updated guidance on hospital price transparency, requiring hospitals to post actual prices in dollar amounts rather than estimates. This includes negotiated rates, service package base rates and percentages of known fee schedules. The change is the result of an executive order aimed at enhancing health care price transparency. Becker's Hospital Review (5/22) Learn More

  • Patients don't perceive much improvement in access

    A report from Experian Health found a disconnect between patients and health care providers regarding perceived improvements in health care access, with only 16% of patients noting improvements, compared with more than one-third of providers. Wait times, duplicative forms, accurate cost estimates and scheduling convenience were top concerns for patients, and digital tools may help ease some of these pain points. HealthLeaders Media (5/22) Learn More

  • Robotic cardiac imaging system achieves successful trial

    Research published in the journal JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging found that robotic transesophageal echocardiography procedures had a 100% success rate in clinical and technical performance, with no complications. The system could reduce radiation exposure, improve ergonomics and make procedures safer, investigators said. Cardiovascular Business (5/22) Learn More

  • AI-powered eyewear aims to reduce medication errors

    UW Medicine is testing AI-powered smart eyewear to reduce medication errors, a major cause of harm in health care. The device uses a wearable camera to verify drug labels, showing 99.6% accuracy in a study. Nurse anesthetist John Wiederspan has tested the device, noting its potential for improving patient safety despite its current bulkiness. NBC News (5/25) Learn More

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