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  • Diagnostic stewardship program linked to HAI reduction

    A diagnostic stewardship initiative at a Florida hospital significantly reduced hospital-acquired infections, including catheter-associated urinary tract, Clostridioides difficile and central line-associated bloodstream infections, according to a study presented at IDWeek 2025. The initiative, led by Dr. Ajay Desai, involved electronic medical record alerts, diagnostic checklists and direct conversations with clinicians, and resulted in zero cases of the three HAI types by 2024. Infectious Disease Special Edition (free registration) (1/7) Learn More

  • Study highlights ongoing COVID-19 impact on older adults

    A cross-sectional study published in JAMA Internal Medicine highlights the significant impact of COVID-19 on older adults in the US, even after the public health emergency ended in 2023. Researchers found that adults aged 65 and older accounted for a disproportionate share of COVID-related illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths from 2022 to 2024. Despite a decrease in overall COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths, older adults remain highly vulnerable. The study underscores the importance of prevention strategies, such as vaccination and access to antiviral treatments, particularly in high-risk groups. MedPage Today (free registration) (1/6) Learn More

  • Viruses to watch in 2026: Avian flu, mpox, Oropouche

    Infectious disease specialist and researcher Dr. Patrick Jackson writes that he is monitoring viruses that could pose significant health threats this year. Highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza has shown potential for human transmission after infecting dairy cattle in the US. Mpox has established a global presence, with a more severe clade increasing in Central Africa. The Oropouche virus, carried by mosquitoes and biting midges, is expanding beyond its traditional Amazon region, posing a risk to travelers in the Americas. The Washington Post (1/4) Learn More

  • Peer reviews play important role in hospital leadership

    Clinician peer reviews are critical for hospitals to ensure high standards of care, says Dr. Selwena Brewster, the new chief medical officer and interim chief quality officer at NYC Health + Hospitals/South Brooklyn Health. Brewster highlights the need for a robust, secure peer review process that includes clear timelines, structured templates and confidentiality to protect clinicians. "The key to effective peer reviews is ensuring they are conducted well," Brewster says. HealthLeaders Media (1/6) Learn More

  • Hospitals welcome delay of 340B rebate program

    A federal judge temporarily blocked the current administration's pilot rebate program for the 340B drug discount program, which some hospitals argued would increase their financial burdens. The program would require hospitals to purchase drugs at full price and receive rebates later, rather than buying them at reduced prices. Some hospital leaders said the program would have been detrimental to facilities and patients. Chief Healthcare Executive (1/5) Learn More

  • FDA grants breakthrough status for stroke tool

    The FDA has granted breakthrough device designation to Ceribell's stroke detection tool, which uses an electroencephalography system to detect large vein occlusion strokes in hospitalized patients. The tool leverages AI algorithms to analyze EEG signals for early warning signs. Medical Device Network (UK) (1/5) Learn More

  • Social determinants tied to worse HCM outcomes

    A study in JAMA Cardiology found that lower income levels and greater social deprivation were linked to increased risks of heart failure and arrhythmias in individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The study, which used data from the Sarcomeric Human Cardiomyopathy Registry, shows that individuals in the lowest income group were diagnosed with HCM at a younger age and tended to have more severe symptoms than those in higher income groups. The American Journal of Managed Care (1/7) Learn More

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