Quality Improvement for Institutions
www.cvquality.acc.org

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.

  • Pandemic prompts shift to air-based infection prevention

    The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift from droplet-based to air-based infection prevention in health care facilities, recognizing the role of aerosol transmission. Dr. Kevin Kavanaugh highlights the importance of ventilation, respirators, and higher air change rates, especially as measles, influenza and SARS-CoV-2 pathogens circulate together. Kavanaugh emphasizes the need for ventilation systems to achieve higher air changes per hour to reduce the concentration of airborne pathogens. Infection Control Today (3/13) Learn More

  • CFO: Quality should be an asset, not a cost center

    Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami approaches clinical quality as a strategic asset and integrates quality metrics into its financial strategy, says Chief Financial Officer Alex Mendez. Investments in workforce stability, technology and data analytics have helped the hospital earn national recognition for clinical performance. "Responsible use of AI assists practitioners in spending time listening and interacting with patients rather than sitting there typing away at a keyboard," Mendez said. HealthLeaders Media (3/16) Learn More

  • Portugal sees high antibiotic use, hospital infection rates

    Portugal leads the European Union in hospital infections, recording more than 100 related deaths per month according to recent data. The issue is attributed to excessive antibiotic use and self-medication, leading to increased resistance. A documentary highlighted the need for better hygiene practices to prevent infection. Portugal Resident (3/14) Learn More

  • Preauthorization affects time to fill heart drug prescriptions

    Prior authorization requirements delayed filling of prescriptions for angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors for patients with heart failure, according to a study published in JACC: Advances. Prescriptions took three times to more than six times as long to fill when preauthorization was required, and prescriptions for SGLT2i drugs were twice as likely never to be filled when prior authorization was required. HealthDay News (3/13) Learn More

  • Cybersecurity experts urge vigilance after Stryker attack

    A cyberattack on Stryker, a major medical technology firm, has raised concerns and discussion among experts about potential effects on health care. The attack targeted Stryker's Microsoft environment. The company reported disruptions to manufacturing and shipping after the incident, but added that patient-related services and connected products had not been affected. Chief Healthcare Executive (3/13) Learn More

  • Digital tech brings connectivity to the operating room

    Hospitals are increasingly integrating digital tools and real-time data to connect surgical and inpatient care, with smart operating room systems as a key component, experts said at the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition. Experts described how smart OR systems integrate surgical tools, imaging and patient-monitoring devices, enabling seamless data exchange and real-time insights during procedures. This connectivity allows clinicians to make more informed decisions, standardize workflows, and ultimately improve patient outcomes. MobiHealthNews (3/16) Learn More

  • Platform enables hospitals to create custom AI agents

    Epic's new "agent factory" is a drag-and-drop platform designed to let health systems build and deploy custom AI agents directly within the company's EHR system. The platform supports rapid experimentation, enabling hospitals to quickly develop and test new agent-driven workflows that can span multiple EHR modules. Epic positions the agent factory as a tool for health care provider-driven innovation, allowing hospitals to design apps tailored to their unique operational and clinical needs while maintaining safety and control. MedCity News (3/15) Learn More

Temp Styles

American College of Cardiology: 2400 N St. NW, Washington DC 20006