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.

  • Hospital-acquired infections continue downward trend

    Health care-associated infection rates declined in 2024, continuing a downward trend since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a CDC report. Central line-associated bloodstream infections decreased by 9%, catheter-associated urinary tract infections went down by 10%, and hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection rates declined by 11%. Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (2/2) Learn More

  • Pain predictive of hospital readmission

    A study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that pain at the time of hospital discharge was associated with increased risk of readmission. The retrospective study involving 7,277 adults found that average pain scores dropped during hospital stays and that patients with increasing intensity of pain at the time of discharge had a 10% higher risk of readmission within 30 days. Medscape (2/2) Learn More

  • Addressing patient safety risks in outpatient settings

    Patient safety in outpatient environments faces challenges such as data overload, drug interactions and barriers to patient communication, says Dr. Michael Kozak of HealthLinc. Kozak notes that technology can help mitigate these risks, but alert fatigue remains a significant issue. He also highlights the importance of root cause analysis and process improvement in responding to adverse events. HealthLeaders Media (2/4) Learn More

  • High-risk PICU rounds may cut infection, injury risk

    A study in the journal Critical Care Nurse found a 46.5% reduction in health care-associated conditions with a protocol of targeted pediatric intensive care unit rounds at Children's Hospital Colorado. The approach involved interprofessional teams focusing on patients at high risk for conditions such as central line-associated bloodstream infections and pressure injuries. News Medical (2/3) Learn More

  • Duplicate medical records linked to adverse outcomes

    Hospitalized patients with duplicate medical records were nearly five times as likely to die in the hospital as similar patients with single records, and they were three times as likely to need intensive care, according to a study in BMJ Quality & Safety. Researchers analyzed data from 12 hospitals and also found longer hospital stays and higher 30-day readmission rates among patients with duplicate records. Most health systems don't meet the recommended record duplication rate or track duplicates. MedPage Today (free registration) (2/3) Learn More

  • Hospital merger activity forecast to rise this year

    Hospital mergers and acquisitions are expected to increase in 2026 after reaching a 15-year low of 46 in 2025, according to analysts. Factors contributing to the anticipated rise include a better understanding of policies under the current administration, reluctance to advance deals after passage of the H.R. 1 tax and spending law, and growing financial distress among hospitals. Chief Healthcare Executive (2/3) Learn More

  • Smartwatches may aid in early AFib detection post-ablation

    A study published online in JACC found that patients with atrial fibrillation who used an Apple Watch for ECG monitoring after catheter ablation detected AFib recurrences earlier and had fewer unplanned hospitalizations than those receiving standard care. Conducted at St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London, the trial involved 168 patients and highlighted the potential of integrating wearable devices into post-ablation follow-up. Researchers said the open-label design may have influenced results, and brief AFib episodes could have been missed. Medscape (2/3) Learn More

Temp Styles

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