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ACC CV Quality SmartBrief

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  • Vitamin D deficiency tied to respiratory infection risk

    A study using UK Biobank data linked very low vitamin D levels to an increased risk of hospital admission for respiratory tract infections, with patients at less than 15 nmol/L of vitamin D 33% more likely to be hospitalized for respiratory infections than those whose levels were greater than 75 nmol/L. The study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found that the association was consistent across ethnic groups, but the researchers noted that the study is observational and does not prove causation. European Medical Journal (1/26) Learn More

  • Patient safety in the OR requires inclusivity

    Inclusivity is crucial for patient safety in perioperative settings, says Colleen Becker of the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses. Becker emphasizes the importance of empathy, education and a patient-centered culture to address inclusivity issues and strengthen teamwork, and she encourages nurses to reconnect with their professional responsibilities through real patient experiences. Infection Control Today (1/26) Learn More

  • South Carolina, US grapple with measles resurgence

    South Carolina has reported an additional 89 measles cases since Friday. There are now at least 789 cases in the state, surpassing the 762 reported in West Texas in 2025 and making it the largest outbreak since measles was declared eliminated in the US at the beginning of the 21st century. The outbreak is concentrated in South Carolina's Upstate region, with close to 90% of cases occurring in children younger than 17. Emergency departments are adapting to new protocols to diagnose measles cases rapidly and ensure patient safety. The Hill (1/28) Learn More

  • Physician frustration grows with documentation burden

    Physician frustration is being fueled by the accumulation of multiple workflow pain points, including rising administrative demands, fragmented digital tools and payer-driven tasks. Chief medical information officers emphasize that this frustration is the result of a number of issues, including the burdens of documentation, chart review overload, inbox management and care coordination challenges. As patient volumes grow and records become more complex, these combined factors will pull clinicians away from direct patient care, contributing to a heightened sense of frustration among physicians. Becker's Hospital Review (1/26) Learn More

  • CMS' proposed MA rate hike draws stakeholder criticism

    The CMS has proposed a 0.09% payment increase for Medicare Advantage plans in 2027, which has drawn criticism from stakeholders who had anticipated a much larger hike. America's Physician Groups has said that the small increase could lead to care disruptions and financial strain for patients and clinicians. Some insurance industry executives have said the proposal could result in significant benefit reductions. Healthcare Innovation (1/27) Learn More

  • Kardium system shows efficacy in AFib trial

    Kardium's Globe Pulsed Field System has demonstrated significant efficacy and safety in treating paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, according to results from the PULSAR clinical trial published in JACC. The trial showed that the system achieved durable pulmonary vein isolation in 95% of veins with a single application and maintained a 0% device-related primary safety event rate, with 78% of patients remaining free from atrial arrhythmias at 12 months. Diagnostic & Interventional Cardiology magazine (1/2026) Learn More

  • PET imaging may predict outcomes in PAH

    A radiotracer initially developed for cancer PET scans may also aid cardiovascular imaging, according to a study in JACC: Cardiovascular Imaging. It showed that fibroblast activation protein inhibitors can detect pulmonary arterial hypertension and left ventricular dysfunction after heart attacks. Cardiovascular Business (1/27) Learn More

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