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RSV hospitalization may increase cardiovascular risks

A study in JAMA Network Open found that adults hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus had an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiorespiratory events in the weeks following hospitalization. Myocardial infarction rates were 2.6 to 8.7 times higher, stroke rates were 7.4 times higher, and arrhythmia rates were 16.5 times higher. MedPage Today (free registration) (2/4) Learn More

CDC study reveals rising threat of drug-resistant E. coli

A CDC study published in JAMA Network Open highlights the growing threat of invasive Escherichia coli infections in the US, with an estimated annual incidence rate of over 74 cases per 100,000 people. The study, involving data from nine labs, reveals that these infections are particularly prevalent among adults over 60 and are increasingly resistant to common antibiotics such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin. The findings underscore the significant burden of E. coli as a cause of UTIs, kidney infections and sepsis. Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (2/6) Learn More

Childhood-onset conditions affect adult hospital stays

A study in JAMA Network Open found that young adults with childhood-onset complex chronic conditions had longer hospital stays, higher costs and increased readmission rates compared to peers without those conditions. The study, involving 19,915 hospitalizations, highlighted the need for targeted measures to improve care for this population. Medscape (2/4) Learn More

How rural hospitals can innovate with AI, data, funding

Rural hospitals face closures and service cuts due to staffing shortages and financial challenges, and the absence of critical staff can lead to inconsistent care quality and delayed treatment, negatively affecting patient outcomes. Technological innovations including AI platforms and telemedicine may offer hope for rural facilities. MedCity News (2/8) Learn More

CMS details road map for FHIR-based digital quality measures

The CMS is transitioning to FHIR-based digital quality measures to enhance interoperability and reduce reporting burdens. Digital quality measures are built on the FHIR standard and expand data sources beyond EHRs to include medical devices and patient-facing applications. A public comment period is open through February 23 for draft digital quality measures packages. Healthcare Innovation (2/8) Learn More

AI stethoscope enhances heart murmur detection accuracy

An AI-powered stethoscope developed by Eko Health has been shown to significantly enhance the detection of heart murmurs, a key indicator of heart valve disease, according to a study published in the European Heart Journal-Digital Health. The device, which records and analyzes heart sounds using AI, enabled physicians to identify heart valve disease with 92% accuracy, compared to 46% with traditional stethoscopes. This advancement could lead to quicker diagnoses and treatments, potentially reducing hospital admissions and health care costs. However, further research is needed to assess its effectiveness across diverse clinical settings. HealthDay News (2/9) Learn More

Health care DEI programs help boost workforce diversity

Diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have improved workforce diversity in health care, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. The study reviewed 43 DEI programs from 2010 to 2023 and found that the programs increased minority representation in medical residencies and helped advance nursing careers. Researchers note that the impact of these programs on patient outcomes remains unclear, however, and there are concerns that recent political efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives could reverse gains. TechTarget (2/4) Learn More

Cardiovascular Quality and Research News

ACC CV Quality SmartBrief