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Tetrasodium EDTA lock solution reduces CVAD complications

A 4% tetrasodium EDTA lock solution can reduce complications associated with central venous access devices in critically ill patients, according to a multicenter Canadian trial published in JAMA. The study, which involved 1,468 patients at six hospitals, showed a lower incidence of a composite endpoint of CVAD-associated bloodstream infections, catheter occlusions and catheter removal due to occlusion with t-EDTA compared with saline or citrate. Medscape (6/3) Learn More

Post-discharge APM discontinuation may help older patients

Discontinuing antipsychotic medications after hospital discharge may reduce adverse clinical outcomes for geriatric patients, according to a study in JAMA Psychiatry. The study found that stopping APMs was associated with lower risks of rehospitalization, recurrent delirium, fall-related visits, urinary tract infections and mortality. The Hospitalist (6/1) Learn More

AHA outlines strategies for reducing healthcare costs

A recent American Hospital Association report outlines strategies to lower healthcare costs in the US. The report suggests bolstering primary care, reducing administrative waste and lowering drug prices. It also highlights the need for innovation and transforming care delivery to achieve better outcomes. "[H]ospitals cannot solve affordability alone," AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack said. "It will require everyone -- drug companies, commercial insurers, suppliers, government, patients and others -- to fix our outdated system." Chief Healthcare Executive (6/3) Learn More

How cardiologists can assess contract clauses, workload

When evaluating contracts, cardiologists should consider organizational culture, workflow and schedules as these factors often outweigh salary in terms of job satisfaction, ACC past president Cathie Biga, MSN, FACC, noted at ACC.26. She also highlighted the importance of understanding restrictive covenants or noncompete agreements, which vary by state and can significantly impact practice opportunities. Biga noted that workload expectations are typically not detailed in contracts, making it crucial for physicians to ask specific questions during interviews. Cardiovascular Business (6/1) Learn More

Language access as infrastructure boosts patient outcomes

Language access should be viewed as a clinical infrastructure function rather than a compliance obligation, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center's Andy Schwieter says. Schwieter emphasizes that language barriers are often incorrectly blamed for issues that stem from broader systemic problems, and he highlighted the benefits of professional interpreting at admission and discharge. Becker's Hospital Review (6/4) Learn More

SCCT, SCAI release consensus on FFR-CT use

The Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography & Interventions issued a consensus statement on the use of coronary CT angiography-derived fractional flow reserve, emphasizing the importance of high-quality imaging and the integration of FFR-CT values into CCTA reports. The statement highlights the diagnostic accuracy and clinical applications of FFR-CT. The ACC expressed support for the consensus statement. Cardiovascular Business (6/4) Learn More

Rural health grants in Kan. fund telemedicine

Kansas has awarded nearly $80 million in Rural Health Transformation Program funding to 39 organizations. Projects include telemedicine services at 31 hospitals, a technology-based substance use disorder treatment model, a tele-oncology program and a pediatric chronic care network. Healthcare Innovation (6/5) Learn More

Cardiovascular Quality and Research News

ACC CV Quality SmartBrief