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.

  • Survival up, infections down at US hospitals

    A new American Hospital Association report based on data from Vizient shows that survival rates in US hospitals have increased 30% since 2019, central line-associated bloodstream infections have decreased 24%, and urinary tract infections linked to catheters decreased 25%, as of mid-2025. Breast and colon cancer screenings increased 95% over the study period, according to the report. Healthcare Innovation (12/8) Learn More

  • IV iron may cut mortality in anemia with bacterial infections

    IV iron infusions were associated with improved survival and hemoglobin levels in patients with anemia and acute bacterial infections, according to a study of more than 85,000 patients that was presented at the American Society of Hematology annual meeting. Benefits were seen in all groups except those with meningitis, and the biggest mortality decreases were in patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and pneumonia.  Managed Healthcare Executive (12/6) Learn More

  • AI model targets care gaps in congenital heart disease

    Researchers have developed an AI model to identify patients with congenital heart disease who are at risk of experiencing gaps in continuous care, as presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions. The model, which utilizes data from 1,746 patients, takes into account factors such as social determinants of health and disease complexity. While the model shows strong performance in identifying patients maintaining follow-up, it needs refinement to better predict those with care gaps. Healio (free registration) (12/8) Learn More

  • Physician shortages are narrowing care access

    The US physician shortage is expected to reach 86,000 by 2036, according to Association of American Medical Colleges data. Shortages make it difficult for many residents to access care, and they are driven by a growing and aging population, physician retirements and other factors. Efforts to address the issue include expanding medical school class sizes, increasing residency programs and using telemedicine, but challenges persist including medical education costs and federal funding limitations. Greenville Business Magazine (S.C.) (12/8) Learn More

  • Dual scoring improves heart risk assessment in COPD

    Research published in the journal Chest indicates that using the cardiovascular risk score and coronary artery calcium score together improves the prediction of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study, involving 549 patients, showed that those with high scores in both metrics had a significantly increased risk of MACE. While the combined scores offer a promising tool for clinical settings, the study's limitations include its focus on a low-risk region, and a predominantly male cohort. Medscape (12/8) Learn More

  • AI-designed antibodies poised to advance drug development

    Scientists are making strides in using artificial intelligence to design antibodies, with the potential to advance therapeutic development. Recent efforts have led to the creation of nanobodies and full-length antibodies with properties similar to commercial drugs. Key players in this field include Nabla Bio, Chai Discovery and the University of Washington. While initial AI-designed antibodies lacked potency, new tools have improved their design, targeting diseases like cancer and infections. Nature (12/9) Learn More

  • Socially vulnerable communities lack cardiac rehab access

    Rural areas experience notably worse access to cardiac rehabilitation facilities compared with metropolitan counties, according to a study in the Journal of the American Heart Association. The research showed that among all US counties, the median distance to the nearest county with a CR facility was more than 16 miles. Cardiology Advisor (12/9) Learn More

Temp Styles

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