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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.

  • GLP-1 receptor agonists may reduce infection risk

    A meta-analysis of data from 136 randomized clinical trials published in the Journal of Infection suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists are associated with a lower risk of serious infections, including respiratory, skin, musculoskeletal and vascular infections, as well as SARS-CoV-2 infections. The study involved data for 164,322 people, 78.7% with type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide and tirzepatide were associated with reduced risk of serious infection, while other medications were not. Medscape (11/24) Learn More

  • Why precleaning matters in medical instrument care

    Precleaning is a critical first step in the decontamination process for medical and dental instruments, starting immediately after use to remove biological debris before it solidifies. This process reduces microbial load, protects the surfaces of instruments and helps to ensure compliance with infection prevention guidance from organizations such as the CDC, Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation and American Dental Association. Infection Control Today (11/28) Learn More

  • CDC notes upticks in flu activity, hospitalizations

    Influenza activity in the US is rising, especially in children and young adults, according to the CDC. Flu outpatient visits and hospitalizations have increased recently, with 3,264 hospitalizations reported in the week ending November 22, a 39% rise from the previous week. The agency estimates there have been at least 1.1 million cases, 11,000 hospitalizations and 450 related deaths so far this season. Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control (12/1) Learn More

  • States enact laws to oversee private equity in health care

    At least seven states, including California, Massachusetts and Oregon, have enacted laws this year to increase oversight of private equity acquisitions in health care, seeking to address concerns that such investments could undermine health care infrastructure. The laws require more transparency and limit the control private equity can exert over clinical operations. Private equity firms argue that they improve access and efficiency, particularly in underserved areas. Stateline (11/21) Learn More

  • Rapid sepsis test shows accuracy in clinical trials

    Ocean Dx's rapid sepsis test matched the gold standard in a clinical evaluation, showing 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The test, which detects more than 1,000 bacterial species from whole blood, provided results in five hours and tripled the number of infections identified compared with traditional blood cultures. BioWorld (free content) (11/17) Learn More

  • University hospital first to adopt new robotic system

    Microbot Medical's Liberty endovascular robotic system has been adopted by Emory University Hospital, the first facility to use the system. Liberty is a remotely operated platform designed for peripheral endovascular procedures. MassDevice (Boston) (11/26) Learn More

  • Audit finds language access gaps at NYC Health + Hospitals

    New York City Health + Hospitals is not fully meeting state requirements for language access, according to a state audit. The audit highlights issues with call lines and mobile units, as well as with vendor oversight, resulting in $215,000 in overpayments. Only 12 of 55 test calls made in a range of languages successfully reached an interpreter, and mobile units lacked adequate language services, the audit found. BK Reader (Brooklyn, N.Y.) (11/30) Learn More

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