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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.

  • Hospital patient outcomes improve despite complexity

    Despite a growing population of older and more medically complex patients in hospitals, a Vizient report indicates that patient outcomes are improving. Data from more than 1,500 hospitals show fewer safety and quality incidents such as patient falls and surgical infections. Experts attribute these improvements to a heightened strategic focus on quality and the use of targeted policy incentives and penalties, even as the average patient in hospital settings becomes sicker. Medical Economics (4/3) Learn More

  • Community SARS-CoV-2 linked to hospital-acquired cases

    Community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been a significant leading indicator of hospital-acquired infections in the US, according to a study by PolicyLab at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. The study, presented at the IDWeek conference, analyzed data from 1,814 medical centers and found that rises in community SARS-CoV-2 cases preceded increases in hospital SARS-CoV-2 cases by nine to 10 days. The findings suggest that integrating community surveillance into hospitals' infection prevention efforts could enhance early identification of high-risk periods. Infectious Disease Special Edition (free registration) (4/6) Learn More

  • Machine learning model predicts sepsis mortality

    Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict 28-day mortality in ICU patients with sepsis and acute respiratory failure. Seven algorithms were compared, with one demonstrating the strongest performance and stability across both the training and external validation cohorts, according to findings published in the Journal of Intensive Medicine. The model utilizes 20 routinely available clinical features from the first 24 hours of ICU admission, enabling early and accurate risk stratification for high-risk patients. News Medical (3/27) Learn More

  • 2027 budget proposal includes health agency cuts

    The president's 2027 budget proposal aims to cut federal spending on health programs, particularly targeting HHS with a $15.8 billion reduction. The proposal also calls for a $5 billion reduction in NIH funding, a $2.9 billion cut to the CDC and $129 million less for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. It also would eliminate the Hospital Preparedness Program, which helps hospitals plan for and respond to public health emergencies. Chief Healthcare Executive (4/6) Learn More

  • A recap of some key trials from ACC.26

    ACC.26 highlighted a number of potentially practice-changing studies including the ALL-RISE trial, which found angiography-guided fractional flow reserve noninferior to pressure-wire-guided strategies for coronary artery disease. In the SCOUT-HCM trial, mavacamten showed efficacy in adolescents with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In the HI-PEITHO study, ultrasound-facilitated, catheter-directed fibrinolysis reduced early clinical deterioration in pulmonary embolism better than anticoagulation alone. The CHAMPION-AF trial found that left atrial appendage closure was noninferior to non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant therapy for atrial fibrillation. HCPLive Network (4/6) Learn More

  • AI-assisted system reduces stroke-related vascular events

    A recent study published in The BMJ highlights the effectiveness of a clinical decision-support system with AI-assisted imaging in reducing vascular events in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Conducted across 77 hospitals in China, the Golden Bridge II trial involved over 21,600 participants and showed a 25% reduction in new vascular events at three months for those using the CDSS compared to usual care. The study also noted improved adherence to stroke care quality measures, though no significant differences were observed in disability or mortality rates. Medscape (4/3) Learn More

  • Public health center to be led by health disparity expert

    The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine has opened a new Center for Public Health, with epidemiologist Suzanne Judd as its first director. Judd starts her new role on September 1 and brings particular expertise in racial and ethnic disparities affecting hypertension, stroke and kidney disease patients. University of Cincinnati (4/6) Learn More

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