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Shorter antibiotics may suffice for some CAP patients

Shorter antibiotic courses may be as effective as longer ones for a small subset of hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia who are clinically stable after three days, a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine showed. It analyzed data from 67 hospitals and found that only 10% of patients met the criteria for short-course therapy, with similar outcomes in mortality, readmission and adverse events. Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (4/16) Learn More

Primary care QI program did not improve CV outcomes

A study published in Circulation: Population Health and Outcomes found that a data-driven quality improvement program was not associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes in primary care settings. The study involved 7,864 patients with coronary heart disease across 51 practices. The patients in the program were just as likely to have unplanned cardiovascular disease hospitalizations at 24 months as those not in the program, and there was no improvement in rates of major adverse cardiovascular events or other outcomes. MedPage Today (4/15) Learn More

FDA grants breakthrough status to breath test platform

The FDA has granted breakthrough device status to Breath Diagnostics' OneBreath platform, which uses a single breath sample for liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis to assess volatile organic compounds. The platform is designed to identify cardiac surgery patients at higher risk of developing postoperative pneumonia. Medical Product Outsourcing (4/16) Learn More

Health systems expand in Fla. to meet growing demand

Florida's population growth, especially among those ages 65 and older, is driving rapid health system expansion through affiliations, new facilities and partnerships. The state's regulatory environment, which does not mandate certificate-of-need approval for new hospitals or outpatient services, also contributes to growth in the state. "The demand for health care services in Florida just continues to skyrocket," says Mary Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association. Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control (4/16) Learn More

Remote pressure monitoring tied to lower HF hospitalizations

A study published in the European Heart Journal Open found that the CardioMEMS Heart Failure System is safe and effective for patients with advanced heart failure. The study reported a 69% reduction in heart failure-related hospitalizations, and improved quality of life over two years. Medscape (4/14) Learn More

Studies show system's effectiveness in arrhythmia detection

Studies presented by iRhythm at ACC.26 showed the efficacy of the company's Zio device in detecting clinically significant arrhythmias. Among 657,147 patients, 48% of those with chronic kidney disease and 47% with both CKD and diabetes had actionable arrhythmias detected by the monitor. Additionally, patients who had severe obesity were 2.8 times more likely to have atrial fibrillation detected by the system, compared to normal or underweight individuals. Yahoo (4/20) Learn More

Interpreter training brings equity, ROI to rural hospital

Grand River Health, a 57-bed hospital in Rifle, Colo., has improved care for Spanish-speaking patients and reduced spending by training bilingual staff as medical interpreters. The investment in training and raises has paid off, says Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kevin Coleman. The program has led to a 50% increase in Spanish-speaking patients and less reliance on virtual interpretation, increasing revenue and reducing costs. National Public Radio (4/16) Learn More

Cardiovascular Quality and Research News

ACC CV Quality SmartBrief