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ACC CV Quality SmartBrief

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  • RSV vaccine 92% effective for older adults, data show

    A study in Clinical Infectious Diseases found Pfizer's RSV vaccine RSVpreF was 92% effective among adults ages 60 and older, including those with severe disease and underlying conditions. The CDC recommends the vaccine for adults 75 and older and those 50 to 74 at increased risk. "Reassuringly, our study similarly found a VE (vaccine effectiveness) of 90% against critical outcomes (i.e., ICU admission or mechanical ventilation), similar to the VISION study's results: 81% VE against RSV-related critical illness (i.e., ICU admission or in-hospital death)," researchers wrote. Healio (free registration) (11/17) Learn More

  • First-trimester SARS-CoV-2 linked to higher neonatal risks

    A study from the Netherlands found that SARS-CoV-2 infection in the first trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of preterm birth and low Apgar scores in newborns. The study, which analyzed data from more than 322,000 pregnant women, also highlights disparities in COVID-19 testing among ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Drug Topics (11/18) Learn More

  • Stethoscope hygiene: A hidden concern in infection control

    Stethoscopes are often overlooked in infection prevention policies, posing a significant risk for health care-associated infections. A panel of infection preventionists and clinicians discussed the challenges of stethoscope hygiene, highlighting a case where a stethoscope was the source of an Acinetobacter outbreak. The panel emphasized the need for thorough cleaning, adherence to disinfectant instructions, and the importance of building a culture that prioritizes stethoscope hygiene as much as hand hygiene. Infection Control Today (11/19) Learn More

  • How hospitals are addressing workplace violence

    Health systems are taking stronger measures to address workplace violence. Scripps Health is analyzing incidents and improving safety, while Denver Health considers administrative discharges for violent patients. Supporting staff in filing charges and disseminating lessons learned across organizations are also key strategies. "When a workplace violence event occurs, frontline staff need to see executive leadership," says Scott Strauss, vice president of corporate security at Northwell Health. HealthLeaders Magazine (11/2025) Learn More

  • AI in health system's EHR boosts early disease detection

    Sanford Health is embedding AI into its electronic health records to enhance patient care by automating evidence-based recommendations. This integration has led to significant improvements, including doubling the number of patients with diabetes who receive chronic kidney disease tests and tripling the rate of early diagnoses. The AI tools, including a chronic kidney disease module and a forthcoming colon cancer screening tool, help clinicians personalize care and intervene earlier, which is crucial for patients in rural areas who face challenges accessing treatment. MedCity News (11/17) Learn More

  • Maker introduces AI-powered heart valve repair system

    Philips introduced DeviceGuide, an AI-powered tracking solution designed to assist physicians in minimally invasive heart valve repair procedures. Built on the EchoNavigator platform, DeviceGuide translates complex imaging into real-time visual guidance. The solution was developed in collaboration with Edwards Lifesciences. MassDevice (Boston) (11/17) Learn More

  • Childhood vaccine disparities persist in low-income families

    Children from low-income families are significantly less likely to receive all of their early childhood vaccines, compared to those from higher-income families, according to a Commonwealth Fund analysis. The report found that only 62.3% of low-income children have received all seven recommended vaccines, versus 77.9% of high-income children. The disparity is not solely due to costs, as most insurance plans cover vaccines, and the Vaccines for Children program provides free immunizations. TechTarget (11/18) Learn More

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