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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.

  • UV-C in infection control: Benefits and challenges

    New research highlights pros and cons of UV-C disinfection in healthcare settings. While it effectively reduces pathogens as an adjunct to manual cleaning, repeated exposure may damage plastics, creating rougher surfaces that can harbor microorganisms. Experts recommend that material compatibility be a core component of UV-C infection prevention strategies to mitigate these risks. Infection Control Today (5/12) Learn More

  • System's nurse scientists enable patient care advances

    St. Louis-based Ascension has reported significant improvements in patient care and workforce challenges with the help of its National Nurse Research Affinity Group, which includes clinical nurses and Ph.D.-prepared nurse scientists. It has facilitated over 100 active studies and secured more than $1 million in grants. Notable projects include the KINDER 1 fall risk assessment, now a national standard, and research on pressure injuries among patients with different skin tones, which has led to updated care policies. Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control (5/12) Learn More

  • FDA approves AI system for early sepsis detection

    The FDA has approved the Targeted Real-Time Early Warning System, an AI-based tool developed by Johns Hopkins University and marketed by Bayesian Health, to detect sepsis up to 48 hours before clinical suspicion. The system integrates electronic health records with advanced AI to continuously monitor patients, reducing mortality rates by 18% when alerts are acted upon. Sepsis affects millions annually in the US, making early detection crucial for improving patient outcomes. Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (5/12) Learn More

  • Study ranks effectiveness of preventive care interventions

    A study evaluating 42 recommendations from the US Preventive Services Task Force and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices ranks them by quality-adjusted life years gained. Top interventions for patient quality years gained included prescribing preexposure prophylaxis for patients with high-risk sexual activity and intravenous drug use, prescribing statins for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, screening for alcohol use, and weight-loss counseling and referrals for adults with obesity. Medscape (5/11) Learn More

  • Bill would require hospitals to provide electronic invoices

    A proposed law in South Carolina would require healthcare facilities, including hospitals and hospice facilities, to provide itemized bills electronically with plain-language service descriptions and clear cost breakdowns. The bill would also halt debt collection if billing inaccuracies are found. WRHI-AM (Rock Hill, S.C.) (5/11) Learn More

  • Who is liable for healthcare mistakes linked to AI?

    Clinicians and hospitals are using AI to produce documentation, prioritize patient portal messages, suggest diagnoses and make prescription decisions. Insurers are using AI to evaluate claims, make prior authorization decisions and predict care needs. The use of AI in healthcare for these and other tasks raises questions about who or what is responsible for errors or decisions that result in harm. Experts urge health systems and practices to be transparent with patients about AI use, thoroughly vet security, ask vendors about legal support and diligently oversee the use of AI tools. MedPage Today (5/12) Learn More

  • Patient engagement platforms may bridge health literacy gaps

    Patient engagement platforms are increasingly replacing paper-based methods of patient education, offering real-time, tailored information through apps, portals and chatbots. They can bridge health literacy gaps by providing visual aids and clear information in small, "digestible" bites. However, not all patients have access to digital platforms, and they require healthcare professionals to tailor content to their practices and patients, which can increase workloads. Healio (free registration) (5/12) Learn More

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