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Study: Sterile processing needs more autonomy for safety

A study by ChristianaCare highlights the need for greater autonomy and recognition of how sterile processing department staffs contribute to patient safety. The study found that 43% of sterile processing professionals feel pressure to set aside sterilization protocols because of operational demands, leading to concerns about infection prevention. "You're not going to be able to meet any of your operational metrics in the OR without a successful SPD operation," said Kevin Bush, administrative director of perioperative administration at ChristianaCare. "Site infections, on-time starts [and] turnaround times all depend on it." Infection Control Today (5/28) Learn More

Device-driven intervention safe for HF but not effective

A nurse-led, device-driven intervention for certain patients with heart failure showed no significant impact on outcomes, according to a study. The intervention, which included remote monitoring and nurse-led management, was found to be safe but did not reduce hospitalizations or mortality rates. Research findings appeared in JACC. HealthDay News (5/29) Learn More

FDA advisors back monovalent XFG COVID-19 vaccine

The FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee unanimously endorsed the use of a monovalent XFG COVID-19 vaccine for the 2026-2027 season, with an 8-0 vote and one abstention. The decision followed a review of data from manufacturers showing strong neutralizing antibody responses against the dominant JN.1 family variants. MedPage Today (5/28) Learn More

US health systems urged to prepare for Ebola outbreak

US health systems need to prepare for a potential Ebola outbreak as cases rise in Africa, says Dr. Bhakti Hansoti, director of Johns Hopkins University's Center for Global Emergency Care. Hansoti noted that the Bundibugyo variant has a higher mortality rate and that hospitals near international airports have readied treatment protocols. Frontline staff should be trained to recognize Ebola symptoms amid ongoing flu outbreaks to prevent misdiagnosis and ensure swift response, Hansoti said. Chief Healthcare Executive (5/29) Learn More

Nurse-patient relationships benefit mental health care

A study in Spanish mental health units found that strong therapeutic relationships between patients and nurses may improve patient experiences and reduce hospital stays. Patients who participated in a structured intervention called Reserved Therapeutic Space, which fosters uninterrupted communication and collaboration with nurses, reported fewer feelings of coercion and fear and were discharged earlier than those receiving standard care. The findings were reported in studies in the Journal of Clinical Nursing and the International Journal of Mental Health Nursing. The Conversation (5/29) Learn More

Research: nsPFA catheter safe, effective for PAF patients

A single-shot nanosecond pulsed field ablation catheter featuring all-in-one mapping and ablation capability is safe and effective for patients who have paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, a study in JACC: Clinical Electrophysiology found. The research showed that the catheter achieved 100% electrical pulmonary vein isolation with a low rate of serious adverse events. Cardiology Advisor (5/22) Learn More

AI-powered heart failure assessment gets breakthrough status

The FDA has granted breakthrough device designation to Coredio's cardiac performance simulation engine, an AI-powered tool for assessing heart failure patients after hospital discharge. The software uses wearables and blood pressure cuffs to monitor hemodynamic parameters. Medical Device Network (UK) (5/29) Learn More

Cardiovascular Quality and Research News

ACC CV Quality SmartBrief