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ACC CV Quality SmartBrief

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  • Reminders can boost drug adherence, reduce readmissions

    Personalized text message reminders can improve medication adherence and reduce hospital readmissions for patients with heart failure, according to a study by Magnolia Regional Health Center and DrFirst. Patients who engaged with the texts had a 19% higher likelihood of filling prescriptions and a 6% reduction in readmission within 30 days. The study, involving 1,276 patients, underscores the simplicity and effectiveness of text-based interventions in managing chronic conditions. Medical News Today (1/23) Learn More

  • Rituximab may raise severe infection risk in AIHA patients

    A study in Blood Advances suggests that rituximab may raise the risk of severe infections in individuals who have autoimmune hemolytic anemia, particularly those aged 70 or older and those taking corticosteroids. The study shows a 17.6% incidence of hospitalization with infection within six months of starting rituximab, with a 30-day mortality rate of 12.5%. Pneumocystosis was noted in patients also taking corticosteroids without prophylaxis. Rare Disease Advisor (1/22) Learn More

  • C. diff infections worsen outcomes for patients with IBD

    Clostridioides difficile infection is associated with worse outcomes for hospitalized patients with inflammatory bowel disease, including higher mortality rates and increased odds of septic shock, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology. The study analyzed data from 2012 to 2021, finding that 12.7% of 4.2 million patients had CDI. "These findings highlight the importance of early recognition, preventive strategies, and tailored management approaches for CDI in IBD patients," Dr. Shivangini Duggal of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and colleagues wrote. Medscape (1/23) Learn More

  • Some hospitals create their own Medicare Advantage plans

    Some hospitals are establishing their own Medicare Advantage plans as disputes between hospitals and commercial insurers disrupt coverage for patients. West Virginia University Health System's Peak Health plan and Baylor Scott & White Health's plan in Texas are among those that have expanded. Hospital MA plans represent a small portion of the Medicare Advantage market, but they are expanding in both enrollment and geographic reach. KFF Health News (1/26) Learn More

  • Hospitals in TEAM demo should prepare now for downside risk

    Participation in the CMS Innovation Center's Transforming Episode Accountability Model is mandatory, but many of the 741 hospitals participating are not ready to take on downside risk beginning in 2027, says Cedar Gate Technologies Executive Vice President Tobin Lassen. System fragmentation and insufficient training are among the challenges, according to the results of a survey. Healthcare Innovation (1/26) Learn More

  • Study: Smartwatches may aid in AFib diagnosis

    Researchers at Amsterdam University Medical Center found that using an Apple Watch could significantly aid in the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation, potentially quadrupling the number of diagnoses compared to standard care. Their study in JACC found that 21 patients in an Apple Watch user group were diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, compared to five in a control group. Some cardiologists feel the use of smartwatches in medical settings could reduce the risk of stroke and help control health care costs. TechRadar (1/26) Learn More

  • Physicians see benefits, challenges of AI scribe technology

    Physicians are increasingly embracing ambient artificial intelligence scribe technology, which allows them to focus more on patients instead of administrative tasks, a trend expected to accelerate as major electronic health record vendors such as Epic Systems integrate AI scribes into their platforms. However, clinicians note challenges such as the need to verbalize exam findings for the AI, potential AI hallucinations, and ensuring sensitive patient interactions. KFF Health News (1/27) Learn More

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