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  • ICU decolonization may increase resistant infections

    Universal skin decolonization in ICUs may not improve infection control and could increase methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis bloodstream infections, according to research published in The Lancet Microbe. A hospital that switched to targeted decolonization saw a significant decline in resistant infections, while a control hospital did not experience significant changes. Medscape (6/20) Learn More

  • Poll: 79% of US adults back school vaccine mandates

    A poll conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and the de Beaumont Foundation reveals a strong belief in vaccine safety among US adults, with 91% considering routine childhood immunizations safe. Notably, 63% view them as very safe. This perspective is shared across political lines, the poll found. Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (6/25) Learn More

  • Children's hospital sees spike in fungal infection cases

    Loma Linda University Children's Hospital has been seeing five to 10 patients a month with coccidioidomycosis, the fungal infection also known as valley fever. The infection usually causes flu-like symptoms, but in some cases it is leading to severe respiratory illness, hospital officials say. KCBS-TV/KCAL-TV (Los Angeles) (6/23) Learn More

  • Poll: Prior authorization delays may harm patient health

    Prior authorization delays may be harmful to patients, with more than a third of respondents saying their health deteriorated while waiting for approval and 9% not receiving prescribed medication, according to a survey by health care technology company DrFirst. The survey highlights the bureaucratic challenges posed by prior authorization, including long waits and redundant testing, but also finds that most patients are open to using AI to streamline the process. Medical Economics (6/24) Learn More

  • Nonpunitive workplace encourages patient safety reporting

    A nonpunitive workplace culture promotes patient safety by focusing on process improvement rather than individual blame, which encourages reporting of safety concerns and errors, chief medical officers say. Health care leaders say it's important to recognize and reward staff who report issues, which helps to prevent future incidents. HealthLeaders Media (6/19) Learn More

  • System integrates early PAH detection tool into EHR

    Temple University Health System has integrated the VEST tool into its EHR, enhancing its ability to detect patients' pulmonary arterial hypertension. The integration allows seamless incorporation of risk scores into clinical reports, prompting referrals to specialized programs for high-risk patients. Becker's Hospital Review (6/19) Learn More

  • Groups urge oversight of AI use in prior authorization

    The American Medical Association, the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology and other groups are advocating for stricter oversight of AI in prior authorization processes, citing concerns about patient safety and the removal of clinical judgment. The groups support bipartisan legislation that would require Medicare Advantage plans to report detailed statistics on AI use in prior authorization, including denial rates and impacts on vulnerable communities. Radiology Business (6/23) Learn More

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