Quality Improvement for Institutions
www.cvquality.acc.org

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.

  • Pandemic infection protocols may have cut C. diff incidence

    The incidence of Clostridioides difficile infections in hospitals was 20% lower during the COVID-19 pandemic than prior to the pandemic, according to a review in Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control. Researchers attributed the decrease to stronger infection prevention and control measures during the period, such as rigorous hand hygiene, cleaning and use of personal protective equipment, as well as lower use of fluoroquinolones and suspension of elective procedures. Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (4/7) Learn More

  • Mich. QI program helps reduce pediatric chest X-rays

    A statewide quality improvement and financial incentive program in Michigan reduced chest X-ray use by nearly 40% for children with asthma, bronchiolitis and croup, despite guidelines already discouraging routine use. Researchers reported in the journal Pediatrics that the use of chest X-rays dropped from 34.3% of all emergency respiratory visits to 21.1%. The program included performance measurement, audit and feedback, financial incentives and a quality improvement toolkit. Medscape (4/8) Learn More

  • AHRQ remains in limbo, raising questions

    The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality has become largely inactive, having not spent any of its $345 million budget for the current fiscal year and returning $80 million from the previous year to the Treasury. Under the leadership of Director Dr. Roger Klein, the agency has not funded new research projects or issued grants, leaving many researchers in limbo. This situation arises amidst the administration's efforts to reduce AHRQ's funding or transfer its functions, with Congress rejecting a proposed reorganization but still cutting its budget by 6.4%. Legal actions are under way to compel the agency to release funds, and the Government Accountability Office is investigating potential fund impoundment. Roll Call (4/7) Learn More

  • Infection preventionist shares his MRSA story

    Former infection prevention professional Bill Schmelzer shares his personal battle with a health care-associated infection, discussing the long-term impact of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection and sepsis. Schmelzer, who has undergone multiple surgeries and long-term antibiotic treatment, discusses the limitations of current infection prevention and treatment methods. Infection Control Today (3/30) Learn More

  • Bill gives rural hospitals antitrust immunity, no oversight

    Missouri state legislation aimed at preventing rural hospital closures would grant significant antitrust immunity to MU Health Care and partners in 25 counties, but it lacks oversight and rate transparency measures, according to a recent analysis. The bill has raised concerns about potential higher prices and reduced competition, as seen in other states with similar laws. Missouri Independent (Jefferson City) (4/6) Learn More

  • Digital twins improve heart treatment success rates

    Johns Hopkins University researchers have developed digital twin technology to improve treatment for ventricular tachycardia. In a small clinical trial, virtual replicas of patients' hearts were used to guide ablation procedures, resulting in a higher success rate compared to traditional methods. The study, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, suggests that digital twins could make procedures safer and more effective by targeting specific areas of the heart, potentially reducing the need for repeated treatments. The Associated Press (4/1) Learn More

  • Yale initiative targets disparities in sepsis care

    The Global Health Leadership Initiative at Yale University is tackling racial disparities in sepsis care via the Champions Advancing Racial Equity in Sepsis initiative. Erika Linnander, director of the initiative, highlights the effects of systemic inequities in sepsis outcomes and the importance of organizational culture in addressing these issues. The initiative also emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to operationalize equity in health care. Yale University (4/7) Learn More

Temp Styles

American College of Cardiology: 2400 N St. NW, Washington DC 20006