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Community C. diff infections rise as hospital cases drop

Hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infections have decreased due to better infection control, but community-acquired cases are rising, says researcher Joseph Zackular of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania. Zackular discusses a preclinical mRNA vaccine that shows promise in tackling C. difficile by offering strong immunogenicity at low doses. Contagion Live (12/18) Learn More

CDC notes 1st severe human case of avian flu in US

The CDC has confirmed the first severe human case of avian flu in the US, involving a patient hospitalized in Louisiana after exposure to sick birds in backyard flocks. The virus strain matches one spreading among wild birds and poultry. Most of the 61 human cases reported since April have been mild, in people with direct contact to infected livestock. ABC News (12/18) Learn More

CMO prioritizes simplicity in innovation, patient safety

William Holubek, the new chief medical officer at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, says that innovation in health care goes beyond simply adopting new technology and includes improving processes, identifying inefficiency and waste, and creating improvement plans with clear milestones and responsibilities. Holubek also emphasizes the importance of psychological safety in hospitals and says that staff, patients and visitors should be empowered to report any concerns without fear of repercussion. HealthLeaders Media (12/16) Learn More

3 steps toward stronger health care cybersecurity

Cyberattacks on health care systems are increasingly severe and threaten patient health and safety, writes Minal Patel, a professor of health behavior and health equity. Patel advocates for a stronger national cybersecurity strategy that includes holding technology companies accountable for cybersecurity shortcomings, adopting zero-trust security models and fostering international cyber norms. MedPage Today (free registration) (12/14) Learn More

Virtual care helps manage winter infection surges

Virtual care is becoming a crucial tool for managing seasonal illness surges such as flu and SARS-CoV-2 that strain the health care system, says Dr. Carrie Nelson, chief medical officer at KeyCare. Virtual care can reduce appointment wait times, help with management of chronic conditions and provide an alternative for patients with transportation issues, Nelson says, noting that virtual care can be more efficient than in-person visits. Challenges include staffing shortages and access to electronic health records. Patient Safety & Quality Healthcare (12/2024) Learn More

FDA approves credit card-sized ECG device

HeartBeam has received FDA clearance for a credit card-sized heart monitor system that produces 12-lead electrocardiograms without cables. The technology allows real-time evaluation of a patient's heart health by capturing data that are sent to the cloud for physician review. HeartBeam is conducting the VALID-ECG study to track the device's use in nearly 200 patients. Cardiovascular Business (12/17) Learn More

Experts: US health equity efforts largely stagnant

Despite numerous initiatives, health equity in the US has seen little improvement, according to experts at a recent panel hosted by Health Affairs and consulting firm Deloitte. The minimal progress toward health equity carries an estimated $1 trillion price tag, according to the experts. Panelists suggested measures like providing affordable obesity medications, reforming payment structures and increasing reimbursement for Medicaid providers to enhance health equity. MedPage Today (free registration) (12/17) Learn More

Cardiovascular Quality and Research News

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