Newswise Feature Channel: Patient Safety

Study Finds Evidence Gaps Among Functional Capacity Assessment Tools Used Before Elective Surgeries

American College of Physicians (ACP) — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 17:00:00 EST

A scoping review of studies evaluating the performance of functional capacity (measure of a patient's cardiopulmonary fitness) assessment tools administered before elective non-cardiac surgery found that prior research has overwhelmingly focused on predictive validity of functional capacity tests, including cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET).

Study Identifies Hip Implant Materials with the Lowest Risk of Needing Revision

University of Bristol — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 14:00:00 EST

Hip implants with a delta ceramic or oxidised zirconium head and highly crosslinked polyethylene liner or cup had the lowest risk of revision during the 15 years after surgery, a new study led by the University of Bristol has found.

Does More Virtual Care Mean More Low-Value Care? Study Suggests No

Michigan Medicine - University of Michigan — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 11:00:00 EST

One of the top worries about telehealth is that it will drive up the use of tests and scans that patients don't need, wasting money and resources. In fact, a new study shows, low-value care didn't rise faster at primary care practices that used telehealth the most.

Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing honors Tiffany Richards

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 17:50:11 EST

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today honored Tiffany Richards, Ph.D., A.P.R.N., A.N.P.-B.C., A.O.C.N.P., with the 2024 Brown Foundation Award for Excellence in Oncology Nursing.

Policies Assuring Safe Practice by Late-Career Physicians Vary Widely Among Health Care Organizations

American College of Physicians (ACP) — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 17:00:00 EST

A mixed-methods study found that variations in policies developed to assure safe practice by late-career physicians (LCPs) makes it difficult for these programs to reach their full potential.

Long Beach Lakewood Orthopedic Institute Joins Commons Clinic, Strengthening Comprehensive Orthopedic Care Services in Long Beach

Commons Clinic — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:20:45 EST

Commons Clinic is proud to announce that Long Beach Lakewood Orthopedic Institute, a well-established provider of orthopedic care, has officially joined its network. The integration adds five highly respected orthopedic surgeons to the Commons Clinic roster and strengthens healthcare resources for patients in the Long Beach and Lakewood communities.

Jennifer Bickel, M.D., Named MD Anderson Vice President and Chief Wellness Officer

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:10:20 EST

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today announced the selection of Jennifer Bickel, M.D., as the institution's inaugural vice president and chief wellness officer (CWO). She will begin on January 6, 2025. Working closely with the senior vice president of people, culture and infrastructure, as well as the chief academic officer, she will spearhead initiatives that prioritize employee well-being, professional fulfillment and community resilience.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network Joins with Vietnam National Cancer Hospital to Enhance Cancer Treatment

National Comprehensive Cancer Network(r) (NCCN(r)) — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:00:01 EST

Leaders from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) travel to Vietnam to collaborate with Vietnam National Cancer Hospital on improving cancer care standards throughout the country.

The 'Eyes' Have It: Reasons You Should Avoid Color-Changing Eye Drops

UT Southwestern Medical Center — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:15:56 EST

Fads tend to change in the blink of an eye. This year, some people are being drawn to an eye-catching social media trend of using eye drops that promise to lighten or darken your eye color. The reality is that over-the-counter eye drops cannot change your eye color.

First Pediatric Guideline on Opioid Prescribing in Primary Care Focuses on Preventing Overdose

Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 14:15:23 EST

With its emphasis on opioid overdose prevention, the first guideline for primary care providers from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on prescribing opioids for acute pain in children and adolescents extends beyond responsible pain management.

Communication with Doctor During First Visit Affects Pain Patients' Outcomes

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 11:35:33 EST

Chronic pain patients often struggle with anxiety and depression. A recent study led by University of Illinois communication professor Charee Thompson found that effective physician-patient communication during the initial consultation helps patients manage their uncertainties, fears, anxieties and increases confidence in their ability to cope with their condition.

Study Finds COVID-19 Pandemic Worsened Patient Safety Measures

University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 15:00:15 EST

A new study - published in Nursing Research - has found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted patient safety indicators in U.S. hospitals. The study, from Penn Nursing's Center for Health Outcomes and Policy Research (CHOPR), examined data from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators to assess trends in nursing-sensitive quality indicators from 2019 to 2022. The prevention of these very distressing, uncomfortable conditions is considered to be under the nurse's purview and directly influenced by nursing care.

Research Shows New Method Helps Doctors Safely Remove Dangerous Heart Infections Without Surgery

Mayo Clinic — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 14:45:46 EST

Doctors at Mayo Clinic used a new catheter-based approach to draw out resistant pockets of infection that settle in the heart, known as right-sided infective endocarditis, without surgery. Unless treated quickly, the walled-off infections can grow, severely damaging heart valves and potentially affecting other organs as well. In a recent study, over 90% of the participants had their infection cleared, and they had lower in-hospital mortality compared to those whose infections remained.

Texas Tech Physicians of El Paso Welcomes Neurologist Luis D. Acosta, M.D. Dr. Acosta Brings More Than 30 Years of Experience as a Community Neurologist

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 10:00:37 EST

99 Problems but They're All Causally Related: Multiple Independent, Symptomatic Conditions Are Rarely Diagnosed

University of Utah Health — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 12:00:00 EST

R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center Honors More Than 80 Trauma Professionals, First Responders Who Saved the Lives of Two Critically Injured Patients

University of Maryland Medical Center — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 09:30:49 EST

The R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) hosted its 34th annual Shock Trauma Heroes Celebration October 26, honoring more than 80 trauma professionals and first responders who provided lifesaving care to two critically injured patients.

Advancing Care of a Devastating Disease Through Gene Therapy

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 07:00:38 EST

A new international trial is investigating the efficacy and safety of gene therapy in patients with Hurler syndrome and will compare results of gene therapy against BMT which is the current standard of care. UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals are among three sites in the U.S. and seven in the world now enrolling patients for the clinical trial.

New VUMC Hospital Expansion to Be Named Jim Ayers Tower

Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 17:05:03 EST

Vanderbilt University Medical Center will name the new expansion tower for Vanderbilt University Hospital the Jim Ayers Tower in recognition of Janet and Jim Ayers' philanthropic legacy and abiding interest in improving the health care and quality of life for Tennesseans.

Intrinsic Therapeutics Announces New Category 1 CPT Code for Bone Anchored Annular Closure, including the Barricaid(r) Annular Closure Device, to Treat Patients Undergoing Lumbar Discectomy for Herniated Discs

Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc. — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 09:10:41 EST

Intrinsic Therapeutics, Inc., a medical device company focused on preventing reherniation and reoperation following lumbar discectomy to treat herniated discs, announced today that the American Medical Association (AMA) CPT Editorial Panel has accepted the addition of a new Category 1 CPT Code for bone anchored annular closure. This is the first CPT Code to describe closing large annular defects using the Barricaid(r) device. The procedure is routinely performed by Orthopaedic Spine and Neurosurgeons.

Penicillin Allergy Delabeling in Syphilis Patients Assists in Furthering Treatment

American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 08:00:00 EST

About 10% of Americans believe they are allergic to penicillin, and approximately 90% of those patients are not actually allergic. As a result, those with the penicillin allergy label are often prescribed more toxic, dangerous and expensive antibiotics that might not be necessary or effective.