New Decision Support Tool Reduces Sepsis Mortality by 22.9%
The computer-based decision support tool is called Sepsis Prediction and Optimization of Therapy (SPOT), and it can detect sepsis 18 hours earlier than the best clinicians.
Disposal of Sharps: Can You Leave Them in the Bin for Central Accumulation?
We do not know of any regulations that would prohibit moving red biohazard bins containing sharps to a RCRA hazardous waste central accumulation area, provided the generator of the sharps is in compliance with the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) and any applicable state regulations addressing medical waste and hazardous waste.
Have Readmissions Penalties Jumped the Shark?
A new study in Health Affairs finds that 30-day hospital readmissions for hip and knee replacements began to decline rapidly when the federal government announced that it would penalize hospitals for certain readmissions.
FDA Addresses Device Safety Process, But Will It Be Enough?
The 510(k) process is required by the FDA when introducing a medical device to the market for the first time, changing the indications for a previously cleared device, or making significant modifications to a previously cleared device.
Mold Found in Seattle Hospital ORs Leads to 1 Death, 5 Infections
Seattle Children’s says the ORs have been infested by mold at different points in the past year, possibly due to problems with the ORs’ air handling and purification systems.
Medicaid-Covered C-sections Pose Higher Risk of Infection
Researchers found that women who delivered via C-section and were covered by Medicaid had a 1.4-fold increase in infections compared to those covered by private insurance.
Hone Nurse Listening Skills for Better Patient Experience
To improve nurses’ listening skills and create a better patient experience, nuances regarding listening must be understood.
How Can We Better Protect Hospital Workers From Hazardous Drugs?
NIOSH recognizes that hazardous drugs are of major concern, estimating that about 8 million U.S. healthcare workers are potentially exposed to them. This figure includes pharmacy and nursing personnel, physicians, operating room personnel, environmental services workers, and shipping and receiving personnel.
NQF Calls for Quality Improvement in Emergency Care
The group’s evidence-based recommendations are designed to provide healthcare organizations with standardized methods of measuring, evaluating, and improving emergency care and patient outcomes.
Using High Harm Debriefs to Improve Event Reporting
The debriefs are led by a trained operations leader, including the staff and providers involved in the event. The HHD is meant to implement immediate stopgaps or actions to reduce patient harm and the risk of harm to other patients.