Kelly C. Sponsler, MD, FHM
News
New Oral Anticoagulants Safe and Effective for Atrial Fibrillation Treatment
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: Is there a difference in efficacy and safety among new oral anticoagulants compared to warfarin in subgroups of patients with atrial fibrillation (Afib)? Background: Studies of new oral anticoagulants have demonstrated that these agents are at least as safe and effective as war
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Sepsis Diagnoses Are Common in ED, but Many Septic Patients in the ED Do Not Receive Antibiotics
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: Has the frequency of sepsis rates, along with administration of antibiotics in U.S.
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Multifaceted Discharge Interventions Reduce Rates of Pediatric Readmission and Post-Hospital ED Utilization
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: Do interventions at discharge reduce the rate of readmissions and post-hospitalization ED visits among pediatric patients? Background: Readmissions are a high-priority quality measure in both the adult and pediatric settings.
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Warfarin Initiation in Atrial Fibrillation Associated with Increased Short-Term Risk of Stroke
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: Is the initiation of warfarin associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (Afib)? Background: Two Afib trials of oral factor Xa inhibitors showed an increased risk of stroke when patients were transitioned to open label warfarin at
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Comorbidities Contribute to Potentially Avoidable Hospital Readmissions
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: What is the role of comorbidities in 30-day potentially avoidable readmissions? Background: Higher comorbidity burden has been associated with 30-day readmissions.
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Uncomplicated Skin Infections in Ambulatory Setting Commonly Involve Avoidable Antibiotic Exposure
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: What are the current prescribing practices for antibiotics used to treat skin and soft tissue infections in the outpatient setting? Background: Uncomplicated skin and soft tissue infections are among the most frequent indications for outpatient antibiotic use.
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Resident Handoff Bundle Reduces Medical Errors and Adverse Events, Improves Handoff Quality
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: In a pediatric inpatient setting, is the use of a handoff program associated with improved patient safety measures and handoff quality? Background: Sentinel events related to errors in communication are a significant patient safety dilemma and an impetus for ongoing efforts to
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Modified IV Acetylcysteine Infusion Reduces Adverse Effects
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: Does a shorter regimen of IV acetylcysteine reduce adverse effects compared to the standard regimen? Background: Acetaminophen poisoning is common, and recommended treatment is IV acetylcysteine; however, the standard regimen has many adverse effects, including vomiting and ana
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No Mortality Benefit with Treatment of Single Peripheral Pulmonary Emboli
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: Does treatment of single peripheral pulmonary emboli impact mortality and rates of post-discharge venous thromboembolism (VTE)? Background: With the increase in CT pulmonary angiography (CTPA) use the past decade, there has been an increased rate of detection of peripheral fill
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Healthcare-Associated Infections Continue to Impact the U.S. Healthcare System Financially
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: What is the estimated cost of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) to the U.S. healthcare system? Background: In spite of education efforts, HAIs occur frequently and contribute to high healthcare costs in the U.S. This study sought to estimate the costs of HAIs to the U.S.