Laine J. Murphey, MD, PhD
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
News
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.
News
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.
News
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
News
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.
News
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.
News
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
News
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
News
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
News
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.