News
CMS Releases Updated Two-Midnight Rule for 2016
November 2, 2015
On November 13, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is scheduled to publish its final OPPS rule for 2016. One of the biggest impacts for hospitalists is the update to the two-midnight rule. Here are six areas of interest to hospitalists: 1.
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Prognostic Disclosures Benefit Cancer Patients
November 2, 2015
When doctors discuss prognosis with advanced cancer patients, those patients have more realistic views of their life expectancy and don't seem to experience a decrease in emotional wellbeing, according to a new study. "That the vast majority of cancer patients who are dying say that they want to
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Heart Disease Linked to Loud Noise
October 30, 2015
NEW YORK - People with long-term exposure to loud noise at work or in leisure activities may be at increased risk of heart disease, a U.S.
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High Self-Contamination among Healthcare Workers
October 29, 2015
Florescent lotion and black light revealed that health care workers often contaminate their skin and clothing while removing their protective gear, researchers say. "It was surprising for the participants in the study to see that they frequently contaminated themselves during [personal protective
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Find Answers, Share Stories at SHM’s New Patient Experience Community
October 29, 2015
Have you had successes with improving the patient experience at your hospital? Or have you had a challenge or question? SHM’s new Patient Experience community on HMX is a great way to find answers and share your stories.
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Post-Operative Transfusions after Noncardiac Surgery Associated with Increased Adverse Outcomes
October 29, 2015
Clinical question: Do transfusions affect post-operative outcomes after noncardiac surgery? Background: Studies have demonstrated that a restrictive transfusion strategy is probably superior to a liberal transfusion strategy in many clinical settings.
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Easing the Grieving Process for Families of Patients Dying in the ICU
October 29, 2015
Clinical question: Can we dignify death in the ICU and ease the grieving process by soliciting wishes from patients, families, and care team members? Background: The death of the critically ill patient in the ICU can be dehumanizing and overwhelming for the patient’s family and friends, leading t
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Pediatric Trigger Tool Helps Identify Inpatient Pediatric Harm
October 29, 2015
Clinical question: Can a trigger tool identify harms for hospitalized children? Background: An estimated 400,000 people die annually in the United States as a result of hospital-associated harm.
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Left Atrial Appendage Closure Favorable Over Warfarin for Atrial Fibrillation
October 29, 2015
Clinical question: Is there a favorable risk-benefit ratio for left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) compared to warfarin for prevention of stroke, systemic embolism, and cardiovascular death in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation? Background: LAAC with the WATCHMAN device was shown to be noninferior
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Increased Mortality in Megacolon C. diff Patients
October 28, 2015
NEW YORK - Health care professionals should be highly suspicious of megacolon in Clostridium difficile-infected patients and have a low threshold for transferring infected patients to intensive care units, Veterans Affairs researchers warn. "The incidence of Clostridium difficile-associated mega
