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Surgical Readmission Rate Variation Dependent on Surgical Volume, Surgical Mortality Rates
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: What factors determine rates of readmission after major surgery? Background: Reducing hospital readmission rates has become a national priority. The U.S.
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Higher Continuity of Care Results in Lower Rate of Preventable Hospitalizations
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: Is continuity of care related to preventable hospitalizations among older adults? Background: Preventable hospitalizations cost approximately $25 billion annually in the U.S.
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Characteristics and Impact of Hospitalist-Staffed, Post-Discharge Clinic
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: What effect does a hospitalist-staffed, post-discharge clinic have on time to first post-hospitalization visit? Background: Hospital discharge is a well-recognized care transition that can leave patients vulnerable to morbidity and re-hospitalization.
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Prednisolone, Pentoxifylline, and Survival of Patients with Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis
October 28, 2014
Clinical question: Does the addition of pentoxifylline to prednisolone improve six-month mortality compared to prednisolone alone in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis? Background: Prednisolone improves liver function and reduces inflammation in patients with alcoholic hepatitis.
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Holding Chambers (Spacers) vs. Nebulizers for Acute Asthma
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: Are beta-2 agonists as effective when administered through a holding chamber (spacer) as they are when administered by a nebulizer? Background: During an acute asthma attack, beta-2 agonists must be delivered to the peripheral airways.
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Long-Term Cognitive Impairment after Critical Illness
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: Are a longer duration of delirium and higher doses of sedatives associated with cognitive impairment in the hospital? Background: Survivors of critical illness are at risk for prolonged cognitive dysfunction.
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Endoscopic vs. Surgical Cystogastrostomy for Pancreatic Pseudocyst Drainage
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: How does endoscopic cystogastrostomy for pancreatic pseudocyst drainage compare to the standard surgical approach? Background: Pancreatic pseudocysts are a common complication of pancreatitis and necessitate decompression when they are accompanied by pain, infection, or obstruc
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Four Things HMGs Should Do To Prepare for Ebola
October 27, 2014
Dallas-based hospitalist recommends ways to spot patients with potential infection, prevent disease spread
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New Oral Anticoagulants Increase GI Bleed Risk
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: Do thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding when compared to vitamin K antagonists and heparins? Background: New oral anticoagulants (thrombin and factor Xa inhibitors) are available and being used with increased frequency due to equ
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Patient Dumping Lawsuit Raises Awareness of Needs of Homeless
October 27, 2014
Hospitalist offers tips for discharging indigent patients