News
Facecards Improve Familiarity with Physician Names but Not Satisfaction
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: Do facecards improve patients’ familiarity with physicians and increase satisfaction, trust, and agreement with physicians? Background: Facecards can improve patients’ knowledge of names and roles of physicians, but their impact on other outcomes is unclear.
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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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Variation in the Treatment of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura
October 27, 2014
Reviewed by Pediatric Editor Mark Shen, MD, medical director of hospital medicine at Dell Children’s Medical Center, Austin, Texas. Clinical question: What is the degree of variation in the inpatient management of Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP)? Background: HSP is the most common pediatric vascu
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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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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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Cardiovascular Disease and Risk of Hip Fracture
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: Is the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with the risk of subsequent hip fracture? Background: Osteoporosis and CVD are regarded as independent, age-related conditions.
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OTC Analgesics Not Associated with Acute Decompensation in Cirrhotic Patients
October 27, 2014
Clinical question: Do over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics lead to acute hepatic decompensation among patients with cirrhosis? Background: In theory, intake of acetaminophen and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can worsen hepatic function and lead to complications among cirrhotic pat
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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.